What Are You Listening To?
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Dennie
Well-Known Member
Take It From The Top -- CD
Bob James Trio - James Genus - Billy Kilson
2004 Tappan Zee/Koch Records
Amazon.com
Pianist/composer Bob James made his fame as top-selling smooth jazz pioneer and his theme song to the TV show Taxi is one of the most familiar melodies in syndication. But his roots are in straight-ahead jazz. On this CD with bassist James Genus and drummer Billy Kilson, James pays tribute to his piano heroes and drops some surprises into the mix. His treatment of Nat "King" Cole's "Straighten Up and Fly Right," is driven by hip-hop rimshots, and Mal Waldron's classic ballad "Soul Eyes" is syncopated with a Latin lilt. James's most impressive act of syncopated subversion is his take on the Petula Clark hit "Downtown." Somehow Bob James manages to keep it smooth and jazzy. --Eugene Holley, Jr.
Track listing
1. Billy Boy
2. Straighten Up and Fly Right
3. Downtown
4. Tenderly
5. Nardis
6. Poinciana
7. Caravan
8. Soul Eyes
9. Django
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Earfood -- CD
The Roy Hargrove Quintet
2008 Emarcy Records
Roy's return, August 15, 2008
By rash67 (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Ear Food (Audio CD)
I have listened to Roy Hargrove's work for years. Early, he had great tone and feeling for the music. However the last few albums seemed too experimental and noisy for my tastes. On his latest he has returned to a more lyrical and melodic approach and I think this is a great improvement.
His slower lyrical ballads stand out, whether we are talking about standards like "Speak Low" or some of his original ballads, like "Joy is Sorrow Unmasked" and "Divine" all are played with a lot of feeling.
There was a particular sound to Blue Note jazz in the late 50's to early 60's. Hank Mobley in particular and Lee Morgan sometimes had this breezy moderate tempo sound that seemed, to me at least, full of optimism. Like Mobley's work with The Jazz Messengers, maybe "Nica's Dream" or "Ecaroh". (That type of song disappeared in the turmoil of the late 60's, but that's another story). Anyway that sound, that groove, is here in a number of songs like "Wisdom to the Prize". Again, welcome!
Most of the album is tuneful and lyrical and relaxed, like the music not of a young turk, but of a master. Earfood, and a nurishing meal! Recommended.
Track list:
1. I'm Not So Sure 5:49
2. Brown 4:30
3. Strasbourg / St. Denis 4:38
4. Starmaker 7:54
5. Joy Is Sorrow Unmasked 4:46
6. The Stinger 4:58
7. Rouge 2:46
8. Mr.Clean 5:52
9. Style 6:35
10. Divine 5:11
11. To Wisdom The Prize 5:44
12. Speak Low 5:17
13. Bring It On Home To Me 3:01
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Somewhere Else Before -- CD
E.S.T.
2000 Columbia > Superstudio Gul Records
Jazz - the Next Generation, October 27, 2004
By Michael Morrison (FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Somewhere Else Before (Audio CD)
E.S.T. coolly combines jazz virtuosity with rock and techno elements to make music that both immediately rewards (the catchy, propulsive "Dodge the Dodo" and the pensively melodic "From Gagarin's Point of View") and fosters repeat listening (hypnotic "The Wraith"). Piano man Esbjorn Svensson pours melodies from his fingers without being overbearing. Bassist Dan Berglund is not content to simply hold down the bottom; he uses the bow and electronic devices to bring his instrument to the forefront. Drummer Magnus Ostrom ties it all together with his battery of percussion. I've read some reviews that deride E.S.T. for their melodic and rhythmic accessibility. What rubbish! Jazz is more than Ornette Coleman. E.S.T.'s killer tunes and obvious musicianship mean more to me than all the 45-minute sax solos in the world. If that's what you like, don't pick up this album. But if you enjoy strong melody, rhythm and musicianship, buy this album (or indeed any of E.S.T.'s albums).
