What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Shaking The Tree - Sixteen Golden Greats -- CD

Peter Gabriel

1990 Geffen Records

Amazon.com

Peter Gabriel has never been one to stand on tradition. The former Genesis singer bends and hammers fashionable pop forms to his liking (à la his massive MTV-fueled hit "Sledgehammer") or uses the obligatory soundtrack assignment to explore the world music that has been his obsession for decades (as in "Zaar" from Passion). This 16-track anthology explores the width--and, crucially, depth--of Gabriel's rich post-Genesis music, from the post-prog obliquities of "Solsbury Hill" and "Here Comes the Flood" to the African musical and political concerns of the title track (available only on this collection) and the epic "Biko." But what makes the compilation even more compelling is the way it eschews the chronology of its decade-plus body of music, instead weaving and segueing Gabriel's music into a tapestry of compelling mood and color. It's a rewarding listening experience for fan and novice alike. --Jerry McCulley

1. "Solsbury Hill" Peter Gabriel (I), 1977 4:20
2. "I Don't Remember" (Edit) Peter Gabriel (III), 1980 3:48
3. "Sledgehammer" (Edit) So, 1986 4:54
4. "Family Snapshot" Peter Gabriel (III), 1980 4:25
5. "Mercy Street" (Edit) So, 1986 4:43
6. "Shaking the Tree" (Duet with Youssou N'Dour; 1990 remix) The Lion, 1989 6:23
7. "Don't Give Up" (Edit) So, 1986 5:55
8. "San Jacinto" Peter Gabriel (IV), 1982 6:40
9. "Here Comes the Flood" (1990 re-recording) n/a 4:31
10. "Red Rain" So, 1986 5:35
11. "Games Without Frontiers" (Edit) Peter Gabriel (III), 1980 3:57
12. "Shock the Monkey" (Radio Edit) Peter Gabriel (IV), 1982 3:56
13. "I Have the Touch" (1983 Remix) Peter Gabriel (IV), 1982 3:56
14. "Big Time" So, 1986 4:26
15. "Zaar" (Edit) Passion: Music for The Last Temptation of Christ, 1989 2:58
16. "Biko" (Edit) Peter Gabriel (III), 1980 7:00
Total length:
77:05

 

[Dennie]

The Collection -- CD

Undisputed Truth

2002 Spectrum Music

This compilation presents the greatest hits of the Norman Whitfield-produced 1970s Motown band Undisputed Truth, including their most well-known song "Smiling Faces Sometimes."

As is usually the case, Motown's European division and its licensors have been more active than their American counterparts, which is why this 19-song, 78-minute compilation surfaced in 2002, a year before the U.S.-issued 12-song Smiling Faces: The Best of the Undisputed Truth. All 14 of the singles that were issued in America are represented, along with selected B-sides and album tracks, for a slightly more comprehensive overview of the group's output -- "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" and "Poontang" are missing, but in their place are some equally worthy cuts, mostly notably the group's poignant nine-minute rendition of "What's Going On." Obviously, along with being a cross-section of the group's sound, this compilation gives us a good look at Norman Whitfield's altering sensibilities, and the changes that American soul underwent during the four years represented. By 1972, the Undisputed Truth had moved into louder, bolder, more funk-oriented sounds (with the exceptions of "Smiling Faces Sometimes," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and their version of "What's Going On"); away from socially significant songs, and into more of a pure dance mode -- not that these aren't extraordinary dance productions; they are. Most notable is "Law of the Land," with its pounding, larger-than-life rhythm section and swooping, soaring orchestral accompaniment. The sound is excellent throughout, especially on the later cuts. The solo electric guitar on "What's Going On," with its mix of trills and rhythm fills, is virtually isolated on its own separate channel, and is almost worth the price of the disc by itself. Its presence here is also a subtle tribute to Whitfield's influence on Motown: he was, after all, responsible for convincing Berry Gordy that there was room for two different hit versions of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," when Gordy thought there wasn't room for one, and the original "What's Going On" was another case of Gordy almost missing the boat on something new, daring, important, and wonderful, and here was a sincere attempt to reshape that song from the bottom up. Only on the later tracks, such as "UFO's," "Higher Than High," and "Boogie Bump Boogie," do inspiration and subtlety seem to desert the band's sound, but they get it back for "Let's Go Back to Day One." ~ Bruce Eder

