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What Are You Listening To?

This Saturday AM:

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Shadowland - The Owen Bradley Sessions -- CD

K.D. Lang

1988 Sire Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Pulling out all the Nashville stops, k.d. lang's 1988 album is a meticulously crafted work, her bid for mainstream country acceptance, and an homage to her idol Patsy Cline. Surrounded by the brilliance of Owen Bradley's string-laced production and a host of legendary pickers (Buddy Emmons and Pete Wade) and singers (Kitty Wells, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn), lang's voice soars and moans like a dove. After the lush Chris Isaak-penned opener "Western Stars," lang follows with more-familiar country writers, from Roger Miller ("Lock, Stock and Teardrops") to Harlan Howard ("I'm Down to My Last Cigarette"). Both a commercial (the album went gold) and artistic success, Shadowland ranks as one of the best country records of the 1980s. --Roy Francis Kasten

Side one

"Western Stars" (Chris Isaak) – 3:12
"Lock, Stock and Teardrops" (Roger Miller) – 3:28
"Sugar Moon" (Cindy Walker, Bob Wills) – 2:26
"I Wish I Didn't Love You So" (Frank Loesser) – 3:07
"(Waltz Me) Once Again Around the Dance Floor" (Don Goodman, Sara Johns, Jack Rowland) – 2:35
"Black Coffee" (Sonny Burke, Paul Francis Webster) – 3:17

Side two

"Shadowland" (Dick Hyman, Charles Tobias) – 2:28
"Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes" (Slim Willet) – 2:20
"Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them" (Fred Tobias, Charles Tobias) – 3:03
"I'm Down to My Last Cigarette" (Harlan Howard, Billy Walker) – 2:46
"Busy Being Blue" (Stewart MacDougall) – 3:40
"Honky Tonk Angels' Medley" – 2:55
"In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" (Leroy Carr, Don Raye)
"You Nearly Lose Your Mind" (Ernest Tubb)
"Blues Stay Away from Me" (Alton Delmore, Rabon Delmore, Wayne Raney, Henry Glover)
 
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Food For Thought -- CD

Santana

2004 BMG Music

Food For Thought features four new Santana songs; one never released Santana recording from his archives, one song recorded with and written by his son Salvador and four "artist picks" from Etta James, Buddy Guy, Indigenous and Cesaria Evora, totaling 10 tracks. The CD was available exclusively at Baja Fresh Restaurants throughout the United States for a period of three months. The cover artwork features a painting, Carlos selected, from his personal art collection. The artist is Jesus Angel Perez and the title of the painting is Alimento de los Recuerdos ("Food For Thought").

1. Salvador Santana - Open Up Your Eyes
2. Carlos Santana - I Believe It's Time
3. Carlos Santana - Serpents And Doves
4. Cesaria Evora - Beijo De Longe
5. Etta James - I'd Rather Go Blind
6. Carlos Santana - Let's Walk And Talk
7. Carlos Santana - Angelica Faith
8. Indigenous - Hold On
9. Buddy Guy - It's A Jungle Out There
10. Andy Vargas & Carlos Santana - Listen To My Rhythm (Oye Como Va)
 
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Clapton -- CD

Eric Clapton

2010 Reprise Records

No slack from Slowhand, September 28, 2010
By Nse Ette (Lagos, Nigeria) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Clapton (Audio CD)

"Clapton" is Eric Clapton's 19th solo album and it comprises covers and originals ranging in sound from Blues to Pop to Jazz. Sounding as great as ever, he is supported by a stellar cast who never overshadow the real star but ably complement.

On the rocking Blues side of things are opening cut the swampy "Travelling Alone", the Gospel-tinged "Judgement day" (with Kim Wilson on harmonica), "Everything Will Be Alright" and "Run Back to Your Side", while on the calmer side of the Blues are "Rockin' chair", "River Runs Deep", "Crazy About You Baby", "That's no way to get along", and "Hard Times Blues".

