CD Reviews
Tyrone Jackson - Another Voyage
Pianist Tyrone Jackson’s latest CD “Another Voyage” on Hot Shoe
records is an incredible listen for any jazz lover to experience. This project is so well put together with great
performances and creative arrangements within these thoughtful, original and classic, compositions. From the opening
track, a Crusaders classic, is given the maestro’s treatment and the arrangement is brilliant! This musical voyage
originates in Atlanta, Georgia by way of New Orleans, Louisiana the birth place of this great, straight ahead jazz,
American tradition. This CD features eleven tracks, six original, that showcase Mr. Jackson’s many talents and skills.
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Sean Jones - The Search Within
Written by Anjanette Dawes
Sean Jones has released his fifth Mack Avenue Records project, The Search Within. The music on this project is as multifaceted as the man behind it. The man, Mr. Jones, is a bandleader, composer, professor, member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and newly named artistic director for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. The music, a complete auditory arts experience within itself, elicits a range of emotions – from ecstasy to empathy, plays to a plethora of dance styles – from waltzing to samba, and includes a tasty mix of jazz flavors for listeners’ ears – from straight-ahead riffing to smooth grooves.
Trey Wright Trio - Thinking Out Loud
Trey Wright Trio’s “Thinking Out Loud” is one very nice CD!
All musicians and artists have their strengths or angles and the great thing about Trey’s play is his detail to the
notes he plays. It’s a lot like listening to a linguist talk about his expertise as he carefully chooses his words
to illuminate something that you may not have had a complete grasp. Trey plays like a much older jazz master with
many more years of experience conveying his musical ideas. The way Trey builds his compositions, completing every
core idea throughout the entirety of the song, with Marlon Patton (d) and Marc Miller (b) there is a literal “wholesome”
feel about the entire CD that makes it a perfect compliment to any listening opportunity. The balance and composition
of the band is wonderful too as Trey leads his trio through these ten tracks.
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Stanton Moore Trio - Emphasis! on Parenthesis
Stanton Moore is a well seasoned drummer from New Orleans who has
assembled an outstanding trio that have created their own brand of Jazz/Funk. “Emphasis
(on parenthesis)”, released in April of ’08 is the trio’s second CD on the Telarc International
label, follow up to their September ’06 CD release “III.” At this point this trio is a cohesive
machine featuring Stanton Moore on drums, Robert Walter on organ and keys and Will Bernard on guitar.
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Gary Harris - Here for You
Saxophonists Gary Harris’ name has become synonymous with the ubiquitous
Atlanta Jazz scene. His long anticipated debut CD “Here for You” captures the essence of southern
influenced smooth jazz. He begins with the mid-tempo appetizer “Remember This”. This song and a few
notable others are produced by Magic Dream’s William Green – who lays the foundation for the CD and
is joined by the likes of drummer Melvin Baldwin, bassist Sean Michael Ray and guitarist Reggie Ward.
Just as Gary begins to spin his web of tenor sax, trumpeter and producer Joey Summerville injects the
soulful “In the Pocket” in the mix.
Written by Ginger Dee
Keri Noble - Self-titled Release
Keri Noble is no newcomer to the music scene, but
she is indeed making a fresh start! Ms. Noble has just released her self-titled debut release for Telarc
Records. She has several other recordings to her credit, but they were not marketed well in the states.
After taking some time off to determine her place in the music business, Ms. Noble has returned with a
musical vengeance. Her lyrics speak to her determination and make a case for a throne that should have
been hers years ago! The work includes 11 tracks all written by Ms. Noble over the last four years. The thoughtful and
reflective lyrics are accompanied by melodic tunes that make this release a must listen. Several tracks
are sure to tap listeners’ eardrums with a tempo that makes doves cry, hearts sing, and souls dance.
To read more...
