Jazz Articles about Various Artists

The Columbia Small Group Swing Sessions 1953-1962

by C. Andrew Hovan
March 22, 2005

Various Artists The Columbia Small Group Swing Sessions 1953-1962 Mosaic Records 2004

Following the be-bop innovations of the early to mid '50s and the subsequent popularity of hard bop during the '60s, many of jazz music's elder statesmen found themselves in a very precarious position. Swing and Dixie styles had diminished in popularity and many of the jazz clubs that had once presented a wide variety of genres were closing down, leaving many of ...

Various Artists: The Complete Norman Granz Jam Sessions

by Norman Weinstein
March 22, 2005

This handsomely packaged five-CD box combines all of the Norman Granz Jam Session LPs in one place for the first time. The sound is improved from earlier packagings through 24-bit digital transfers, and a big booklet penned by Bob Porter explains the music in a workmanlike manner. How you assess the value of the box has everything to do with what you think about Norman Granz--but I can't imagine any jazz fan not finding a lot to enjoy here.

Putumayo Presents Acoustic Brazil and Afro-Latin Party

by AAJ Staff
March 16, 2005

After two recent albums focusing on the New Orleans jazz tradition, including one devoted to the music of young trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, Putumayo has turned its attention to other corners of the globe. The world music label's latest two compilations target mellow Brazilian sounds and Afro-Latin dance music respectively, and the contrast is quite dramatic. One offers songs for quiet times by the fire, the other literally lights a blaze under your feet.

Both of these records, like ...

Various Artists: Harold Arlen Centennial Celebration

by Jim Santella
March 5, 2005

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Harold Arlen's birth, Concord Records has compiled some of the best interpretations of his songs from the Pablo, Prestige, Riverside, Moodsville, New Jazz, Galaxy, and Concord Jazz labels. Disc one features the vocalists, while disc two features instrumental memories. The double album comes with comprehensive liner notes by Will Friedwald that includes a brief historical comment about each selection.

The vocal selections are all delivered with love. The artists and events chosen ...

Various Artists: New Orleans

by AAJ Staff
February 10, 2005

The city of New Orleans counts many styles among its diverse musical offspring, including jazz, the focus of this compilation of old and young players alike. It's a timely entry by Putumayo, a world music label whose every release comes with the proclamation that it's “guaranteed to make you feel good!" No false claim in this case, lest you suspect otherwise. After visiting the area for three previous releases devoted to cajun, zydeco, and a self-described gumbo stew of styles, ...

NFL Films Music: Selections from Autumn Thunder

by Mark Sabbatini
January 28, 2005

"From the 'Some Idiots Apparently Will Buy Anything' file, the NFL will be audio selling recordings of the conference championship games for replay on Apple iPods." ~ profootballtalk.com

Great. I guess I'm an idiot.

With the week of Super Bowl XXXIX here, Apple's iTunes Music Store is setting the mood with Selections from Autumn Thunder: 40 Years of NFL Films Music. The album, apparently exclusive to the store, features selections from a 10-disc boxed set ...

Various Artists: New Orleans

by Jim Santella
January 25, 2005

Marching through the streets in celebration usually brings whole communities together. Perfect strangers feel as if they know each other. It happens all over the world. But in New Orleans, it's become a part of the local culture. Celebrations can take place any time, since the Crescent City is active all year 'round.

Released in time for Mardi Gras 2005, Putumayo's New Orleans compilation features some of the best representatives of the city's legendary trad jazz scene. The ...