On the Jazzy side of things are the swinging "My Very Good Friend The Milkman" (with Clapton introducing Walter Richmond and Allen Toussaint on piano, and Wynton Marsalis on trumpet) and the enchanting slow shuffle "How Deep Is The Ocean". "Diamonds Made from Rain" is a piano/organ ballad (a new song with Sheryl Crow on backing vocals). "When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful" is sung in a playful tenor with Marsalis once again on trumpet. Closing is the absolutely spectacular "Autumn Leaves" sung in a hushed tremulous baritone and with two fabulous guitar breaks, possibly my favourite version yet!

Nobody does it quite like Slowhand. Splendid!

"Travelin' Alone" (Lil' Son Jackson) – 3:56
"Rocking Chair" (Hoagy Carmichael) – 4:04
"River Runs Deep" (J.J. Cale) – 5:52
"Judgement Day" (Snooky Pryor) – 3:13
"How Deep Is the Ocean" (Irving Berlin) – 5:29
"My Very Good Friend the Milkman" (Lyrics:Johnny Burke, Music: Harold Spina) – 3:20
"Can't Hold Out Much Longer" (Walter Jacobs) – 4:08
"That's No Way to Get Along" (Robert Wilkins) – 6:07
"Everything Will Be Alright" (Cale) – 3:51
"Diamonds Made from Rain" (Doyle Bramhall II, Nikka Costa, Justin Stanley) – 4:22
"When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful" (Harry M. Woods) – 2:51
"Hard Times Blues" (Lane Hardin) – 3:45
"Run Back to Your Side" (Bramhall, Eric Clapton) – 5:17
"Autumn Leaves" (Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer, Jacques Prévert) – 5:40
 
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Cloud Nine -- CD

George Harrison

1987 Dark Horse Records

Why can't they keep the good stuff?
, October 28, 2002
By Jason D. Rowe "homesick" (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cloud Nine (Audio CD)

First of all, it's a bloody travesty that this album is currently out of print. I know George was supposedly remastering his entire catalog at the time of his death, but that is no excuse for the record companies. They ignore the best of the past and just shovel mass produced garbage down our throats. This is a real artist, with real emotion...unlike todays f--- you so it pays music. All sides of George are presented here: wit, happiness, integrity,spirituality,sadness,recollections of the past, optimism for the future, all in his characteristic style. Beautiful piano, electric and acoustic guitars, nice resonant bass, simple drumming with George's slide work weaving in out out of the melodys...not one weak track here. I love this album because George, regardless of his fame and fortune, seems more human and closer than ever..From Cloud 9 to the upbeat end this is a constant album...besides All Things Must Pass, this is his best in my opinion. Don't worry if its from the 80s either..this is the 80s the way it should have been, with style..In the end the songs are what really matters anyway. Oh one more thing, this album will make you feel good! The majority of the songs are upbeat with a few exceptions but they are just as good anyway..so it's a very positive mature album that will brighten up your day..besides George's work with the Travelling Wilburys (check out Vol. 1) this is the best of 80s George.

All songs by George Harrison, except where noted.

"Cloud 9" – 3:15
"That's What It Takes" (George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Gary Wright) – 3:59
"Fish on the Sand" – 3:22
"Just for Today" – 4:06
"This Is Love" (George Harrison, Jeff Lynne) – 3:48
"When We Was Fab" (George Harrison, Jeff Lynne) – 3:57
A celebration of The Beatles and the 1960s.
"Devil's Radio" – 3:52
Masters of Reality recorded their version of the song for "Songs from the Material World: a Tribute to George Harrison" album
"Someplace Else" – 3:51
An earlier version of this song appeared in the 1986 film Shanghai Surprise.
"Wreck of the Hesperus" – 3:31
"Breath Away from Heaven" – 3:36
An earlier version of this song appeared in the 1986 film Shanghai Surprise.
"Got My Mind Set on You" (Rudy Clark) – 3:52
 
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Father Father -- CD

Pops Staples

1994 Virgin Records

One of the best - may he rest in peace!, March 25, 2002
By A. Ward (CA, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Father Father (Audio CD)

Pops Staples is a rare combination of blues, R&B, and gospel, so he and this album are hard to categorize. But that's part of the beauty of it - no formulas, just pure good listening! It's hard to go wrong with the backup musicians and singers he has (see professional review), but Pops' very distinctive voice adds the finishing touches to a masterfully performed and recorded album.

