What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Live In America -- 2 CD Box Set

Neil Diamond

1994 Columbia Records

He's still got it..., March 3, 2005
By R. Cusick "drumz2006" (Norwood, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Live in America (Audio CD)

Yes, I am going to defend this cd. Seems like everyone on here trashes it. I have Gold, Hot August Night 1+2, and while this isn't as good as those; it's not as bad as everyone claims it to be. For a sixty year old, Neil can still sing. He's a little more gravily at times, but his energy makes up for that. The collection of songs is great. He does a lot of his older, upbeat tunes. I bought this on Amazon used for $2! For this price, how can you not afford to give it a chance?

Track Listing

DISC 1:

1. America
2. Hello Again
3. Kentucky Woman
4. You Got to Me
5. Cherry, Cherry
6. I'm a Believer
7. Sweet Caroline
8. Love on the Rocks
9. Hooked on the Memory of You
10. Lady Oh
11. Beautiful Noise
12. Play Me
13. Up on the Roof
14. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
15. River Deep, Mountain High
16. I (Who Have Nothing)

DISC 2:

1. Missa
2. Soolaimon
3. Holly Holy
4. And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind
5. You Don't Bring Me Flowers
6. September Morn'
7. Havah Nagila
8. Solitary Man
9. Red, Red Wine
10. Song Sung Blue
11. Forever in Blue Jeans
12. Heartlight
13. Cracklin' Rosie
14. I Am...I Said
15. Crunchy Granola Suite
16. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show

 

[Dennie]

Look Sharp! -- Remastered CD

Joe Jackson

1979/2001 A&M Records

Awesome remastering of a landmark album August 14, 2001
By doublehighc
Format:Audio CD

The new Joe Jackson CD reissues of "Look Sharp!" and "I'm The Man" are paradigms of CD remastering. Hats off to reissue producer Mike Ragogna, remastering guru Erick Labson, and the rest of the reissue team for a superb job!

If you like these albums, these reissues have everything you could want - dramatically improved sound, non-album B-sides as bonus tracks, expanded album art, full lyrics, new liner notes, and a mid-range price.

This was Joe Jackson's debut album and it still sounds great over 20 years later. This is the one with "Is She Really Going Out With Him?", but just about all the songs on it are excellent. Softer songs like the reggae-ish "Fools In Love" especially benefit from the wonderful remastering job - you can hear every bit of the interplay between the Joe and his 3-piece band.

More please!

Track Listing
1. One More Time
2. Sunday Papers
3. Is She Really Going out With Him?
4. Happy Loving Couples
5. Throw It Away
6. Baby Stick Around
7. Look Sharp!
8. Fools in Love
9. (Do The) Instant Mash
10. Pretty Girls
11. Got the Time
12. Don't Ask Me - (bonus track)
13. You Got the Fever - (bonus track)

 

[Dennie]

Days of Future Passed -- Remastered CD

The Moody Blues with The London Festival Orchestra Conducted by Peter Knight

1967/1997 Deram/Decca Records

One of the best albums, January 27, 2008
By B. B. Bridenbaugh "KingNot" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Days of Future Passed (Audio CD)

A musical album based around a day, and all its extrapolations. Youth to age, innocence to love, joy to sadness... In short, life expressed in a day. We've all heard parts of this played to excess, most notably Tuesday Afternoon and Knights in White Satin, but to truly be experienced this album should be played in its entirety.

Side one1.

The Day Begins: (5:50)

"The Day Begins" (Peter Knight & The Moody Blues) - (4:08)
"Morning Glory" (Graeme Edge) [unlisted track] - (1:42)

2. Dawn: (3:48)

(Intro) (Peter Knight) [unlisted track] - (0:38)
"Dawn is a Feeling" (Mike Pinder) - (3:10)

3. The Morning: (3:55)

(Intro) (Peter Knight) [unlisted track] - (0:21)
"Another Morning" (Ray Thomas) - (3:34)

4. Lunch Break: (5:33)

(Intro) (Peter Knight) - (1:53)
"Peak Hour" (John Lodge) - (3:40)

