What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

The Door -- CD

Keb' Mo'

2000 Epic Records

Amazon.com

Singer-guitarist Kevin Moore, known by his slangy abbreviation Keb' Mo', has already enjoyed commercial success. He's cut radio hits like "I Was Wrong," toured with Bonnie Raitt, and won Grammys for his last two albums. Yet this time, Moore's truly nailed his blues-pop ambitions with a warm mix of sonics and songcraft. The Door wraps spare arrangements around Moore's bone-deep slide guitar and the slow-granite foundation of drummer Jim Keltner and bassist Reggie McBride. They catch the spirit of the music's simple country roots, but spin savvy moves like updating Elmore James's "It Hurts Me Too" with a hip-hop groove that flies. Moore has also penned wise, sweetly emotional lyrics. He weaves themes like class-consciousness (the star-crossed love ode "Anyway") and poverty of the spirit ("Change") into heart-tugging ballads colored by the chocolate-y Mississippi moan of his voice. Add in flourishes of electric jazz guitar and some nasty rock tones, and this tallies up as his most ambitious, balanced CD. But shouldn't he have called it The Do'? --Ted Drozdowski

All songs written by Kevin Moore (Keb' Mo') unless otherwise noted.

"The Door"
"Loola Loo"
"It Hurts Me Too"
"Come On Back"
"Stand Up (And Be Strong)"
"Anyway"
"Don't You Know"
"It's All Coming Back"
"Gimme What You Got"
"Mommy Can I Come Home"
"Change"
"The Beginning"

 

[Dennie]

Blues for the Soul -- SACD

Mighty Sam McClain

2000 Telarc Blues

Amazon.com

All those young up-and-comers who think they know how to sing R&B and soul should really get themselves a dose of Mighty Sam McClain. The man waited years to record any albums (though there were a few singles in the 1960s), but it's been worth the wait. Blues for the Soul is McClain's first for Telarc Records, and it's a near-perfect debut. The slower, lazier songs are ideal for the heat of summer, but one could just as easily imagine listening to McClain in a dark, smoky nightclub in November. His voice is strong, but so smooth that at first you don't notice, and his backing band knows exactly how to support him; they're tight and on the money, but never overwhelming. McClain's perspective is quirky, yet mature, as exemplified by "Jesus Got the Blues" and "Sweet Lady" (in the latter, he sings the praises of smart women--recognizing that beauty's a transient thing, but brains last a lifetime). While there's no doubt he's passionate about his music, McClain's solid record is all the more appealing for its unassuming presentation. --Genevieve Williams

Track listing

1. All We Need Is Love
2. Dark Side of the Street
3. Love One Another
4. Going Back to New Orleans
5. No One Can Take Your Place
6. Jesus Got the Blues
7. Sweet Lady
8. Battlefield of Love
9. Mighty's Prayer
10. Sing Me Some Blues
11. Can't Stand It
12. Not I

 

[Dennie]

Southland of the Heart -- 20 Bit CD

Maria Muldaur

1998 Telarc Records

Gospel According to Maria Muldaur, January 21, 2002
By Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Southland of the Heart (Audio CD)

This is a great set of Muldaur songs, tinged with her gospel influences and religious understandings. "Ring Me Up" opens with a propulsive beat, bright background vocals & an addictive melody to make it a great CD opener. "Get Up, Get Ready" is a slow jazz gospel, "I'm gonna see my friends, I'm gonna see my Savior when this highway finally ends." The title track is a bit softer with horns and an interesting lyric, "When the sun comes up an enemy & nothing gives you shame." "Latersville" is a smoky jazz homage to good times late at night. It's got a great electric guitar part. Cymbals tap on the slow, passionate "Think About You." "There's A Devil on the Loose" is a peppy number with a laundry list of the world's ills including teenage pregnancy, murder and drugs. "Fool's Paradise" is a driving jazz blast. A beautiful piano plays as Maria sings, "I want to spend my life loving you" on "One Short Life." "If I Were You" is a soulful tease with a great beat, "No one will love you like I do." "Someday When We're Both Alone" is a slow mournful blues about unrequited love. "Blues Gives a Lesson" is a slow lounge tune that sways, "You might be a playboy, a big time Romeo." Maria Muldaur is in great voice with great soul jazz gospel influences. Enjoy!

Track listing

1. Ring Me Up
2. Get up, Get Ready
3. Southland of the Heart
4. Latersville
5. Think About You
6. There's a Devil on the Loose
7. Fool's Paradise
8. One Short Life
9. If I Were You
10. Someday When We're Both Alone
11. Blues Gives a Lesson

 

[mzpro5]

 

[mzpro5]

 

[Dennie]

One of my favorite Sunday Mornin' albums......