If you don't know Pops Staples yet and saw David Byrne's film, "True Stories," Pops was the Santeria priest who sang the love spell song and did the ritual for John Goodman to help him find a wife.

If you're a "child of the 60's" like me or an admirer of Dr. Martin Luther King, just the story of his relationship with this great man is worth digging into this album. I feel inspired every time I listen to it, as well as a little sad, for the story tells of MLK's passing in a very heartfelt, personal way.

This is the first review I have ever done on Amazon, just to let you know how strongly I recommend this album! I have a huge collection because I love music and I get bored easily listening to any one genre or musician too much. But this album is one of the few I never really tire of.

1. Father, Father
2. Why (Am I Treated So Bad)
3. Getting Too Big for Your Britches
4. Jesus Is Going to Make Up (My Dying Bed)
5. Downward Road
6. People Get Ready
7. Hope in a Hopeless World
8. Gotta Serve Somebody
9. Waiting for My Child
10. Simple Man
11. Glory, Glory
 
After seeing the video for one of their songs, I bought their best of album. It's good. Some songs are better than others, but overall, a pretty solid album and one I'd recommend if you like their video here

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The Yoshida Brothers were born and bred in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. Each picked up the shamisen at the tender age of five, and began studying Tsugaru shamisen under Takashi Sasaki I in 1990. After sweeping prizes at national Tsugaru shamisen conventions, the brothers made their major debut in 1999. The debut album sold over 100,000 copies, which is an extraordinary figure for a traditional folk music release.

They won the "Traditional Japanese Music Album Of The Year" category of the 15th annual Japan Gold Disc Award, as well as the "30th Anniversary Of Normalization Of Japan-China Diplomatic Relations Commemorative Special Prize" of the 17th Annual Japan Gold Disc Award.

In 2002, the brothers went on their first national tour entitled "Live Soul" performing in 30 cities. The following year, they made their US debut with album Yoshida Brothers from Domo Records and performed in New York and Los Angeles.

International release followed in Korea in 2004 where they had performed their first concert in Seoul in addition to the domestic tour that included 28 cities. In the meantime, they released their second US album, YOSHIDA BROTHERS II, and went on a US promotional tour, visiting seven cities. It was a year of significant breakthrough, with participations in other various projects such as an international exchange event in Sweden and a TV commercial in Japan.

In 2005, the brothers recorded an album in Los Angeles, followed by a West Coast tour and a concert in Hawaii. In 2006, they toured the US, Spain, and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong they released their very first greatest hits album in their career, and marked favorable sales. Domestically, they launched a shamisen-only national tour. And in 2007, their music created buzz in the US as their music was used in the TV commercial of Nintendo's Wii. The end of that year, the brothers record their much-anticipated album in U.S. that is yet to be released.

In 2008, they released album "Best of Yoshida Brothers" and toured in US and Canada.

As one of the artistic groups whose scope of activities go way beyond that of traditional Japanese music, the Yoshida Brothers continue to take not only Japan but also US, Europe, and Asia their stage. Their future activities are all the more looked forward to.

1. Storm 4:21
2. Kodo (Hishou Version) 3:17
3. Overland Blues 4:30
4. A Hill With No Name 3:20
5. Modern (Hishou Version) 2:23
6. Saiun 6:35
7. Passion 4:21
8. My Heart Holds 3:31
9. Blooming 3:45
10. Cherry Blossoms In Winter 4:40
11. Kodo - Inside The Sun Remix 4:12
12. Rising 3:34
13. Morricone 5:41
 
