What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Joe Cool's Blues -- CD

Wynton Marsalis / Ellis Marsalis

1995 Columbia Records

an excellent exploration of excellent jazz classics February 26, 2006
By Matthew Miller VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD

I have seen a number of negative reviews for this album and let me say first off that the originals were excellent songs to begin with . They were part of what made the orginal charlie brown movies so excellent. next let me say that anyone who does not see the sublime playing in this albulm is blind. I have seen reviews suggesting that that this albulm lacks key elements like "dynamic" and "swing", which is a blatent lie. Without overdoing any one effect wynton and ellis manage to capture very well the feel of swung jazz as well as what is often very subtly beautiful dynamic changes. Also I have seen people saying that it is lacking in creativity, that Ellis is simply ripping off past musicians, which is also a lie. certainly Jazz being an oral culture, imitation is an often and often vital element. without at leastsome imitation jazz would not be. It is true that stylistically often the solos in this albulm can be very similar to other works, but certainly no more so than many other jazz albulms which are not under fire for lacking creativity.

All in all this an interesting and skillful interpretation of excellent jazz standards.

Track Listing
1. Linus & Lucy
2. Buggy Ride
3. Peppermint Patty
4. On Peanuts Playground
5. Oh, Good Grief!
6. Wright Brothers Rag
7. Charlie Brown
8. Little Red-Haired Girl
9. Pebble Beach
10. Snoopy & Woodstock
11. Little Birdie
12. Why, Charlie Brown
13. Joe Cool's Blues (Snoopy's Return)

 

[topper]

 

[Dennie]

Search For New Land -- Remastered CD

Lee Morgan - Wayne Shorter - Grant Green - Herbie Hancock - Reggie Workman - Billy Higgins

1964/2003 Blue Note Records

The "Search" for What Could Have Been September 14, 2003
By Michael B. Richman HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD

Lee Morgan's "Search for the New Land" is the trumpeter's most searching and enjoyable Blue Note album in my opinion. This session was recorded on February 15, 1964, nearly two months after the date that yielded "The Sidewinder." In many ways, "Search" is a departure from the funky, tight grooves of its predecessor. Sure tracks like "Morgan the Pirate" and "The Joker" are a continuation of the up-tempo feel of "The Sidewinder" and easily blend with that album's style. But the other tracks -- "Mr. Kenyatta," "Melancholee" and of course the title track -- are as progressive and exploratory as any jazz that was made in the watershed year of 1964. Across the board at Blue Note, artists were challenging each other to make more innovative jazz and many of the performers began expanding their bands to accommodate this broadening of the music. On "Search" Lee returns to a sextet line-up for the first time since the late 1950s, but with the addition of Grant Green on guitar, there's no mistaking it for those 50s hard bop sessions. In addition to Green, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Reggie Workman and Billy Higgins all make invaluable contributions, but the guitarist adds an other-worldly spatial quality to the music, particularly on the title track. Of course, in a few months "The Sidewinder" would be released and its title track would become an international hit. Beginning with "The Rumproller" (see my review), every Lee Morgan album would have the seemingly obligatory funky, boogaloo-style lead-off track in the hopes of a follow-up hit. And while those discs are all very enjoyable, Lee would never again "search" quite like he did on "Search for the New Land."


All songs composed by Lee Morgan.

"Search for the New Land" – 15:45
"The Joker" – 5:04
"Mr. Kenyatta" – 8:43
"Melancholee" – 6:14
"Morgan the Pirate" – 6:30

 

[Dennie]

Two of a Kind -- CD

Bobby Darin & Johnny Mercer with Billy May & His Orchestra

1961/1990 ATCO Records

the dynamic duo January 3, 2002
By Alejandra Vernon HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

The chemistry between this terrific twosome is incredible, making a high voltage recording that's like a vaudville act at times, with some songs that sound as if they're from that era, with titles like "My Cutey's Due at Two to Two". It's an upbeat big band blast, with Billy May & Orchestra doing a marvelous job. The timing of their ad libs is impeccable, and the entire CD exudes wall-to-wall fun.

