What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Caravan -- Remastered CD

Art Blakey Jazz Messengers

1963/1987 Riverside/OJC Records

Great Album November 13, 2006
By Wesley M. Leong
Format:Audio CD

Art Blakey's drumming style was alive, powerful, and revolutionary for his generation. I think that to mistake his fiery intensity as 'insensitive' is to completely miss the mark, and miss the message of his playing. This is a great album, all the musician's brilliant. Cedar Walton's playing on the piano is exquisite, and if anything, I only wished he had chosen to solo more on this album. It has been said that his chops were still being honed in Blakey's band and it wasn't until after his tenure with the group that he started gaining more confidence with his soloing. No matter, I love his lines on this record. Hubbard's tone is gorgeous and tasteful, especially on such tunes as 'Skylark' and 'Sweet N' Sour'.


"Caravan" (Juan Tizol) - 9:46
"Sweet n' Sour" (Shorter) - 5:30
"In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" (Hilliard, Mann) - 4:05
"This Is For Albert" (Shorter) - 8:20
"Skylark" (Carmichael, Mercer) - 4:50
"Thermo" (Hubbard) - 6:45

The CD re-issue features alternate takes of "Sweet n' Sour" and "Thermo."

"Thermo (Take 2)" (Hubbard) - 7:26
"Sweet n' Sour (Take 4)" (Shorter) - 5:27
-------

Art Blakey, drums
Wayne Shorter, tenor saxophone
Freddie Hubbard, trumpet
Curtis Fuller, trombone
Cedar Walton, piano
Reggie Workman, bass

 

[Botch]

 

[Dennie]

Christmas In Concert -- CD

John Denver

2001 RCA Records

A reminder why John Denver was so popular, December 14, 2009
By MPC "Carpe Diem" (Ames, IA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Christmas in Concert-John Denver (Audio CD)

I already own John Denver's three previous Christmas CDs (Rocky Mountain Christmas, John Denver & the Muppets, and Christmas Like a Lullaby), and purchased this one more for sentimental reasons. I was surprised and delighted by how this live Christmas concert stands on its own, and wonder why I didn't purchase it years ago. This CD is a reminder of why John Denver's music and personality won such widespread acclaim for so many decades. And while his popularity waned in the 90s, the richness of his voice, as evidenced on this CD, continued to grow. John Denver fans will find this live concert well worth adding to their collection, and those who don't know of his music may find themselves understanding why he was such a popular musician and humanitarian.

Track Listings
1. Christmas For Cowboys
2. Christmas Like A Lullaby
3. The Marvelous Toy
4. Good Evening Talk
5. A Baby Just Like You
6. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
7. Introduction Of Choir
8. Away In A Manger
9. Jingle Bells
10. What Child Is This?
11. Introduction To Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)
12. Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)
13. Introduction To Alfie, The Christmas Tree
14. Alfie, The Christmas Tree
15. Silent Night
16. Living Legend Story
17. Noel - Chistmas Eve, 1913
18. Little Drummer Boy
19. Oh Holy Night
20. Take Me Home, Country Roads
21. Annie's Song
22. Calypso
23. Introduction To Falling Leaves (The Refugees)
24. Falling Leaves (The Refugees)

 

[Kazaam]

No John Denver and the Muppets Christmas? :angelic-green:

That's gotta be a good one. I haven't heard it, but my mom got it at a garage sale a few years back only because it was being sold as a 2-CD set and she wanted the other John Denver Christmas CD it came with, instead. Wonder if she tossed that Muppets album. That would be a shame. Kind of like when Sesame Street added that big stupid dog to their show.

 

[Dennie]

No John Denver and the Muppets Christmas? :angelic-green:

That's gotta be a good one. I haven't heard it, but my mom got it at a garage sale a few years back only because it was being sold as a 2-CD set and she wanted the other John Denver Christmas CD it came with, instead. Wonder if she tossed that Muppets album. That would be a shame. Kind of like when Sesame Street added that big stupid dog to their show.