Track listing
1. Somewhere Else Before
2. Dodge the Dodo
3. From Gagarin's Point of View
4. Return of Mohammed, The
5. Face of Love, The
6. Pavanne (Thoughts of a Septuagenarian)
7. Wraith, The
8. Chapel, The
9. In the Face of Day
10. Spam-Boo-Limbo
11. Dark Water - (hidden track) <-----HIDDEN TRACK ALERT
hawk52
Well-Known Member
Dennie
Well-Known Member
CRAZY PEOPLE MUSIC -- CD
Branford Marsalis
1990 Columbia Records
...this is the one that seduced me further into jazz..., April 10, 2002
By R. Davis "upfromsumdirt" (louisville, ky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Crazy People Music (Audio CD)
...my "true" jazz collection back in the early 90's consisted mostly of shirley horn, grover washington jr., some terence blanchard, courtney pine, stanley clarke and marcus roberts...any other jazz that i owned was proly some fusion or smooth jazz/jazz-funk stuff...stuff that i really dont get into much anymore...
but i remember gettin this on cassette when it came out and it was like the crown jewel of my jazz collection! when i wasnt playin my public enemy, de la soul and ice-cube cd's - when i wanted to lissen to somethin "grown", then i played this ***-near to death! i really credit this album (along with ones from the above mentioned artists) for nurturing my growth into the realm of (not jus jazz, but) good, quality music...period!
and so the addiction began...
Track listing
1. Spartacus
2. Dark Knight, The
3. Wolverine
4. Mr. Steepee
5. Rose Petals
6. Random Abstract (Diddle-It)
7. Ballad of Chet Kincaid
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Guidum -- CD
Abraham Laboriel
1995 Integrity Music
Bass Player's Classic!, January 6, 2005
By Ron Barnes "Ron" (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Guidum (Audio CD)
This album is a monster collection of BASSic emotions... Abraham shows his stuff here, and his associates, Alex Acuna, Justo Almario and Abe Jr. hang right with him, lick for lick. Thumping, popping, fingering, tapping, chords, monster riffs, tight drum/bass lines, tasty melodies, funk, bebop... you get a taste of everything. (Breakfast at Tiffany's will make you want to brush up on your music theory) Man, how I would have loved to see these songs performed live! As a 20+ year bass player who grew up listening to Stanley Clarke, Nathan East, Jaco Pastorius, Nathaniel Phillips, Luis Johnson and others, I can say with confidence: this album is no joke! Buy it, pop in in, turn it up loud; these guys had real fun with this one, and you will too!
Track listing
1. Wessup
2. Exchange
3. Slippin' and Slidin'
4. You Can't Hide
5. Let My People
6. Guidum
7. Out From Darkness
8. Vamos a Gozar
9. Another Day
10. Bass Sweet
11. Final Degree
12. Behop Drive
13. Breakfast at Tiffany's
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Rhythm & Business -- CD
Tower of Power
1997 Epic Records
Tower of power does it again, October 4, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Rhythm & Business (Audio CD)
Tower of power does it again with their tight rhythm section. " So I got to Groove " is for sure a soul/funk workout. " unconditional love " sets the mood just right. but the highlight of the whole cd, is the soulful " it really doesn't matter " it is sure to take T.O.P fans back to the old school. Nice job T.O.P, we will be looking for more!
Track Listing
1. So I Got to Groove
2. Crazy for You
3. East Bay Way
4. Unconditional Love
5. You Do the Math
6. More You Know, The
7. Recapture the Magic
8. What's Your Trip
9. Rhythm and Business
10. Don't Knock Me Down
11. That Was Then and This Is Now
12. It Really Doesn't Matter
13. Spank-A-Dang
1. "Johnny Got a Boom Boom" 2:59
2. "Feel Me" 2:57
3. "Knock 123" 5:27
4. "Wild About My Lovin'" Traditional, arranged by May 3:15
5. "Big Bad Handsome Man" 2:43
6. "Love Tattoo" 2:55
7. "Meet You at The Moon" 2:47
8. "Smokers' Song" 2:37
9. "Smotherin' Me" 2:42
10. "Falling in Love With You Again" 4:07
11. "It's Your Voodoo Working" Charles Sheffield 3:12
12. "Watcha Gonna Do" 3:42
I first saw Imelda on the Jeff Beck Concert "Rock N Roll Party: A Tribute To Les Paul" and thought she was very good. I saw that someone here posted this album, so I figured that I would pick it up. Started to listen on the way to work this AM and Very Pleasantly Surprise!!
