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Results for "Jim Santella"
Chucho Vald: Solo: Live In New York
by Jim Santella
Recorded in 1998 at Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York, Chucho Valdés' solo piano album brings familiar melodies to the audience with his personal zeal for powerful rhythms ingrained. Zestful ideas and constant shifts characterize his approach. Opening with a heartfelt ballad and including such familiar melodies as “Bésame Mucho" and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow," ...
Dianne Reeves: The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan
by Jim Santella
Dianne Reeves and Sarah Vaughan have a lot in common. They share an emotional, from-the-heart form of communicating with an audience. A full, rich vocal tone and dramatic spirit bring them closer together with every phrase. Both appreciate a beautiful song, and both augment their presentations with unique, wordless vocal styles. With a full string orchestra ...
Carla White: The Sweetest Sounds
by Jim Santella
Her breathy alto voice sets up a romantic scene for this session of standards. Carla White creates a particularly impressive scene every time she scat sings her way through one of these favorite tunes. Alongside Lew Tabackin, Dean Johnson and Peter Madsen, she's the agile instrumentalist, weaving her voice among their assertive lines. Straight-ahead jazz is ...
David Friesen & Gary Versace: With You In Mind
by Jim Santella
Never talk to your neighbor during the bass solo. You’ll miss the best part of many a performance. The artist moves up and down that delicate, centuries-old instrument, plucking one melody after another. By working in duo format with pianist Gary Versace, bassist David Friesen ensures that no one will care to converse during the performance. ...
Sonny Stitt: "Live" At The Left Bank
by Jim Santella
The electric saxophone was a good idea that just didn’t work out. Sonny Stitt is able to play “alto,” “tenor” or a combination of the two synchronized in perfect harmony. The baritone sax effect is added to “The Shadow of Your Smile” and “Blues Up and Down.” His skills on the saxophone aren’t in the least ...
Capitol Quartet: Anything Goes
by Jim Santella
As a foursome interpreting “Night and Day” or “Begin the Beguine,” the Capitol Quartet presents itself as a talented, classically trained unit that enjoys making good music. Most of their crossover session features the quartet alone, in a program that reaches from classical music to Dixieland. Crisp, clear, and with a decade-long comradeship, the four saxophonists ...
Various Artists: Casino Lights '99
by Jim Santella
Jazz festivals have to provide an eclectic program. Who would show up to see eight bands with nearly identical credentials? How many would stay to the end? These days, jazz festivals bring in Latin jazz, smooth jazz, straight-ahead, contemporary, and blues. Every year. Throughout the history of jazz, jam sessions have played a large part in ...
Sir Simon Rattle: Classic Ellington
by Jim Santella
Sir Simon Rattle conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of Duke Ellington’s music. Each impressive orchestration has been reworked by Luther Henderson to provide a full sound. The orchestra performs admirably with accurate interpretations of classic Ellington songs. Along the way, we find Clark Terry, Bobby Watson, Joe Lovano, Regina Carter, Lewis ...
Pete Escovedo: E Music
by Jim Santella
A “tipico” album of smooth jazz and Salsa, Pete Escovedo’s 5th Concord release is reminiscent of Tito Puente’s popular appeal. Mambo, guajira, cha cha cha, bolero and samba provide the listener a romantic evening with gentle, flowing motion. Escovedo’s heartfelt vocals, sensitive guest instrumentalists and his family’s rhythmic, percussive accompaniments drive the session. Son Peter Michael, ...
Miles Davis: Jazz At The Plaza
by Jim Santella
From a live 1958 session at the Persian Room of New York’s swanky Plaza Hotel, this reissue reminds us that Miles Davis’ sextet was one of the greatest in jazz. Originally issued in 1973, the LP contained liner note errors regarding time and place of performance as well as one incorrect song title and one incorrect ...
