CD Reviews
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
