What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Bye Bye Blackbird -- CD

Keith Jarrett Trio - with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette

1993 ECM Records

An Unforgettable Statement in a Medium of Jazz Trio, December 14, 1999
By Jonathan E. Sindelman (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Bye Bye Blackbird (Audio CD)

I originally came to this site to purchase the great Keith Jarrett Trio disc "Changeless", and I was seeing reviews of various books and albums, which of course made me think about writing one after seeing so many entries of inspiration! Well, I have to say something about "Bye Bye Blackbird", in case anyone is thinking about purchasing the cd.

This was the first album I came to know of the unique collective known as Jarrett/Peacock/DeJohnette. I was a freshman in high school then, and I must say it was intersting to hear Jarrett groaning and cooing. I didn't know whether to think it was strange, or just part of his way of expressing himself. But what I did know was that he was honest, and obviously meditating on someone for which he cared very much: Miles. As the years passed, I would hear and read from critics of Jarrett that his vocal accompaniments were nonsensical, and a distraction to the music...or, "If you can get past the grunts of what sounds like the annihilation of an endangered species, there's a couple of really cool solos on there...y'know? " To me these words sing the tune of bologna, and for a devoted fan - stinky bologna.

"Bye bye Blackbird", as an album, is without question one of the greatest introductions to the inner workings of this trio, and offers several "trio" perspectives represented in the repertoire. Tunes which are not commonly played (by themselves, as well as with any other trio) are explored with Miles in mind, and then the highlight is "For Miles" - a work of pure imagination, and without the rhetoric from which a lot of through-improvised pieces must endure. Other than this record, I would say the best introduction to this magical group is the album "Standards, Vol. 1"; but it is THIS album which draws from source after source, giving you a journey in listening with no beginning, and no end. Who knows, maybe it'll change the way you listen to modern music all together! Another side-note which makes this album a true gem - Jarrett and Dejohnette played together in a group of Miles' (which I'm sure the die-hards don't need to hear from me).... Until a later date, keep the music alive!

"Bye Bye Blackbird" (Ray Henderson) - 11:13
"You Won't Forget Me" (Kermit Goell/Fred Spielman) - 10:46
"Butch and Butch" (Oliver Nelson) - 6:37
"Summer Night" (Al Dubin, Harry Warren) - 6:42
"For Miles" (Jarrett/Peacock/DeJohnette) - 18:43
"Straight No Chaser" (Thelonious Monk) - 6:46
"I Thought About You" (Jimmy Van Heusen/Johnny Mercer) - 4:02
"Blackbird, Bye Bye" (Jarrett/Peacock/DeJohnette) - 3:02

 

[Dennie]

Tres Palabras -- CD

Larry Vuckovich

1990 Concord Jazz

Larry Vuckovich June 7, 2009
By J. S. G. Fedee
Format:Audio CD
Good jazz, with some imaginative keyboard work. I liked what he did with 'Tres Palabras'. A rare piece.

1. Sekbo-Afro
2. Historia De Un Amor
3. You Go To My Head
4. Ah, Se Eu, Pudesse (Ah, If I Could)
5. I Know Why/Seranade In Blue
6. Blues In The Night
7. Dreamy
8. Cast Your Fate To The Wind
9. Tres Palabras
10. Blues For Alexi
11. Rio

Personnel: Larry Vuckovich, Tom Harrell, Pete Escovedo, Larry Grenadier, Eddie Marshall.Light Latin-tinged jazz. CD version, three bonus cuts. ~ Ron Wynn

 

[Dennie]

Our Gang -- SACD

The Anthony Wilson Trio

2001 Groove Note Records

Anthony's Trio is Top Notch, June 2, 2001
By Ryan Meagher (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Our Gang (Audio CD)

I have heard many compare LA's hippest trio to the famous Larry Goldings organ trio Back East. Though they do share some qualities, I think Anthony Wilson's trio stands by itself. Originality, creativity, swing-feel, repertoire, and "outness," are all things that set Wilson's trio apart from Goldings'. This is not to say Goldings' trio does not do these things. Lord knows they do it as good, if not better than anyone, but the guys in Anthony's trio do the same things with their own spin. I also think Joe Bagg and Mark Ferber communicate to each other on their instruments as good as anyone in the business. This Groove Note release is a great example of some of the things this trio can do. As with most musicians, the experience is really felt when it is live! The same holds true for this amazing group, but their great sound is captured on this wonderful album. I thoroughly enjoyed it from front to back. I totally recommend buying it.