Track listing

1. Save My Love For a Rainy Day
2. Smiling Faces Sometimes
3. You Got the Love I Need
4. You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell
5. What It Is
6. Papa Was a Rolling Stone
7. Girl Youre Alright
8. Mama I Got a Brand New Thing
9. Law of the Land
10. Help Yourself
11. Whats Going On
12. Im a Fool For You
13. Lil Red Riding Hood
14. Spaced Out
15. UFOs
16. Got to Get My Hands on Some Lovin
17. Higher Than High
18. Boogie Bump Boogie
19. Lets Go Back to Day One

 

[Dennie]

No, that was the wrong album, I had to change to this..... :handgestures-thumbup:

Timeless Tales (for changing times) --CD

Joshua Redman

1998 Warner Bros. Records

Great C.D.! Immensely Satisfying!, February 25, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Timeless Tales (For Changing Times) (Audio CD)

Joshua Redman's openness to pop forms and his gifts for expressing its open emotions in language uncompromisingly that of Jazz's highest aspirations makes him a unique figure in contemporary improvising.On the tenor saxaphone he projects elements of the whole tradition of his instrument in Jazz-- Jump band, Soul, Bebop, Romatic Tenor Ballad, Free; his sound is his own, and his style is getting there.He understands how to construct drama in musical language.He has a centered tone,swings unerringly,creates elegant melodies within complex structures.Redman has expaned his horizons with each release, and his 1998 offering "Timeless Tales" is no exception. Joined by a brilliantly interactive peer group rhythm section (pianist Brad Mehldau,bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Brian Blade),the saxophonist interprets five songbook classics and five "new standards" blending a sophisticated understanding of Pop codes with a comprehensive command of the Jazz vocabulary. Give it a listen.

"Summertime" (George Gershwin)
"Interlude 1" (Joshua Redman)
"Visions" (Stevie Wonder)
"Yesterdays" (Jerome Kern)
"Interlude 2" (Joshua Redman)
"I Had a King" (Joni Mitchell)
"The Times They Are A-Changin'" (Bob Dylan)
"Interlude 3" (Joshua Redman)
"It Might as Well Be Spring" (Rodgers-Hammerstein)
"Interlude 4" (Joshua Redman)
"How Deep is the Ocean" (Irving Berlin)
"Interlude 5" (Joshua Redman)
"Love For Sale" (Cole Porter)
"Interlude 6" (Joshua Redman)
"Eleanor Rigby" (Lennon-McCartney)
"Interlude 7" (Joshua Redman)
"How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" (Prince)

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

Beyond -- CD

Joshua Redman

2000 Warner Bros. Records

Beyond Brilliant!, April 12, 2000
By Sunil Amrith (Cambridge, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Beyond (Audio CD)

I have to agree with the great jazz writer Gary Giddins when he says that no player of this generation has captured the 'body and soul' of Coltrane like Josh Redman. Yet, Redman has a style that's uniquely his own. 'Beyond' is a superd record - and one which gets better with each listening. The sweetness of his tone is a delight. He seems to combine dazzlingly fluid improvisation with starkly simple melodies. His playing is always pushing the envelope, yet always rooted in raw blues. Although it is a studio album, 'Beyond' has all of the immediacy of live performance. Throughout, the backing band is sensitive, and supremely talented. Aaran Goldberg is one of the best, blusiest pianists I have heard recently. Some highlights....it would be no exaggeration to say that 'Neverend' is one of the most gorgeous ballads I have ever heard - and not just from Josh Redman! The tenor duet with Mark Truner on 'Leap of Faith' is stunning. After a smoldering eastern-flavoured improvisation by the two saxophones, the band kicks in, and this track just swings! 'Twilight...and beyond' is a masterpiece. Taking the form of a suite, this one shows the band in perfect harmony - there is a phrase Redman plays just before the piano solo which is so gut-wrenchingly brilliant it blows me away...only to be followed by a sparkling solo by Goldberg! I wholeheartedly recommend this album to any jazz fan...it's a treat! I am definitely looking forward to seeing Redman live next month!