Downright Upright -- CD

Brian Bromberg

2007 Artistry Records

Amazon.com

Long before the coining of "smooth jazz," catchy numbers like Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island," Joe Zawinul's "Mercy Mercy Mercy," and the Les McCann-Eddie Harris tune "Cold Duck Soup" enticed pop fans to cross over, however casually or tentatively, into jazz. Now, on veteran bassist Brian Bromberg's Downright Upright, those three songs are vehicles for name-brand smooth jazz players including saxophonists Kirk Whalum, Boney James and Gary Meek, keyboardists George Duke and Jeff Lorber, guitarist Lee Ritenour and trumpeter Rick Braun to do a little crossing back of sorts to show off their mainstream chops. Nobody will confuse the facility of their straightahead solos with real depth, however much emotion they pour into them. But it's an agreeable excursion for all concerned, with Bromberg making the most of his opportunities to lay down melodic lines. Even after the cover versions give way to originals in the same vein, the music stays lively. --Lloyd Sachs
Track listing

1. Cantaloupe Island
2. Mercy Mercy Mercy
3. Cold Duck Time
4. Sunday Mornin'
5. Hacha Cha Cha, The
6. Chameleon
7. Serengeti Walk
8. Leisure Suit
9. Slow Burn
10. Shag Carpet

 

[Dennie]

In His Hands -- CD

Gene Harris

1997 Concord Jazz

"The Devil's Music" meets the Lord's, September 16, 2000
By Tim Smith "Tim Smith" (Bonney Lake, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In His Hands (Audio CD)
Is this a jazz or gospel CD? The answer is: yes. Nothing challenging here, just some praiseworthy good times. If you have been fortunate enough to attend church meetings with keyboardists like the late (and greatly-missed) Gene Harris or Jack McDuff, then you know what much of the shouting is about at those big revival meetings. I'm a big Gene Harris fan and he was in fine form here, swinging particularly hard on "Battle Hymn of the Republic", "This Little Light of Mine" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." It's obvious that Gene loved and was comfortable with this music and these songs. The two biggest surprises for me (both pleasant) were "Amazing Grace" and "(Jesus Keeps Me) Near the Cross". When I first heard"Amazing Grace", I was sure it was Ray Charles. Vocalist Curtis Stigers does a beautifully soulful job on this timeless classic while Gene plays some very bluesy piano. "(Jesus Keeps Me) Near the Cross" is a duet between McDuff and Harris that brought back memories of my childhood. I was taken back to the days when I would be home from school and my mother would listen to Gospel radio all morning while she did her chores. How I would have liked to have heard Gene play "The Old Rugged Cross"!

When I first listened to this CD, I was slightly disappointed. I realized later, however, that the disappointment was due to my preconceived notions of what I thought the CD would be like. Once I accepted it for what Gene wanted it to be and not what I thought it would be, I grew to like it. Now, I listen to it quite often.

If you are under the impression that Gospel music is boring or that jazz can't be done reverently, give this a listen and be disabused of that impression. If you're a Gene Harris fan, you'll enjoy this effort.

Track listing

1. Lean On Me
2. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
3. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
4. Everything Must Change
5. Amazing Grace
6. Lord I've Tried
7. Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross
8. This Little Light Of Mine
9. Operator
10. His Eye Is On The Sparrow
11. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
12. Grampa's Hands

...Harris dedicates himself to this, his 'dream' project, with his not inconsiderable powers of pianistic persuasions and the results are exceedingly joyous....a highly successful blend of blues, jazz and gospel that ought to clear out those cobwebs of the soul.
JazzTimes (10/01/1997)

 

[heeman]

:bow-blue:

 

[Dennie]

:bow-blue:

.................. :text-bravo:



Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Greatest Hits -- CD

Bill Withers

1990 Columbia Records

Amazon.com

Bill Withers has written two bona fide classics ("Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me"), recorded a slew of memorable hits, and had songs covered by everyone from Joe Cocker to Isaac Hayes to Kiss. Still, he's underappreciated. His voice is smooth, his singing is subtle, and his songs move along over sinuous, sexy grooves. It's all so effortless that it's easy to overlook how substantial Withers's work really is. Never flashy, his best songs burn with a heat that lingers long after the last note has been played. This slender 10-track collection brings together a few songs from his remarkable early-'70s Sussex albums, including such hits and near hits as "Grandma's Hands," "Who Is He? (And What Is He to You?)," and the seriously funky "Use Me," as well as some gems from the later '70s (including "Lovely Day"). Greatest Hits is a nice, succinct introduction to Withers's work, but fans would be better off with the more complete Lean on Me career overview. --Percy Keegan

Track listing

1. Just the Two of Us
2. Use Me
3. Ain't No Sunshine
4. Lovely Day
5. I Want to Spend the Night
6. Soul Shadows
7. Lean on Me
8. Grandma's Hands
9. Hello Like Before
10. Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?

