What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Fire Wire -- CD

Larry Carlton

2006 RCA Victor Records

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Fusion of Rock, Jazz, Blues, December 6, 2006
By William Cook (Dripping Springs, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Fire Wire (Audio CD)

If you want smooth jazz don't buy this CD. If you want to get down 'n dirty then buy this CD and crank up the volume! I was not expecting such a straight-ahead hard driving set of tunes from Larry Carlton and I too relish Sapphire Blue, however as a rocker from the 60's and 70's I am so thoroughly enjoying this CD with it's mix of rock, jazz and blues that I'm buying copies for many of my friends on my Christmas list. Get Down - Get Funky - Get Fire Wired!!!!

Track Listing

1. Inkblott 11
2. Double Cross
3. Naked Truth
4. Surrender
5. Big Trouble
6. Goodbye
7. Dirty Donna's House Party
8. Prince, The
9. Sunrise
10. Mean Street

 

[Dennie]

Kilimanjaro --CD

Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman

1989 GRP Records

Speechless!, March 10, 2001
By Daisy (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Kilimanjaro (Audio CD)

The greatest album! I have heard it over and over again and I have not yet gotten bored of it. Every song is unique yet they all come together to form one upbeat,jazzy cd. The Ripps are the best jazz group out there! When you hear this cd you'll know why.Go out and get this cd, you won't be able to live without it again!!!

"Morocco" - 4:50
"Northern Lights" - 4:41
"Dream of the Sirens" - 5:38
"Katrina's Dance" - 5:59
"Kilimanjaro" - 4:47
"Back Stabbers" - 4:08
"Love Notes" - 4:15
"Los Cabos!" - 4:09
"Oceansong" - 5:30

 

[No-L]

^^That's good stuff there.
Saw the Rippington's in concert many times back in my college day.

 

[Dennie]

^^That's good stuff there.
Saw the Rippington's in concert many times back in my college day.

You lucky Dog, I bet they put on a great show!!

I really enjoy their music!! :handgestures-thumbup:



Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Old Places Old Faces -- Cd

Joe Sample

1996 Warner Bros. Records

Perhaps His Best CD, at least in the last 20 years June 16, 2004
By Anthony
Format:Audio CD

When it comes to music, especially when it comes to Mr. Sample, this album is what I set as the standard. There is excellence in ever facet of this album. "Old Places Old Faces" creates a mood that cannot be avoided. It is filled with spirit that other artists couldn't touch, and that Sample probably couldn't touch before 1995. It is an album filled with pain, love, beauty, revelation, and most importantly, growth. The listener can hear Sample reflect as he lays his hands on the keys. The compositions here are the most expressive that Sample has written in some time. One can tell that this album wasn't released to make money, get airplay, or propel a concert tour. This album was made to work out issues and share his feelings. It's this kind of emotion that the listener need to take part of, and to look back on this album time and time again. This is, in this writer's opinion, Joe Sample's best work.

Track Listing
1. Free Yourself
2. Black and White (As Simple As)
3. Clifton's Gold
4. Old Places Old Faces
5. Tones for Ben
6. Hippies on a Corner
7. Souly Creole
8. First Love
9. Miles of Blue (Blue Miles)
10. Angels on My Mind

 

[Dennie]

Seduction -- CD

Boney James

1995 Warner Bros. Records

Boney's best album, January 4, 2000
By djdjdjdjdjdj9 "djdjdjdjdjdj9" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Seduction (Audio CD)

As the title indicates, I feel this is Boney's best album. Most of his newer stuff has too much of that "Playboy"-ish slow timbre to it, but Seduction has several faster tracks that keep me tuned. You can also hear hints of future Latin-style tracks he would later record on Sweet Thing and Body Language. This album I would consider essential to any Boney James fan, and also a definite purchase for those looking for real contemporary saxophone talent.

The only complaint I have is that sometimes Boney's sax sounds quiet and drowned out by the other instruments playing (percussion, guitar, horns, etc.)

1. "Camouflage" 5:17
2. "Got It Goin' On" 5:11
3. "Lights Down Low" 4:31
4. "Seduction" 5:26
5. "Washington Bridge" 5:32
6. "Without a Doubt" 4:37
7. "Sara Smile" 3:31
8. "Second Nature" 5:18
9. "Ain't No Sunshine" 3:56
Total length:
43:19

 

[Botch]

Old Places Old Faces -- Cd

Joe Sample

I can't stop laughing at the title/cover painting of this one!