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The Best of -- CD

The Staple Singers

1986 Fantasy Records

Amazon.com essential recording

After making their mark in the early '60s with gospel, folk, and social-protest songs, the Staples joined the Stax label in 1968. These 16 cuts find the Staples straddling the sacred and secular worlds, offering positive-message songs that aren't explicitly religious. Backed by the rock-solid grooves of Stax's urgent soul, the Staples produce a series of buoyant, infectious numbers. With Mavis's gritty, emotionally charged lead vocals in command, they roll through horn-driven celebrations such as "I'll Take You There" and "We'll Get Over" plus superb covers of "Dock of the Bay" and "The Weight." Pops's warm lead vocals grace earthy self-affirmations including "Respect Yourself" and "Be What You Are." These "secular spirituals" deftly combine socially conscious lyrics with joyous melodies. --Marc Greilsamer

Track listing

1. Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha Na Boom Boom)
2. You Got To Earn It
3. Love Is Plentiful
4. This World
5. Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay
6. Weight
7. Respect Yourself
8. We'll Get Over
9. I'll Take You There
10. Oh La De Da
11. Be What You Are
12. This Old Town (People In This Town)
13. If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)
14. Touch A Hand (Make A Friend)
15. My Main Man
16. City In The Sky
 
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Skylark -- CD

Renee Olstead

2009 Reprise Records

Simply Stunning, February 1, 2009
By Erica Reid (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Skylark (Audio CD)

I just have to say that this album was one of the best I have heard in a very long time. It's simply stunning that this is an eighteen year old that is okay with singing songs of substance rather than be wearing tight, sleazy clothes and singing about sex and boys like her counterparts. I am a 25 year old who used to love the pop scene (Paris Hilton, Girlicious, etc.) but have found solace in other genre's like classical, jazz, and thanks to this album, will now be listening to more swing. I caught her self titled album as well and was captivated by the range and emotion in her voice at such a young age. This album and the previous will be on repeat on my MP3 player and I cannot wait for a third album. Talent like this must never stop because this is all we have left in an otherwise talentless society nowadays.

"Midnight Man" – 3:02
"Lover Man" - 5:02
"Stars Fell On Alabama" - 3:15
"My Baby Just Cares For Me" - 3:03
"When I Fall In Love (ft. Chris Botti)" - 4:43
"Thanks For The Boogie Ride" - 3:01
"Hold Me Now" - 4:02
"Skylark" - 4:12
"Midnight In Austin Texas (ft. Robert Randolph)" - 3:25
"Hit The Road Jack" - 3:22
"You've Changed" - 3:27
"Ain't We Got Fun" - 2:45
"Nothing But The Blame" - 4:11


Renee is 22 years old now, but was only 17 when she recorded this album.

Once again, I could not believe my ears when I heard her voice, her Soul, WOW!! :text-bravo:

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Music Is My Life -- CD

Diane Schuur

1999 Atlantic Records

A pleasent debut for Atlantic and a welcome departure.
, March 9, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Music Is My Life (Audio CD)

Diane's debut for Atlantic is a pleasent departure from her work for her former label, GRP. There are no strings, no synths, and no oversinging. Diane is surrounded by the simple rhythm structure of piano, bass, and drum. There are sax solos and vibes, but that's it. This effort will win Diane new fans and hopefully those that left her because of over production of her previous work. The opening track, "Invitation," is an excercise in vocalese, Diane singing with the piano chords showcasing her ability to still hit those notes. For the first time, you hear Diane sounding like she really enjoyed recording this album. Settle in for a heart-stopping rendition of "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" clocking in at a whopping nine minutes. Diane holds your attention for this one, the minutes pass like seconds. Overall, this is one of those albums that should be played late at night, maybe sitting out on a balcony or porch, soaking in the music along with the night air with someone you love. The timelessness of this album will be enjoyed for years to come. Bravo! Diane, welcome back.

Track listing

1. Invitation
2. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
3. That Old Devil Called Love
4. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
5. Keepin' Out of Mischief Now
6. Good Morning Heartache
7. I Only Have Eyes For You
8. Nardis
9. Music Is My Life
10. If You Could See Me Now
11. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
 
My last one for the evening.....