Johnny Mercer, who's wonderful voice sounds a little like a smoky version of Darin's, was lyricist for over 1000 great songs, and received 4 Academy Awards for best song (like "Moon River"), wrote tracks 3, 6, and 8, and co-wrote the title track with Darin.

Darin sparkles with energy, and sounds like he's having the time of his all too short life here...he does imitations of W.C. Fields, Groucho Marx, Dean Martin and Elvis, and with so much creative vitality and humor, left us with what just might be his finest recording here.

This CD is a treasure from these entertainment giants from the past, with infectious merriment to lift the spirit and set feet to dancing.

Track Listing
1. Two of a Kind
2. Indiana
3. Bob White
4. Ace in the Hole
5. East of the Rockies
6. If I Had My Druthers
7. I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll
8. Lonesome Polecat
9. My Cutey's Due at Two-to-Two Today
10. Paddlin' Madelin' Home / Row Row Row
11. Who Takes Care of the Caretaker's Daughter
12. Mississippi Mud
13. Two of a Kind

 

[Dennie]

The More I See You -- 20 Bit CD

Oscar Peterson - Ray Brown - Benny Carter - Clark Terry

1995 Telarc Jazz

A Successful Return For Oscar Peterson.......... April 25, 2008
By Robert J. Ament
Format:Audio CD

after a devastating stroke suffered two years earlier. On the opening track "In A Mellow Tone" it becomes evident that the listener is in for a happy and joyous treat. I read somewhere that Oscar never recovered full strength in his left hand. I can state there's no hint of any impairment here....and that can be said for his virtuosity and imagination as well. The musicians perform with the apparent ease of a hand crafted close tolerance piece of high performance machinery.

By the time you listen to "On The Trail", you can really appreciate the experience of these gentlemen, Clark Terry (age 74) playing a duet with muted trumpet in one hand and open fluglehorn in the other......Benny Carter (87) blowing some magnificent changes.....Ray Brown's (68) always excellent bass work....and of course Oscar (69). I also read that Oscar was criticized at one time for playing too many notes. To me they always seem to fit! The younger players, Lorne Lofsky on guitar and drummer Lewis Nash round out a superb rhythm section.

This set is composed of 7 standards and 2 blues and should appeal to anyone who enjoys great straight ahead jazz, a small group including two great horn men, or any of these musicians individually or collectively.

Track Listing
1. In a Mellow Tone
2. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You
3. On the Trail
4. When My Dream Boat Comes Home
5. Ron's Blues
6. For All We Know
7. Blues For Lisa
8. Squatty Roo
9. More I See You, The

 

[Dennie]

Here We Go Again - Celebrating The Genius of Ray Charles -- CD

Willie Nelson - Wynton Marsalis featuring Norah Jones

2011 Blue Note Records

From Three Comes Magic, April 13, 2011
By J. D. Traiger (Milford, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles (Audio CD)

No three musicians could be more different than Wynton, Willie, and Nora. Yet, when they come together on this CD, the results are nothing less than magic. Before I first played the CD, I really didn't know what to expect. Then, from the first track, I knew this CD is special, and it just got better and better. There's so much to praise about this CD that it's difficult to know where to start, so here are the major areas that make this CD magic: (1) Performers -- fresh and alluring solos, duets, and trios, (2) Instrumentation -- supurb improvisations from the sax, trumpet, harmonica, drums, piano, and bass, (3) Set list -- excellent selection of tunes, styles and rhythms (remembering Ray Charles) and, (4) Production -- great job from Blue Note for its high sound quality and balance from a live performance. This CD truly needs to be a serious contender for an award; in fact, it needs to win one. We desperately need more of this kind of collaboration as, in this case, the results are indeed magic.

