Jazz Articles about Various Artists

like 121

Various Artists: A Great Night In Harlem

by C. Michael Bailey
September 19, 2002

Mixed Blessings—Mixed Feelings

Recordings like A Great Night In Harlem tend to have the parts greater than the sum. Performed and recorded to benefit The Jazz Musician’s Emergency Fund, A Great Night contains some very great moments. Central to the collection is Cassandra Wilson’s 10-minute take on the Son House opus, “Death Letter." Beautifully rendered with her voice filled with dust and peat, Wilson delivers a definitive jazz reading of this Delta classic, backed by the exceptional talent of Marvin ...

like 601

Various Artists: Nigeria 70: The Definitive Story of Funky Lagos

by AAJ Staff
September 14, 2002

Lest we neglect the under-represented sounds of West African funk, the folks at AfroStrut have put together a magnificent 3-disc compilation that celebrates the movement. Nigeria 70 reminds us of the spirit and diversity of the sounds that emerged around Lagos in the '70s with nearly 150 minutes of music. At the outset, let's make it clear where this set stands: at the very pinnacle of African music compilations ever released. The subject certainly offers a rich field to mine, ...

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Various Artists: The Music of Eric von Essen, Volume III

by AAJ Staff
September 7, 2002

As Cryptogramophone's three-volume tribute to the late Eric von Essen draws to a close, we find ourselves amazed at the diversity of players, styles, and moods coming together in his honor. Von Essen was not exactly a well-known player, but the large number of musicians assembled here testifies to the depth and impact of his music. (For the curious: Eric von Essen, bassist and composer, recorded four records with Quartet Music, a project with guitarist Nels Cline, violinist Jeff Gauthier, ...

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Various Artists: A Great Night In Harlem

by Jim Santella
August 1, 2002

Recorded September 24, 2001 at the Apollo Theater in New York, this 2-CD collection contains memorable interpretations of standards and plenty of straight-ahead fun. The veteran, all-star cast assembled for this live performance to benefit the Jazz Foundation of America , an institution devoted to aiding jazz artists in need. Their performance was donated. Contributions of this nature are, indeed, rare in society. However, among the jazz community, it’s not entirely unexpected. The camaraderie that exists within the jazz community ...

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Various Artists: Telarc Jazz-- Celebrating 25 Years

by C. Michael Bailey
July 18, 2002

A solid track record...

Telarc International ( Telarc.com ) is celebrating its Silver Anniversary. Originally founded in 1977 and centered in Cleveland, Telarc began its life as a classical music recording company. In the past 25 years, the label has recorded a bountiful number of American and Foreign artists and orchestras. Not surprisingly, Christoph von Dohnanyi and the Cleveland Symphony are well represented in Telarc's catalog. This same catalog sports the likes of Martin Pearlman and the Boston Baroque, one ...

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Various Artists: In The Pocket: A Taste of Blues Harmonica

by C. Michael Bailey
July 9, 2002

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, ...

Telarc Blues culls their considerable holdings to provide a wholly satisfying collection of contemporary blues harmonica by contemporary and not-so-contemporary blues musicians. Represented here is approximately equal the rural harmonica style common to the Mississippi (e.g., Sonny Terry) and the close-miked, hyperamplified flavor pioneered by Marion “Little Walter" Jacobs in the 1950s. The pieces are derived from 1990s-2000s releases, the earliest being “Muddy's Shuffle" from the Muddy Waters Tribute Band's You're Gonna ...

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Various Artists: Men In Black II: Music From The Motion Picture

by Jim Santella
July 1, 2002

Film composer Danny Elfman writes music that represents the movie. It’s original music, and his work is usually dark. The mood certainly fits both Men In Black films, as well as projects such as Darkman, Nightbreed, Beetlejuice, Midnight Run, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Mars Attacks!, Forbidden Zone and The Frighteners. Rather than devote time and creative energy to a random compilation by various artists, Elfman has carefully woven his music into the story’s plot. As you’d expect, most of it ...