Jazz Articles

Paprika Soul: Paprika Soul

by Dave Hughes
June 1, 2001

On their eponymous debut, Paprika Soul, a new UK-based band, seeks to rekindle the fiery, soulful grooves of the seventies’ soul-jazz greats such as Jack McDuff, Grant Green, and Lou Donaldson, while updating them with today’s production resources.

The disc gets off to a great start with an accurate cover of Seawind’s late-seventies hit “He Loves You.” (Seawind was one of the most under-recognized outfits of the era; this band gave us trumpeter/arranger Jerry Hey, keyboardist/saxophonist/producer Larry Williams, and singer ...

Four80East: Nocturnal

by Dave Hughes
February 1, 2001

Four80East a “group name" for the duo of Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace, who composed, mixed, and produced the CD and played the majority of the instruments; an occasional trumpet, tenor sax, or flute makes a cameo appearance. So predictably, it's a highly programmed affair, but as such it's a very likable effort. There's a lot more sonic variety and creativity than you hear in most smooth jazz efforts, which are calculated to soothe and sound familiar rather than challenge. ...

Four80East: Nocturnal

by AAJ Staff
December 1, 2000

Rather addictive, this. Nocturnal hits so many pleasure points that the listener feels as if mind and body have been opened up. If that sounds psychedelic, so be it: The range of ideas brought to the creative table here starts with Funk and Smooth Jazz, and extends to the trippier complexities of Dub, Minimalist Trance, and Progressive Rock. Like the best Funk, it's luminously to-the-point, nailing all kinds of rhythmic nuances with precise economy. Like Smooth, it has an attractive ...

Brian Hughes: Shakin' Not Stirred

by Dave Hughes
December 1, 1999

The marketing hype that accompanies the latest release from Canadian guitarist Brian Hughes,Shakin' Not Stirred, attempts to position this CD as "a fond look back at upon the cool jazz and spicy Latin music of the late 60s and early 70s" with a "jazz club atmosphere." Hughes cites Stanley Turrentine'sSalt Songalbum and Freddie Hubbard'sRed Clayas being particularly influential. Well... I don't hear it. That's not to say that this isn't a good CD; in fact, it's quite enjoyable. ...

Various Artists: Jazz a Saint Germain

by Robert Spencer
September 1, 1998

Jazz A Saint-Germain is designed to evoke the Bohemian atmosphere of Paris during the German occupation. A series of vocalists (including Angelique Kidjo, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dee Dee's daughter China, Deborah Harry, and many more) turn in a series of highly original takes on standard English and French fare; most achieve a smoky, highly-charged feel, but within this obvious goal there is a tremendous variety. China sounds traditionally breathy and mournful on “Lover Man," but on “Les Joyeux Bouchers" Catherine ...

Craig Chaquico: Once in a Blue Universe

by AAJ Staff
October 1, 1997

Former Jefferson Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico is one of the most successful and reliable of the crop of rock musicians who have recently switched genres into contemporary jazz. His fourth CD, Once in a Blue Universe continues to broaden his jazz horizons while providing some very satisfying and distinctive music. Fans of Craig's first two albums ( Acoustic Planet and Acoustic Highway ) will find the same improvisational and eclectic guitar style prevalent on those albums. Those who welcomed Craig's ...