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Fumbling Towards Ecstasy -- CD

Sarah McLachlan

1994 Arista Records

Pure, undistilled ecstasy..., February 23, 2000
By "tygerlili" (California, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (Audio CD)

I don't quite possess the vocabulary to describe this CD; I'm not sure there's words in the English language to describe the pure emotion concealed in the poetry of the beautiful lyrics and the melody of Sarah's incredible voice. I can, however, say that this is one of the most stunning CDs I have ever heard... and I will say exactly that, because it's true. Sarah has a positive genius for capturing the essense of what makes us human in her songs, lending them a depth that sets them apart from many shallow "contemporary" artists of the day. Her words have impact. You can't help being drawn in by their honesty and sheer poetic grace.

It's impossible to choose favorites on a disk like this, because all of the songs are unique and beautiful in their own way. Still, certain songs are so hauntingly lovely that they deserve a special mention: "Hold On", "Elsewhere", "Ice", "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy", "Fear", and the hidden track, a piano version of "Possession", stick out in my mind as masterpieces by this wonderful artist. The last two tracks I mentioned in particular have an elusive quality of lucid, haunting beauty that strikes me to the core each time I hear them. They are truly stirring in a way that can only be experienced, not described.

This is no ordinary album, and it's one that you simply can't afford to miss. If you don't own it, what the heck are you waiting for! Get it right away... no CD collection should overlook this priceless gem.

1. "Possession" Sarah McLachlan 4:39
2. "Wait" McLachlan 4:09
3. "Plenty" McLachlan 4:05
4. "Good Enough" McLachlan 5:03
5. "Mary" McLachlan 3:55
6. "Elsewhere" McLachlan 4:44
7. "Circle" McLachlan 3:43
8. "Ice" McLachlan 3:54
9. "Hold On" McLachlan 4:09
10. "Ice Cream" McLachlan 2:44
11. "Fear" McLachlan 3:59
12. "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" (1) McLachlan, Pierre Marchand 9:49

1 Fumbling Towards Ecstasy also includes a hidden track after the song has finished: "Possession" (solo piano version)
 
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Something For You -- CD

Eliane Elias Sings & Plays Bill Evans

2008 Blue Note Records

Romance and Remembrance, January 9, 2009
By Jinkyu - See all my reviews
This review is from: Something for You: Eliane Elias Sings & Plays Bill Evans (Audio CD)

Aside from her Brazilian roots, Eliane has attributed jazz pianist Bill Evans as a major influence. It also happens that her husband, bassist Marc Johnson, played with Evans in Evans' final days. The jazz played by Evans could sometimes have romantic overtones, a key part of Eliane's persona. "Something for You" is devoted to Evans and is full of songs written or performed by him. It has a good deal of fast and slower jazz, including the bebop sound, but also a good amount of romantic piano work, both interpretative and original. The first half of the CD tends toward the jazzy, the second half toward the romantic. Drummer Joey Baron has an uneven presence; also, unlike in most of Eliane's recent work, there are no other supporting musicians save for Johnson, much less an orchestra, in any of the tracks.

My dark horse favorite is Miles Davis' "Blue in Green." It is not really bebop or romantic, but has some pretty, very elegant improvisation. Recall that it was Evans who contributed the piano work on this song in Miles' classic album "Kind of Blue." Eliane's medium-paced piano is played over a slower rhythm tempo, and she does sophisticated interpretative work against the heavily horn-infused original. In addition, Eliane observes in the liner notes that it has a Brazilian feel. It touches Miles well with her own flavor, yet subtly a different sound for her. Also note that Eliane and the group honor Miles' spirit in "Solar," his other song here, with more great improvisation.

Eliane's singing is better on romantic pieces, as in all her popular ones, and it is always pretty; her accent and thicker voice can get in the way when it comes to certain slow jazz singing in English. But what the hey, she sings in her lovely Portugese in the one Brazilian song, "Minha." Her piano work is great, as always. She has only one original composition -- the pretty "After All" -- but she also did major romantic rearrangements for "Evanesque," one of the highlights, and for the strong title track, for which she also created lyrics. Some of her best flowery, romantic phrasing and occasional flourishes come in "I Love My Wife" and "For Nenette," which are among her several solo piano numbers.