 

[Dennie]

Full Moon Fever -- CD

Tom Petty

1989 MCA Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Ten years had passed since Petty's last solid outing (*** the Torpedoes in 1979), and Full Moon Fever fully resuscitated the artist's career, which--some would say "arguably"--had been losing steam. With the album's four major hits and rave reviews from the critics (these things do not always go hand-in-hand), Petty must have breathed a sigh of relief. He left the Heartbreakers behind, hooked up with musician, writer, and producer Jeff Lynne, and rocked out with "Runnin' Down a Dream," got mellow and introspective on "Free Fallin'" and "A Face in the Crowd," and paid tribute (finally) to the Byrds with a cover of "Feel a Whole Lot Better." He perfected the sing-along guitar-pop song on "Yer So Bad" and had a wild time on "Zombie Zoo." Pure Petty perfection! --Lorry Fleming

All songs written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, except as indicated.[2]

"Free Fallin'" – 4:14
"I Won't Back Down" – 2:56
"Love Is a Long Road" (Mike Campbell, Petty) – 4:06
"A Face in the Crowd" – 3:58
"Runnin' Down a Dream" (Campbell, Lynne, Petty) – 4:23
"I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better" (Gene Clark) – 2:47
"Yer So Bad" – 3:05
"Depending on You" (Petty) – 2:47
"The Apartment Song" (Petty) – 2:31
"Alright for Now" (Petty) – 2:00
"A Mind with a Heart of Its Own" – 3:29
"Zombie Zoo" – 2:56

"Hello, CD listeners…"

Early pressings of the album on compact disc contain a hidden track at the beginning of track 6. The interlude, which is referred to in the album credits as "Attention CD Listeners", features a brief tongue-in-cheek monologue by Petty, over a background of barnyard noises:

Hello, CD listeners. We've come to the point in this album where those listening on cassette, or records, will have to stand up, or sit down, and turn over the record. Or tape. In fairness to those listeners, we'll now take a few seconds before we begin side two. [pause] Thank you. Here's side two.

 

[Dennie]

Old Places Old Faces -- Cd

Joe Sample

I can't stop laughing at the title/cover painting of this one!

It's a Great Cover! :handgestures-thumbup:

I've been there a few times in my life! :doh:


Dennie

 

[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

 

[Dennie]

Rural Renewal -- CD

The Crusaders

2003 Verve Records

Everyone should own this record, May 8, 2003
By Jan P. Dennis "Longboard jazzer" (Monument, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Rural Renewal (Audio CD)

I know virtually nothing about the Crusaders. Their kind of music--ultra-sophisticated, roots-based jazz-funk--has fallen outside my musical experience.

My loss.

Let me come straight out and say it. This is one of the most accomplished and satisfying discs I have ever encountered. There's this deep groove coming from some authentic place--Texas, I learned, since I became interested in this group. This is not the kind of music that can be mass produced, predicted, or even successfully copied. It has its own inherent, uncompromising authenticity and authority.

How can it be so precise without being slick? So soulful without being cliché? So sophisticated yet completely natural? I'll tell you. A lifetime of commitment combined with pure genius and musical telepathy set loose, UNLEASHED, given free rein.

Fundamentally, a project like this gains nothing by heavy-duty analysis, so I'm going to quit while I'm ahead. Trust me on this: Just buy it.

Track Listing
1. Rural Renewal
2. Creepin'
3. Heartland
4. Healing Coming On, A
5. Sing the Song
6. Shotgun House Groove
7. Territory, The
8. Greasy Spoon
9. Viva de Funk
10. Lazy Sundays
11. Goin' Home

 

[heeman]

Cool, I look forward to hearing it! Been thinking about getting some of here solo stuff.

We certainly gave it a work out, didn't we? :bow-blue:

 

[Dennie]

The Power of Touch -- CD

Bobby Lyle

1997 Atlantic Records

As good as it gets April 19, 2006
By ~Mary
Format:Audio CD

Smooth jazz at its best...Bobby Lyle demonstrates relaxing, smooth music in every track, yet most of the songs are upbeat. It is hard to find that combination. This is one of my favorite cd's in my jazz collection. You will love every song. The cd is full of variety yet very uniform in it's contemporary feel. While on a cruise to the Bahama's a few years ago, the ship played this cd on its closed circuit station. That says alot!

