David Sanborn was exposed to an array of music styles in his youth. Early on, he was attracted to the works of soul-jazz saxophonists Gene Ammons, Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, King Curtis and other improvisers who balanced their hard-swinging chops with warmth and soul. After choosing the alto saxophone as his instrument of choice, Sanborn immersed himself in jazz while retaining a parallel affinity for popular music. His talent and adaptability proved to be the must havetraits in order to perform with such great artists as James Brown and Albert King. In the 1970s, Sanborn earned widespread renown as both an improvising jazz instrumentalist and a busy R&B/pop/rock session player. He was featured on albums by such jazz heavyweights as Gil Evans, Jaco Pastorius, the Brecker Brothers, Joe Beck and Mark Murphy, as well as projects by David Bowie, the Eagles, Carly Simon, Donny Hathaway and Bruce Springsteen. It was also in 1975 that David released his first solo album TAKING OFF. The record enjoyed respectable sales and while David continued working with other performers such as Paul Simon and James Taylor he also continued flexing his considerable muscles as a solo artist, eventually scoring massive popular hits with 1980’s HIDEAWAY and 1981’s Grammy winning VOYEUR.1983 saw David branch off in a new artistic direction with his first acting role in the Italian film "Stelle Sulla Citta" for which he also scored the soundtrack. It was also in ’83 that David released his landmark BACKSTREET album which proved to be a major hit in the world of contemporary jazz. David was awarded his second Grammy in 1986 for the album DOUBLE VISION and in the late 1980s hosted one of the most remarkable musical television programs of all time – Night Music. Throughout the Nineties and into the present, David has continued to tour and record, having amassed a wide and enthusiastic fan base around the world. The albums PEARLS, SONGS FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE, and ESSENTIALS reflect the essence of an artist at peace with his own sound and development, yet still hungry – eager to explore the possibilities of his instrument and his abilities. CLOSER, released in 2005 received critical acclaim. CLOSER's artfully eclectic approach is consistent with David Sanborn's longstanding ability to maintain his identity as a jazz trend-setter while remaining active in the worlds of Jazz, Pop and R&B. His latest release, HERE AND GONE, was produced by Phil Ramone. The CD is a tribute to the sounds of Hank Crawford and Ray Charles. It featuresguest artistsEric Clapton, Sam Moore, Derek Trucks, Anthony Wilson,Joss Stone, with backing by Christian McBride on bass, and Steve Gadd on drums. To buy HERE AND GONE, simply click on the image of David!
EARFOOD The Roy Hargrove Quintet Sound nutrition makes for a long life. That saying can be interpreted in a number of ways but there’s no mix-up about Roy Hargrove’s emphatic choice of musical ingredients on EARFOOD. Backed by his awesome ensemble of Justin Robinson, Gerald Clayton, Danton Boller, and Montez Coleman, the double-Grammy Award winning trumpeter has further developed his award-winning technique on 13 solid gold compositions and fully demonstrates his compositional skills and mastery of brass dynamics and tone control. Sweetened by the Midas touches of producer Larry Clothier, legendary engineer Al Schmitt and mastered by Doug Sax, each song is flawlessly steeped in tradition, sophistication and maintains the intuitive beauty, gently swing, hard grooves, and melodic simplicity that has endeared Hargrove to his multitude of fans. The set opens with Cedar Walton’s hard bop gem “I’m Not So Sure.” At the head, Hargrove and Robinson are in full harmonic tandem before Hargrove takes the lead with an impressively crafted solo. Robinson and Clayton continue with masterful solos of their own after which the entire ensemble returns to the head and closes with a rousing gospel filled riff. “Brown” abounds with the sophisticated harmonic lines of Hargrove and Robinson. Originally written for inclusion on his Grammy-winning DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC mainstream jazz recording with Herbie Hancock and the late Michael Brecker, Hargrove's muted trumpet colors overlap the sonic layers the ensemble has simmering just beneath the surface. This is a great song and one can only imagine the sensitive memories associated with it. It is followed by the crowd pleasing spiral sax and trumpet dance Hargrove and Robinson offer on “Strasbourg/St. Denis.” The reflective, pensive ballads - “Starmaker,” “Joy Is Sorrow Unmasked,” “Rouge,” “Divine,” and “Speak Low” - create an impressive nucleus for this masterful body of work. On each, Hargrove enamors his listeners with beautiful emotionally-charged tones and magnificent passages that arouse the senses and feed hidden desires. “Stinger,” “Style,” and the funk-inflected “Mr. Clean” all draw heavily on the swing and bebop idioms and are ripe with Hargrove’s rich melodic, rhythmic and harmonic articulation. EARFOOD is definitely the kind of sound nutrition that is sure to give Hargrove's fans an everlasting taste for his style and artistic endeavors. Buy EARFOOD now. Simply click on the CD cover.