Written by Anjanette Dawes
Obie Jessie - New Atmosphere
Obie Jessie is a vocalist, lyricist and arranger is celebrating
the release of his new CD, New Atmosphere. "New Atmosphere" features 6 original tunes. Obie delivers a gorgeous rendition of "I Remember The Rain" special guests
include saxophonist Azar Lawrence (formerly with McCoy Tyner), bassist Henry Franklin, drummer Carl Burnett, pianist Gary
Matsumoto, percussionist Ramada Mumin aka Tony Waters (formerly with Mary Lou Williams).
To read more...
Written by Jay Edwards
Fourplay - Energy
The Smooth Jazz supergroup Fourplay has
created another incredible CD. Energy marks the group’s ninth release and their debut on the Heads
Up label. The group is comprised of four legendary jazz musicians featuring pianist Bob James,
bassist Nathan East, guitarist Larry Carlton and Harvey Mason on the drums. Energy incorporates a variety of influences including R&B, Pop, African and more. Also featured
on vocals is the jazz bass phenomenon Esperanza Spalding whose soulful voice adds the perfect compliment
to Fourplay’s “Prelude For Lovers.” To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Madoca - Amethyst
Atlanta’s own Madoca has released her second
CD entitled Amethyst. Madoca is a Japanese American Jazz Fusion keyboardist whose name is pronounced
“Ma du ka.” She is an internationally acclaimed composer and performer from Japan who is able to
create music that has great energy. This CD features ten original tracks, a standard from Rogers and
Hart and a classic from Isaac Hayes. Since 2005 with her first CD “Mysterious Ways” Madoca has been
building her reputation as one of Atlanta’s brightest musical gems. Performing as Madoca and Co.
with collaborator and producer Prince Redd of “The Prince Project”, the two have teamed with some
of Atlanta’s best musicians to create another exciting jazz CD.
To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Amos Lee - Last Days at the Lodge
Amos uses his falsetto to make a point in the tune
“Jails and Bombs”, one of my favorites, and the one that clearly illustrates his versatility as a vocalist
and songwriter. I was equally surprised at how the second track, “Won’t Let Me Go” entered with a throw-back
to the old school - drum roll to soulful pop progressions to “baby I’m sorry” lyrics to “everybody sing the
refrain in harmony” ending. I was immediately prompted to go through the CD to note the contributing musicians….
Bassist Pino Palladino, (The Who, Don Henley, D’Angelo, Eryka Bada, etc..) even as he lays back on this release,
he makes a clear musical statement by adding texture and dimension to each tune.
To read more...
Written by Ginger Dee
Cassandra Wilson - Loverly
Cassandra Wilson is one of jazz music’s most captivating
female vocalists. Her latest CD entitled “Loverly” is a must have for all jazz collectors or any one who appreciates
great music. This is a new interpretation of jazz standards which Ms. Wilson has not done since her 1988 release “Blue Skies.”
“I wanted to work with spare arrangements this time,” she says of her new
ensemble comprised of Marvin Sewell (g), Jason Moran (p), Herlin Riley (d), Lonnie Plaxico (b), Lekan Babalola (perc) and guest
appearances by Reginald Veal (b) and Nicholas Payton (t). This is a more traditional jazz ensemble than Ms. Wilson has featured on
her previous Blue Note recordings and it has some outstanding performances.
To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Al Green - Lay It Down
Wow…can it be? Is it really you Al? This
new effort sounds like part two of the Greatest Hits cd that I’ve worn out at all of my “back-in-the-day”
parties. This past year has been the year of the “reunion” of tours, but here’s a reunion that sounds
all new and vintage at the same time. With a little help from a new generation of musicians and soundmen,
Al Green has put out a cd that…well, that Al Green fans have been waiting for years. From the opening notes
of the first track “Lay It Down”, we’ve been brought back to the Reverend’s world.