Our Gang
Chitlins Con Carne
Britta's Blues
Time Flies
Road Trip
Luck be A Lady
I Want You (She's So Heavy)
Prelude To A Kiss

 

[Dennie]

Cool Yule-- CD :text-bravo:

Bette Midler

2006 Columbia Records

Amazon.com

She smiles, she sizzles, she coos, she swings. So goes the lively and completely charming Christmas record by the cheeky Divine one. There's never a note out of place, a chart too excessive, or the sentiments too sentimental. Plus Midler's tasty stable of producers and arrangers have packed the big band and stringed arrangements with their own musical warmth against Midler's smart song choices and contagious vocal performances. Cool Yule mixes the standard traditional pop pieces--like Steve Allen's snappy title track, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas"--with the sole hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emanuel." But nobody's picking up this stocking stuffer because they want to go to church. Bette's got merrymaking on her mind more than anything else. Her duet with Johnny Mathis on "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is as much fun as her "From a Distance (Christmas Version)" is a somber and sobering antiwar statement. How she can move from sounding girlish and playful to sophisticated and jazz-smart in the space of one note to the next may not be supernaturally inspired, but it sure is fun to hear the joyful sounds she makes. From her lips to your ears, you gotta love it. --Martin Keller

1. "Merry Christmas" (Spielman, Torre) – 3:13
2. "Cool Yule" (Steve Allen, Kornfeld) – 2:28
3. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Blane, Martin) – 3:55
4. "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" (Duet With Johnny Mathis) (Bernard, Smith/Cahn, Styne) – 2:46
5. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" (Gannon, Kent) – 3:21
6. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" (Loesser) – 3:58
7. "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" (Irving Berlin) – 3:25
8. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow/Johnny Marks) - 2:47 [Bonus Track on CDs released at Target]
9. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni Emmanuel)" (Traditional) – 3:12
10. "Mele Kalikimaka" (Robert Alex Anderson) – 2:34
11. "From a Distance (Christmas Version)" (Julie Gold/Bette Midler/Buchanan/Landers) – 5:11
12. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) – 3:20

 

[Dennie]

A Swingin' Christmas -- Remastered CD

Tony Bennett Featuring The Count Basie Big Band

2006 RPM/Columbia Records

Tony Bennett reigns as one of the finest-ever jazz-oriented pop singers. Count Basie's Big Band reigns as one of the hippest-ever orchestral jazz organizations. Put them together and how could you not have one of the coolest Christmas discs ever? With Bennett's classy, heartfelt phrasing and the Count's brassy, classy, earnestly swinging large jazz band (with ace-of-the-88s Monty Alexander sitting in for the late Basie), this platter will have listeners swingin' through whatever holidays they might celebrate well into the New Year.

Track Listing
1. I'll Be Home for Christmas
2. Silver Bells
3. All I Want for Christmas Is You
4. My Favorite Things
5. Christmas Time Is Here
6. Winter Wonderland
7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
8. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
9. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
9. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - (featuring Antonia Bennett)
10. Christmas Waltz, The
11. O Christmas Tree


Tony Bennett: Grant Langford, Marshall McDonald (alto saxophone); Doug Lawrence, Doug Miller (tenor saxophone); John Williams (baritone saxophone); Scotty Barnhart , James Zollar, Michael Williams, Kriss T. Johnson Jr. (trumpet); Clarence Banks, Alvin Walker, Dave Keim, Barry Cooper (trombone).Personnel: Gray Sargent (guitar); Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Doug Miller , Andy Snitzer (tenor saxophone); John Williams (baritone saxophone); William Barnhart (trumpet); Alvin Walker II (trombone); Paul Langosch (piano, bass instrument); Monty Alexander, Lee Musiker (piano); Harold Jones (drums).Audio Mixer: Dae Bennett.Director: Bill Hughes

 

[Dennie]

Then And Now -- CD

Grover Washington, Jr.

