What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

The Point Of It All -- CD

Anthony Hamilton

2008 La Face Records

2008 release. There is a tradition in classic Black music that goes back to the smooth crooning of Sam Cooke, the earthy gritty sound of Otis Redding, the lyrical beauty of Curtis Mayfield and the unfiltered intensity of Donny Hathaway. It's a combination of church-rooted hallelujah praisin' and tell-it-like-it-is storytellin'. Few contemporary artists are equipped to carry the torch with any sense of authenticity. Anthony Hamilton may be the sole-indeed, soulful-exception. Simply put, Anthony has proved to be the real deal, as audiences discovered during his countless road treks performing night-after-night before packed crowds of -as he puts it-'young thugs, white and black, mothers with babies on their knees, old school G's and kids looking for something they could feel and relate to.

1. "The News" Mark Batson 3:34
2. "Cool" (feat. David Banner) David Banner, Ramon Montgomery 4:16
3. "The Day We Met" Mark Batson 3:58
4. "Diamond In The Rough" Dre & Vidal 3:37
5. "I Did It for Sho" Salaam Remi 3:19
6. "Hard to Breathe" Mark Batson 4:12
7. "Soul's on Fire" Mark Batson 4:23
8. "Please Stay" Jack Splash 5:03
9. "The Point of It All" James "Big Jim" Wright, Avila Brothers 3:50
10. "Fallin' in Love" Mark Batson 3:07
11. "Prayin' For You/Superman" Kelvin Wooten 7:54
12. "Her Heart" Kelvin Wooten 4:03
13. "Fine Again" Kelvin Wooten 4:30
14. "She's Gone" (Bonus Track) Dwight Myers 3:28

 

[Dennie]

Monster On A Leash -- CD

Tower Of Power

1991 Epic Records

Tower Of Power emerged in the '90s with the their best album in a while, MONSTER ON A LEASH. Fronted by the stylish vocal style of Tom Bowes and fueled by newcomers like drummer Russ McKinnon, guitarist Carmen Grillo, and keyboardist Nick Milo, the band was once again an energized, powerful entity. Founders Emilio Castillo, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, and Rocco Prestia had survived the lean years of the late '70s and '80s and with this release were poised to enter the most healthy era of the band since their early '70s heyday.Gone from MONSTER is the synthesizer-colored slickness that hindered the majority of TOP's '80s releases. Instead, the music has returned to the tight, syncopated funk with strong horn punctuation that made them world renown. Bowes proves to be a fiery frontman that commands attention on uptempo poppers like the opening "A Little Knowledge (Is A Dangerous Thing)" and "Who Do You Think You Are." The funky highlight of the set, however, is the stellar "Attitude Dance," a track that alone signaled the return of the classic TOP style. Other excellent cuts on this comeback include the Castillo feature "Funk The Dumb Stuff," and the socially commentary title track.

Track Listing
1. A Little Knowledge (is a Dangerous Thing)
2. How Could This Happen To Me
3. Who Do You Think You Are
4. Attitude Dance
5. You Can't Fall Up (You Just Fall Down)
6. Funk the Dumb Stuff
7. Believe It
8. Personal Possessions
9. Miss Trouble (Gotta Lotta Nerve)
10. Keep Your Monster On a Leash
11. Someone New
12. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

 

[Botch]

Monster On A Leash -- CD

:shock: Whoa, I missed that one. 'scuse me, gotta hit Amazon...

 

[Dennie]

The City -- CD

Paul Brown

2005 GRP Records

The City opens up in with the funky and sensuous "Cosmic Monkey" featuring Jeffrey Osbourne's slinky overdubbed harmonies. "Hello Again" is Wes Montgomery-breezy soul samba. Next up is "Side Steppin'"s high-spirited blast of '80s-era disco jazz. "The City"'s dreamy blend of Boney James' soulful tenor saxophone, shivery keyboards, boogaloo congas, bluesy guitar and cognac-smooth jazz vocal follows.