1. "Hallelujah I Love Her So" Don Lanier, Red Steagall 4:54
2. "Come Rain or Come Shine" (featuring Norah Jones) Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer 3:52
3. "Unchain My Heart" Teddy Powell, Bobby Sharp 5:35
4. "Cryin' Time" (featuring Norah Jones) Buck Owens 4:32
5. "Losing Hand" Charles Calhoun 5:16
6. "Hit the Road Jack" (featuring Norah Jones) Percy Mayfield 7:45
7. "I'm Moving On" Hank Snow 5:44
8. "Busted" Harlan Howard 3:52
9. "Here We Go Again" (featuring Norah Jones) Don Lanier, Red Steagall 5:10
10. "Makin' Whoopee" (featuring Norah Jones) Gus Kahn 4:54
11. "I Love You So Much It Hurts" Floyd Tillman 2:52
12. "What'd I Say" (featuring Norah Jones) Ray Charles 6:11

 

[heeman]

Two of a Kind -- CD

Bobby Darin & Johnny Mercer with Billy May & His Orchestra

1961/1990 ATCO Records

the dynamic duo January 3, 2002
By Alejandra Vernon HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

The chemistry between this terrific twosome is incredible, making a high voltage recording that's like a vaudville act at times, with some songs that sound as if they're from that era, with titles like "My Cutey's Due at Two to Two". It's an upbeat big band blast, with Billy May & Orchestra doing a marvelous job. The timing of their ad libs is impeccable, and the entire CD exudes wall-to-wall fun.

Johnny Mercer, who's wonderful voice sounds a little like a smoky version of Darin's, was lyricist for over 1000 great songs, and received 4 Academy Awards for best song (like "Moon River"), wrote tracks 3, 6, and 8, and co-wrote the title track with Darin.

Darin sparkles with energy, and sounds like he's having the time of his all too short life here...he does imitations of W.C. Fields, Groucho Marx, Dean Martin and Elvis, and with so much creative vitality and humor, left us with what just might be his finest recording here.

This CD is a treasure from these entertainment giants from the past, with infectious merriment to lift the spirit and set feet to dancing.

Track Listing
1. Two of a Kind
2. Indiana
3. Bob White
4. Ace in the Hole
5. East of the Rockies
6. If I Had My Druthers
7. I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll
8. Lonesome Polecat
9. My Cutey's Due at Two-to-Two Today
10. Paddlin' Madelin' Home / Row Row Row
11. Who Takes Care of the Caretaker's Daughter
12. Mississippi Mud
13. Two of a Kind

Damn Dennie, I remember the Bobby Darin Show on TV, Black and White 19" TV that is........

 

[topper]

 

[Dennie]

Children Running Through -- CD

Patty Griffin

2007 ATO Records

Amazon.com

On her fifth studio CD, folk-rocker Patty Griffin employs three timeless themes--childhood, flight, and death--to craft her most musically diverse and accessible album yet. But while moving through jazz, beatnik, classic and modern folk, gospel R&B, Americana, and moody piano ballad, Griffin keeps her backing quiet and spare, all the more to showcase the power of her deft storytelling and the bell clarity of her unadorned soprano. On song after song, the characters who waft through her experience are on the move, chasing one thing and fleeing another--on trains, ships, buses, in cars, even on the aerialist's bar--ultimately trading an ending of one kind for a new beginning and transference. Sometimes--as on the Rickie Lee Jones-ish "Stay on the Ride," where an old man with no name answers an existential urge for going--they don't even know what it is. "Trapeze," the most resonant offering, follows an aging circus performer who'd rather work without a net than take her chances in love. Here, Emmylou Harris adds one of her most aching harmony lines to Griffin's exquisite, ethereal lead, while in the next track, "Getting Ready," the singer turns a 180, laying a sneering Dylanesque vocal over a fiercely scrubbed acoustic guitar and an occasional dissonant kiss-off. "Baby, baby, you were my drug/And I was just your cigarette," she drones knowingly. One suspects that particular object of her affections will soon regret it. --Alanna Nash