1988 Columbia Records

Grover Washington, Jr. is probably best known for his forays into smooth jazz, a style he helped create. However, he could also hold his own in a post-bebop jazz setting.
On THEN AND NOW, Washington returns to his jazz roots proving his skill as a definitive jazz stylist. There's little R&B here. Each track highlights beautiful ballads such as "Just Enough" and "Something Borrowed, Something Blue," as well as the salsa inflected "French Connection." Smart, moving renditions of the standards "Stolen Moments," "In a Sentimental Mood," and a swinging version of "Stella By Starlight" complete one of Grover Washington's best efforts. THEN AND NOW is a riveting release.

Track listing

1. Blues for D.P.
2. Just Enough
3. French Connections
4. Something Borrowed, Something Blue
5. Lullaby for Shana Bly
6. Stolen Moments
7. In a Sentimental Mood
8. Stella by Starlight


Personnel: Grover Washington, Jr. (soprano, alto, & tenor saxophones); Igor Butman (tenor saxophone); Tommy Flanagan, Herbie Hancock, James "Sid" Simmons (piano); Richard Lee Steacker (guitar); Ron Carter (upright bass); Gerald Veasley (5-string electric bass); Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Grady Tate, Darryl Washington (drums); Miguel Fuentes (percussion).

 

[heeman]

I listened to the DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 first and then the PCM 5.1.

Both are really good.

If you are a Rush Fan, this is a must have even for $30 after tax. Right now $26.99 in BB.

 

[Dennie]

One More For The Road -- CD

Toots Thielemans

2006 Verve Records

Superior Jazz-Pop February 2, 2007
By Peter Baklava
Format:Audio CD

I don't think you can find a better "duets' album than this one. From it's cool, retro-styled cover photo to its impeccable selection of Harold Arlen tunes, this album strikes all the right notes.

The arrangements are (for the most part) fresh-sounding, and the orchestration is never intrusive, but supple and buoyant--which allows the songs to 'breathe'. The strings have a nice shimmer and sheen that will transport the listener. Best of all, the album may introduce you to several sparkling young vocal talents. I myself am particularly smitten with Lizz Wright's vocal (so authoritative, warm with a little smolder)---I think there is a reason why she is featured in the opening track ("Come Rain or Come Shine"). Madeline Peyroux on "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" for once sounds more like Ella Fitzgerald than Billie Holiday. Beth Hart's reading of "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues'" is so spirited and slinky that I think it is the friskiest and most fun track by far.

I have only one or two quibbles: "It's Only A Paper Moon" is given a fairly predictable, tepid arrangement. And, sorry folks, but I can't count myself among the fans of Jamie Cullum. He sounds like a young Michael J. Fox trying to do Sinatra ("One For the Road").... and he can't resist throwing in the Elton John-ish turn of phrase. But these are two minor detractions from what is overall a smashingly good album. Toots Thielemans is still at the top of his game, and his harmonica provides delicious sounding seasoning on the vocal selections, and unrestrained lyricism in the instrumentals.

Perfect accompaniment for travel.

Track Listing
1. Come Rain or Come Shine
2. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
3. Last Night When We Were Young
4. Ill Wind
5. One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)
6. I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues
7. I Wonder What Became of Me
8. That Old Black Magic
9. This Time the Dream's on Me
10. Stormy Weather
11. It's Only a Paper Moon
12. Over the Rainbow

Personnel: Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Martijn Van Iterson (guitar); Bert Meulendijk (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar); Ruud Breuls (trumpet); Kenny Werner (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Mike del Ferro (piano, keyboards); Hans Vroomans (piano); Jurre Haanstra (electric piano, keyboards); Frits Landesbergen (vibraphone); Hans Van Oosterhout, Marcel Serierse (drums); Eddy Conard (percussion); Till Brönner (vocals, trumpet); Trijntje Oosterhuis, Jamie Cullum, Laura Fygi, Lizz Wright, Madeleine Peyroux, Oleta Adams, Beth Hart, Silje Nergaard (vocals).

 

[Dennie]

Christmas with The Brady Bunch -- CD

The Brady Bunch

1970/199? MCA Special Products

I Like It! December 14, 2006
By Margie
Format:Audio CD

Yes, it's kids singing and it sounds like it. But know what? It's cute. Don't buy it if you are looking for something other than a kids' singalong, but it's fun if you like the Brady Bunch. Also if you're nostalgic like me. It's fun and cute and great for family listening. Better than some newer Christmas CDs I have, in fact, because - face it - we do know all these songs. If you sing along, sing real loud!


