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Dawn Aitken: Be Cool
by John Sharpe
British Columbia vocalist Dawn Aitken is a first-call recording studio veteran whose voice has been heard on numerous radio and TV commercials. In spite of her strong voice, Be Cool is a rather uneven mix of pop, blues and jazz. The CD opens with a fine reading of Hoagy Carmichael’s classic The Nearness Of You, a ...
Al Jarreau: Tomorrow Today
by John Sharpe
Smooth pop/jazz vocalists Al Jarreau hasn't released a new record in over six years and hasn't really had a big hit since 1981's Breakin' Away (Warner Bros.). Nevertheless, his voice remains as strong, quirky and flexible as ever, even if he long ago abandoned his jazz beginnings. Unfortunately, Jarreau's song choices now lean towards slick R&B, ...
Charles Earland: The Almighty Bu rner
by John Sharpe
Jazz/funk organist Charles Earland, who died on December 11, 1999 of a heart attack at age 58, began his musical career playing saxophone in a high school dance band. Earland switched to the Hammond B-3 in 1963 and like so many who have taken up that instrument he would never scale the heights or escape the ...
Chucho Vald: Live At The Village Vanguard
by John Sharpe
Among his many accomplishments, pianist Jesus Chucho Valdés may be best known for forming the Cuban jazz orchestra, Irakere. Sadly, the political tensions between Cuba and the United States have, till now, often prevented Valdés from showcasing his considerable talents to a broader audience. However, in the past few years he has been allowed to leave ...
Roy Haynes: The Roy Haynes Trio
by John Sharpe
Considering that Roy Haynes’ illustrious career spans over 50 years, it would be easier to list the musicians he hasn’t worked with, as opposed to those he has! While the legendary drummer, who is now over 70- years-old, has kept steady time for the greatest names in jazz, his recordings as a leader are rare. This ...
Greg Osby: The Invisible Hand
by John Sharpe
It’s always been a sign of respect and acceptance in the jazz world when the “old pros” partake in a session with the new kid on the block. The fact that legendary veterans Jim Hall (guitar) and Andrew Hill (piano) were enthusiastic participants on Greg Osby’s new CD speaks volumes for this “newcomers” talent. Both men ...
Summit Jazz Orchestra: Moods Of A Cat
by John Sharpe
I had never heard of the Summit Jazz Orchestra from Germany until I stumbled upon them while surfing the Net. Not surprising, considering that the American media would have you believe great jazz exists only in that country and often ignores talent outside its borders. Well, it doesn’t and it does! The 17-piece Summit Jazz Orchestra ...
Sonny Clark: My Conception.
by John Sharpe
In the late 50s and early 60s Sonny Clark functioned as the de facto house pianist for the fabled Blue Note label. Many of his recordings with giants like Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Curtis Fuller among many others are considered classics of the hard bop genre. Unfortunately, this Bud Powell-influenced pianist suffered from drug and alcohol ...
Keely Smith: Swing, Swing, Swing
by John Sharpe
In the 1950s Keely Smith and her husband Louis Prima were one of the hottest acts in Las Vegas. Their fun-filled lounge act emphasized the couple’s sly, sexy interplay and the honking tenor of Sam Butera. Surviving recordings demonstrate why they were billed as “The Wildest Show In Las Vegas.” In 1961 the couple divorced and ...
D. D. Jackson: Anthem
by John Sharpe
Pianist/composer D. D. Jackson recently received the Juno Award (“Best Contemporary (Instrumental) Jazz Album”) for his RCA debut ...so far. While that solo outing garnered raves from most critics, I’m not sure they will be as enamored with Anthem. Here, Jackson has decided to enhance his piano playing with organ overdubs, to no good effect. To ...
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