"Las Vegas" is an exuberant congress of dancing guitar licks, Michael Paulo's throaty sax and a bouncing hip-hop swing beat. "Old Friends" is a quiet fire ballad caressed by Brown and James' tender interplay. "Winelight"'s blend of Brown's Grover Washington, Jr.-channeling solos and tasty club beats is complemented by the silky-smooth party starter "Jumpin' Uptown." "Food For the Moon"'s cool 'n funky hip-hop jazz groove flows into a faithful/playful voice box-juiced version of Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Reel Mutha For Ya." Fittingly, the album closes with the sublime Brown/James chillout duet "The City (Instrumental)."

The City proves beyond a doubt that Paul Brown is one of the most exciting and important guitarists in contemporary jazz.

Track Listing

1. Cosmic Monkey
2. Hello Again
3. Side Steppin'
4. City, The
5. Vegas, Las
6. Old Friends
7. Winelight
8. Jumpin' Uptown
9. Food for the Moon
10. Real Mutha for Ya
11. City, The - (instrumental)

 

[No-L]

The Point Of It All -- CD

Anthony Hamilton

2008 La Face Records

2008 release. There is a tradition in classic Black music that goes back to the smooth crooning of Sam Cooke, the earthy gritty sound of Otis Redding, the lyrical beauty of Curtis Mayfield and the unfiltered intensity of Donny Hathaway. It's a combination of church-rooted hallelujah praisin' and tell-it-like-it-is storytellin'. Few contemporary artists are equipped to carry the torch with any sense of authenticity. Anthony Hamilton may be the sole-indeed, soulful-exception. Simply put, Anthony has proved to be the real deal, as audiences discovered during his countless road treks performing night-after-night before packed crowds of -as he puts it-'young thugs, white and black, mothers with babies on their knees, old school G's and kids looking for something they could feel and relate to.

1. "The News" Mark Batson 3:34
2. "Cool" (feat. David Banner) David Banner, Ramon Montgomery 4:16
3. "The Day We Met" Mark Batson 3:58
4. "Diamond In The Rough" Dre & Vidal 3:37
5. "I Did It for Sho" Salaam Remi 3:19
6. "Hard to Breathe" Mark Batson 4:12
7. "Soul's on Fire" Mark Batson 4:23
8. "Please Stay" Jack Splash 5:03
9. "The Point of It All" James "Big Jim" Wright, Avila Brothers 3:50
10. "Fallin' in Love" Mark Batson 3:07
11. "Prayin' For You/Superman" Kelvin Wooten 7:54
12. "Her Heart" Kelvin Wooten 4:03
13. "Fine Again" Kelvin Wooten 4:30
14. "She's Gone" (Bonus Track) Dwight Myers 3:28

Dennie,
How do you like this? I bought the American Gangster soundtrack simply because of one of Anthony Hamilton's songs being on it. I love the particular song and his voice. Now I'm curious about getting more of his music.

 

[Dennie]

The Point Of It All -- CD

Anthony Hamilton

2008 La Face Records

2008 release. There is a tradition in classic Black music that goes back to the smooth crooning of Sam Cooke, the earthy gritty sound of Otis Redding, the lyrical beauty of Curtis Mayfield and the unfiltered intensity of Donny Hathaway. It's a combination of church-rooted hallelujah praisin' and tell-it-like-it-is storytellin'. Few contemporary artists are equipped to carry the torch with any sense of authenticity. Anthony Hamilton may be the sole-indeed, soulful-exception. Simply put, Anthony has proved to be the real deal, as audiences discovered during his countless road treks performing night-after-night before packed crowds of -as he puts it-'young thugs, white and black, mothers with babies on their knees, old school G's and kids looking for something they could feel and relate to.

1. "The News" Mark Batson 3:34
2. "Cool" (feat. David Banner) David Banner, Ramon Montgomery 4:16
3. "The Day We Met" Mark Batson 3:58
4. "Diamond In The Rough" Dre & Vidal 3:37
5. "I Did It for Sho" Salaam Remi 3:19
6. "Hard to Breathe" Mark Batson 4:12
7. "Soul's on Fire" Mark Batson 4:23
8. "Please Stay" Jack Splash 5:03
9. "The Point of It All" James "Big Jim" Wright, Avila Brothers 3:50
10. "Fallin' in Love" Mark Batson 3:07
11. "Prayin' For You/Superman" Kelvin Wooten 7:54
12. "Her Heart" Kelvin Wooten 4:03
13. "Fine Again" Kelvin Wooten 4:30
14. "She's Gone" (Bonus Track) Dwight Myers 3:28

Dennie,
How do you like this? I bought the American Gangster soundtrack simply because of one of Anthony Hamilton's songs being on it. I love the particular song and his voice. Now I'm curious about getting more of his music.