Oh sure, I have it on vinyl and CD, but I just picked this one up and wanted to hear it. I'll get to "The Muppets" sooner or later, luckily we have plenty of time! :banana-rock:



Dennie bscene-drinkingcheers:

 

[Dennie]

In The Christmas Mood -- CD

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

1992 Delta Music

Great buy for the money, December 4, 2005
By "Gimpy" Peach Johnson - See all my reviews

The "Chicago Swing Fan" who complained below may do well to remember that Glenn Miller's never really was a swing band. Miller was foremost a businessman, and his orchestra played commercial dance music. Good dance music? Good big band music? Yes, I think so, but in terms of swing, he didn't hold a candle to Benny Goodman in his prime. Having said that, don't expect hot, jazzy swing from this CD. If you like the old Miller records, you'll love this CD. It was recorded sometime around 1990 by the current band going under the Miller name, and all in all, represents a tasty selection of holiday goodies in authentic Miller style. Occasionally, some of the arrangements sound bit more "modern" than anything Miller would have played in his lifetime, but the general feeling is there. The disc is well-recorded and has great sound. It's quite pleasant and makes a great accompaniment for decorating the tree, Christmas parties, driving around town, sipping egg nog--just about anything! When my original copy of this broke several years ago (yes, it shattered... don't ask how!) I quickly ordered another copy. This CD has become one of my favorite holiday recordings. And for the price, you can't go wrong. Recommended.

1. Sleigh Ride
2. Yuletide Medley #1:Oh Holy Night/Joy To The World/Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem/Deck The Halls
3. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. Silver Bells
5. Jingle Bells
6. Frosty The Snowman
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8. Yuletide Medley #2: Oh Christmas Tree/It Came Upon A Midnight Clear/We Three Kings/What Child Is This
9. I'll Be Home For Christmas
10. Silent Night
11. In The Christmas Mood

 

[Dennie]

In The Christmas Mood II -- CD

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

1993 Delta Music

Lightning DOES strike twice! November 19, 2001
By Bruce Aguilar
Format:Audio CD

I don't know exactly what it is about this cd, but I enjoy it more than the original "In The Christmas Mood". The big band/swing stylings and vocals (on the few tracks that feature them) sound just like they did on the original, the magic is still there. Perhaps it's the song selection itself which seems to weave more spiritual carols into the mix. Whatever it is, it works, as this cd always entertains me and my guests at holiday parties. Invariably, someone asks me where I got it and they wind up purchasing a copy themselves. Glenn Miller would be proud.

1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
2. White Christmas
3. Yuletide Medley #1: Away In A Manger/Ave MAria/The First Noel
4. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
5. Winter Wonderland
6. The Christmas Song
7. Yuletide Medley #2: Hark The Herald, Angels Sing/Angels We Have On High...
8. (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays
9. Good King Wenceslas
10. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
11. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
12. Auld Lang Syne

 

[Dennie]

Black, Brown and Beige -- Remastered CD

Duke Ellington and his Orchestra Featuring Mahalia Jackson

1958/1999 Columbia/Legacy

Amazon.com

As a composer and bandleader associated indelibly with the nightclub scenes of pre-Swing Era jazz, Duke Ellington would have a difficult time getting respect in the button-down world of concert music. And when Ellington premiered his first long-form piece, Black, Brown and Beige, in 1943 (available on the stunning Carnegie Hall Concerts, January 1943), he was considered a dilettante. He laid the work aside until this recording, which came in early 1958--with the added oomph of gospel vocalist Mahalia Jackson on board for all the suite's vocal parts. On this expanded reissue, Columbia has added an alternate take of the entire piece as well as two unrelated tracks recorded during the Black, Brown sessions but never before released. The suite is an expansive look, from Ellington's vantage, of course, at the evolution of African American history and culture. So there are ripples of spirited tone poetry, soaring gospel vocals from Jackson (with spare, aching piano from Ellington in spots), thundering horn-fronted swing from the band, and a consistency and unity on par with any symphonic work of the modern era. Ellington was always sensitive about this piece. After all, it showed a lot of what he held in high esteem: history, musical meditations on culture, and a full, colorful use of a band that Ellington held together for an amazingly long time. If only for Mahalia Jackson's takes on "Come Sunday," by now an acknowledged standard, this set is awesome. --Andrew Bartlett

All tracks by Duke Ellington

"Part I" – 8:17
"Part II" – 6:14
"Part III" (aka Light) – 6:26
"Part IV" (aka Come Sunday) – 7:58
"Part V" (aka Come Sunday) – 3:46
"Part VI" (23rd Psalm) – 3:01 Bonus tracks on re-releases
"Track 360" (aka Trains) (alternative take) - 2:02
"Blues in Orbit" (aka Tender) (alternative take) - 2:36
"Part I" (alternative take) – 6:49
"Part II" (alternative take) – 6:38
"Part III" (alternative take) – 3:08
"Part IV" (alternative take) – 2:23
"Part V" (alternative take) – 5:51
"Part VI" (alternative take) – 1:59
"Studio conversation" (Mahalia Swears) – 0:07
"Come Sunday" (a cappella) – 5:47
"(Pause track)" – 0:06