CASSANDRA WILSON IS LOVERLY ON LATEST BLUE NOTE RECORDING
LOVERLY is Cassandra Wilson’s exceptional new CD on Blue Note. She dusts off 11 great standards and captures the relaxed nature of the recording sessions via her sultry, smoky vocals and the in-the-pocket playing of her world class ensemble that includes her longtime bassist and musical director Lonnie Plaxico, Jason Moran on piano, Herlin Riley on drums, Marvin Sewell on guitar, and Lekan Babalola on percussion. “Arere,” an original penned by Wilson and her band members and inspired by the Yoruban deity of iron and willpower, is led by the arousing African beats of percussionist Lekan Bablola. Wilson sings in a West African dialect and does an amazing job on this rhythmic gem. The song brilliantly connects Wilson to the African drumming patterns so often heard in the Jazz, World and Blues genres. “Dust My Broom,” a Robert Johnson original made famous by such guitarists as Elmore James and Eric Clapton, is like an old friend who has come to visit – glad to see them and even happier when you find that the same grit and rhythmic intensity you knew back when is still smoldering deep within. That is how Cassandra Wilson sings and Marvin Sewell plays this song – with scorching intensity and the bluesy, grit inherent in the sakara rhythm heard in this song.“The Very Thought of You,” is a duet with bassist Reginald Veal and it works well. Wilson’s stark, simple take on this great love song feels very intimate and personal because of her sexy, relaxed phrasings and tone. The ideas presented on this CD will delight you, entertain you and definitely endear you to the remarkable voice of Cassandra Wilson. Check it out today
MARCUS Marcus Miller
There’s a big buzz about MARCUS! Marcus Miller’s latest CD that is. The Grammy-award winning multi-instrumentalist/composer is on a roll with a fresh new band and a new sound that demands attention because of its funky new attitude and exciting energy. The highly successful bassist partners up with such luminaries as Corinne Bailey Rae on “Free,” re-envisions a range of pop and jazz standards including Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground,” and Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall In Love” not to mention his own uberjam “Blast” and three signature funk/jazz jams titled “Pluck,” “Strum,” and “Ooh.” With his signature licks front and center, Miller conveys his brand of excellence in fully-realized rhythms that not only compliment his guest artists but inspire them to give it all they’ve got. Miller’s innovative spoken word compositions are happening in a variety of time signatures and come equipped with some very sensual content that only his musical voice can express. “Cause I Want You,” spotlights Miller’s skilled ability to communicate the emotional content of a lyric and making you feel that “in love type love!” Yeah! Pass the envelope…and the winner is! He then proceeds to perform just above a whisper on his bass clarinet giving “When I Fall In Love,” a refined melodic approach that shows his romantic nature. “Lost Without You,” is taken to a new level and features both Taraji P. Henson in her spoken word debut while the other version emphasizes Miller’s finesse as a melody maker with Lalah Hathaway expressing herself as only she can. MARCUS is hot, hot, hot and this recording should do very well because of its broad appeal to a cross-generational audience, the great songs, and the wonderful talent represented on the CD.
SAX FOR STAX Gerald Albright
SAX FOR STAX represents a new school of thought on the music released by one of America’s most soulful recording labels – Stax Records. Gerald Albright plays his sweet, soulful sax on 11 covers mined from the catalogue and also features the greatness of Philip Bailey, Kirk Whalum, Will Downing, Ledesi, and Mark Cargill on several tracks. This recording will delight hardcore fans of Stax Records’ heyday with its smooth mix of soul-jazz, R&B, vocals and the upscale cool that transcends the generation gap between the mighty soul groups of the 80s and the smooth soul of Gerald Albright’s sound of today. The set opens with the Isaac Hayes’ hit “Theme From The Men.” This rendition features Albright out front on the melody line on a variety of instruments. However, Mark Cargill’s great strings and arrangements take this song over the top and makes it a real keeper. The full swing and the bounce of this song is a real party starter. Will Downing adds his sensuous vocalese to “Never Can Say Goodbye,” while the consummate entertainer and showman Mr. Philip Bailey does his thing with class and soul on “What You See Is What You Get.” This song is the best song on the CD and should have folks dancing in the aisles! Kirk Whalum brings the Stax sound on home with his version of “Walkin’ Down Beale Street.” This pairing of Albright and Whalum is definitely sweet, sultry and soulful. You can feel the swagger and strut inherent in this song! Check it out at SOTJ store. Click on the CD cover.