Get it!

Dennie :banana-dance:

 

[Dennie]

Short Trip Home -- CD

Joshua Bell & Edger Meyer with Sam Bush & Mike Marshall

1999 Sony Classical

This is a great review....

The first legitimate crossover CD ever, October 12, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Short Trip Home (Audio CD)

You heard it here, folks. I am a classical fan who, like most other classical fans, shrinks away from the mention of the word "crossover" like it's got the plague. Being classically trained in violin, and taking great joy in blasting the fans of Vanessa-Mae, the announcement of Joshua Bell, Edgar Meyer, Sam Bush, and Mike Marshall collaborating on a folk/classical/bluegrass fusion CD was quite a shock to me, initially. Heck, I didn't even know who Sam Bush And Mike Marshall were. Bluegrass? That conjures up in my mind an image of a banjo-pickin', overall-wearin' geezer with bad dental hygeine, sitting on his wood porch somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Or at least, that's what I used to be like until I heard this CD. This CD is simply amazing. Meyer's compositions are a joy to listen to- they do justice to all the genres they touch upon and exude a joy and warmth in a way that only folk music can. And something happened to me. I started tapping my foot along to "Hang Hang" and suddenly realized that I could get to like this kind of stuff. I rushed out to buy tickets to their concert. I had a blast. Nowdays, a few bars of "Short Trip Home" and "If I Knew" slip their way into my practice time, in between the Mozart and Mendelssohn music. The melodies are absolutely unforgettable and instantly addictive. Now, I am seriously considering taking up folk fiddling. All this, from a girl who used to say that hell would freeze over before she ever played "fiddle". And all because of this CD. This CD has done what crossover CD's are supposed to do: expand the horizons of the listeners with innovative and beautiful music. Hey, if I got converted, anyone can. Buy this CD. I mean it. BTW: my apologies to all bluegrass performers and fans everywhere: I will never, never, EVER make fun of you folk or your genre again.

 

[No-L]

The Point Of It All -- CD

Anthony Hamilton

2008 La Face Records

2008 release. There is a tradition in classic Black music that goes back to the smooth crooning of Sam Cooke, the earthy gritty sound of Otis Redding, the lyrical beauty of Curtis Mayfield and the unfiltered intensity of Donny Hathaway. It's a combination of church-rooted hallelujah praisin' and tell-it-like-it-is storytellin'. Few contemporary artists are equipped to carry the torch with any sense of authenticity. Anthony Hamilton may be the sole-indeed, soulful-exception. Simply put, Anthony has proved to be the real deal, as audiences discovered during his countless road treks performing night-after-night before packed crowds of -as he puts it-'young thugs, white and black, mothers with babies on their knees, old school G's and kids looking for something they could feel and relate to.

1. "The News" Mark Batson 3:34
2. "Cool" (feat. David Banner) David Banner, Ramon Montgomery 4:16
3. "The Day We Met" Mark Batson 3:58
4. "Diamond In The Rough" Dre & Vidal 3:37
5. "I Did It for Sho" Salaam Remi 3:19
6. "Hard to Breathe" Mark Batson 4:12
7. "Soul's on Fire" Mark Batson 4:23
8. "Please Stay" Jack Splash 5:03
9. "The Point of It All" James "Big Jim" Wright, Avila Brothers 3:50
10. "Fallin' in Love" Mark Batson 3:07
11. "Prayin' For You/Superman" Kelvin Wooten 7:54
12. "Her Heart" Kelvin Wooten 4:03
13. "Fine Again" Kelvin Wooten 4:30
14. "She's Gone" (Bonus Track) Dwight Myers 3:28

Dennie,
How do you like this? I bought the American Gangster soundtrack simply because of one of Anthony Hamilton's songs being on it. I love the particular song and his voice. Now I'm curious about getting more of his music.

Get it!