 

[Dennie]

Two Men With The Blues -- CD

Willie Nelson / Wynton Marsalis

2008 Blue Note Records

Historic: American Masters at Play July 9, 2008
By Dr. Debra Jan Bibel TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Everyone knew that this summit of master musicians would be special. The session was recently broadcast on National Public Radio's Jazz at Lincoln Center, and as we already have an Amazon video excerpt of the event, we can expect to see the entire meeting on PBS, with DVD as pledge gift. The CD, however, has had the opportunity for further electronic mixing and improvements by Delfeayo Marsalis and Jeff Jones. So what can we say about the quality of the music and the personalities? How many superlatives are there? But you first must be a Willie Nelson fan and you must be a jazz enthusiast who honors Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Jazz folk for their precision and urban sophisticated development of New Orleans roots. Thus if you are among that very large number of music lovers, you must own this recording. Even the insert notes and photos are nicely done. As for the selections, we have Nelson's own oft recorded theme song, Georgia on My Mind, and we also have Stardust, which was included in the album of the same title that demonstrated that Nelson was more than a country singer; indeed that album is his all-time best seller. I, however, enjoyed Rainy Day Blues and the other tunes that follow, which are what the album is supposed to be about: the blues. This album is simply fun. You will love it.


"Bright Lights Big City" – 5:20
"Night Life" – 5:44
"Caldonia" – 3:25
"Stardust" – 5:08
"Basin Street Blues" – 4:56
"Georgia On My Mind" – 4:40
"Rainy Day Blues" – 5:43
"My Bucket's Got a Hole In It" (Williams) – 4:56
"Ain't Nobody's Business" – 7:27
"That's All" (Merle Travis) – 6:08

 

[Dennie]

Into White -- CD

Carly Simon

2007 Columbia Records

Amazon.com

For a CD with a lot of soft songs on it--"Scarborough Fair," "Over the Rainbow," "You Are My Sunshine"--Into White sends a loud message, that being: when you're as important an artist as Carly Simon, you can pretty much sing what you want, which accounts for this disc's genre confusion. Part kids' record, part under-the-covers project, Into White feels a little like it went for a toss in the Simon residence's salad spinner; "Oh! Susanna," which has rarely sounded sweeter, is followed by a beautiful reading of the Beatles' poetic "Blackbird," which segues into a family sing-along to ex-husband James Taylor's classic "You Can Close Your Eyes" (son and daughter Ben and Sally Taylor pitch in on harmonies). Deciding whether to play it on the way to morning kindergarten or during brunch for your mellow sweetheart, then, can be brutal. But the choice to buy it or bypass it shouldn't be. Simon, vocally sure-footed as ever, wicks the warmth out of every last track and directs it with pinpoint precision to her listeners--nobody does music as comfort food better. Perhaps nobody knows how to pluck from her own catalog better, either: closing this artful jumble of a late-career disc is the abominably under-appreciated but gorgeous "Love of My Life," from the largely forgotten 1992 film This is My Life. --Tammy La Gorce

"Into White" — 2:49
"Oh! Susanna" — 2:58
"Blackbird" — 2:30
"You Can Close Your Eyes" (with Sally Taylor) — 3:21
"Quiet Evening" — 4:22
"Manhã de Carnaval" — 2:22
"Jamaica Farewell" — 3:29
"You Are My Sunshine" — 2:36
"I Gave My Love a Cherry (The Riddle Song)" — 2:51
"Devoted to You/All I Have to Do Is Dream" — 2:58
"Scarborough Fair" — 3:38
"Over the Rainbow" — 2:24
"Love of My Life" — 2:54
"I'll Just Remember You" — 2:24

 

[Dennie]

Healing Hands of Time -- CD

Willie Nelson

1994 Liberty Records

Willie Nelson has crossed the borderline between musical genres countless times over his illustrious career. Initially he precipitated a rebellion against those who would dictate what a country record was supposed to sound like. Now fully established in country music as both a songwriter and a singer--having personally defined the outlaw sound--he broke through to the pop market in the late '70s with his mega hit STARDUST, a luminous collection of standards.

In a way, the lush orchestral charts of Nelson's nostalgic HEALING HANDS OF TIME mark a return to the clarity and wisdom of STARDUST, the big difference being that more than half of these standards are classics penned by Nelson himself--songs so imbued with lyrical craftmanship and emotional urgency that they can stand proudly next to the work of America's most esteemed songwriters.