Side two

5. The Afternoon: (8:23)

"Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?)" (Justin Hayward) - (5:06)
"(Evening) Time to Get Away" (Lodge) [unlisted track] - (3:17)

6. Evening: (6:40)

(Intro) (Peter Knight) [unlisted track] - (0:38)
"The Sunset" (Pinder) - (2:39)
"Twilight Time" (Thomas) - (3:23)

7. The Night: (7:24)

"Nights in White Satin" (Hayward) - (5:38)
"Late Lament" (Graeme Edge) [unlisted track] - (1:46)

 

[No-L]

Live In America -- 2 CD Box Set

Neil Diamond

1994 Columbia Records

He's still got it..., March 3, 2005
By R. Cusick "drumz2006" (Norwood, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Live in America (Audio CD)

Yes, I am going to defend this cd. Seems like everyone on here trashes it. I have Gold, Hot August Night 1+2, and while this isn't as good as those; it's not as bad as everyone claims it to be. For a sixty year old, Neil can still sing. He's a little more gravily at times, but his energy makes up for that. The collection of songs is great. He does a lot of his older, upbeat tunes. I bought this on Amazon used for $2! For this price, how can you not afford to give it a chance?

Track Listing

DISC 1:

1. America
2. Hello Again
3. Kentucky Woman
4. You Got to Me
5. Cherry, Cherry
6. I'm a Believer
7. Sweet Caroline
8. Love on the Rocks
9. Hooked on the Memory of You
10. Lady Oh
11. Beautiful Noise
12. Play Me
13. Up on the Roof
14. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
15. River Deep, Mountain High
16. I (Who Have Nothing)

DISC 2:

1. Missa
2. Soolaimon
3. Holly Holy
4. And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind
5. You Don't Bring Me Flowers
6. September Morn'
7. Havah Nagila
8. Solitary Man
9. Red, Red Wine
10. Song Sung Blue
11. Forever in Blue Jeans
12. Heartlight
13. Cracklin' Rosie
14. I Am...I Said
15. Crunchy Granola Suite
16. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! Lol
Neil is one of my all-time favorites! I've seen him in concert twice. I've been a fan of his all my life!

 

[Dennie]

Live In America -- 2 CD Box Set

Neil Diamond

1994 Columbia Records

He's still got it..., March 3, 2005
By R. Cusick "drumz2006" (Norwood, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Live in America (Audio CD)

Yes, I am going to defend this cd. Seems like everyone on here trashes it. I have Gold, Hot August Night 1+2, and while this isn't as good as those; it's not as bad as everyone claims it to be. For a sixty year old, Neil can still sing. He's a little more gravily at times, but his energy makes up for that. The collection of songs is great. He does a lot of his older, upbeat tunes. I bought this on Amazon used for $2! For this price, how can you not afford to give it a chance?

Track Listing

DISC 1:

1. America
2. Hello Again
3. Kentucky Woman
4. You Got to Me
5. Cherry, Cherry
6. I'm a Believer
7. Sweet Caroline
8. Love on the Rocks
9. Hooked on the Memory of You
10. Lady Oh
11. Beautiful Noise
12. Play Me
13. Up on the Roof
14. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
15. River Deep, Mountain High
16. I (Who Have Nothing)

DISC 2:

1. Missa
2. Soolaimon
3. Holly Holy
4. And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind
5. You Don't Bring Me Flowers
6. September Morn'
7. Havah Nagila
8. Solitary Man
9. Red, Red Wine
10. Song Sung Blue
11. Forever in Blue Jeans
12. Heartlight
13. Cracklin' Rosie
14. I Am...I Said
15. Crunchy Granola Suite
16. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! Lol
Neil is one of my all-time favorites! I've seen him in concert twice. I've been a fan of his all my life!