1. You'll Remember
2. Stay On The Ride
3. Trapeze
4. Getting Ready
5. Burgundy Shoes
6. Heavenly Day
7. No Bad News
8. Railroad Wings
9. Up To The Mountains (MLK Song)
10. I Don't Ever Give Up
11. Someone Else's Tomorrow
12. Crying Over

 

[Dennie]

Slow Dancing With The Moon -- CD

Dolly Parton

1993 Columbia Records

Slow Dancing With Dolly July 18, 2002
By J. M. Zuurbier
Format:Audio CD

Dolly's 1993 album SLOW DANCING WITH THE MOON is another album that was sorely underlooked. While it might not be as strong as WHITE LIMOZEEN, it's a beautiful album filled with great songs and top notch talent. "Romeo" is a fun take on the traditional Shakespeare play Romeo & Juliet, it joins Dolly with Billy Ray Cyrus, Mary Chapin Carpetner, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis and Tanya Tucker. Sadly this was the only "hit" from the album, however failed to crack the top 10, resting at #27. "Full Circle" is a nice ballad, about a long standing relationship. "(You Got Me Over) A Heartache Tonight" is a duet with Dolly & Billy Dean, a really sweet song, a favorite of mine from the album. "More Where That Came From" is a honky tonk, nice to hear Dolly tear it up on a song like this. Dolly does a rousing rendition of the upbeat "Put A Little Love In Your Heart" as well. "I'll Make Your Bed" is a nice quirky song as well. "What Will Baby Be", "Cross My Heart" and "Why Can't We" are all tender, romantic ballads. "Whenever Forever Comes" joins Dolly with Collin Raye on a duet, nice song overall, they compliment each other extremely well. The best track though is the title track, a beautiful ballad, classic Dolly Parton. The album closes with a great rendition of "High And Mighty". Overall SLOW DANCING WITH THE MOON is a beautiful album all the way through, don't overlook it, give it a listen.


All songs written and composed by Dolly Parton except as noted.
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Full Circle" Dolly Parton, Mac Davis 3:56
2. "Romeo" (with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Pam Tillis, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kathy Mattea, and Tanya Tucker) 3:34
3. "(You Got Me Over) A Heartache Tonight" (with Billy Dean) Dolly Parton, Larry Weiss 3:04
4. "What Will Baby Be" 3:24
5. "More Where That Came From" 3:14
6. "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holliday, Randy Myers 2:27
7. "Why Can't We?" Chuck Cannon, Austin Cunningham, Allen Shamblin 3:48
8. "I'll Make Your Bed" 3:17
9. "Whenever Forever Comes" (with Collin Raye) 3:26
10. "Cross My Heart" Rachel Dennison, Frank Dycus, Randy Parton 3:31
11. "Slow Dancing with the Moon" Mac Davis 3:28
12. "High and Mighty" 3:09

 

[Dennie]

Two of a Kind -- CD

Bobby Darin & Johnny Mercer with Billy May & His Orchestra

1961/1990 ATCO Records

the dynamic duo January 3, 2002
By Alejandra Vernon HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

The chemistry between this terrific twosome is incredible, making a high voltage recording that's like a vaudville act at times, with some songs that sound as if they're from that era, with titles like "My Cutey's Due at Two to Two". It's an upbeat big band blast, with Billy May & Orchestra doing a marvelous job. The timing of their ad libs is impeccable, and the entire CD exudes wall-to-wall fun.

Johnny Mercer, who's wonderful voice sounds a little like a smoky version of Darin's, was lyricist for over 1000 great songs, and received 4 Academy Awards for best song (like "Moon River"), wrote tracks 3, 6, and 8, and co-wrote the title track with Darin.