Track Listing
1. Timbuktu
2. Aruban Nights
3. Just Talk to Me
4. Interlude
5. Feel Like Makin' Love
6. Jubilee
7. Checkin'
8. Moment in Time, A
9. Steppin'
10. 3 Minute Samba
11. Midnight Creeper
12. Inner Peace

 

[Dennie]

All Natural Ingredients -- CD

Fattburger

1996 Shanachie Records

Fattburger-mmm good! October 1, 2001
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD

Boy, is this fattburger album awesome! My roomate and I listen to it all of the time. It's "fatt" and funky. I gave it four stars because of the cover of "oye como va". It just wasn't smooth enough for me. This album just makes you want to sit down, relax, and hear the sounds of fatt coming through my stereo. Hot dog! This is the type of awesome stuff that makes me want to get funky.

P.S.

Love the album cover!

Album Tracks

1. So Far So What
2. Everybody Wants To Rule The World
3. The Grip
4. Oye Como Va
5. 100% Fatt
6. Do That Again
7. Lo-Cal Swing
8. Coronado
9. 'Till Then
10. The Good Life

 

[Dennie]

Changes In Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes -- CD

Jimmy Buffett

1977/1987 MCA Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Buffett sold his promise as a real-world singer-songwriter God knows how many boats ago, but 1977's Changes remains one of his last stands before plunging into a sea of parrotheads, "Fins," and personal empire building. "Margaritaville" was the deceptively lighthearted hit, but Steve Goodman's "Banana Republics" and the title tune also raised an eyebrow at the worlds Buffett encountered in his 100-proof-fueled travels. Yet soon the empire would overtake the wit and ego would subsume his creative reach. --Rickey Wright

1. "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" Buffett 3:15
2. "Wonder Why We Ever Go Home" Buffett 3:51
3. "Banana Republics" Burgh/Goodman/Rothermel 5:11
4. "Tampico Trauma" Buffett 4:35
5. "Lovely Cruise" Johnathan Baham 3:54
6. "Margaritaville" Buffett 4:09
7. "In the Shelter" Buffett 4:00
8. "Miss You So Badly" Buffett/Taylor 3:41
9. "Biloxi" Winchester 5:38
10. "Landfall" Buffett 3:14

 

[Dennie]

Singers & Songwrites Vol. 1 -- CD

Various Artists

2001 Warner Special Products

Original artists and hits.

Track List:

1 - A Horse with No Name - America (4:06)
2 - American Pie - Don McLean (8:32)
3 - Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin (3:44)
4 - Make It with You - Bread (3:09)
5 - Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce (2:25)
6 - Anticipation - Carly Simon (3:18)
7 - Get Closer - Seals and Crofts (3:55)
8 - Ooh Baby Baby - Linda Ronstadt (3:15)
9 - At Seventeen - Janis Ian (3:55)
10 - City of New Orleans - Arlo Guthrie (4:28)
11 - Everybody's Talkin' - Nilsson (2:43)
12 - Hello It's Me - Todd Rundgren (3:37)

 

[Dennie]

Deep Into It -- CD

Larry Carlton

2001 Warner Bros. Records

Some of jazz' finest musicians join guitarist Larry Carlton on Deep Into It, his second CD as a leader for the Warner Bros. Jazz label. Carlton wrote six new songs for this offering, and covers such songs as "Put It Where You Want It," written by Joe Sample, and the Stevie Winwood hit "Roll With It." Accompanying musicians are Chris Potter on saxophone and Billy Kilson on drums, both known primarily for their work with the Dave Holland Quintet; Harvey Mason, who holds down the rhythm logic on "I Still Believe"; and smooth jazz phenom Kirk Whalum, who turns in a great solo on the title track, on tenor saxophone. The two tenor saxophonists are highly capable in different approaches, and Carlton makes good use of both Potter and Whalum throughout the program. R&B hitmaker Shai lends his soulful vocals to "I Can't Tell You Why," and truly gives the Eagles' mega-hit a fresh interpretation with his one-of-a-kind artistry. Carlton's updated interpretations are a nice mixture of smooth, pop, and jazz guitar stylings, making for very creative listening on the beautiful "Closer to Home." His mellow tones and picking techniques are but two of the most fetching aspects of this work, as well as his new phrasings and smooth sound. These characteristics -- tone, phrasings, the shape of his underlying musical ideas, and the ability to connect emotionally with the listener -- are a few of the differences between Deep Into It and Carlton's previous effort, Fingerprints, and are all solid reasons for adding this CD to your smooth jazz collection. ~ Paula Edelstein