I know, Right? I grew up with my Mom Lovin' Neil and playin' his albums. :banana-dance:

Its like I've known him all my life! :handgestures-thumbup:



Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Emotion & Commotion -- CD

Jeff Beck

2010 ATCO Records

Wow! April 13, 2010
By Satchmo
Format:Audio CD

"Emotion and Commotion" is Jeff Beck's much-anticipated new release. Clocking in at just about 40 minutes, there is no wasted space on the disc. I will not go through track by track, as the other reviewers have done a nice job summarizing each song. Basically on this album, Beck leaves behind the high-powered techno and electronica flavors of his previous albums "Jeff," "You Had It Coming" and "Who Else" and goes for a more laid-back, worldly groove of classic rock fusion with classical undertones. Besides his amazing tone, these songs are wonderful. The covers are arranged well and tastefully done. Anyone who can transition from the beautiful "Somewhere over the Rainbow" to Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put A Spell On You" and back to Jeff Buckley's "Lilac Wine" and make it cohesive within the album is doing something right. The Beck originals, "Hammerhead" and "Serene" are also well-written.

I recently started listening to Jeff Beck a couple years ago. I admit that I am a newcomer to his music. As a guitar player, I cannot even begin to comprehend Beck's tone and virtuoso skills. I am blown away by what he is able to achieve on his instrument. This album is highly recommended to 1)Any Jeff Beck fan (obviously), 2)Anyone who plays the guitar and wants to understand what is capable on the instrument, 3)Anyone who wants to explore creative and exciting new music, produced by one of the most criminally under-rated musicians of our time. Hope this helps!

1. "Corpus Christi Carol" Benjamin Britten 2:40
2. "Hammerhead" Jeff Beck, Jason Rebello 4:15
3. "Never Alone" Rebello 4:22
4. "Over the Rainbow" Harold Arlen, E. Y. Harburg 3:10
5. "I Put a Spell on You" (featuring Joss Stone) Screamin' Jay Hawkins 2:59
6. "Serene" (featuring Olivia Safe) Beck, Rebello 6:05
7. "Lilac Wine" (featuring Imelda May) James Shelton 4:44
8. "Nessun Dorma" Giacomo Puccini 2:56
9. "There's No Other Me" (featuring Joss Stone) Rebello, Joss Stone 4:05
10. "Elegy for Dunkirk" (featuring Olivia Safe) Dario Marianelli 5:03
Total length:
40:19

 

[Dennie]

Genius Loves Company -- SACD

Ray Charles and Lots of Friends

2004 Concord Records

Amazon.com

The fact that Genius Loves Company will be Ray Charles's final new album inspires an unavoidable blue feeling. But it's also a happy reminder that the man spent the last months of his life at work doing what he loved. The overall effect of these dozen duets is autumnal and smooth. Brother Ray is on point and cruising here. Fine moments abound--you can hear his delight even in the rather stiff company of Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. His voice sounds a bit frayed by ill health at times, but it also allows for great performances like the slyness behind the ache in his version of the old soul hit "Hey Girl" with Michael McDonald and a grand "Crazy Love" with Van Morrison. Potently, he and Gladys Knight remind us of the continued timeliness of Stevie Wonder's "Heaven Help Us All." Its best moments make Company one more essential purchase for Ray Charles fans. --Rickey Wright

1. "Here We Go Again" (feat. Norah Jones) Laniel, Steagall 3:59
2. "Sweet Potato Pie" (feat. James Taylor) James Taylor 3:47
3. "You Don't Know Me" (feat. Diana Krall) Eddy Arnold, Cindy Walker 3:55
4. "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" (feat. Elton John) Elton John, Bernie Taupin 3:59
5. "Fever" (feat. Natalie Cole) Eddie Cooley, Davenport 3:30
6. "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?" (feat. Bonnie Raitt) Burnette, Smotherman 4:34
7. "It Was a Very Good Year" (feat. Willie Nelson) Ervin Drake 4:59
8. "Hey Girl" (feat. Michael McDonald) Gerry Goffin, Carole King 5:15
9. "Sinner's Prayer" (feat. B.B. King) Lowell Fulson, Lloyd Glenn 4:25
10. "Heaven Help Us All" (feat. Gladys Knight) Ronald Miller 4:32
11. "Over the Rainbow" (feat. Johnny Mathis) Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg 4:54
12. "Crazy Love" (feat. Van Morrison) Van Morrison 3:42