-------

Duke Ellington — piano
William "Cat" Anderson — trumpet
Harold Shorty Baker — trumpet
Clark Terry — trumpet
Ray Nance — trumpet, violin
John Sanders — valve trombone
Quentin Jackson — trombone
Britt Woodman — trombone
Paul Gonsalves — tenor saxophone
Bill Graham — alto saxophone
Harry Carney — baritone saxophone
Jimmy Woode — bass
Sam Woodyard — drums
Mahalia Jackson — vocals

 

[Kazaam]

No John Denver and the Muppets Christmas? :angelic-green:

That's gotta be a good one. I haven't heard it, but my mom got it at a garage sale a few years back only because it was being sold as a 2-CD set and she wanted the other John Denver Christmas CD it came with, instead. Wonder if she tossed that Muppets album. That would be a shame. Kind of like when Sesame Street added that big stupid dog to their show.

Oh sure, I have it on vinyl and CD, but I just picked this one up and wanted to hear it. I'll get to "The Muppets" sooner or later, luckily we have plenty of time! :banana-rock:



Dennie bscene-drinkingcheers:

OK... now what about "The Muppets: A Green & Red Christmas"? Because that's what I have for some odd reason or another. No John Denver, unfortunately. I got it as an Amazon MP3 a couple years ago on sale for a buck.

 

[Dennie]

No John Denver and the Muppets Christmas? :angelic-green:

That's gotta be a good one. I haven't heard it, but my mom got it at a garage sale a few years back only because it was being sold as a 2-CD set and she wanted the other John Denver Christmas CD it came with, instead. Wonder if she tossed that Muppets album. That would be a shame. Kind of like when Sesame Street added that big stupid dog to their show.

Oh sure, I have it on vinyl and CD, but I just picked this one up and wanted to hear it. I'll get to "The Muppets" sooner or later, luckily we have plenty of time! :banana-rock:



Dennie bscene-drinkingcheers:

OK... now what about "The Muppets: A Green & Red Christmas"? Because that's what I have for some odd reason or another. No John Denver, unfortunately. I got it as an Amazon MP3 a couple years ago on sale for a buck.

Nice! I don't have that one.... Yet! :bow-blue:

How do you like it?



Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Tapestry Revisited - A tribute To Carole King -- CD

Various Artists

1995 Lava Records

What better way to hone in on Carole King's songwriting mastery than to get perfomers and songwriters of all ages, sounds and sizes to tackle her timeless material. TAPESTRY REVISITED brings together Rod Stewart with Amy Grant, Richard Marx with the Bee Gees, Blessid Union Of Souls with Faith Hill; and all tap into the melodic finesse and finely crafted lyrics that elevated Carole King into the songwriters' pantheon.TAPESTRY REVISITED reminds us how long King's songs have influenced her peers. The Bee Gees' masterful glide through "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" refreshes the memory of King's emergence into the pop world as a member of the Brill Building songwriting pack. Richard Marx's loving rendition of "Beautiful" illustrates the mark King left on the new generation of writers, and Eternal's luxurious version of "I Feel The Earth Move" shows that King's music is truly timeless and capable of inspiring generations of future songsmiths.

Track Listing
1. I Feel the Earth Move - Eternal/The London Session Orchestra
2. So Far Away - Rod Stewart
3. It's Too Late - Amy Grant/The Nashville String Machine
4. Home Again - Curtis Stigers
5. Beautiful - Richard Marx
6. Way over Yonder - Blessid Union of Souls
7. You've Got a Friend - Aretha Franklin/BeBe Winans/CeCe Winans/BeBe & CeCe Winans
8. Where You Lead - Faith Hill
9. Will You Love Me Tomorrow - Bee Gees
10. Smackwater Jack - The Manhattan Transfer
11. Tapestry - All-4-One
12. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Celine Dion

 

[Kazaam]

Nice! I don't have that one.... Yet! :bow-blue:

How do you like it?

Considering it's kids Christmas music, it surprisingly has its moments. I'd say about half the songs have upbeat and brassy music. The Miss Piggy songs are terrible, though. A pretty voice she ain't.

 

[Dennie]

Nice! I don't have that one.... Yet! :bow-blue:

How do you like it?

Considering it's kids Christmas music, it surprisingly has its moments. I'd say about half the songs have upbeat and brassy music. The Miss Piggy songs are terrible, though. A pretty voice she ain't.