As you can read, on a personal level I recommend this CD more for its prettier side than its traditional jazz side, just a matter of taste. As in the past, Eliane shows she is enjoyable with solo piano or piano supported only by a rhythm section. This time, the context was particularly special.

Track Listing

1. You and the Night and the Music
2. Here's Somethign For You
3. Sleepin' Bee, A
4. But Not For Me
5. Waltz For Debby
6. Five
7. Blue in Green
8. Detour Ahead
9. Minha (All Time)
10. My Foolish Heart
11. But Beautiful/Here's That Rainy Day
12. I Love My Wife
13. For Nenette
14. Evanesque
15. Solar
16. After All
17. Here's Something For You (Inro)
 
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A Twist of Jobim -- CD

Various Artists

1997 i.e. Music/Polygram

The debut release from the I.E. label (which is connected with Polygram) is an unusual multi-artist tribute to the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim. Some of his tunes are made funky (but in a melodic and tasteful way), while others become quiet (but still passionate) ballads. The treatments are all jazz-oriented, and there is plenty of solo space for the likes of guitarist Lee Ritenour (in one of his finest jazz efforts), pianists Dave Grusin and Alan Pasqua, altoist Eric Marienthal, bassist Christian McBride, and tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts. Plus, there are guest spots for Herbie Hancock (an excellent acoustic piano solo on "Stone Flower"), the sopranos of Art Porter (on "Dindi") and Steve Tavaglione, the Yellowjackets (who team up with Ritenour on "Mojave"), singer El DeBarge ("Dindi") and the vocal duo of Al Jarreau and Oleta Adams ("Waters of March" and a lightweight rendition of "The Girl from Ipanema"). Nearly every song holds one's interest, the melodies are celebrated, and the fresh interpretations contain more than their share of surprises. ~ Scott Yanow


Track Listing

1. Water to Drink (Agua de Beber)
2. Captain Bacardi
3. Dindi
4. Waters of March (Aguas de Março)
5. Bonita
6. Stone Flower
7. Favela
8. Children's Games
9. Lamento
10. Mojave
11. Girl from Ipanema, The
 
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Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years! -- CD

David Benoit with Many Special Guests

2000 GRP Records

An album of Peanuts-related music performed by David Benoit is a no-brainer, not only because of the retirement and death of Charles Schultz, who drew the comic strip, but also because Benoit has in recent years taken over writing the music for the ongoing series of shows, which were scored originally by Vince Guaraldi. Benoit emphasizes his predecessor by devoting seven of the album's ten tracks to Guaraldi compositions. Unfortunately, he begins with one of those exercises in necrophilia that is usually the province of the less-talented progeny of great singers, overdubbing a few of his own unnecessary noodlings on the original recording of "Linus and Lucy." Fortunately, things improve after that, as the trio of Benoit, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Peter Erskine is joined by a series of high-profile guest musicians: guitarist Marc Antoine on "Pebble Beach" and "Red Baron"; trumpeter Chris Botti on Benoit's "Linus Tells Charlie"; saxophonist Michael Brecker on "Freda"; and guitarist Russell Malone on "Blue Charlie Brown." Despite the spring release date, the inclusion of the near-standard "Christmas Time Is Here" is inevitable, and here it's sung by Take 6. In an inspired move, the album closes with Al Jarreau's winsome take on "Happiness," a song from the stage musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. All in all, this is a pleasant, if minor, addition to Benoit's catalog. ~ William Ruhlmann

Track listing

1. Linus and Lucy
2. Charlie Brown Theme
3. Pebble Beach
4. Linus Tells Charlie
5. Frieda
6. Christmas Time Is Here
7. Getting Ready
8. Blue Charlie Brown
9. Red Baron
10. Happiness
 
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