 

[Dennie]

Without A Song - The 9/11 Concert -- CD

Sonny Rollins

2005 Milestone/Concord Records

Heat Up with Global Warming, September 4, 2007
By David Evans (Miami Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Without a Song: The 9/11 Concert (Audio CD)

Sonny Rollins Without a Song: The 9/11 Concert is a ridiculously good album. The playing is terrific, soulful and thoughtful. "Global Warming" is indeed a calypso, but more than a mere "worthy successor" to the famous "St. Thomas". The track is a phenomenal, rousing ride that must have made the audience that night forget the uncertainty of the time. It alone makes this disc a must have, with the simple "Without a Song" and the other 3 lengthy tracks on the album acting as wonderful bonuses. If you love jazz, you'll love this disc, particularly "Global Warming", so don't hesitate - every day you miss hearing this album and particularly that track, is a day lost.

"Without a Song" (m. Vincent Youmans; w. Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu) — 16:37
"Global Warming" (Sonny Rollins) — 15:16
"Introductions" — 0:59
"A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (m. Manning Sherwin; w. Eric Maschwitz) — 10:57
"Why Was I Born?" (m. Jerome Kern; w. Oscar Hammerstein II) — 16:14
"Where or When" (Rodgers and Hart) — 12:20

------

Sonny Rollins - tenor
Clifton Anderson - trombone
Stephen Scott - piano
Bob Cranshaw - electric bass
Perry Wilson - drums
Kimati Dinizulu - percussion

 

[PaulyT]

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music....

Drive -- CD

Alan Jackson

2002 Arista Records

One of the best releases of 2002, January 15, 2002
By Gennie Bailey (Savannah, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drive (Audio CD)
It's safe to say that Alan Jackson's new release, "Drive", is going to be a huge hit in 2002. If you're already a fan of Jackson, you know pretty much what to expect...some good ole country music that doesn't stray from it's roots. You've got everything from great love songs ("Once In A Lifetime Love") to the obligatory car song ("Drive" & "First Love") to the fun ("Work In Progress" & "I Slipped and Fell In Love"). There's also an awesome duet with the King of Country himself, George Strait, called "Designated Drinker", about a pair of drinking buddies trying to get over a gal who's broken their hearts. There's not a bad track on the CD, which is not something you can say for most of what's released today in country music. There's something for everyone here.

The following are my favorite tracks on the CD:

"I'm A Little Bluer Than That": What a song!!! This is bound to be a hit on radio, if it's ever released. Alan sings of a man who can't seem to get over a woman who's left him for another man. He explains that even the saddest songs on the radio aren't as blue as he is.

"Bring On The Night": Alan has such a knack for singing a country love song and this is one the best I've heard him sing yet. It's a song about a man coming home after a long, hard day to the woman he loves.

And finally...."Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)": During the 2001 CMA's Alan Jackson premiered this song in tribute to the victims of September 11th. It's safe to say that there wasn't a dry eye in the nation that night after he sang it. Not only are you getting the original album cut, you're also getting that famous live version from the CMA's. There've been tons of tribute songs released since the tragedies but this is far superior to any that I've ever heard. It makes you think REAL hard about what matters in your life and how fragile life really is.

If you're going to buy just one new country CD this year, make sure it's Alan Jackson's "Drive". What makes "Drive" so enjoyable for me is that Alan isn't trying to be something he's not. He's the same down-home, layed-back guy he's always been and it shows in his music. He isn't out to bring new fans to country music or break new chart records. Instead he focuses all of his efforts on making good music. This has got "Album Of The Year" written ALLLL over it!!!

Gennie Bailey-Rogers

All songs written by Alan Jackson except where noted.