Nelson's wistful classic of longing, loss and betrayal, "Funny How Time Slips Away," became a phenomenal single for Joe Hinton; the same goes for "Crazy," which was Patsy Cline's biggest hit. Both songs receive tender, forlorn readings from Nelson, goosed along by the gentle urgings of a 60-piece orchestra. Nelson offers a definitive reading of "Night Life," which is to Willie what "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)" is to Sinatra, while his poignant title tune tugs at the heartstrings like Hank Williams. And his earnest interpretations of "All The Things That You Are" and "I'll Be Seeing You" are the stuff dreams are made of.

Track Listing:

1. "Funny How Time Slips Away" - 5:30
2. "Crazy" - 3:30
3. "Night Life" - 3:56
4. "Healing Hands of Time" - 3:45
5. "(How Will I Know) I'm Falling in Love Again" - 4:14
6. "All the Things You Are" - 2:51
7. "Oh, What I Seemed to Be" - 3:21
8. "If I Had My Way" - 3:23
9. "I'll Be Seeing You" - 3:02
10. "There Are Worse Things Than Being Alone" - 4:08

 

[Dennie]

Legend - The Best of -- Remastered CD

Bob Marley and the Wailers

2002 Def Jam Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Even as greatest hits packages go, this is an utter gem. Every song is inspired, in a class of its own, whether the real version of "I Shot the Sheriff," the hymnlike "No Woman, No Cry," or the sheer joy of "Jamming." Even allowing that Marley never wrote any bad material, then Legend is still the crème de la crème, the heart and soul of the Jamaican people packed into one five-inch compact disc. He was unique, and the message of this record, more than any other, is that he died far too soon. --Chris Nickson

"Is This Love" – 3:52
"No Woman, No Cry" (Live) (Vincent Ford) – 7:07
"Could You Be Loved" – 3:55
"Three Little Birds" – 3:00
"Buffalo Soldier" (Bob Marley/Noel G. "King Sporty" Williams) – 4:17
"Get Up, Stand Up" (Bob Marley/Peter Tosh) – 3:16
"Stir It Up" – 5:33
"Easy Skanking" – 2:57 (bonus track on original cassette edition/2002 reissue)
"One Love/People Get Ready" (Bob Marley/Curtis Mayfield) – 2:51
"I Shot the Sheriff" – 4:41
"Waiting in Vain" – 4:15
"Redemption Song" – 3:49
"Satisfy My Soul" – 4:32
"Exodus" – 7:36
"Jamming" – 3:31
"Punky Reggae Party" –6:52 (bonus track on original cassette edition/2002 reissue)

 

[Dennie]

Right On Time -- CD

Hepcat

2004 Hellcat Records

RIGHT ON TIME is the third release from Hepcat, the eminently soulful nine-piece ska collective. From the title cut's opening groove, the group plays it smooth. The same song features an answering machine message in which singer Greg Lee's father declares that the band is "on time" and downright "scientific." This likable 13-song collection has a sound true to ska's forbears and colored by touches of jazz, swing, and big band.
"The Secret" unfurls its musical tapestry with the ease and smoothness of an island wave. "Pharoah's Dreams" is a warm, up-tempo jazz-meets-ska piece. "Tommy's Song" continues in a jazzier vein, with pleasing Ellingtonian flavorings. "Together Someday" is a doo-wop number, while "Goodbye Street," "Rudies All Around," and "Mama Used to Say" will please listeners seeking a reggae fill.

Track Listing
1. Right on Time
2. I Can't Wait
3. Goodbye Street
4. Secret, The - (Patois)
5. Pharoah's Dreams
6. No Worries
7. Mama Used to Say
8. Rudies All Around
9. Tommy's Song
10. Nigel
11. Together Someday
12. Baby Blues
13. Open Season...Is Closed
14. (Untitled) - (hidden track)

 

[Dennie]

Jazzmatazz -- CD

Guru featuring Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd, Ronny Jordan, Lonnie Liston Smith & More