Dennie :banana-dance:

I got this instead!
:angelic-pink:

 

[No-L]

 

[No-L]

OPETH
Ghost Reveries

 

[Dennie]

Bright Size Life -- CD

Pat Metheny

1976 ECM Records (Import West Germany)

Amazon.com essential recording

Larger ensembles may have provided Pat Metheny with his most visible successes, but he's repeatedly fired up his most fluid and personal playing in leaner trio settings, starting with this, his 1976 debut as a leader. Bob Moses brings both delicacy and effortless dynamics to his drumming, but it's the late Jaco Pastorius's lyrical electric bass that clinches the guitarist's coming-out party: with Metheny already displaying the liquid tone and exquisite touch that define his sound, old friend Pastorius radiates a sympathetic lyricism and unerring sense of swing. Metheny would match, but not transcend, this level of interplay in justly celebrated troikas with Charlie Haden and Billy Higgins (on Rejoicing) and Dave Holland and Roy Haynes (on Question and Answer). --Sam Sutherland.

1. "Bright Size Life" – 4:45
2. "Sirabhorn" – 5:29
3. "Unity Village" – 3:40
4. "Missouri Uncompromised" – 4:21
5. "Midwestern Nights Dream" – 6:00
6. "Unquity Road" – 3:35
7. "Omaha Celebration" – 4:18
8. "Round Trip/Broadway Blues" (Ornette Coleman) – 4:58


* Pat Metheny: 6-string guitar, electric 12-string guitar
* Jaco Pastorius: fretless bass
* Bob Moses: drums

 

[Dennie]

Fingerpainting -- The Music of Herbie Hancock -- CD

Christian McBride - Nicholas Payton - Mark Whitfield

1997 Verve Records

Marking the first time Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton & Mark Whitfield have recorded together as a self-contained trio, FINGERPAINTING: THE MUSIC OF HERBIE HANCOCK is as ambitious a project as anything the three musicians have done to date. The 14 songs on this album present a cross-section of Hancock's compositions, from some of his most popular works to some which are relatively little-known. The tunes are chosen from such widely differing Hancock albums as TAKIN' OFF, HEADHUNTERS, MAIDEN VOYAGE, EMPYREAN ISLES and SPEAK LIKE A CHILD, showing the diversity and depth of the composer's work.The skill with which the trio covers each groove in this decidedly un-Hancockesque setting (with neither piano nor drums) speaks as much to McBride, Payton & Whitfield's musical virtuosity as it does to Hancock's compositional genius. The ballads are thoughtful and introspective, with guitarist Whitfield moving chord clusters around in a manner reminiscent of the composer, and Payton's beautiful, muted trumpet work exploring the tunes' complex harmonies. Payton's sizzling solos stand out on the hard-bop tunes, and McBride and Whitfield hold down the bottom amazingly well on the funk-tinged numbers.

Track Listing
1. Fingerpainting
2. Driftin'
3. Chameleon
4. Tell Me a Bedtime Story
5. Eye of the Hurricane, The
6. Kiss, The
7. Speak Like a Child
8. Sorcerer, The
9. Dolphin Dance
10. Chan's Song
11. One Finger Snap
12. Sly
13. Oliloqui Valley
14. Jane's Theme

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music....

Come On Home -- CD

Boz Scaggs

1997 Virgin Records

Bobby Bland, Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker . . . Boz Scaggs!, November 4, 2001
By
stranger2himself (Down Here) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Come on Home (Audio CD)

I grew up on Ray Charles, James Brown, soul, blues, country & gospel. I've been listening to and collecting music for 40 years, and have approx. 3,000 recordings. Simply put, this is one of the best, most soulful, powerful, bodaciously BAD records I've ever heard! There is not a weak cut here. Boz sounds like he's been holding this in for 30 years! The production & playing are flawless, but not too slick. The "live-in-the-studio" sound is preserved. There are no "highlights", every cut is astounding. With that in mind, "Love Letters" brings tears to my eyes, and, like the previous reviewer, I fall to my knees when Boz testifies "I've Got Your Love". His vocal chords should be enshrined; his heart and soul could provide electrical power to most of North America. If you like ANY kind of blues or R&B, you will surely dig this!