"Drive (For Daddy Gene)" – 4:02
"A Little Bluer Than That" (Mark Irwin, Irene Kelley) – 2:54
"Bring On the Night" (Jackson, Charlie Craig, Keith Stegall) – 4:04
"Work in Progress" - 4:07
"The Sounds" – 3:23
"Designated Drinker" – 3:52
(A duet with George Strait)
"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" – 5:06
"That'd Be Alright" (Tim Nichols, Mark D. Sanders, Tia Sillers) – 3:41
"Once in a Lifetime Love" – 3:25
"When Love Comes Around" – 3:07
"I Slipped and Fell in Love" (Harley Allen, John Wiggins) – 2:55
"First Love" - 3:14
"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) – 5:47
Live from the 35th Annual CMA Awards
spoken intro by Vince Gill

 

[Kazaam]

The Beach Boys - "The SMiLE Sessions"

Is it all in my head or does the orchestra/band have a slightly more adventurous and groovier sound on these late sixties recordings than does Brian Wilson's 2000's-era version of Smile?

In fact, I think I could listen to just the orchestra sans vocals on the 1960s sessions, but don't think I could do the same with the 2000's-era BWPS even though it, too, is quite nice---yet too vanilla. Or, perhaps, too modern. Maybe give the orchestral recordings on 2004's BWPS forty years for it to age to perfection, eh?

 

[Dennie]

Time Passages -- CD

Al Stewart

1978/1990 Arista Records

MR. ALAN PARSONS, PLEASE STEP FORWARD AND TAKE A BOW..., June 7, 2005
By Wayne Racine (Ottawa ON) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Time Passages (Audio CD)

Sigh... if only Al Stewart and Alan Parsons were working together again - they were perfect musical soulmates not unlike Lennon/McCartney. When you get right down to it, Al is really a folkie troubadour; as such, I'm convinced that these tunes wouldn't be anywhere near as fleshed out if it weren't for Alan Parsons' musical guidance and sound expertise - and the end result is a sonic masterpiece. If you were to get only two Al Stewart CDs, it would have to be the ones where AP was working the soundboard - "Year Of The Cat" and this one. Highly recommended.

"Time Passages" – 6:41
"Valentina Way" – 4:04
"Life in Dark Water" – 5:49
"A Man for All Seasons" – 5:50
"Almost Lucy" – 3:43
"The Palace of Versailles" – 5:20
"Timeless Skies" – 3:34
"Song on the Radio" – 6:22
"End of the Day" – 3:11

 

[Dennie]

My Favorite Things: Coltrane At Newport --CD

John Coltrane

2007 Impulse! Records

By his 1963 appearance at Newport, John Coltrane had already embraced the sinuous, exploratory modal form that marked his most striking recordings. MY FAVORITE THINGS: COLTRANE AT NEWPORT brings together performances from two of the legendary saxophonist's appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival: one from 1963 and the other from 1965. The set lists contain only a few extended pieces, the longer of which stretch upwards of 20 minutes.Coltrane performs here with his classic quintet--bassist Jimmy Garrison, pianist McCoy Tyner, and drummer Elvin Jones. On the '63 date, Roy Haynes sits in for Jones, and Haynes's effect on the music (he has a lighter touch and is more of a colorist) will strike the ear of those who know this period of Coltrane well. Another stand-out quality of the disc is the extended jam on "Impressions," released here for the first time in its entirety. The playing is transcendent throughout, making the disc a winning purchase for any Coltrane fan, not just collectors.

Track Listing
1. Spoken Introduction - (previously unreleased)
2. I Want to Talk About You - (previously unreleased)
3. My Favorite Things - (previously unreleased)
4. Impressions - (previously unreleased)
5. Introduction by Father Norman O'Connor
6. One Down, One Up
7. My Favorite Things

 

[Dennie]

Spirit Of The Moment - Live at the Village Vanguard 2 CD Set

Joshua Redman Quartet

1995 Warner Bros. Records

Spirited session, July 26, 2000
By Tyler Smith (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Spirit Of The Moment: Live At The Village Vanguard (Audio CD)
Redman delivers a ton of music on this two-CD collection of tunes gathered over a five-night stand at the Village Vanguard in 1995. There's nearly two and a half hours of music here, and most of it is well worth listening to, although there are times that Redman's relative youth is revealed and the sessions drag a bit.

