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Various Artists: Talkin' Verve Groovy

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Various Artists: Talkin' Verve Groovy
In a departure from the greater part of their popular introductory series "Talkin' Verve," legendary jazz label Verve Records has released this collection of '60s pop covers by some of their greatest jazz legends. Though all 16 tracks have been previously released on the label (proving their contention that "jazz didn't expose pop music in the sixties; it just covered it"), it is odd if not startling to hear some of the pairings reproduced on this collection.

For example, while one might not think twice about Chet Baker trying his hand at the horn-heavy Ides of March tune "Vehicle," it might be a bit more over the edge to hear Baker's rendition of the Willie Bobo/Carlos Santana hit "Evil Ways." As well it should be! Though Baker made magic with American Songbook standards such as "My Funny Valentine" and "Imagination," it takes some imagination to separate his take on the Woodstock classic from Muzak.

On the other hand, the album also demonstrates the well-picked pairing of James Brown and Quincy Jones, whose easy organ run through "I Got You (I Feel Good)" lacks the fire of the Godfather's original, but still keeps it's soul and even includes an appropriate gospel revival break. That Jones recorded an entire album of Brown's hits (1965's Quincy's Got a Brand New Bag ) demonstrates the respect and love Jones had for his Soul Brother #1, and these two tracks, though heavier on the blues than the rhythm, are fitting tributes.

Also prominent on the album are Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Smith and Willie Bobo himself. Kenny Burrell even takes a shot at Buffalo Springfield's gentle "Everydays." Though other-minded and at times over-touted by the liner notes, the tracks most often work and offer new and different perspectives on pop classics from some of jazz's most prescient and profound seers.

Track Listing

1. Chain of Fools - Jimmy Smith 2. Ain't Too Proud to Beg - Willie Bobo 3. I Got You (I Feel Good) - Quincy Jones 4. Vehicle - Chet Baker 5. (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay - Jimmy Smith 6. Ain't That Peculiar - Quincy Jones 7. Everydays - Kenny Burrell 8. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Oscar Peterson 9. California Dreamin' - Wes Montgomery 10. Sunny - Jimmy Smith 11. Evil Ways - Chet Baker 12. Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - Quincy Jones 13. I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Willie Bobo 14. Spinning Wheel - Chet Baker 15. Spill the Wine - Jimmy Smith 16. Goin' Out of My Head - Wes Montgomery

Personnel

Album information

Title: Talkin' Verve Groovy | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Verve Music Group

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