"It All Went Down the Drain"
"Ask Me 'Bout Nothin' (But the Blues)"
"Don't Cry No More"
"Found Love"
"Come On Home"
"Picture of a Broken Heart"
"Love Letters"
"I've Got Your Love"
"Early in the Morning"
"Your Good Thing (Is About to End)"
"T-Bone Shuffle"
"Sick and Tired"
"After Hours"
"Goodnight Louise"

 

[Dennie]

(Live) At The Ryman -- CD

Emmylou Harris and The Nash Ramblers

1992 Reprise Records

Amazon.com essential recording

While live recordings can be treasured mementos for those who were present at the show, they're often substandard versions of favorite material. The live At the Ryman avoids this by covering the material of artists who've influenced Harris's music, rather than concentrating on her own hits. From Steve Earle and Bill Monroe to the Everly Brothers and Creedence Clearwater Revival, her choices are solid and sometimes unexpected (Bruce Springsteen). Harris's love of the music--and appreciation for the audience--shines through in these performances. The songs may have been done better elsewhere (most notably by the songwriters) and Emmy's delivery is at times uneven (as with any live performance), but the talented, fun-loving, all-acoustic Nash Ramblers do much to compensate. --Alexandra Russell

"Guitar Town" (Steve Earle) – 2:56
"Half as Much" (Curley Williams) – 3:00
"Cattle Call" (Tex Owens) – 3:11
"Guess Things Happen That Way" (Jack Clement) – 2:25
"Hard Times" (Stephen Foster) – 3:25
"Mansion on the Hill" (Bruce Springsteen) – 4:25
"Scotland" (Bill Monroe) – 2:57
"Montana Cowgirl" (Ray Park) – 3:08
"Like Strangers" (Boudleaux Bryant) – 4:56
"Lodi" (John Fogerty) – 3:06
"Calling My Children Home" (Doyle Lawson/Charles Waller/Robert Yates) – 3:14
"If I Could Be There" (Kieran Kane/Jamie O'Hara) – 3:30
"Walls of Time" (Bill Monroe/Peter Rowan) – 4:45
"Get Up John" (Bill Monroe/Marty Stuart/Jerry Sullivan) – 4:25
"It's a Hard Life Wherever You Go/Abraham, Martin and John" (Nanci Griffith/Richard Holler)/(Richard Holler) – 7:07
"Smoke Along the Track" (Alan Rose) – 4:16


The Nash Ramblers:

Sam Bush – Fiddle, mandolin and vocals
Roy Huskey, Jr. – Double bass and vocals
Larry Atamanuik – Drums
Al Perkins – Banjo, guitar, resonator guitar and vocals
John Randall Stewart – Guitar, mandolin and vocals

 

[Dennie]

Question and Answer -- CD

Pat Metheny - Dave Holland - Roy Haynes

1990 Geffen Records

With No Doubt His Best Trio Work, September 30, 2003
By Patrik Lemberg (Tammisaari Finland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Question & Answer (Audio CD)

This album is a long jam of about half-and-half jazz standards and Metheny compositions. Great performance - great musicians. The sound gives you a feeling of being right there as it happens. It's recorded in only one day, and I know...that fact does not sound promising, but you must remember: These musicians are leading figures in modern jazz for a reason and they can definitely pull it off - This is perfect proof! Metheny, Holland and Haynes are extremely alert, you can definitely tell that this is something they've been doing their entire lives.
The standards "Solar," "All The Things You Are," and Metheny's "Three Flights Up" are very up-tempo, but still beautifully laid back in performance - no rushing or overplaying. "Three Flights Up" is played in over 300 bpm but the melody on guitar is very relaxed and doubled with a vibraphone-like sound (possibly an instant effect,) very beautiful. "H&H" is an entertaining piece (nice bass solo.) As far as I'm concerned, this isn't a typical Metheny composition - the solos are played over a blues form, while the theme itself is played over an usual (sort of progressive) form - the simple idea of the ending is great! There are a couple of nice ballads, too. "Never Too Far Away" is a definite highlight. The authentic sounds of the whole recording will give you a warm chill. I wish more of my jazz albums would sound like this.

