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Steve Tyrell: This Time Of The Year
by Jim Santella
It's the time of year for floor-length, sequined gowns, colorful neckties, spiked punchbowls, endless dancing, and repeated trips to the refreshment bar. Singer Steve Tyrell wants to make sure everyone has a good time. For his party, he's invited a few special guests we can certainly appreciate. Tyrell's loose vocal interpretations set everyone at ease. His ...
Chris Botti: December
by Jim Santella
The holidays are upon us, and it's a time of year to enjoy and reflect. Chris Botti employs a pure, golden, open trumpet tone to invite the proper mood. Strings and various veteran jazz artists accompany him in a program that emphasizes winter's still, melodic majesty. His muted trumpet pulls “Hallelujah" serenely forward to the still ...
Brian Bromberg: Jaco
by Jim Santella
The jazz fusion that Weather Report and Jaco Pastorius symbolized has influenced countless contemporary artists. Bassist Brian Bromberg pays homage to Pastorius’ brief benchmark career through hip selections that showcase the bass. Bromberg’s upfront lyricism is, without question, one of the high points in contemporary jazz. When he steps out front with upright bass on “Portrait ...
Gary Meek: Step 7
by Jim Santella
As a multi-talented session player, Gary Meek has worked with numerous artists who hold a deep respect for quality. His saxophones and flute are featured on Step 7, his latest recording project. Meek brings a full tone and shiny timbre to the session. He’s at his best when conversing with Flora Purim in that universal language ...
Monica Mancini: Cinema Paradiso
by Jim Santella
The cinema has given us many memorable ballads. Monica Mancini has selected chestnuts that represent a cross-section of film songs: each of them a timeless beauty that we’ll always remember. It’s music for our generation. Mancini interprets them with the wallpaper of a string orchestra in support that allows the passion in her delivery to remain ...
Cannonball Adderley: Radio Nights
by Jim Santella
Radio broadcasts from The Half Note in New York during the last week of 1967 and the first week of 1968 make up the set of distinctive material on Radio Nights. The live audience reaction puts the listener right there, to share in each exciting moment. Cannonball Adderley was at his best, and the ensembles remained ...
Nat King Cole: The Definitive Nat "King" Cole
by Jim Santella
Most of this superb collection features Nat King Cole in the role that he knew first: jazz pianist with a small ensemble playing instrumental favorites with a creative swing. Recorded in Los Angeles between July 1942 and August 1947, the songs come from an expressive pianist who knows the true value of a few complementary partners ...
Cannonball Adderley: The Definitive Cannonball Adderley
by Jim Santella
Recorded between February 1957 and August 1971 and featuring Cannonball Adderley in various contexts, Blue Note’s definitive collection touches upon all the high points of a memorable career. The alto saxophonist influenced thousands of followers. His collaborations with his brother Nat, leader Miles Davis and arranger Gil Evans made unforgettable music. Cannonball Adderley brought the blues ...
Jeff Kaiser: 17 Themes for Ockodektet
by Jim Santella
Jeff Kaiser’s New Music for large ensemble relies on free group improvisation. By enlisting the support of veteran jazz artists, all of them highly creative improvisers from an avant-garde stance, he’s able to get his message across clearly and with pleasure for the listener. These two suites of Kaiser’s are performed before a live audience. Impressionism ...
Keely Smith: Keely Swings Basie-style with Strings
by Jim Santella
Keely Smith sounds as sweet and sprightly as ever. Recorded earlier this year, she interprets classic standards with a Southern California “who’s who” of big band artists in support. Recalling the legendary Count Basie Orchestra and adding strings, the album makes a genuine tribute to a powerful force in jazz’s history. Frank Collett’s swinging arrangement of ...