1993 Chrysalis Records

Amazon.com essentials

After rhyming over Premier's doctored jazz beats in Gang Starr, Guru decided to take it to the next level, employing the talents of actual jazz musicians to create the grooves over which he would flow. Coming off like a jazzier extension of the Brand New Heavies' Heavy Rhyme Experience: Vol. 1, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 brought together a diverse group of jazz cats both old-school and new, including Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd, Lonnie Liston Smith, Ronny Jordan, and Courtney Pine. Guru even enlisted the serene pipes of Carleen Anderson and N'Dea Davenport and acted as something of an international hip-hop ambassador when he flipped "Le Bien, Le Mal" with French mic pro MC Solaar. From the Blue Note-style cover art to the hepcat spoken-word intro, this package is pure hip-hop jazz music. Jazz purists may wish to note that the grooves lean heavily toward the funkier 1970s era of jazz, and hardcore hip-hop heads my be turned off by the mellower musical stance. But then again, this is neither pure jazz nor hardcore hip-hop but rather an extension of the two. --Spence Abbott

"Introduction" – 1:20
"Loungin'" (with Donald Byrd on trumpet and piano) – 4:38
"When You're Near" (with N'Dea Davenport on vocals and Simon Law on keyboards) – 4:02
"Transit Ride" (with Branford Marsalis on alto and soprano saxophone and Zachary Breaux on guitar) – 3:58
"No Time to Play" (with Ronny Jordan on guitar and D. C. Lee on vocals) – 4:54
"Down the Backstreets" (with Lonnie Liston Smith on acoustic and electric piano) – 4:47
"Respectful Dedications" - :54
"Take a Look (At Yourself)" (with Roy Ayers on vibraphone) – 3:59
"Trust Me" (with N'Dea Davenport on vocals) – 4:27
"Slicker Than Most" (with Gary Barnacle on saxophone and flute) – 2:36
"Le Bien, Le Mal" (with MC Solaar) – 3:21
"Sights in the City" (with Courtney Pine on alto and soprano sax and flute, Carleen Anderson on vocals and Simon Law on keyboards) – 5:10

 

[Dennie]

My last one before switching to the Olympics......

God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise -- CD

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs

2010 RCA Records

Grammy nominated and critically acclaimed, Ray LaMontagne returns with his anticipated fourth studio album, God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise. Entirely self produced (for the first time) the album was recorded in two weeks at LaMontagne's home in the woods of western Massachusetts. The newly restored historic home served as a homemade recording studio for Ray and his fellow musicians. With Ray's vocals at the forefront of the songs and a loose, almost live sounding recording, the album stands as a testament to a band at the height of their powers. The newly coined 'Pariah Dogs', consists of Jay Bellarose (drums), Jennifer Condos (bass), Patrick Warren (keyboard), Eric Heywood (guitar) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar). Individually these musicians have contributed to the live work of such heralded musicians including Beck, Joe Henry, Tom Waits, Lucinda Wlliams, Ryan Adams and Joe Cocker to name a few of their career highlights. Together with Ray they shared a sense that the sessions for this record were rare and extraordinary.

1. "Repo Man" 6:08
2. "New York City's Killing Me" 4:13
3. "God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise" 3:10
4. "Beg Steal or Borrow" 4:32
5. "Are We Really Through" 4:59
6. "This Love Is Over" 3:30
7. "Old Before Your Time" 4:04
8. "For the Summer" 3:52
9. "Like Rock & Roll and Radio" 6:05
10. "Devil's in the Jukebox" 3:59

 

[heeman]

Track Listings

1. Chuck E.'s In Love
2. On Saturday Afternoons In 1963
3. Night Train
4. Young Blood
5. Easy Money
6. Last Chance Texaco
7. Danny's All-star Joint
8. Coolsville
9. Weasel and The White Boys Cool
10. Company
11. After Hours (Twelve Bars Past Goodnight)

 

[Dennie]

Track Listings

1. Chuck E.'s In Love
2. On Saturday Afternoons In 1963
3. Night Train
4. Young Blood
5. Easy Money
6. Last Chance Texaco
7. Danny's All-star Joint
8. Coolsville
9. Weasel and The White Boys Cool
10. Company
11. After Hours (Twelve Bars Past Goodnight)

Great choice Keith, I really enjoy that album!!! :handgestures-thumbup:



Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Curves Ahead -- CD

The Rippingtons

1991 GRP Records

my favorite jazz cd-by far., June 14, 1999
By erwin moritz @ erv66@hotmail.com (wilkes-barre, PA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Curves Ahead (Audio CD)

Of the many jazz cds I own, including 5 other Rippingtons cds, this is the one I always can listen to straight through, over and over. It's clean and has no vocals. It has wonderful rich tunes that come alive and move. I've played this cd for three of my friends-they all bought it.

"Curves Ahead" - 5:39
"Aspen" - 5:28
"Santa Fe Trail" - 5:14
"Take Me With You" - 5:34
"North Star" - 5:24
"Miles Away" - 5:17
"Snowbound" - 4:51
"Nature of the Beast" - 6:21
"Morning Song" - 4:09