Jazz Articles about Various Artists

Various Artists: Justin Time For Christmas: Three

by Jim Santella
December 1, 2001

Justin Time's eclectic catalogue treats the holiday season to timeless material. From Bach to boogie, a wide variety suits this time of the year. Frosted windowpanes and frosted drinking glasses nudge our attitudes along the path that we need – badly – to round out the year. As a time for reflection and a time for making significant new year plans, the holiday seasonneedsa little jazz. When Ranee Lee sings “Santa Baby" with congas and guitar, she sets the mood ...

Various Artists: Jazzy Christmas

by Jim Santella
December 1, 2001

Straight-ahead jazz for Christmas. Three veteran Los Angeles-based piano trios and two other, rather unique, ensembles interpret traditional holiday music tastefully. ‘Tis the season. Each ensemble performs two carols. Patrice Rushen, Stanley Clarke and Ngudu Chancler bring an exotic flavor to “We Three Kings." The pianist’s art leaves classic tinges of dissonance in several places for effect. David Benoit, Brian Bromberg and Gregg Bissonette bring a little joy through “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Light and festive, their straight-ahead ...

Various Artists: Jazz Memories

by Jim Santella
December 1, 2001

Bebop was still the new kid on the block when these memorable jazz events occurred. The scope of the sessions on this 2-CD boxed set runs from 1947 to 1962, with Duke Ellington's 1967 solo piano dedication of “Lotus Blossom" the lone exception. All capture that 1950's spirit of the pioneer with a new music at hand, who ensured that beauty remained at the forefront of jazz. Thelonious Monk and Art Tatum perform trademark solo piano pieces. Roy Eldridge and ...

Various Artists: Groovin' Jazz Christmas

by Dave Hughes
December 1, 2001

It’s a smooth jazz Christmas. Most of this program is exactly what you’d expect: sax lead, programmed backgrounds and drum loops, lightweight improvisations (although Doc Powell’s guitar on “Let It Snow” is appealing). The first eight songs stay close to the formula, and it’s pretty predictable, mechanical, and at times downright sterile. But whoever sequenced the CD saved the best for last; the final three songs are the most rewarding of the lot. “Christmas Eve”, the only original on the ...

Various Artists: To Grover, With Love

by Dave Hughes
November 1, 2001

The latest addition to the seemingly endless parade of all-star tribute albums is To Grover, With Love. This one’s another Jason Miles production; he seems to have found a niche for himself in producing these extravaganzas, and has quite a rolodex to call upon.

They say you never fully appreciate someone until they’re gone. This CD lends credence to that adage in two respects. First, throughout Washington’s full but prematurely shortened career, he recorded a lot of really good material, ...

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: The Visit

by Jim Santella
July 1, 2001

Starring Billy Dee Williams and Hill Harper, The Visit centers on spiritual awakening and personal redemption. Hence, the soundtrack ranges from uplifting gospel to moody jazz and soulful ballads. Director Jordan Walker-Pearlman selected music appropriate to what he envisioned for the film. He also arranged for five composers to write original music specific to particular themes. Thus, we find in the soundtrack, new music by Stefán Dickerson, Michael Bearden, Stanley A. Smith, Ramsey Lewis, and Wallace Roney.

Trumpeter Roney performs ...