"Courage (Asymmetric Aria)"
"Belonging (Lopsided Lullaby)"
"Neverend"
"Leap of Faith"
"Balance"
"Twilight... and Beyond"
"Stoic Revolutions"
"Suspended Emanations"
"Last Rites of Rock 'n' Roll"
"A Life?"

 

[PaulyT]

I got Redman's MoodSwing based on one of your earlier posts, and like it a lot. I think it's time for some more of his albums! Thanks.

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music.....

Straight Shooter -- CD

Bad Company

1974/1990 Swan Song Records

Supergroup hits its stride, November 7, 2001
By Mons "Mons" (Norrpan) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Straight Shooter (Audio CD)

Released in 1974, Straightshooter is regarded by many as being Bad Company's strongest album. It has the bluesy feel of its predecessor (Bad Co) but has the band turning their amps up 11 and rocking out the strongest set of songs of the band's career. Do not forget that Bad Co was a supergroup with 2 guys out of Free (Rodgers and Kirke), the bass player from King Crimson (Boz Burrell) and Mott the Hoople's guitarist (Mick Ralphs). They should have been huge, of course, but suffered from having to play second fiddle to Swan Song stablemates Led Zeppelin. The songs were great, their sound: a sort of supercharged, sexy blues-rock without the pretention of Led Zep. What let them down perhaps was their lyrics, some of which make Spinal Tap look like Leonard Cohen, but if you can take that - and I can - this album is a great listen from beginning to end. Bad Company were also one of the few hard rock bands that wrote great ballads (Anna), though it was Straightshooter's high-octane rockers like Good Lovin' Gone Bad, Feel Like Making Love and Shooting Star that helped secure them a place in rock history. Bad Company were a good, tight band, but I would recommend anyone to listen to them purely to hear Paul Rodgers' masterful rock vocals. New to Bad Company? Get this one first, and then Bad Co.
Side one

"Good Lovin' Gone Bad" (Mick Ralphs) – 3:35
"Feel Like Makin' Love" (Paul Rodgers, Ralphs) – 5:12
"Weep No More" (Simon Kirke) – 3:59
"Shooting Star" (Rodgers) – 6:16

Side two

"Deal With the Preacher" (Rodgers, Ralphs) – 5:01
"Wild Fire Woman" (Rodgers, Ralphs) – 4:32
"Anna" (Kirke) – 3:41
"Call on Me" (Rodgers) – 6:03

 

[Dennie]

I got Redman's MoodSwing based on one of your earlier posts, and like it a lot. I think it's time for some more of his albums! Thanks.

That may be my favorite "Redman" album, but I like them all. I don't think you can go wrong with another of his albums! :handgestures-thumbup:


Keep us posted,



Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Alone/But Never Alone -- Lp

Larry Carlton

1986 MCA Master Series

One of the best albums I have ever heard, December 17, 1999
By carl sanders (Texas) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Alone But Never Alone (Audio CD)

As a lover of acoustic and electric instumental music, I have to say that this is one of the best albums ever made. Every song is beautifully played and recorded. The songs range from upbeat jazz to the contemplative. Although Larry has said he was tempted to use his electric guitar at one point, I am glad he chose to go all acoustic. I have been disappointed with other so-called 5 star acoustic instumental albums reviewed here, but I guarantee you that you will LOVE this album.

