Jazz Articles

Beegie Adair Trio: Centennial Composers Collection

by C. Michael Bailey
November 8, 2002

A Superb Introduction to the Great American Song Book...

My first brush with what are commonly called “standards" in jazz parlance came when I devoured Linda Ronstadt’s Round Midnight with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. This was a collection of “jazz" vocals that was unthreatening, easily digested, and readily understood. Further, Ronstadt’s collection introduced the standards, their lyrics and melodies to my 40-something generation when that generation could not hear Ella, Billie, Sarah, or Betty.

Now, there is available an exceptional ...

Rosemary Clooney: Legacy of Song - Original Recordings

by Dave Nathan
April 1, 2001

Having finally escaped from the artistic shackles placed on her by Mitch Miller's corn machine at Columbia, Rosemary Clooney began recording for several other labels. One of them was RCA for some productive work during the early 1960's. Tracks culled from two RCA releases make up the bulk of this compilation. Because of these albums, and others, by the 1970's Clooney had emerged as one of our great song stylists.

The best of the albums is Clap Hands! Here Comes ...

David Davidson: Celtic Fantasy

by C. Michael Bailey
September 1, 2000

Angela's Ashes. I am frightfully ignorant of what currently called “Celtic" or “Traditional Irish" music. This ignorance has led me to invest in some truly horrible recordings. It never seems that I can find exactly what I am looking for. Add to this that “Celtic" or “Traditional Irish" music may be totally different genre's, but in my ignorance I equate the two. The best that I can tell, “Celtic Music" can be divided into the upbeat, traditional and the melancholy. ...

The Chris McDonald Orchestra: Big Band Classics / Big Band Favorites

by Jack Bowers
January 1, 2000

These are the third and fourth albums recorded for Green Hill Music by Chris McDonald, one of the finest big–band arrangers you’ve never heard. But unlike the other two ( Big Band Hymns, Big Band Christmas, reviewed in November), there’s nothing special about them. Nothing new either. After all, the world hasn’t exactly been holding its collective breath waiting for fresh arrangements of “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “In the Mood,” “A String of Pearls” or the other chestnuts re–roasted by ...

Beegie Adair: Jazz Piano Christmas

by Jim Santella
December 1, 1999

Traditional Christmas music is always a welcome treat this time of year. We’ve grown up with these songs, listening to Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald singing ‘em on the radio. As long as they’re performed tastefully, anything goes. The Green Hill label’s niche is instrumental albums to which one would normally relax, take one’s shoes off, and let the day pass without personal interference. Beegie Adair’s piano trio allows for just that and even adds ...

Jack Jezzro: Brazilian Nights

by Jim Santella
November 1, 1999

With a title that espouses truth in advertising, guitarist Jack Jezzro has put together a concept album of suave Brazilian music for small ensemble. With his acoustic nylon string model capturing the essence, Jezzro’s program sways with the tropical breeze and basks in the serene Latin moonlight. With complementary interludes from piano, flute and flugelhorn, the guitarist surrounds his features with lively rhythm accompaniment. Citing Earl Klugh, Pat Metheny and Lee Ritenour as three of his more prominent influences, the ...

The Chris McDonald Orchestra: Big Band Hymns / Big Band Christmas

by Jack Bowers
November 1, 1999

Big band hymns? If you’re thinking there’s no way the two can be compatible, much less swing, there’s no doubt you’ve not yet heard these sacred anthems remodeled in contemporary big–band arrangements by the conspicuously talented Chris McDonald. If the mind is receptive, it won’t take much more than the first few bars of “I’ll Fly Away” to convince you otherwise. Regardless of the material on which he is working, McDonald is quite simply a marvelous big–band arranger whose every ...