The second track, “Just For Me” has that signature
Al intro. The main problem that I had with this cut is that they should’ve gone right ahead and put it the 6
minute club-mix. This groove ends entirely too soon. The gritty smoothness (is that a contradiction? – you bet!)
of “You’ve Got The Love I Need” which brings Anthony Hamilton’s vocals out front after adding just his smooth
Southern background to the cd’s opening track, is another instant classic.
To read more...
Written by Lateef Baaset
Sophie Milman - Make Someone Happy
Sophie Milman’s sophomore release
“Make Someone Happy” is a delicious surprise. Her smooth alto- voicing is an instrument
within itself, full of deep, rich and delightful tones. She tackles the standards like
the title cut, with the resonance of a mature and seasoned jazz chanteuse. (Sophie had done
very few professional gigs before being offered a record deal) She takes on Stevie Wonder’s
“Rocket Love” with confidence and delivers it convincingly.
There is an array of supporting talent
on this CD, including Steven MacKinnon’s genius as a producer; and it appears as though the
arrangements chose Sophie rather than the obvious; each piece warmly wrapping around her.
To read more...
Written by Ginger Dee
Sean Jones - Kaleidoscope
Trumpeter
Sean Jones, is a Composer, Professor of Jazz Studies and lead trumpet with
the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra – and his fourth release is on the Mack
Avenue Label entitled “Kaleidoscope”. This young lion was first
introduced to us in 2004 (at the age of 25) on his debut release “Eternal
Journey”. He sets the standard for the next generation of jazz musicians
and he delivers on his first “vocally inspired” release “Kaleidoscope”.
Produced by
pianist extraordinaire, Orrin Evans, Kaleidoscope begins with the
smoothly effervescent “Allison” reminiscent of the 70’s fusion jazz
era but mellowed down. To read more...
Written by Ginger Dee
Marcus Miller - Free
This release features an all-star cast of characters –Poogie Bell, Lalah Hathaway,
Paul Jackson, Jr., Keb' Mo', Dave Sanborn, Tom Scott, Michael "Patches" Stewart,
Bernard Wright, and Corinne Bailey Rae. Marcus begins with a tune called “Blast!”
thematic to his concert openers during the North Sea Jazz Festival and continues
in to “Funk Joint” – the first two tracks for the true funkateers. Miles Davis’ “Jean Pierre” revisited is a live show favorite, but also a treat to
the palate in its recorded form. My personal favorite Tower of Power’s “What is Hip”
could it be so??!! I have to admit that I did not hear it in its entirety, but what I did
hear is too good to be true. You can’t go wrong covering Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”
and Marcus strikes gold with harmonica player, Gregoire Maret as you fall in love with
this unlikely solo instrument. To read more...
Swedish guitarist, composer and producer “Soren” Reiff Jr’s
latest release is “Funky Flavas”. Reiff Jr. is primarily known in the industry for his
work as a R&B/hip hop and jazz session musician as well as serving as music director to
some the greats in the business - Chaka Khan and David Sanborn; playing alongside and
or recording with the likes of Michael Brecker, Tower of Power, Robert Palmer and Toots
Thielemanns. With that resume, his latest effort is a refreshing reflection of multiple musical
styles intermingled and packaged for those who enjoy a variety of textures. This
CD is obviously influenced by Soren’s many musical experiences. To read more...
James "PJ" Spraggins - The Light of Day
Introducing,
Birmingham, Alabama’s own - the multi-talented James “PJ” Spraggins!
His professional resume reflects one of a consummate professional and
respected colleague in the world of live jazz and R&B music. Spraggins’
debut release “The Light of Day” captures the very essence of
Birmingham’s “cool and do it easy” panache. This drummer,
composer and producer launches into the title cut “The Light of Day”
with an elegant throwback to the soothing and sexy. Spraggins’ use of
programmable drum tracks is a compliment to his drumming sensibilities as it
is highly unusual for a “drummer” to use “programmable drums” in the
majority of their production. To read more...
Written by Ginger Dee
Written by Ginger Dee
Written by Ginger Dee