All tracks by Larry Carlton except were noted

"Smiles and Smiles to Go" – 5:47
"Perfect Peace" – 4:28
"Carrying You" – 4:00
"The Lord's Prayer" (Albert Malotte) – 5:09
"High Steppin'" – 5:44
"Whatever Happens" (Larry Carlton, Bill Withers) – 4:27
"Pure Delight" – 5:33
"Alone/But Never Alone" – 3:37

 

[Dennie]

Good King Bad - Soundtrack Lp

George Benson

1976 CTI Records

The Good King is Bad..., June 26, 2007
By Kevin Buckner (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Good King Bad (Audio CD)

We all have our tastes, but if you have trouble with Benson's effort on this set, then ours obviously run counter. George is in fine form and plays with the confidence that comes from not having to show off to impress anyone. The respect he shows to Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, 'Brother' Jack McDuff and Tal Farlow are obvious to me, but hey I'm from the Miles Davis school of less (well-placed) is more. His time, ability to swing and touch are all quite tasty...anyone that can't get into 'Good King Bad' has truly missed the boat.

I've been looking for this one since 1977 and almost fell over when I saw that it was being released on cd. Finally...while he doesn't dominate the set with his flawless technique, there's no doubt who the Alpha is, the Good King is indeed Bad...

Theme from Good King Bad
One Rock Don't Make No Boulder
Em
Cast Your Fate to the Wind
Siberian Workout
Shell of a Man

 

[Dennie]

Cruisin' Deuces -- CD

Danny Gatton

1993 Elektra Records

the greatest guitar player period, June 15, 2007
By Steve L Morrison (HUNTINGTON BEACH,CALIFORNIA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Crusin Deuces (Audio CD)

I've never encountered anyone who could touch this guy. He is just insane as a guitar player. this is a fantastic album that shows Danny is a complete master of any style he chose to play. What a shame to have so much God given talent and then take your own life. I'm sure he worked very hard to get chops like this but alot of his talent had to be a gift from above. If you really want to get an idea of just how good this guy was just check out his hot licks videos, available right here on amazon. You have to see it to believe it. Don't listen to these others who have given these bad reviews for the most lame reasons. One guy is whining about amazon and gives the cd a bad review. Danny is the star here, just listen to Him. You won't be sorry, I PROMISE.

Track Listing
1. Funhouse
2. Sun Medley: Mystery Train / My Baby Left Me / That's All Right
3. Harlem Nocturne
4. Thirteen Women
5. Sky King
6. Beat of the Night
7. So Good
8. It Doesn't Matter Anymore -(W/Rodney Crowell)
9. Puddin' and Pie
10. Tragedy
11. Cruisin' Deuce
12. Satisfied Mind

 

[Dennie]

Get Rhythm -- CD

Ry Cooder

1987 Warner Bros. Records

Ry Cooder at his unconventional best, October 14, 2000
By "allfiresthefire" - See all my reviews
This review is from: Get Rhythm (Audio CD)

To listen to this is not to get a feel of what Ry is mainly about. He would probably vouch for that. If however, you regarded this a a delve into the uncharted, then the result is an aural feast. The title track sets the mood for the rest of the album. Johnny Cash would be proud that this cover was done very well and in a style which is simply Ry. The outstanding track however is the 13 Question Method. Again, Ry gives a new lease of life to a mediocre song, this time by Chuck Berry. The characteristics and jokey slide technique which Ry employs is amazing. To appreciate slide really well, you need to listen to this album and particularly track 4.

Track Listing
1. Get Rhythm
2. Low-Commotion
3. Going Back to Okinawa
4. Thirteen Question Method
5. Women Will Rule the World
6. All Shook up (With Larry Blackmon)
7. I Can Tell by the Way You Smell
8. Across the Borderline
9. Let's Have a Ball

 

[Dennie]

From the back of the CD:

"Quincy had been down every musical path on the planet by 1969. Here he went walking in space."