THE HIT IT PROJECT David Marq
How does one pay tribute to such an iconic songwriter as the late Mr. Skip Scarborough? That sounds like an enormous undertaking since Scarborough’s songbook includes over 200 certified Gold or Platinum singles that are still all over the airwaves and were responsible for enhancing and/or making the careers of such great artists as Earth Wind and Fire, The Emotions, Bill Withers, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, LTD, and so many more. However, saxophonist David Marq does it and does it well on his debut release titled THE HIT IT PROJECT. This great compilation of 12 of Scarborough’s amazing hits plus two bonus tracks has all of your favorite songs and will immediately take you to that special place reserved in your heart for Skip Scarborough. Hearing David Marq’s smooth sax versions of such hits as “You Can’t Hide Love,” “Love Ballad,” “Lovely Day” “Giving You The Best That I’ve Got” “Loving You, Loving Me,” transports the mind and spirit into his smooth grooves and interpretations with the kind of satisfaction one gets when the mood is just right and the person you’re with makes it all good. Marq is imaginative and has an exceptional command of his instrument. He treats listeners to a plethora of grooves, melodics and harmonic adventures that all culminate in the good feelings left by the Scarborough legacy.Skip’s wife and well respected gospel singer Alton joins David Marq on “They Say.” He comps Alton with grace and spirituality to make this song emotionally compelling.Skip’s son Marc takes “Love Ballad” to another level on the bonus track and will bring tears to your eyes especially when you explore the underlying meaning of the song. His voice is filled with equal parts of sensitivity, beauty, soul, and emotion. Just one listen to this excellent CD and you’ll know it’s gonna be “A Lovely Day.” This CD rocks in a big way and if you want a thorough reference to the great songs of Skip Scarborough, make sure it’s in your record collection. To buy it, simply click on the CD cover.
COME HOME Carmen Lundy
COME HOME is Carmen Lundy’s amazing follow up to her exceptional recording titled JAZZ AND THE NEW SONGBOOK: LIVE AT THE MADRID. The set features 12 songs written or co-written by Lundy with the exception of “Nature Boy.” Among her brilliant accompanists are bassist Curtis Lundy, Geri Allen on piano, Lori Andrews on harp, Jason Evan Brown on drums, Anthony Wonsey on piano and Fender Rhodes, Lage Lund on guitar, Mayra Casales on percussion and support vocals, Machan on support vocals and Steve Turre on conch shells and trombone. Carmen Lundy’s vocal rendition of “Nature Boy” is like the classic combination of fine wine and great music. Her melodic resonance, her tonality and the superior quality of her voice surrounded by an ensemble of talented musicians working as one is simply exceptional. Lundy realizes that much of her success relies on her art of collaboration and that is why her sets always ring true with outstanding artistic creations. Pianist Anthony Wonsey's customized comping on “Come Home” is the descriptive prose that livens the superb lyrics of this song. Further into the set pianist Geri Allen is uncompromising with her expressive power and lends this beauty to Lundy’s dramatic vocals. Together, Allen and Lundy re-design the controversial and family-oriented themes they brilliantly present on “My Wedding Vow,” and "Something Happened Today." “Lil Lu,” and of course the all-encompassing “Gossip” are also stellar examples of Lundy's flair for creative phrasings and telling an interesting story. COME HOME is another superb documentation of Carmen Lundy’s keen sense of the vitality and power of her music. It will move her devout listeners and her new audiences in the same way that her previous poetic lyrics and expressive music brought the meaning of each song into focus. Buy COME HOME today.
