In 1966, the superb drummer Ed Thigpen ("Mr. Taste") stepped out of his role as percussionist of the cohesive and long-lived Oscar Peterson trio to record an album under his own name for Verve, Out of the Storm, a nearly forgotten classic now. Thigpen brought in the youthful Herbie Hancock and the more seasoned Ron Carter ...

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Article: Album Review

Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra: Blood On The Fields

Read "Blood On The Fields" reviewed by Jim Santella

by Jim Santella
September 1, 1997

The patriotic red, white and blue packaging, the 1994 theater premier, the 1995 recording, the 1997 international tour and announcement of the Pulitzer Prize for Music have provided this three-CD presentation of Wynton Marsalis' jazz oratorio considerable publicity around the world. The team effort utilizes key solo work from everyone in the orchestra to support the ...

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Article: Album Review

Grover Washington, Jr.: Next Exit

by AAJ Staff
August 1, 1997

Any Grover excursion is worth listening to and Next Exit is one of Grover's finer outings. From the Dave Brubeck “Take Five" opener featuring the golden background vocals of Fourever, he takes us on a mid tempo groove which has been covered by others but somehow this interpretation leaves you in no doubt that it's GWJ. ...

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Article: Album Review

Santana: Live at the Fillmore '68

by Douglas Payne
May 1, 1997

Live at the Fillmore '68 is an outstanding and welcome glimpse into the exciting musical invention of one of rock's most musically creative groups, Santana. It also offers much for jazz listeners to appreciate. At this point in the band's evolution it was called the Santana Blues Band and this quintet of young, talented and broad-minded ...

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Article: Album Review

David Sanchez: Street Scenes

by Douglas Payne
February 1, 1997

Like James Carter, David Sanchez is an awesomely talented, highly hyped tenor/soprano saxophonist who's lucky enough to be recording for a major label. That means lots of people will hear him and his music. It doesn't hurt that, like Carter too, he's very attractive and stunningly photogenic. In the MTV age, that goes a long way ...

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