Walking In Space -- CD

Quincy Jones

1969/2000 A&M/CTI/Verve Records

Amazon.com

Everybody knows that Quincy Jones is the world's greatest pop producer, but if you're under 30, you might not know about his jazz work with Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Frank Sinatra. This brilliant 1969 disc combines the precision music making you'd find on a movie soundtrack with the lively blowing of a soul-jazz jam session. Of course, when Q calls, people come to play, and this date is chock full of stars. On the title track, vocalist Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson) graces Ray Brown's deep-bottomed bass lines with an airy alto, topped by Hubert Laws's fluent flute work and Rahsaan Roland Kirk's multisax solo. Jones's spirited take on the gospel standard "Oh, Happy Day" retains the Sunday soul vibe of Ray Charles, and "Dead End" rolls with an urbanized juke-joint vibe. Jones's arrangement of Benny Golson's "Killer Joe" is a classic, with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's bravura solo lent nuance by Jones's magic touch. --Eugene Holley Jr.

"Dead End" (Galt MacDermot, James Rado, Gerome Ragni) – 4:05
"Walking in Space" (MacDermot, Rado, Ragni) – 12:06
"Killer Joe" (Benny Golson) – 5:12
"Love and Peace" (Arthur Adams) – 5:48
"I Never Told You" (Arthur Hamilton, Johnny Mandel) – 4:18
"Oh Happy Day" (Edwin Hawkins) – 3:37

 

[Dennie]

All I Got -- CD

Al Jarreau

2002 GRP Records

Amazon.com

Al Jarreau and producer Paul Brown continue their roll (kicked off with Tomorrow Today) with this glistening mix of smooth jazz, adult contemporary pop, and urban funk. It didn't take much thought to have "Random Act of Love" open this 11-song set; cowritten by Michael Jackson's hit maker, Siedah Garrett, it is even catchier than "Just to Be Loved By You," the monster smash that powered Tomorrow Today. Garrett also contributed to "Feels Like Heaven to Me," which, like much of this album, leans more toward the pop arena than Jarreau's last record. Those tunes, like the title track and the ultraromantic "Secrets of Love" and "Never Too Late," are patiently layered with vocal choirs that complement Jarreau and add power to the tracks. The title track and "Life Is" are two examples of what can only be called "Jarreau funk"--danceable bouncers where the singer exhibits his simmering-at-the-lid brand of explosiveness that keeps heads nodding and feet tapping. The more adventurous numbers include the South African-inspired "Jacaranda Bougainvillea," an a cappella version of the standard "Route 66," and the unlikely pairing with Joe Cocker on "Lost and Found." --Mark Ruffin

Track Listing
1. Random Act of Love
2. Life Is
3. Never Too Late
4. Feels Like Heaven
5. Lost and Found
6. Secrets of Love
7. All I Got
8. Until You Love Me
9. Oasis
10. Jacaranda Bougainvillea
11. Route 66

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening......

Fourplay... Yes, Please! -- CD

Fourplay

2000 Warner Bros. Records

Marvelous new Carlton-led 4Play -- I want "more, please!", August 22, 2000
By William Merrill "eclecticist" (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Yes Please (Audio CD)

After growing ever wearier of Smooth Jazz blandness such as the latest James & Braun duo CD, the too-cool new Fourplay disc was a reminder for me that the subgenre can have redeeming moments. Larry Carlton's guitar soloing is especially delectable, as he wrings just the right sorrowful, joyful, or pensive notes out of his instrument, depending on what the song calls for. The band didn't lose a step when he replaced Lee Ritenour two albums ago - Carlton is top-notch. The rest of the band is also as great as ever - James with his subtly challenging keyboard lines, East contributing his usual elegant bass foundations and silky vocals, and Harvey Mason's sparkling drum work. I believe what really distinguishes Fourplay from the rest, though, is their songwriting skills, individually and as a group. The melodies on "...yes, please!" are consistently memorable and interesting. It's a 4-and1/2-star CD; the only thing that stopped me from giving out my first 5-star review ever was that Mr. James gets a little too twinkly on such tunes as "Robo Bop" and "Go With Your Heart."