"Solar" (Davis) – 8:27
"Question and Answer" (Metheny) – 7:07
"H&H" (Metheny) – 6:51
"Never Too Far Away" (Metheny) – 5:52
"Law Years" (Coleman) – 6:51
"Change Of Heart" (Metheny) – 6:14
"All the Things You Are" (Kern, Hammerstein) – 8:26
"Old Folks" (Hill, Robison) – 6:38
"Three Flights Up" (Metheny) – 6:10

 

[heeman]

It's been awhile and I truly :bow-blue: :bow-blue: think that this in one of my all time favorites.....



[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU-jJsniDGk[/youtube]

Parts 2-5 can be found on Youtube........... :banana-dance: :banana-rock: :music-rockout: :banana-dance: :banana-rock:

 

[Zing]

 

[Dennie]

Live At The Blue Note -- CD

Lionel Hampton and The Golden Men Of Jazz

1991 Telarc Jazz

Current Lionel Hampton, June 4, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Golden Men of Jazz / Live at Blue Note (Audio CD)

Hampton got together with a bunch of old buddies in the early 1990s to make this great CD. Still smiling and playing, Hampton plays right through these songs. Backed by greats: Milt Hinton, Grady Tate, Buddy Tate, James Moody, Al Grey, Clark Terry, Harry "Sweets" Edison, and Hank Jones. The tune "Flyin' Home" is always a Hampton favorite and James Moody shows his goofy side on "Moody's Mood For Love." The CD ends at the end of the set at the Blue Note as the horn players are leaving, Hampton calls another tune. They play a short "Boogie-Woogie" with just the rhythm section, Lionel, and Al Grey. Very enjoyable CD.

01 16:27 Ow!
02 9:58 Hamp's Note
03 3:44 Moody's Mood For Love
04 8:17 I Wish I Knew
05 9:45 Lover
06 6:12 Flyin' Home
07 3:41 Hamp's Boogie Woogie

 

[Dennie]

Just Jazz: Live At The Blue Note -- CD

Lionel Hampton and The Golden Men Of Jazz

1992 Telarc Jazz

The second of two volumes by "the Golden Men of Jazz" at the Blue Note in New York, this CD is not at the same level as the first with several almost chaotic spots; listen to how Lionel Hampton tries to hog the spotlight on "Ring Dem Bells." There are some good moments from Clark Terry, James Moody and Al Grey (although Harry Edison and Buddy Tate show their age a bit) but the earlier release, Live at the Blue Note, is a better performance. Nevertheless it's a collectors item for the Hampton fans !!!!

Tracklist:

01 Corner Pocket
02 Just Jazz
03 Body and Soul
04 God Bless the Child
05 Ring Dem Bells
06 Flying Home



Personnel:

Lionel Hampton - Vibes
Harry "Sweets" Edison - Trumpet & Flúgelhorn
James Moody - Tenor Saxophone
Buddy Tate - Tenor Saxophone
Al Grey - Trombone
Hank Jones - Piano
Milt Hinton - Bass
Grady Tate – Drums

 

[Dennie]

Soulful Strut -- CD

Grover Washington Jr.

1996 Columbia Records

"Soulful Strut" was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.This talented reedsman first hit the big time in the mid-'70s, with an appealing brand of instrumental, funk-inflected jazz (remember MISTER MAGIC?). Washington is still blowing his alto and soprano saxophones in much the same style, and to much the same mesmerizing effect. This is a groove-oriented approach. In other words, he cares more about the overall, rhythmic feel of a piece than the improvisation-for-improvisation's sake so often associated with traditional jazz.Lush, romantic ballads rule here, as tunes like "Can You Stop the Rain" and "I Can Count the Times" showcase Washington's highly-developed feel for a melody. His formula is effective--he defines his ground on the first chorus, playing it more or less straight, then uses the subsequent bars to eplore the musical possibilities. Washington also explores his roots, with some West-African rhythmic stylings in "Village Groove" and "Headman's Haunt." Jazz "purists" should probably look elsewhere. But if you like a well-defined beat as the backbone for superlative solo work, you should enjoy this soulful sonic strut.

Track Listing
1. Soulful Strut
2. Can You Stop the Rain <----- Yeah, that!

3. Play That Groove For Me
4. Bordertown
5. I Can Count the Times
6. Village Groove - (African Languages)
7. Headman's Haunt
8. Poacher Man
9. Mystical Force
10. Uptown