Jazz Articles about Various Artists

Various Artists: The Kings Of Highlife

by AAJ Staff
April 7, 2003

Around the time highlife was born in West Africa, horns were fading out and the guitar was assuming their place as the most popular lead instrument. The earliest highlife was a variation on the big band concept, with an enlarged rhythm section and brief instrumental solos spaced between well-harmonized themes and vocal passages.

As time went on, the genre diversified and went through many changes. This compilation does a nice job of representing some of the biggest names ...

Various Artists: Ghana Soundz

by AAJ Staff
April 7, 2003

The subtitle of this compilation tells the story in a nutshell: Afro-Beat, Funk and Fusion in 70's Ghana. Producer Miles Cleret, who promises that this is only Volume 1, took it upon himself to comb the country known as The Gold Coast before its 1957 independence from Britain, seeking out lost treasures from the golden age of Ghanaian music. (Where the hell did he find the guy with the hat?)

The '60s and '70s were indeed a happening ...

Various Artists: Viva CuBop 3

by Jim Santella
April 2, 2003

As with most “best of” compilations, CuBop’s third features many exciting artists, each of whom can command entire sessions of their own. Michael Turre performs a fiery “Kimbisa” on flute with the band of Bobby Matos. Charles Owens soars eloquently over “My Favorite Things” with Francisco Aguabella’s ensemble. Marvin Horne’s laid-back guitar sings from the heart on a track taken from Caliente Con Soul by Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers.

The album provides a chance to ...

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 ...

Various Artists: Inspiration: 22 Great Harmonica Performances

by Dr. Judith Schlesinger
February 2, 2003

When I first got Inspiration I thought it would be one of those boring novelty records. Besides, who but a confirmed harmonicat would enjoy over 72 solid minutes of harp music? Spinning the first two tracks, I was startled by the segue: Toots Thielemans jazzily interpeting Eric Satie in the familiar “Gymnopedie," followed by some yee-hah whooping by Sonny Terry on “Lost John." I thought, “What market is this one for?", shook my head, and continued doing some filing in ...

Various Artists: Smooth Sounds

by AAJ Staff
January 25, 2003

You’ve heard them in malls. You’ve heard them in elevators. You’ve heard them while waiting for everything from concert tickets to plumbing supplies. Now, thanks to Razor & Tie Direct and the ubiquitous UMG, you can hear the smooth sounds of Smooth Sounds in the comfort of your own home and car!

Offering Muzak classics like George Benson’s "Breezin’" and Swing Out Sister’s "Am I The Same Girl," this one-of-a-kind collection goes a bit far afield with David Benoit’s over-percussed ...

Various Artists: Jazz That Swings

by AAJ Staff
January 21, 2003

As the “Nouveau-Swing" era dies a well-deserved death, it leaves in its overdone, under-appropriately handled wake on valuable lesson: real Swing swings!

Fortunately, the folks at 32 Jazz were able to not only ride the wave but pick out the crests that rose highest. Though a few of the tracks on this compilation are a bit watery, most of them are absolutely tidal.

The opening “Love Theme from ‘The Sandpiper’" (a.k.a. “The Shadow of Your Smile") finds key man Cedar ...