Amadee Castenell

Amadee Castenell: Amadee

by Robert Spencer
August 1, 1998

More groove-laden contemporary jazz from Allen Toussaint's NYNO. Amadee Castenell plays a gritty R&B tenor (and flute on “Angels"), backed by a funky ensemble consisting of Toussaint's piano on four tracks, pianist Chuck (not Charlie) Chaplin on three others (he also plays Fender Rhodes on one), the smooth synthesizers of Larry Sieberth, Scott Goudeau on guitar, David Barard on bass (seven tracks), Chris Severin on bass (the other five tracks), Russell Batiste on drums (five tracks), Bernard “Bunchy" Johnson on ...

Amadee Castenell: Amadee

by Jim Santella
August 1, 1998

Tenor saxophonist Amadee Castenell plays smooth jazz with support from electric bass & guitar, keyboards & synths, and a drummer's back beat rhythms. Melodic, with acoustic piano fills and guitar doubling, Castenell's tenor takes center stage throughout the session. The leader has recorded with Lee Dorsey, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, and Johnny Adams; her reverence of the melody is no surprise. Castenell's tone is full and bright; the emphasis on a melody is quite appropriate.

Bill Summers supplies a ...