THE FIRST NOEL - BOBBY BRADY
AWAY IN A MANGER - MARSHA BRADY
THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY - JAN BRADY
O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
O HOLY NIGHT - GREG BRADY
SILENT NIGHT
JINGLE BELLS
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN - CINDY BRADY
SILVER BELLS
RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER - PETER BRADY
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

[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)

 

[Dennie]

Have Yourself A Tractors Christmas -- CD

The Tractors

1995 Arista Records

Great fun! Best original Xmas album we've heard in awhile, October 23, 2003
By Scott MacGillivray (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Have Yourself a Tractors Christmas (Audio CD)

My wife and I hadn't heard of The Tractors when we came across this album, but some of the song titles looked promising so we took a chance. I'm pleased to report that the band came through with flying colors.

Some of these tracks suggest a comedy/novelty treatment a la Dr. Demento, but don't be fooled... the sound is really rockin' country-and-western, complete with honky-tonk piano and hard-driving drums. Plenty of good stuff here, and almost all of it original, a real achievement among the usual Christmas reissues and revivals. The blue ribbon goes to "Santa Claus Is Comin' (in a Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train)," an infectious tune that we think you'll play again and again. The close runner-up is The Tractors' remake of Buck Owens's "Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy," a newer take on "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." Grab this one for these two cuts alone.

1. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
2. Jingle My Bells
3. The Shelter
4. Rockin' This Christmas
5. Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy
6. Christmas Is Comin'
7. Santa Claus Is Comin' (In A Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train)
8. Baby Wanna Be By You
9. Swingin' Home For Christmas
10. White Christmas
11. The Santa Claus Boogie
12. Silent Night, Christmas Blue

 

[Dennie]

A Fresh Aire Christmas - By Chip Davis -- CD

Mannheim Steamroller

1988 American Gramaphone Records

By Steven R. Seim "Steve Seim" (Beaver Dam, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

While the first Mannheim Steamroller "Christmas" album revolutionized contemporary Christmas music, the follow-up, "Fresh Aire Christmas," is Chip Davis' masterpiece. Instead of contrasting sharply with his more traditional interpretations, here the electronic touches and percussion blend in to create a truly unique classical/modern sound. The song selection is also uniformly strong, featuring some of the most beautiful and beloved Christmas favorites.

Together, the first two Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums may be the most musically important Christmas recordings ever released. Like it or not (and this reviewer does), Chip Davis has created some of the most distinctive and instantly recognizable interpretations of Christmas classics. And, for anyone who grew up in the 1980s, even his more questionable efforts will for ever more evoke powerful holiday nostalgia.

If you are one of the 17 people who've never heard this music, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. It is, quite simply, essential Christmas music.

"Hark! the Herald Trumpets Sing"
"Hark! the Herald Angels Sing"
"Veni Veni (O Come, O Come Emmanuel)"
"The Holly and the Ivy"
"Little Drummer Boy"
"Still, Still, Still"
"Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming"
"In Dulci Jubilo"
"Greensleeves"
"Carol of the Bells"
"Traditions of Christmas"
"Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)"

 

[Dennie]

Romance: Songs From The Heart -- Remastered CD

Frank Sinatra

2007 Capitol Records

Frank Sinatra never stopped singing love songs; arguably, it was what he did best. From the start of his career, Sinatra positioned himself as a singer of romantic songs, and he was believable in the role -- who could fail to fall to that voice? The holders of Sinatra's other major-label output -- Sony and Warner Bros. -- have previously released collections of the key love songs Sinatra recorded for them, so it's surprising that it took Capitol this long because many of his greatest romantic ballads and up-tempo swingers were the product of his tenure with that label (a good many of them were found on 1955's momentous Songs for Swingin' Lovers! album). Romance could easily have been built around that album alone, but only three of its songs are here; wisely, the compilers chose judiciously from Sinatra's other '50s and early-'60s sides for the label as well, including such essentials as "Day by Day," "As Time Goes By," "My Funny Valentine," "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," "All the Way" and "Where or When," each of which became a cornerstone of his repertoire. Sinatra was not a wide-eyed optimist when it came to singing of affairs of the heart, and the compilation benefits from the inclusion of tracks that are melancholy in tone (his In the Wee Small Hours album could be downright depressing, but therein lied its honest appeal). That may not make this the perfect Valentine's Day collection (it was released in January, 2007, in time for that year's annual onslaught of love comps) but it does make it a more well-rounded survey of the legend's love song work for Capitol. ~ Jeff Tamarkin