1. "Free Range" Harvey Mason, Sr. 6:27
2. "Double Trouble" Nathan East 5:51
3. "Once Upon A Love" Nathan East 4:34
4. "Robo Bop" Bob James 6:30
5. "Blues Force" Bob James / Larry Carlton / Nathan East / Harvey Mason, Sr. 7:01
6. "Save Some Love For Me" Nathan East 5:36
7. "Fortress" Bob James 8:12
8. "Go With Your Heart" Harvey Mason, Sr. 4:08
9. "Poco A Poco" Harvey Mason, Sr. 5:17
10. "A Little Fourplay (featuring Sherree)" Marcel East, Nathan East 4:23
11. "Lucky" Bob James 5:33

 

[heeman]

"Changes" (Cat Stevens) – 4:27
"E Papa Ré" (Santana, Baker, Margen, Vilató, Ligertwood) – 4:32
"Primera Invasion" (Lear, Margen, Pasqua, Santana) – 2:08
"Searchin'" (Ligertwood, Santana, Solberg) – 3:54
"Over and Over" (Meyers) – 4:46
"Winning" (Russ Ballard) – 3:28
"Tales of Kilimanjaro" (Pasqua, Peraza, Rékow, Santana) – 3:24
"The Sensitive Kind" (J.J. Cale) – 3:32
"American Gypsy" (Ballard, Lear, Ligertwood) – 3:39
"I Love You Much Too Much" (Olshanetsky, Raye, Towber) – 4:43
"Brightest Star" (Ligertwood, Santana) – 4:49
"Hannibal" (Ligertwood, Pasqua, Rékow, Santana) – 3:41


:banana-rock: :banana-dance:

 

[Dennie]

Ballads -- Remastered CD

The John Coltrane Quartet

1962/2007 Impulse/Verve Records

Music To My Ears. . .And For Your Ears, Too, March 14, 2009
By Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Ballads (Reis) (Rstr) (Dig) (Audio CD)

"I think the main thing a musician would like to do is to give a picture to the listeners of the many wonderful things he knows of and senses in the universe." ~ John Coltrane (1926-1967) ~

Gene Lees wrote on Liner Notes that John Coltrane had on occasion expressed puzzlement over such descriptions of himself as "best of the angry tenors." He once said: "I guess they say that because I play the horn hard." And if I may add, he played with love and dedication that shows in every note, his interpretations radiate simple elegance and respect to the material.

"Ballads" is a collection of eight striking tunes recorded in 1961 and 1962 by John Coltrane Quartet featuring himself on tenor sax, McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass and Elvin Jones on drums, with the special participation of a guest musician, bassist Reggie Workman on "It's Easy To Remember," one of my absolute favorite tunes from one of my favorite composers of all-time, Richard Rodgers.

The quartet's musicianship is unrivaled. They play with utmost confidence making sure that all the tunes are precisely executed starting off with my top choice from this set, a Jimmy McHugh classic standard with a beautiful melody that is deeply felt, "Say It (Over and Over Again)" down to the perfect ender, "Nancy (With The Laughing Face)." Every tune is an exquisite musical moment where Trane shows off his virtuosity, subtlety and finesse in his playing.

This collection represents some of the sweetest sounds in jazz that music lovers will find irresistibly charming ... tunes that are soothing and easy on the ears. Don't miss out on this CD. It's one of "the angry tenor's" best recordings. It is so beautiful that you can even classify it as a Desert Island CD without having second thoughts.

With my heartfelt recommendation for your listening pleasure now and forever.

P.S. For more irresistibly beautiful music, please check these out - My Favorite Things, The Gentle Side of John Coltrane, A Love Supreme and John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman.