LIFECYCLE The Yellowjackets featuring Mike Stern The first Yellowjackets recording in 15 years to feature a guitar player, LIFECYCLE illustrates the kind of energy that results when great musicians pool their collective talents as songwriters, arrangers and producers. Joined by the award-winning guitarist Mike Stern on seven of the quintet pieces, this straight-ahead gem showcases the consummate skills and techniques that have caused their fans add them to their “fav five!” The remaining three quartet pieces feature the Yellowjackets on three original songs that offer a stark contrast to the more high-octane compositions that feature Stern. Bob Mintzer wrote three new tracks and plays tenor and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, B-flat clarinet and EWI. The energetic opener “Falken’s Maze” is ripe with odd-time signatures while the up-tempo and syncopated “Double Nickel” written by Stern, features Mintzer’s exemplary hard-blowing and a great piano solo by Russell Ferrante. Stern’s compositional prowess is highlighted again on “Dreams Go,” a somber song that reflects his introspective feelings. This song is beautiful and filled with the moody, melodic essence of drifting dreams as captured by Mintzer’s tenor sax lines and Stern’s electric guitar stylings. “Measure of A Man,” is also introspective. While written for the quartet without guitar, Ferrante shows his brilliance in writing a jazz waltz that would appeal to the classical and jazz sensibilities in his fans. Marcus Baylor and Jimmy Haslip both hold down the rhythmic logic and continuously add colors and textures to this great recording. LIFECYCLE is by far one of the Yellowjackets best releases and with the addition of Mike Stern, this CD definitely rocks cool. Buy the CD today ...simply click on the CD cover.
THUNDER Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten
Heads Up International had the good sense to team three award-winning bass players - Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten – on THUNDER. The result is an electrifying and highly charged art of performance showcase that captures, preserves and shares the beauty and versatility of these three bass masters. Ever up and innovative, SMV pulls this set off with the kind of performances and in-depth bass playing that their fans have come to know and revere.When joined by Chick Corea, George Duke, Michael “Patches” Stewart, and Butterscotch on their respective tracks (“Mongoose Walk,” “Hillbillies On A Quiet Afternoon,” and “Pendulum,” respectively), THUNDER exceeds your expectations and becomes less of a bass player summit and moves onto another level of hipness! Opening with the intricate and layered “Maestro de las Frecuencias Bajas” written by Clarke, the orchestrated intro builds the listeners’ anticipation to such a level that when the basses enter with successive harmonic progressions, the musical experience is not only a superb collaboration but an inspired performance that keeps getting better. The powerful vibrations continue to rumble and roll on Miller’s title track - “Thunder.” The expressive range at their fingertips – including their intense slapping techniques - expand to newer heights while connecting with the listener on cool, hot and creative levels. THUNDER is unlimited in its tonal dimensions and should definitely be in your record collection. Check it out. BUY it today. Just click on the CD cover.
You may also want to check out... THE TOYS OF MEN
Stanley Clarke
THE TOYS OF MEN is a deep masterpiece from the innovative bassist/composer/educator Stanley Clarke. Its 13 songs are filled with musical metaphors that provide the moods, energy and imagery of the stories behind the songs. The six-part title suite features Clarke’s bass genius explaining the chaos, frustration, and wounds of warin tormented licks and tragic blue notes. The fresh melody of “Jerusalem” shows an emotional side of Clarke and his band as they impart the beauty and spirituality behind this war-torn city. Clarke’s fresh riffs and phrasings are designed to converse with the listener in such a way that you can clearly imagine the exotic sunsets, inviting seaside breeze and diverse citizenry inherent in Jerusalem. By contrast, Clarke employs his classic slap technique on the funky “Bad Asses” and in his excellent solo piece called “Hmm Hmm.” Hence, anyone that has ever aspired to the level of Clarke’s bass genius can hear what it’s all about right here and now. Adding emotional lyrics to his instrumental masterwork is bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding on “All Over Again.”Her lyrics are moving and exude the impact of losing a loved one. Clarke plays a variety of basses including electric, acoustic, tenor, prepared tuned acoustic, piccolo bass, and the Victor Bailey Model acoustic bass guitar. So if you, dear listener, didn’t know about Stanley Clarke’s redesigned chops, then after you listen to this excellent recording, you’ll have no doubt. THE TOYS OF MEN is definitely saying something through its excellent metaphors and ranks highest among Clarke’s most introspectivemusic. So listen up and then check it out. To buy the CD, click on the CD cover.