Track Listing
1. I've Got You Under My Skin
2. Time After Time
3. Day by Day
4. All the Way
5. Too Marvelous For Words
6. My Funny Valentine
7. Love Is Here to Stay
8. I've Got a Crush on You
9. Cheek to Cheek
10. Try a Little Tenderness
11. I Wish I Were in Love Again
12. Angel Eyes
13. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
14. As Time Goes By
15. At Long Last Love
16. I'll Be Seeing You
17. Almost Like Being in Love
18. Embraceable You
19. Nice 'N' Easy
20. Where or When
21. If You Are But a Dream

 

[Dennie]

This is good.....

Then And Now -- CD

Grover Washington, Jr.

1988 Columbia Records

Grover Washington, Jr. is probably best known for his forays into smooth jazz, a style he helped create. However, he could also hold his own in a post-bebop jazz setting.
On THEN AND NOW, Washington returns to his jazz roots proving his skill as a definitive jazz stylist. There's little R&B here. Each track highlights beautiful ballads such as "Just Enough" and "Something Borrowed, Something Blue," as well as the salsa inflected "French Connection." Smart, moving renditions of the standards "Stolen Moments," "In a Sentimental Mood," and a swinging version of "Stella By Starlight" complete one of Grover Washington's best efforts. THEN AND NOW is a riveting release.

Track listing

1. Blues for D.P.
2. Just Enough
3. French Connections
4. Something Borrowed, Something Blue
5. Lullaby for Shana Bly
6. Stolen Moments
7. In a Sentimental Mood
8. Stella by Starlight


Personnel: Grover Washington, Jr. (soprano, alto, & tenor saxophones); Igor Butman (tenor saxophone); Tommy Flanagan, Herbie Hancock, James "Sid" Simmons (piano); Richard Lee Steacker (guitar); Ron Carter (upright bass); Gerald Veasley (5-string electric bass); Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Grady Tate, Darryl Washington (drums); Miguel Fuentes (percussion).

 

[Dennie]

Billy Highstreet Samba -- CD

Stan Getz

1990 Phonogram France

Getz leading "Fusion" effort August 9, 2004
By rash67 VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD

Stan Getz European road manager was Bill Hoogstraten. One day Stan said, "Let's see, Hoogstraten, doesn't that mean 'High Street'"? Stan thought this was quite amusing, being often on High Street himself, so Stan collaborated on a Samba named for him. But 'Billy Highstreet Samba' is not really a samba, more nearly Rock Fusion.

Stan participated in a number of forgetable Fusion efforts in the 70's, to show he could play anything au courant, before his comeback in the 80's. Then, on his next Concord albums, he decided to change and play only what he was good at - his own straight-ahead mainstream style of Jazz, more involved versions of the same type of music he'd played in the '50's. Of all of his Fusion flounderings, this is the most listenable.

The better Getz pieces on this CD are, as usual, the slower, introspective ones like Chuck Loeb's "Be There Then", "Dirge" and the standard "Body and Soul". But, overall, there is also too much Fusion here; the sidemen meander, do their own thing, oblivious, while Stan tries to look for a place to make his statement in his idiom.

This will not replace Getz Cool, aloof work in the '40's thru '60's in anyone's heart. Nor will it replace his marvelous Cool (with emotions) comeback in the '80's, but it it the best album of the lost Fusion years.