"Say It (Over and Over Again)" (Jimmy McHugh) — 4:18
Frank Loesser wrote lyrics for this song, but this recording is instrumental.
"You Don't Know What Love Is" (Gene DePaul) — 5:15
Don Raye wrote lyrics for this song, but this recording is instrumental.
"Too Young to Go Steady" (Jimmy McHugh) — 4:23
Harold Adamson wrote lyrics for this song, but this recording is instrumental.
"All or Nothing at All" (Arthur Altman) — 3:39
Jack Lawrence wrote lyrics for this song, but this recording is instrumental.
"I Wish I Knew" (Harry Warren) — 4:54
Mack Gordon wrote lyrics for this song, but this recording is instrumental.
"What's New?" (Bob Haggart) — 3:47
Johnny Burke wrote lyrics for this song, but this recording is instrumental.
"It's Easy to Remember" (Richard Rodgers) — 2:49
Lorenz Hart wrote lyrics for this song, but this recording is instrumental.
"Nancy (With the Laughing Face)" (Jimmy Van Heusen) — 3:10
Phil Silvers wrote lyrics for this song, but this recording is instrumental.

-------

John Coltrane - tenor saxophone/soprano saxophone
McCoy Tyner - piano
Jimmy Garrison - bass
Elvin Jones - drums

 

[Dennie]

John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman -- Remastered CD

John Coltrane and Johhhy Hartman

1963/2008 Impulse/Verve Records

A unmitigated masterpiece, November 27, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman (Audio CD)

Simply put this has to be one of my favorite Cd's. Mere words can't express how well the combination of the John Coltrane Quartet sound and Johnny Hartman sounds. From 'They say it's wonderful' to 'Autumn serenade' all of the tracks are excellent to say the least. Johnny Hartman has one of the smoothest barritone singing voices I've ever heard. Listining to his voice on 'Lush life'(especially) gives me the chills. (I'd argue that their cover of that song is the best ever). This paired up with the already legendary sound of the John coltrane quartet makes this album not a must have but an essential for any coltrane fan. If you are even thinkg about buying this CD you've given it too much thought, BUY IT NOW! You wont regret it.

Side one

"They Say It's Wonderful" (Irving Berlin) – 5:15
"Dedicated to You" (Sammy Cahn, Saul Chaplin, Hy Zaret) – 5:27
"My One and Only Love" (Guy Wood, Robert Mellin) – 4:50

Side two

"Lush Life" (Billy Strayhorn) – 5:20
"You Are Too Beautiful" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) – 5:32
"Autumn Serenade" (Peter DeRose, Sammy Gallop) – 4:11

A seventh track "Afro Blue" is reported, but unissued

------

John Coltrane – tenor sax;
Jimmy Garrison – double bass;
Johnny Hartman - vocals
Elvin Jones – drums;
McCoy Tyner – piano;

 

[Dennie]

Longing In Their Hearts -- CD

Bonnie Raitt

1994 Capitol Records

It's better than that..., February 24, 2005
By K. Parsons "Hailing from the mountaintop!" (Idyllwild, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Longing in Their Hearts (Audio CD)

This is a tremendous CD... though definitely not as glossy and smooth as the ones that came after, or as rough and textured as those before. For some reason, even though there are a few songs I can do without, (I Sho Do comes to mind) songs like "Feeling of Falling", Cool Clear Water" and the title track have remained my favorite Bonnie songs since this CD came out.

There is a funky goove here... and enough attitude to show that Bonnie Raitt is no computer enhanced lip-synching pop diva powderpuff. No way - she's the REAL DEAL. Has been for so long I can't remember... and she still belts it out better than anyone. She's made a huge mark in a world that wasn't exactly welcoming to her at first... and this CD shows why. Virtuoso musicianship, a deadly groove, sultry, strong vocals and that sensation of, well... (hey - isn't that what music is all about!!!)~~~

"Longing" has that quality of imperfect genius that makes Bonnie Raitt's music so satisfying.