Several aspects of Wynton Marsalis’ rise to fame continue to be unprecedented, i.e. his simultaneous deals on Columbia’s jazz and classical roster, numerous Grammy Awards in both fields, a Pulitzer Prize, and his prominence in the jazz world as a Young Lion and champion of the new traditionalism that permeated jazz circles in the early 80s and beyond. He continues to exert a decisive impact on the future of jazz and its budding stars and is perhaps even more influential today now that his repertoire has expanded to highlight his role as a composer, educator, and as Artistic Director of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. During the 80s, Marsalis released MARSALIS STANDARD TIME Vol. 1, which launched his infamous STANDARD TIME series that followed such great hits as THINK OF ONE and HOT HOUSE FLOWERS. The 5 volume series featured exquisite interpretations of Great American Songbook standards and many original Marsalis compositions. This compilation – STANDARDS & BALLADS – features many of those excellent songs as well as two of Marsalis’ own – “The Seductress,” and “Spring Yaoundé.” The compilation opens with Louis Armstrong’s theme song, “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South,” which was originally released on STANDARD TIME Vol. 2: Intimacy Calling. Marsalis permeates an unhurried blues, ambling, sleepy feeling throughout the song via a bucket mute and is accompanied by Marcus Roberts on piano, Reginald Veal on bass and Herlin Riley on drums. One listen to his technical virtuosity on “After You’ve Gone,” will make you a life-long believer in Marsalis’ genius. Accompanied by a sweet string orchestra, Eric Scott Reed on piano, Reginald Veal on bass and Lewis Nash on drums, this song was originally released on the impeccable STANDARD TIME Vol. 5 – The Midnight Blues. By contrast, “The Seductress” is a return to his roots duet piece on which his father Ellis Marsalis replaces the polyrhythmic sound of Marcus Roberts heard on “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South” with a more traditional approach to the piano. This song features the rootsy, blues- laden, muted trumpeting and vocals of Marsalis interpreting the imagery of a seductive muse. Short and sweet, this song also enables the listener to imagine Marsalis’ moody composition on a soundtrack or score for cinema, television, theatre or dance or as a backdrop for paintings and literature. Other important songs include “I Can’t Get Started” featuring vocalist Shirley Horn, “Melancholia” featuring Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Ron Carter and of course, “Embraceable You.” Wynton Marsalis is a master and with this compilation, the master returns you, dear listener, to the peaks of his forward thinking periods that brought traditional jazz back to a vibrant place in musical history. BUY STANDARDS & BALLADS now.
BARCELONA Armik
As a creative musician, Armik never stops exploring, listening, testing the waters and pushing the envelope as he expands the Nuevo Flamenco language. Such eclecticism has to come from somewhere so it would be wise to say that Armik’s imaginative diversity is the result of the many musical odysseys he has taken over the years. On BARCELONA, his guitar virtuosity embodies the spirits of Spain and the Flamenco rhythms that echo throughout that country and around the world. Each song on this wonderful recording exemplifies Armik’s own unique sonic paths and musical visions, which consist of beautiful melodies, exciting musical tapestries and seductive harmonic and rhythmic counterpoint. Two additional songs “Sunset In Paradise” and “Piazza di Spagna, or the Spanish Steps” were inspired by Armik’s travels to Brazil and Italy. Just as the Spanish Steps were built to unite three main arteries into Rome, Armik’s music unites three main rhythmic themes: Nuevo flamenco, World and New Age rhythms to bring a new perspective to a diverse musical genre. BUY BARCELONA today.
SOMETHING FOR YOU: ELAINE ELIAS PLAYS BILL EVANS
Elaine Elias
Elias celebrates Evans on this masterful set of compositions commonly associated with the great pianist. Joined by Marc Johnson on bass and Joey Baron on drums, the Brazilian born Elias expresses herself beautifully and with such distinctive insights into Evans’ music that it makes you wonder who is more “Evanesque.” The lovely pianist adds her special touches to such Evans favorites as “Here Is Something For You,” “Waltz For Debby,” “Five,” and of course, “Evanesque.” The only Brazilian piece on the CD is “Minha” which shares Elias’ emotional vocals. Her rendition of “My Foolish Heart,” is one of the best I’ve heard since Kurt Elling’s amazing rendition at the Monterey Jazz Festival when he brought the entire audience to its feet. This particular musical experience is both touching and musically satisfying because the musicians represent the memory of Evans and his trio with such aplomb and sincerity. This CD is first class and should be in every jazz collection. BUY SOMETHING FOR YOU today.