There's no question that on the uptemp stuff, Redman is in complete command. "Herbs and Roots," "Slapstick" and a fine rendition of Sonny Rollins' "St. Thomas" display his ability to burn through changes and to play all over the instrument without stumbling or losing his way. He's also very strong when he takes on the Coltranesque "Lyric," which winds up the second CD. He captures the passionate spirituality of Trane's music in this tune.

All of Redman's bandmates are major assets. Chris Thomas is solid on bass, Peter Martin is fleet on piano and capable of delivering lyricism and fire, and Brian Blades is quite simply one of the best young drummers out there.

The biggest complaint I have is that Redman hasn't quite found his voice on ballads and slower-tempo numbers yet, and that weakness is exposed on a couple of tunes on the CD, most notably "My One and Only Love." Here the saxophonist sounds uncertain of what he wants to do. He meanders around, seems to stray from the tune's lovely melody and generally presents a far different musical voice than the one we heard on the cookers. For contrast, play Coltrane's version, which he recorded with Johnny Hartmann. The difference in command is startling.

A personal gripe (I'm sure many won't agree) is the pointed inclusion of crowd noise. The crowds at the Vanguard were obviously huge Redman fans and they applaud heartily -- and distractingly -- for almost everything he does. I guess I come from a different listening generation. Jazz fans used to spend more of their time listening and saved their applause for when the musicians had finished their statements. This sounds more like a rock crowd.

That quibble aside, this is a good value and a useful document of Redman's continuing -- and very interesting -- development.

~ TRACKLISTING ~

Disc: 1
1. Jig-A-Jug
2. My One and Only Love
3. Count Me Out
4. Second Snow
5. Remember
6. Dialogue
7. St. Thomas

Disc: 2
1. Herbs & Roots
2. Wait No Longer
3. Neverend
4. Just In Time
5. Mt. Zion
6. Slapstick
7. Lyric

 

[Dennie]

BassFace - Live At Kuumbwa -- 20 Bit CD

The Ray Brown Trio - Benny Green - Jeff Hamilton

1993 Telarc Jazz

For this Telarc CD, bassist Ray Brown and pianist Benny Green split the solo chores almost evenly with drummer Jeff Hamilton, giving them stellar and creative support. Green has his best improvisations on "Phineas Can Be" and "Taking a Chance on Love," and the trio plays very close attention to dynamics (often swinging very quietly) and quickly reacting to each other's ideas. Rather than merely jamming the songs (the majority of which are standards), the bop-oriented group gives each melody a colorful framework filled with plenty of subtle surprises. ~ Scott Yanow

Track Listing
1. Milestones
2. Bass Face
3. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
4. Tin Din Deo
5. Crs-Craft
6. Taking a Chance on Love
7. Remember
8. Makin' Whoopie
9. Phineas Can Be

 

[Dennie]

SuperBass - Live At Sculler's 20 Bit CD

Ray Brown with John Clayton & Christian McBride

1997 Telarc Jazz

A meeting of giants,
May 23, 2001
By Will Weidman
This review is from: Super Bass (Audio CD)

What can I say? These CD features two of my favorite bass players, Ray Brown and Christian McBride, and John Clayton, whom I haven't previously heard of but is definately deserving of sharing the stage with these two.

These guys are swinging throughout the recording, and you can tell that they're having a good time. Ray Brown is one of the best bass players alive. He unbelievably solid, knows his instrument inside out, and he has a very warm tone. McBride has a very fresh, energetic, and recognizable sound. He is very innovative with his bass lines, and his solos always blow me away. Clayton is also especially talented and is very skilled with the bow as well.

The CD also has a great mix of tunes. Blue Monk is a great tune and nicely features all three bassists. Brown Funk, composed by McBride for Ray, is always fun to listen to. The trio plays Mack the Knife, showing what they can do with a standard tune. There is even Lullabye of Birdland featuring some lyrical bowing.

