Jazz Articles

Various Artists: Jazz After Dark

by C. Michael Bailey
November 9, 2003

The popularity of compilation CDs such as Now That is What I Call Music and WOW might be owed to the duplex cultural effects of an aging population longing for Top 40 radio and the declining attention span of the youth. This confluence of influence has prompted record labels of all stripes to mine their respective archives, assembling any order of collections for release. One of the better efforts in this respect is the two-disc set from Playboy Jazz, Jazz ...

Various Artists: Jazz After Dark

by Jim Santella
April 2, 2003

Slow jazz, a cozy fireplace and the right companionship. Who could ask for anything more?

Playboy Jazz seeks out and finds the real thing on Jazz After Dark, a two-disc collection of downtempo numbers. Each of these slow ballads comes with a serious pedigree. Duke Ellington and his orchestra feature Johnny Hodges on “Prelude to a Kiss.” Monk interprets “’Round Midnight” as no other artist can. Miles performs “My Funny Valentine” with his quartet. John Coltrane and ...

Tito Puente & the Golden Latin Jazz All Stars: Tito Puente Live at the Playboy Jazz Festival

by Javier AQ Ortiz
January 12, 2003

Quick and to the Point: A terrific live documentation of Puente’s distinctive foray in Jazz.

The group and music in this gig is already documented in two recordings. At first, the live ‘92 Village Gate performance as part of the now defunct “Salsa Meets Jazz” series. At that time, Paquito D’Rivera and Claudio Roditi were in the group instead of Mario Rivera and Charlie Sepúlveda , who became the mainstays through the duration of the existence of this ...

Mel Torm: Live At The Playboy Jazz Festival

by Jim Santella
November 1, 2002

Recorded at his final Playboy Jazz Festival appearance, this 36-minute session was envisioned by Mel Tormé as a tribute to the Swing Era. As was his habit, the singer created an eclectic set that included a little of everything: vocal with piano accompaniment, vocal interacting with big band, the singer with his reliable trio, and much more. Tormé was the consummate professional who never lost the fresh energy that sparked every appearance he made. His distinctive voice and his animated ...

Patti Austin: For Ella

by Dave Nathan
June 1, 2002

For her 16th album Patti Austin has decided to go with one of those you can't go wrong with it albums. A fine singer in her own right, Austin pays tribute to perhaps the quintessential female jazz singer of all time, Ella Fitzgerald, with a selection of 12 tunes, 11 of which are immediately associated with Fitzgerald. The one exception is the original “Hearing Ella Sing". Recorded live in Cologne, Germany and backed by the very large, and very good, ...

Various Artists: Playboy's Latin Jazz Christmas: A Not So Silent Night

by Jim Santella
October 1, 2001

Recorded earlier this year by contemporary artists, Playboy's Christmas gift will do much more than simply look good sitting under the tree. Combining lively salsa, smooth jazz and dramatic Afro-Cuban measures into one attractive package makes sense. This should appeal to a broad audience. Arturo Sandoval and Ed Calle work side by side to create charged particles. The ebb and flow of their dance movements makes for a festive evening. Poncho Sanchez and his band provide dramatic interpretations of classic ...

Various Artists: Blonde

by Jim Santella
June 1, 2001

The moody “Theme from Blonde," with Roy Hargrove's mellow trumpet in the spotlight, sets the stage for an album of relaxed swing and throwbacks to an earlier, comfortable period. Marilyn Monroe was a product of the big band era. It affected her tastes in music ... and other things. She later helped launch Playboy magazine. Now, a television mini-series based on the life of Monroe helps launch Concord's Playboy Jazz label. Patrick Williams' songs and arrangements depict a life of ...

Various Artists: Blonde

by Jim Santella
June 1, 2001

The moody “Theme from Blonde," with Roy Hargrove's mellow trumpet in the spotlight, sets the stage for an album of relaxed swing and throwbacks to an earlier, comfortable period. Marilyn Monroe was a product of the big band era. It affected her tastes in music ... and other things. She later helped launch Playboy magazine. Now, a television mini-series based on the life of Monroe helps launch Concord's Playboy Jazz label. Patrick Williams' songs and arrangements depict a life of ...