Track Listing
1. Hospitality Creek
2. Anytime Tomorrow
3. Be There Then
4. Billy Highstreet Samba
5. Dirge, The
6. Page Two
7. Body and Soul
8. Tuesday Next - (bonus track)


Bass – Mark Egan
Drums – Victor Lewis
Executive Producer – Jean-Philippe Allard
Guitar – Chuck Loeb
Keyboards – Mitchel Forman
Mixed By [Digitally] – Phil Edwards
Percussion – Bobby Thomas Jr.
Photography By – Christian Rose, Jean-Pierre Larcher
Producer – Stan Getz

 

[Dennie]

Blue Serge + Boston Blow Up -- (2 on 1) CD

Serge Chaloff featuring Sonny Clark

2000 Definitive Records (Import Spain)

Spain's Definitive Classics imprint issues baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff's two best known recordings, Boston Blow Up! and Blue Serge on a single CD, containing the original 21 released tracks, without the bonus cuts that first Mosaic and later Capitol Jazz issued. The sequential presentation here is assembled in reverse chronological order of recording rather than the previously released versions' track schemes. For those familiar with the albums as originally presented, this may be a problem, but Definitive Classics is a true jazz nut's label, and keeping things historically straight is one of their trademarks. The sound is good though not excellent (Mosaic gets the marks for that), but this set is nonetheless well worth owning for anyone who doesn't already have the material and is interested in 1950s East Coast jazz at its best. ~ Thom Jurek

Track Listing
1. I've Got the World on a String
2. Thanks for the Memory
3. Goof and I
4. Susie's Blues
5. Handful of Stars
6. All the Things You Are
7. Stairway to the Stars
8. How About You
9. Mar-Dros
10. Kip
11. Unison
12. Body and Soul
13. Yesterday's Gardenias
14. Bob the Robin
15. What's New
16. Boomareemaroja
17. Diane's Meddley
18. Sergical
19. J. R.

 

[Dennie]

Winter Solstice On Ice -- 2 CD Set

Various Windham Hill Artists

1999 Windham Hill Records

Tired of the Umpteenth Playing of "The Christmas Song"? February 6, 2000
By Steve Vrana HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD

I have more than 200 Christmas albums in my music collection. [Hey, it's my favorite time of the year!] And the Windham Hill "Solstice" series is among my favorites. The double-disc "On Ice" is no exception. [If you're wondering about the post-Christmas review, I can also be something of a cheapskate and I get most of my Christmas music half price during the week after Christmas.]

This album is the musical companion to the A&E special "Winter Solstice On Ice." The two discs are mostly divided into instrumental (disc 1) and vocal (disc 2) tracks with both discs presenting a variety of both contemporary and traditional songs.

Disc 1 highlights include Liz Story's lovely "Joy to the World," George Winston's playful "Skating" (from Linus and Lucy), the LA Guitar Quartet's "4 Variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," and the late Michael Hedges stately reading of "What Child Is This."

Disc 2 highlights include Tuck and Patti's "Christmas Wish," Hiroshima's take on "Silent Night" with its harp-like koto, and Samite's "Esawayo."

This is Christmas music so enchanting that you'll want to play it all year long. RECOMMENDED

Track Listing
DISC 1:
1. Magic Forest - Ensemble
2. Joy to the World - Liz Story
3. Yesterday's Rain - W.G. Snuffy Walden
4. Skating - George Winston
5. O Holy Night - The Angels of Venice
6. Joy Ride - Mark Snow
7. 4 Variations on "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" - Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
8. Little Drummer Boy - Schönerz & Scott
9. Bittersweet - Jim Brickman
10. Sweeney's Buttermilk - Mícheál O Domhnaill/Paddy Glackin
11. Nigh Bethlehem - George Winston
12. First Noel - Sean Harkness
13. We Three Kings - Janis Ian
14. What Child Is This - Michael Hedges

DISC 2:
1. This Christmas - Jeffrey Osborne
2. Christmas Wish - Tuck & Patti
3. Winter - Phil Perry
4. Your Love - Jim Brickman
5. Gift, The - Roberta Flack/Peabo Bryson
6. Silent Night - Hiroshima
7. I Wish I Could - Peabo Bryson
8. Black Diamond - The Rippingtons
9. Esawayo - Samite
10. Snow Is Lightly Falling - Nightnoise
11. White Spirit, The - Uman
12. Ice Palace, The - David Arkenstone
13. Stars to Share - Samite
14. Santorini - Yanni
15. Mr. Moto's Penguin - Mark Isham

 

[Dennie]

Breath of Heaven -- A Holiday Collection -- CD

Grover Washington Jr.