Yeah, a little "Muppets" can go a long way! :confusion-seeingstars:

Once a year is usually enough for me. :music-listening:



Dennie

 

[heeman]

 

[Dennie]

Two of A Mind -- Remastered CD

Paul Desmond Gerry Mulligan

1962/2003 RCA/BlueBird Records

A pinnacle of coolly understated improvisation, 1962's TWO OF A MIND is a highly successful collaboration between the contrapuntally inclined baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and the lyrical, urbane altoist Paul Desmond. As was Mulligan's penchant during most of his career, this group forgoes the presence of piano or guitar as accompaniment. But the conventional back-up isn't missed at all, as the two master jazzmen dance and weave around each other, filling potentially empty space with an elegant call-and-response that provides a rich harmonic content all on its own. It also helps that the other players include the subtly masterful drummers Connie Kay (from the MJQ) and Mel Lewis. A leisurely and exploratory "Stardust" is a highlight as is the fast tempo "The Way You Look Tonight," a workout to keep all concerned on their collective toes.

Track Listing

1. All the Things You Are
2. Stardust
3. Two of a Mind
4. Blight of the Fumble Bee
5. Way You Look Tonight, The
6. Out of Nowhere
7. Easy Living - (previously unreleased, bonus track)
8. All the Things You Are - (previously unreleased, alternate take, bonus track)
9. Way You Look Tonight, The - (previously unreleased, alternate take, bonus track)
10. Untitled Blues Waltz - (previously unreleased, bonus track)
11. Untitled Blues Waltz - (previously unreleased, alternate take, bonus track)



Personnel: Paul Desmond (alto saxophone); Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); John Beal, Wendell Marshall, Joe Benjamin (bass); Connie Kay, Mel Lewis (drums).Principally recorded at RCA Studio A, New York, New York on June 26, July 3 & August 13, 1962. Originally released on RCA (2624).

 

[Dennie]

Nice one Keith! :handgestures-thumbup:

I'm going to have to pull that one out and give it a spin! :banana-rock:




Dennie bscene-drinkingcheers:

 

[heeman]

Botch,

Tell me about this one?

Thanks!

Keith

 

[Botch]

^^^ Lotsa natural and synthy African percussion, with a lot of "found" samples over the top, some melodies but some not. I like it.

 

[Dennie]

Sextet -- SACD

Cal Tjader & Stan Getz

1958/2004 Fantasy Records

Best of the Tjader SACDs, June 26, 2009
By Daniel P. Rimsa - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Stan Getz with Cal Tjader (Audio CD)

Imaginative, vibrant and great SACD sound. The band includes Vince Guaraldi, Scott LeFaro, Billy Higgins and Eddie Duran. Recorded in 1958 when they were all at the top of their game. The SACD mastering is well done and this is a hybrid so you can play it anywhere. The compositions are imaginative and exciting. One of my favorite jazz discs and I play it often.

Track Listing
1. Ginza Samba
2. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
3. For All We Know
4. Crow's Nest
5. Liz-Anne
6. Big Bear
7. My Buddy

 

[Dennie]

Things Ain't What They Used To Be -- CD

Duke Ellington

1996 Delta Music (Recorded 1966 & 1969)

Things ARE What They Used To Be, November 13, 2009
By Dexter Jeffries (New York City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Things Ain't What They Used to Be (Audio CD)

These small Ellington sessions produced special recordings because they offered those individual geniuses timely opportunities to shine. Rex Stewart was always just that, a congenial and intelligent musician who was a political and social being. His cornet playing exhibited his fidelity to an instrument that his hero Louis Armstrong had abandoned after the Hot Five and Hot Seven sessions in the late 1920's. Stewart relished this instrument and diligently developed his unique sound on the cornet with his famous half-valving technique. No other musician ever replicated his "talking" cornet.

In addition to Stewart on these small group recordings, Ben Webster explored a rich sound on the tenor sax that placed him between Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young, a nice niche for sure. Raw and always tender in the high register, he is soothing and biting.
Finally, Johnny Hodges, the master of the swing alto sax, is a delight. Effortlessly playing ballads as well as jazz "dance-hop" pieces, his velvet sound is comforting.

This album is proof why Things Ain't What They Used To Be.

01. Smada (2:56)

02. La Plus Belle Africane (12:19)

03. Azure (7:12)

04. Satin Doll (5:40)

05. Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue (8:16)

06. Caravan (6:01)

07. Things Ain't What They Used To Be (3:06)

08. Sophisticated Lady (3:43)

09. In A Sentimental Wolrd (3:39)

10. The Unknown (4:33)