Darin sparkles with energy, and sounds like he's having the time of his all too short life here...he does imitations of W.C. Fields, Groucho Marx, Dean Martin and Elvis, and with so much creative vitality and humor, left us with what just might be his finest recording here.

This CD is a treasure from these entertainment giants from the past, with infectious merriment to lift the spirit and set feet to dancing.

Track Listing
1. Two of a Kind
2. Indiana
3. Bob White
4. Ace in the Hole
5. East of the Rockies
6. If I Had My Druthers
7. I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll
8. Lonesome Polecat
9. My Cutey's Due at Two-to-Two Today
10. Paddlin' Madelin' Home / Row Row Row
11. Who Takes Care of the Caretaker's Daughter
12. Mississippi Mud
13. Two of a Kind

Damn Dennie, I remember the Bobby Darin Show on TV, Black and White 19" TV that is........

Hey Keith, I was surprised when this one showed up on my weekly list from my used music dealer. I remember Bobby Darin, but I never knew he did any "Big Band" work. A great surprise, and with his humor and "showmanship" this is a really fun album!!


Dennie :eusa-clap:

 

[Dennie]

From Me To You - A Tribute To Lionel Hampton -- CD

Terry Gibbs

2002 Mack Avenue Records

SMOOTH ENERGY March 22, 2003
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD

I never heard of Terry Gibbs until a radio program on WDUQ in Pittsburgh. They covered his musical history and played some of his vibraphone. I was hooked. This tribute to Lionel(Gates)Hampton is fantastic. He is a great showman/musician. All the seletions on this CD are geat, with two my favorites being Midnight Sun & Moonglow. The Gibbs compostions truely rival the Hampton style. Terry's Vibes are energetic yet soothing. The music on this CD goes from sooth to enery and back. This CD is for everyone who loves Bee Bop, Jazz and the big band sound of old.

Track Listing
1. Midnight Sun
2. Blues for Hamp
3. Ring Dem Bells
4. Moonglow
5. Gates Got Rhythm
6. On the Sunny Side of the Street
7. From Me to You
8. Red Top
9. Evil Gal Blues
10. Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop
11. Two-Finger Boogie Shuffle
12. World Is Waiting for the Sunrise, The
13. Stardust
14. Flying Home

 

[Dennie]

12 Shades of Brown -- CD

Junior Brown

1983 Curb Records

Junior Brown Brings Fun Back to Country and Western August 28, 1999
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD

Junior Brown brings a style to country that's been missing for a long time. "12 Shades of Brown is Junior at his best... tongue and cheek lyrics and witticisms linked with a distinctive and superior level of guitar playing. Seeing Junior live is an extraordinary experience (he does for country what Louis Prima did for swing on stage). This album's a delight!

Track listing

1. My Baby Don't Dance To Nothin' But Ernest Tubb
2. Baby Let The Bad Times Be
3. Freeborn Man
4. They Don't Choose To Live That Way
5. Too Many Nights In A Roadhouse
6. Hillbilly Hula Gal
7. Way To Survive, A
8. Broke Down South Of Dallas
9. What's Left Just Won't Go Right
10. Moan All Night Long
11. Coconut Island
12. Don't Sell The Farm

 

[Dennie]

Okay, switching gears...... :auto-layrubber:

2112 -- Remastered CD

Rush

1976/1997 Mercury Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Only Rush could have pulled this off, and only in the '70s. 2112--the title suite of the band's 1976 breakthrough album--is a comically pretentious, futuristic rock opera written by a nerdy drummer and sung by a whiny-voiced geek. It also happens to be a great piece of rock & roll that lifts the listener through a variety of moods and textures from genteel acoustic ("Oracle") to thrilling metal ("The Temples of Syrinx"). Perhaps realizing that they had taken conceptualism about as far as it could go, even these guys backed off on the epic hero stuff for later releases. 2112 still stands as one of the great signposts of the prog-rock era. --Michael Ruby

All lyrics by Neil Peart and music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, except where noted.