Johnny Got A Boom Boom........... :banana-rock: :banana-rock: :banana-rock:
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Today's work truck music.....
Greatest Hits -- CD
STYX
1995 A&M Records
Amazon.com
If it's your belief that one of the reasons today's rock is so bereft of personality is that all sense of show business has been drained from the music, then a look back at the career of Styx offers proof positive that it wasn't always thus. Greatest Hits offers a comprehensive overview of the band, from its art-rock days--which produced a top 10 hit in "Lady," a new version of which is included in this package--to its years as a perennial album-rock favorite--with offerings ranging from flights of fancy ("Come Sail Away," "Renegade") to proto-power ballads ("Babe," "Crystal Ball") to songs reflecting the working-class roots of its audience ("Too Much Time on My Hands," "Blue Collar Man"). The band eventually succumbed to a shift in musical tides and just plain silliness ("Mr. Roboto"), but for a time, this disc suggests, a satin-suited pomp-rocker was something to be. --Daniel Durchholz
"Lady '95" (Dennis DeYoung) – 3:05 Re-recorded for the compilation. Originally from Styx II.
"The Best of Times" (DeYoung) – 4:18 From Paradise Theater.
"Lorelei" (DeYoung, James Young) – 3:22 From Equinox.
"Too Much Time on My Hands" (Tommy Shaw) – 4:33 From Paradise Theater.
"Babe" (DeYoung) – 4:24 From Cornerstone.
"Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)" (Shaw) – 5:28 From The Grand Illusion.
"Show Me the Way" (DeYoung) – 4:36 From Edge of the Century.
"Renegade" (Shaw) – 4:14 From Pieces of Eight.
"Come Sail Away" (DeYoung) – 6:05 From The Grand Illusion.
"Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" (Shaw) – 4:06 From Pieces of Eight.
"The Grand Illusion" (DeYoung) – 4:35 From The Grand Illusion.
"Crystal Ball" (Shaw) – 4:32 From Crystal Ball.
"Suite Madame Blue" (DeYoung) – 6:33 From Equinox.
"Miss America" (Young) – 4:59 From The Grand Illusion.
"Mr. Roboto" (DeYoung) – 5:30 From Kilroy Was Here.
"Don't Let It End" (DeYoung) – 4:54 From Kilroy Was Here.
Greatest Hits -- CD
STYX
1995 A&M Records
Amazon.com
If it's your belief that one of the reasons today's rock is so bereft of personality is that all sense of show business has been drained from the music, then a look back at the career of Styx offers proof positive that it wasn't always thus. Greatest Hits offers a comprehensive overview of the band, from its art-rock days--which produced a top 10 hit in "Lady," a new version of which is included in this package--to its years as a perennial album-rock favorite--with offerings ranging from flights of fancy ("Come Sail Away," "Renegade") to proto-power ballads ("Babe," "Crystal Ball") to songs reflecting the working-class roots of its audience ("Too Much Time on My Hands," "Blue Collar Man"). The band eventually succumbed to a shift in musical tides and just plain silliness ("Mr. Roboto"), but for a time, this disc suggests, a satin-suited pomp-rocker was something to be. --Daniel Durchholz
"Lady '95" (Dennis DeYoung) – 3:05 Re-recorded for the compilation. Originally from Styx II.
"The Best of Times" (DeYoung) – 4:18 From Paradise Theater.
"Lorelei" (DeYoung, James Young) – 3:22 From Equinox.
"Too Much Time on My Hands" (Tommy Shaw) – 4:33 From Paradise Theater.
"Babe" (DeYoung) – 4:24 From Cornerstone.
"Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)" (Shaw) – 5:28 From The Grand Illusion.
"Show Me the Way" (DeYoung) – 4:36 From Edge of the Century.
"Renegade" (Shaw) – 4:14 From Pieces of Eight.