This is an essential recording for any bass player, and I also highly recommend it for any jazz fan.
1. "SuperBass Theme" 0:50
2. "Blue Monk" 7:52
3. "Bye Bye Blackbird" 6:36
4. "Lullaby Of Birdland" 2:59
5. "Who Cares?" (Feat. Benny Green, Gregory Hutchinson) 4:31
6. "Mack The Knife" 6:05
7. "Centerpiece" 4:03
8. "Sculler Blues" (Feat. Benny Green, Gregory Hutchinson) 10:16
9. "Brown Funk" (Feat. Gregory Hutchinson) 9:26
10. "SuperBass Theme" 0:53




Musicians

Ray Brown – Bass (Upright)
Christian McBride – Bass (Upright)
John Clayton - Bass (Upright)
Benny Green – Piano
Gregory Hutchinson – Drums

 

[Botch]

Shaking Free -- SACD

Bought, at $5.60 its worth a gamble. Only three, er two, left at Amazon! :text-thankyoublue:

Listening to this now. Killer performance, but I don't like the mix. I like surround mixes that sound like the band is in front of you, and the audience/hall ambience behind you, as it sounds in real life (this is not a live album). On this disk the piano is stretched all over your left ear, not natural sounding at all. :|
Some types of music sound GREAT coming at you from all directions (Floyd, Roxy Music, techno, even Steely Dan) but an acoustic jazz band (to my ears anyway) sounds best like you're in the original performance hall.
Still, glad I bought it; GREAT performance! :music-listening:

 

[Dennie]

Shaking Free -- SACD

Bought, at $5.60 its worth a gamble. Only three, er two, left at Amazon! :text-thankyoublue:

Listening to this now. Killer performance, but I don't like the mix. I like surround mixes that sound like the band is in front of you, and the audience/hall ambience behind you, as it sounds in real life (this is not a live album). On this disk the piano is stretched all over your left ear, not natural sounding at all. :|
Some types of music sound GREAT coming at you from all directions (Floyd, Roxy Music, techno, even Steely Dan) but an acoustic jazz band (to my ears anyway) sounds best like you're in the original performance hall.
Still, glad I bought it; GREAT performance! :music-listening:

You know.... I read a review on amazon that said the same thing.

I almost always listen in 2 channel mode, that will fix the mix!!



Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music.....

Blues on the Bayou -- CD

B.B. King

1998 MCA Records
Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Opting for simplicity this time around, B.B. King gets by with a little help from his excellent backing band, producing an album that's evocative of the Louisiana countryside where it was recorded. After over half a century in the business, King knows what he's about: he makes playing good blues sound easy, and every track on Blues on the Bayou is a treat. --Genevieve Williams

 

[Dennie]

Burning The Daze -- CD

Marc Cohn

1998 Atlantic Records

Amazon.com

Sidelined by a divorce and single fatherhood, Marc Cohn returns to active duty rejuvenated, if recognizably scarred, since the marginal disappointment of his sophomore outing. Burning the Daze strikes closer to the high mark set by his '91 debut, his sultry vocals and well-crafted songs attesting to the set's careful gestation. Guitarist John Leventhal, a not-quite-secret weapon on the prior albums, is officially aboard as coproducer, an apt choice given his contributions to other recent singer-songwriters' studio work, bringing his versatility and musicianship to bear on a solid new clutch of Cohn originals. "Already Home" opens the set with a sleek midtempo groove, Memphis-cured horn riffs, and allusions to Homer and the Wizard of Oz, "Saints Preserve Us" successfully cops from the Band, and "Lost You In The Canyon" transforms a cell phone into an effective metaphor for more primal communication problems. --Sam Surtherland

All songs written by Marc Cohn, except "Already Home" written by Marc Cohn and John Leventhal; "Turn to Me" written by Marc Cohn and Kevin Salem; and "Turn on Your Radio" written by Harry Nilsson.

"Already Home" – 4:42
"Girl of Mysterious Sorrow" – 4:17
"Providence" – 3:56
"Healing Hands" – 4:29
"Lost You in the Canyon" – 4:16
"Saints Preserve Us" – 4:10
"Olana" – 4:22
"Turn to Me" – 3:28
"Valley of the Kings" – 3:40
"Turn On Your Radio" – 3:57
"Ellis Island" – 5:12