"2112" – 20:33
I: "Overture" – 4:33 (0:00—4:33)
II: "The Temples of Syrinx" – 2:12 (4:33—6:45)
III: "Discovery" (music: Lifeson) – 3:29 (6:45—10:14)
IV: "Presentation" (music: Lifeson) – 3:42 (10:14—13:56)
V: "Oracle: The Dream" – 2:00 (13:56—15:56)
VI: "Soliloquy" – 2:21 (15:56—18:17)
VII: "Grand Finale" – 2:14 (18:17—20:33)
"A Passage to Bangkok" – 3:34
"The Twilight Zone" – 3:17
"Lessons" (Lifeson) – 3:51
"Tears" (Lee) – 3:33
"Something for Nothing" (music: Lee) – 3:58

 

[Dennie]

Skylark -- CD

Renee Olstead

2007 Reprise Records

Product Description

Nine days after her seventeenth birthday, singing sensation Renee Olstead and her stunning bluesy jazz voice take flight with her second major-label album, Skylark. Backed by esteemed producer/arranger David Foster (Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Celine Dion) on strings, piano, horns and often keyboards, Olstead stamps her mark on standards and modern classics and premieres four originals she co-wrote, including one with Foster. Following her 2004 #1 Jazz self-titled album, Olstead soars on Skylark.

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

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening.....

Can't Buy A Thrill -- CD

Steely Dan

1972/1990 MCA Records

Amazon.com

Songwriters Walter Becker and Donald Fagen launched Steely Dan with a seductive, poker-faced 1972 debut as smoothly accessible in its music as it was elusive in its thematic concerns. The opening "Do It Again" snagged swift commercial success as one of the most mysterious pop hits in history, a sultry rock cha-cha that chronicled a series of harrowing catastrophes far removed from the reheated love songs and pro forma countercultural rebellion of the day. Though the core band boasted two formidable guitarists, Jeff Baxter and Denny Dias, it was the bloom of Fagen's keyboards and his reedy, smart-ass vocals that carried Thrill light years beyond modal, blues-based rock. That said, an enduring highlight remains the furious six-string fantasia of "Reelin' in the Years," spiked by Elliot Randall's downright historic solos, at once dour and giddy in its indictment of a poser, while "Dirty Work" (featuring short-lived, nominal lead singer David Palmer) offers a decidedly adult vignette of adultery. There isn't a weak track here, astonishing, considering how much growth future Dan albums would display. --Sam Sutherland

Side one

"Do It Again" – 5:56
Solos by Denny Dias and Donald Fagen
Vocal by Donald Fagen
"Dirty Work" – 3:08
Sax solo by Jerome Richardson
Vocal by David Palmer
"Kings" – 3:45
Solo by Elliot Randall
Vocal by Donald Fagen
"Midnite Cruiser" – 4:08
Solo by Jeff Baxter
Vocal by Jim Hodder
"Only a Fool Would Say That" – 2:57
Solo by Jeff Baxter
Vocal by Donald Fagen and David Palmer

Side two

"Reelin' in the Years" – 4:37
Lead guitar by Elliot Randall
Vocal by Donald Fagen
"Fire in the Hole" – 3:28
Steel guitar by Jeff Baxter
Vocal by Donald Fagen
"Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)" – 4:21
Steel guitar by Jeff Baxter
Vocal by David Palmer
"Change of the Guard" – 3:39
Solo by Jeff Baxter
Vocals by Donald Fagen and David Palmer
"Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" – 4:58
Vocal by Donald Fagen, Walter Becker and David Palmer

 

[mzpro5]

While doing some cleaning up and to celebrate the Fourth

 

[Dennie]

Happy Trails -- CD

QuickSilver Messenger Service

1969/1994 Capitol Records

 

[heeman]

 

[heeman]