"Come Sail Away" (DeYoung) – 6:05 From The Grand Illusion.
"Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" (Shaw) – 4:06 From Pieces of Eight.
"The Grand Illusion" (DeYoung) – 4:35 From The Grand Illusion.
"Crystal Ball" (Shaw) – 4:32 From Crystal Ball.
"Suite Madame Blue" (DeYoung) – 6:33 From Equinox.
"Miss America" (Young) – 4:59 From The Grand Illusion.
"Mr. Roboto" (DeYoung) – 5:30 From Kilroy Was Here.
"Don't Let It End" (DeYoung) – 4:54 From Kilroy Was Here.
Dennie
Well-Known Member
heeman said:
1. "Johnny Got a Boom Boom" 2:59
2. "Feel Me" 2:57
3. "Knock 123" 5:27
4. "Wild About My Lovin'" Traditional, arranged by May 3:15
5. "Big Bad Handsome Man" 2:43
6. "Love Tattoo" 2:55
7. "Meet You at The Moon" 2:47
8. "Smokers' Song" 2:37
9. "Smotherin' Me" 2:42
10. "Falling in Love With You Again" 4:07
11. "It's Your Voodoo Working" Charles Sheffield 3:12
12. "Watcha Gonna Do" 3:42
I first saw Imelda on the Jeff Beck Concert "Rock N Roll Party: A Tribute To Les Paul" and thought she was very good. I saw that someone here posted this album, so I figured that I would pick it up. Started to listen on the way to work this AM and Very Pleasantly Surprise!!
Johnny Got A Boom Boom........... :banana-rock: :banana-rock: :banana-rock:
Great choice Heeman, I really enjoy that album! :handgestures-thumbup:
Dennie
No-L
Well-Known Member
topper said:
editorial review ~
Bonnie Raitt's new album 'Slipstream' is daring, bluesy, and steeped with the inimitable slide guitar and soulful vocals that could only be hers. Out April, 10, 2012, Slipstream marks her first new album in seven years, and the debut for her newly minted label, Redwing Records. While most of Slipstream is self-produced and features Raitt's longtime touring band, four of the album s songs were helmed by celebrated producer Joe Henry and showcase his usual crew of extraordinary musicians. Additional guests include Bill Frisell, Al Anderson, Ireland's Paul Brady and Maia Sharp. The album's twelve tracks feature Raitt's renditions of songs by such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Joe Henry and Loudon Wainwright III. An updated, reggae-fied version of Gerry Rafferty's 'Right Down the Line' leads the charge as the album's first single. --
After seeing this and Topper's review on the Blues thread, I decided to check it out with the intention of buying.....
However, I wasn't feeling it and got distracted by this and ended up getting this instead!!!
So far, I LOVE it!
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Deep Song - A Tribute To Billie Holiday -- Remastered CD
Ranee Lee featuring Oliver Jones & Milt Hinton
1995/2012 Justin Time Records
On this excellent CD, one of Ranee Lee's earliest recordings, the singer pays tribute to Billie Holiday with renditions of a dozen songs associated with Lady Day. The Canadian release features Lee joined by pianist Oliver Jones, guitarist Richard Ring, Richard Beaudet on reeds, veteran bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Archie Alleyne; the title cut also includes a string section. Lee manages to recapture Holiday's spirit without resorting to mimicry. This tasteful effort has among its highlights "When a Woman Loves a Man," "Crazy He Calls Me," "Easy Living," and "Them There Eyes." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow
Track Listing
1. I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
2. When A Woman Loves A Man - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
3. Crazy He Calls Me - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
4. What A Little Moonlight Can Do - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
5. God Bless The Child - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
6. Somebody's On My Mind - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
7. Easy Livin' - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
8. Strange Fruit - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
9. Ain't Nobody's Business - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
10. Them There Eyes - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
11. Don't Explain - (featuring Milt Hinton/Oliver Jones)
12. Deep Song - (featuring Oliver Jones)
13. Fine And Mellow - (featuring Oliver Jones/Richard Beaudet)
14. Ill Wind - (featuring Oliver Jones/Richard Beaudet)