"Love Sneakin' up on You" (Little Jimmy Scott, Tom Snow) – 3:41
"Longing in Their Hearts" (Michael O'Keefe, Raitt) – 4:48
"You" (John Shanks, Bob Thiele, Tonio K.) – 4:27
"Cool, Clear Water" (Raitt) – 5:27
"Circle Dance" (Raitt) – 4:11
"I Sho Do" (Billy Always, Mabon "Teenie" Hodges) – 3:38
"Dimming of the Day" (Richard Thompson) – 3:39
"Feeling of Falling" (Raitt) – 6:17
"Steal Your Heart Away" (Paul Brady) – 5:44
"Storm Warning" (Terry Britten, Lea Maalfrid) – 4:31
"Hell to Pay" (Raitt) – 4:03
"Shadow of Doubt" (Gary Nicholson) – 4:26

 

[Dennie]

August and Everything After -- CD

Counting Crows

1993 Geffen Records

Crows Fly High, December 21, 2000
By Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: August & Everything After (Audio CD)

August & Everything After is the amazing debut from Counting Crows. They mix the lyrical stylings of Van Morrison and the rustic sounds of The Band with a dash of U2 thrown in for good measure. But despite these obvious influences, they band has a fresh and unique sound all their own. Adam Duritz uses a sharp pen in his writing and he has one of the most soulful and expressive voices in music. He practically bleeds on songs like somber "Round Here", the condemning of suburban life of "Perfect Blue Buildings" and the gorgeous and lilting "Sullivan Street". "Anna Begins" is a sweet love song and "Rain King" has a soaring sound to it. "Murder Of One" closes the album in a U2-esque, spiritual like rocker. "Mr. Jones" was the breakout song from the album and the one that gained the band large airplay. It is an immediate classic with a memorable guitar riff and vivid lyrics. Mr. Duritz says he wants to Bob Dylan in the song and he comes damn close on the song. The album was an alternative to the alternative music that dominated the airways at the time. The album was heaped with well-deserved praise, as it is one of the ten best of the 90's.

All tracks written by Adam Duritz unless otherwise indicated.

"Round Here" (Duritz, Dave Janusko, Dan Jewett, Chris Roldan, David Bryson) – 5:32
"Omaha" – 3:40
"Mr. Jones" (Duritz, Bryson) – 4:33
"Perfect Blue Buildings" – 5:01
"Anna Begins" (Duritz, Bryson, Marty Jones, Toby Hawkins, Lydia Holly) – 4:32
"Time and Time Again" (Duritz, Bryson, Charlie Gillingham, Steve Bowman, Don Dixon) – 5:13
"Rain King" (Duritz, Bryson) – 4:16
"Sullivan Street" (Duritz, Bryson) – 4:29
"Ghost Train" – 4:01
"Raining in Baltimore" – 4:41
"A Murder of One" (Duritz, Bryson, Matt Malley) – 5:44

 

[Dennie]

Cracked Rear View -- CD

Hootie & The Blowfish

1994 Atlantic Records

Amazon.com

Cracked Rear View marks the commercial debut of these college buddies from South Carolina, and it sold an astonishing 13 million copies in its first year of release. With Darius Rucker's ringing baritone and Mark Bryan's muscular guitar framing Jim Sonefeld's bluesy, energetic southern folk rock tunes, it's easy to understand its success: It's the kind of thoroughly likable album people sing along with on the car radio. When Rucker demands, "Stand up and let me see you smile," there's something that feels real and convincing behind it; sure, it's a formula, but a sincere one, and it works over and over again. Songs like "Let Her Cry," "Hold My Hand," and "Running from an Angel" lay down the rhythm for a cohesive, feel-good collection. There may not be a lot of virtuosity behind it, but there's plenty of fun. --Barrie Trinkle

All songs written by Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker and Jim "Soni" Sonefeld.

"Hannah Jane" – 3:33
"Hold My Hand" – 4:15
"Let Her Cry" – 5:08
"Only Wanna Be with You" – 3:46
"Running from an Angel" – 3:37
"I'm Goin' Home" – 4:11
"Drowning" – 5:01
"Time" – 4:53
"Look Away" – 2:38
"Not Even the Trees" – 4:37
"Goodbye" – 4:05

Includes hidden track "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" (Traditional) – 0:54