1997 Columbia Records

BREATH OF HEAVEN was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance.Grover Washington, Jr. was probably the most successful "smooth jazz" artist of his generation. His blend of R&B, soul, pop, and jazz earned him a glowing reputation with consumers and "quiet storm" DJs. His discography boasts three decades of creative and heartfelt albums.At some point in most artists' careers, they find themselves recording a holiday album (or at least a tune or two with a festive theme). A funky yet serene release, BREATH OF HEAVEN is Washington's contribution to the vast canon of Christmas albums. Highlights include the title track, "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)," which features a beautiful vocal performance by Lisa Fisher. Washington's fusion version of "I Wonder as I Wander" is also one of the standout tracks on this album, with the tenor man displaying his skill as a straight-ahead jazz soloist. Smart performances are also turned in by the likes of Will Lee on electric bass and Hiram Bullock on guitar.

Track Listing
1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
2. Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)
3. Love in His Infant Eyes
4. Away in a Manger
5. I Wonder as I Wander
6. Christmas Time Is Here
7. Magi's Song-a Child Is Born
8. Jesu (Joy of Man's Desiring)
9. Christmas Song
10. Christmas Waltz
11. Christmas Day Chant
12. Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) - Instrumental Version


Personnel: Grover Washington, Jr. (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones); Dawn Andrews (vocals, cello); Lisa Fischer (vocals); Joe Locke (vibraphone, marimba, keyboards, chimes); Billy Childs, Donald Robinson (piano, keyboards); Hiram Bullock (keyboards, acoustic & electric guitars); Adam Holzman (synthesizer); Richard Lee Steacker (guitar); Will Lee, Gerald Veasley (bass); Steve Wolf, Victor Lewis (drums); Pablo Batista (conga, percussion); Bashiri Johnson (percussion).

 

[Dennie]

Acoustic Christmas - Spirited Holiday Instrumentals -- CD

John Darnall

1994 Regency Records

Track listing

1. Deck the Halls
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
3. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
4. Angels We Have Heard on High
5. Up on the Housetop
6. Away in a Manger
7. Here We Come a-Caroling
8. O Christmas Tree
9. Bring a Torch Jeannette Isabella
10. Over the River and Through the Woods

 

[Dennie]

The Grand Encounter -- CD

Diane Reeves

1996 Blue Note Records

This CD could have been titled Finally! Dianne Reeves has long had the potential to be the top female jazz singer, but so many of her previous recordings were erratic as she skipped back and forth between idioms without committing herself. However, after years of flirting with jazz and being seemingly undecided whether she would rather be a pop star, she at last came out with a full jazz album in 1996, and it is a gem. The supporting cast on the ten selections (which feature different personnel on each cut) is remarkable and everyone gets a chance to play: trumpeters Clark Terry and Harry "Sweets" Edison, altoists Phil Woods and Bobby Watson, tenorman James Moody, trombonist Al Grey, harmonica great Toots Thielemans (on "Besame Mucho"), pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Herlin Riley. In addition, Joe Williams shares the vocal spotlight on "Let Me Love You" and a touching version of "Tenderly," Germaine Bazzle sings along with Reeves on "Side by Side," and a rendition of Charlie Ventura's "Ha!" has a vocal group consisting of Reeves, Bazzle, Terry, Moody, and the young Kimberley Longstreth. Other highlights include Nat Adderley's "Old Country," "Some Other Spring," and "Cherokee." Despite the heavy "competition," the leader emerges as the star of the set due to her beautiful voice and highly expressive singing. This highly recommended CD is the Dianne Reeves release to get. ~ Scott Yanow


Track Listing
1. Old Country
2. Cherokee
3. Besame Mucho - (Spanish)
4. Let Me Love You
5. Tenderly
6. After Hours
7. Ha!
8. Some Other Spring
9. Side by Side
10. I'm Okay

Personnel: Dianne Reeves (vocals); James Moody (vocals, tenor saxophone); Clark Terry (vocals, trumpet); Joe Williams, Germaine Bazzle, Kimberley Longstreth (vocals); Phil Woods, Bobby Watson (alto saxophone); Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet); Al Grey (trombone); Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Kenny Barron (piano); Rodney Whittaker (bass); Herlin Riley (drums).