Track Listing
1. Put It Where You Want It
2. Deep into It
3. Don't Break My Heart
4. I Still Believe - (featuring Wendy Moten)
5. Morning Magic
6. It's a Groove Thang
7. Closer to Home
8. I Can't Tell You Why - (featuring Shai)
9. Like Butta'
10. Roll with It
11. Put It Where You Want It - (Extended Version)

 

[Dennie]

Back On The Block -- CD

Quincy Jones

1989 Qwest Records

1989's BACK ON THE BLOCK is a producer's record in every sense of the word. Although he produced and arranged every track, Quincy Jones is rarely front and center on his own album. Instead, every track is jazzed up--and souled up and rocked up and popped up--by a galaxy of guest stars. The range is remarkable; any album that can bring together Ella Fitzgerald and Ice-T has to have something going for it. That something is Jones's uncanny ability to match artists and songs; few other producers would have thought of a Ray Charles and Chaka Khan duet, and having that song be the exhilarating "I'll Be Good To You" is just lagniappe. Jones's jazz roots show proudly throughout, most particularly on the slinky bossa nova groove of "Septembro (Brazilian Wedding Song)" and the celebratory tribute "Birdland." However, BACK ON THE BLOCK is really a concept album about the 20th century evolution of African-American music.


1 "Prologue (2Q's Rap)" Big Daddy Kane, Jones 1:04
2 "Back on the Block" Jones, Rod Temperton, Siedah Garrett, Caiphus Semenya, Ice-T, Melle Mel, Kane, Kool Moe Dee 6:34
3 "I Don't Go for That" Ian Prince 5:11
4 "I'll Be Good to You" George Johnson, Louis Johnson, Sonora Sam 4:54
5 "The Verb To Be (Introduction to Wee B. Dooinit)" Mervyn Warren 0:29
6 "Wee B. Dooinit (Acapella Party by the Human Bean Band)" Jones, Garrett, Ian Prince 3:34
7 "The Places You Find Love" Glen Ballard, Clif Magness, Caiphus Semenya 6:25
8 "Jazz Corner of the World (Introduction to "Birdland")" Kane, Dee 2:54
9 "Birdland" Joe Zawinul 5:33
10 "Setembro (Brazilian Wedding Song)" Ivan Lins, Gilson Peranzzetta 5:05
11 "One Man Woman" Garrett, Ian Prince, Harriet Roberts 3:44
12 "Tomorrow (A Better You, Better Me)" George Johnson, Louis Johnson, Garrett, 4:46
13 "Prelude to the Garden" Jorge Calandrelli 0:54
14 "The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)" Jones, Temperton, Garrett, El DeBarge 6:41

 

[Dennie]

Benny In Brussels - Vol. 1 & 2 -- Remastered CD

Benny Goodman

1958/2001 Columbia/Collectibles Records

Classic Benny, Rare Recording January 9, 2002
By Mark Borchers
Format:Audio CD

The availability of this CD is great news for fans of the King of Swing. You won't see this hard-to-find set at your local superstore.

These recordings were made during the World's Fair in Brussels around 1958. Benny put an orchestra together to play in the American pavillion. According to the liner notes, it was a tremedous hit and gave a tremendous boost to America's languishing reputation in the arts.

The significant thing about this recording is that it's classic Goodman style, but the recording quality is light years better than the recordings you've heard from his heyday in the '30's and '40's. The band is crisp and driving, and Benny's virtuoso solos show even more artistry, if possible, than his earlier material. Benny's version of "One O'Clock Jump" would make Count Basie proud, and by itself makes the CD worth buying.

This CD is a fantastic find for Goodman fans - don't miss it!

1. Let's Dance
2. Don't Be That Way
3. Hallelujah
4. Obsession
5. Brussels Blues
6. More Than You Know
7. The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise
8. Jubilee
9. Roll 'Em
10. Stealin' Apples
11. Memories of You
12. Balkan Mixed Grill
13. Gershwin Medley: The Man I Love/Oh, Lady Be Good/Somebody Loves Me
14. St. Louis Blues
15. Mr. Five by Five
16. March of the Belgian Paratroops
17. One O'Clock Jump
18. Goodbye

 

[heeman]

On a Meat Loaf Kick Lately............