AVATAR
Gonzalo Rubalcaba
On Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s 13th recording for the Blue Note Record label, he assembled a brand new quintet consisting of saxophonist Yosvany Terry, trumpeter/flugelhornist Mike Rodriguez, bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Marcus Gilmore to bring his musical concepts to a new place and time. The result is AVATAR, which in the broad sense of the word means the embodiment of a concept, a display of the unexpected. Rubalcaba’s virtuosity has been savored for nearly 20 years and with this opportunity to share his musical vision, he didn’t disappoint. “Looking In Retrospective” one of three songs written by Yosvany Terry, is the first track on this deep set. Rubalcaba delivers a searching piano prelude and overdubbed synth colors in the tune’s freely improvised moments. Continuing in the vein of bringing something from previous recordings to his new projects, Rubalcaba performs the classical-oriented “Preludio Corto No. 2 For Piano in its entirety. It is simply stunning. By contrast, his own funky and lighthearted “Infantil” is a “very pianistic tune.” Dedicated to John McLaughlin, the song was inspired by what McLaughlin did in the 1970s, to which Rubalcaba added some delicate synthesized sounds. Overall, the recording sets a new bar for the highly acclaimed piano virtuoso. With its pensive improvisations, staccato rhythms and oblique lines, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and company keep their fans thoroughly entertained. BUY AVATAR now.
SOME OTHER TIME
Diane Schuur
SOME OTHER TIME spotlights the music of Diane Schuur’s formative years. The beautiful vocalist/pianist sings and plays such great songs as “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “I’ve Got Beginners Luck,” “Blue Skies,” and “My Favorite Things.” Every song has a story and Schuur does an exceptional job telling the stories behind “It’s Magic,” and
“The Good Life,” via her pianistic talents. Using this particular song selection as the soundtrack of her formative years will definitely give her fans a glimpse into which artists shaped her particular sound and style. These songs offer a solid path for Schuur’s return to her jazz roots after the few “detours” she has taken along the way. Take the time to listen to Ms. Schuur and after just one listen, you’ll appreciate and stay tuned to her sensitive love of music. BUY SOME OTHER TIME now.
Frontiers
Jesse Cook
Jesse Cook will floor you with his awesome guitar chord voicings and beautifully, inspired fretwork. Nominated for World Music Album of the Year at the 37th Annual Juno Awards, FRONTIER is a reflection of how music, like life, is rich in discovery and constantly evolving. Fresh from a year of collaborating with master flamenco guitarists in Seville, Spain, Cook lets his imagination flow in romantic rhythms, world beats and jazzy guitar voicings. These new artistic beginnings will have you, dear listener, personally feeling his rumba flamenco style.From the fiery opener, the excitement, the charm and the beauty of Spain is inherent in “Matisse The Cat,” as Cook fires up his chops and strums with lightning speed. Reminiscent of such great guitarists as Armik, Al DiMeola. Ottmar Liebert, and Paco de Luca, Cook is all that. Check out “Café Mocha,” “Rain” and “Come What May.” The imagery in these songs is amazingly pure and will have you seeing his music as well as hearing all that Cook has to share. “Rain” is so beautiful, deep, and poetic. Masterworks they all are, but the most surprising track is Cook’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” sung by rising Canadian singer Melissa McClelland. Dylan’s song gets a fresh rumba makeover and it works beautifully. Every song on this CD is amazing so it would be in your best interest to add it to your collection. If you love the guitar as the lead instrument, then you’ll LOVE this one. Check Jesse Cook out during his USA tour beginning March 7th. For tour dates go to www.jessecook.comBuy FRONTIERS now.
AFREECANOS
Omar Sosa
On AFREECANOS, pianist Omar Sosa selected a diverse array of musicians from around the world to celebrate the rich heritage of African music in Jazz and Latin music. His arrangements combine the folkloric with the contemporary and the ancestral with the urban. Sosa exudes his vivacious energy this great musical passport. There are 11 tracks which are expressed in several African dialects, English, Spanish, French and Portugeuse! One of the most interesting is “Ollu’” which is a Yoruba word meaning eyes. “The track is an allegory and dedication to Ochun, the deity of love in Santeria – all with traditional African rhythms, and with some surrealistic and contemporary perspective,” states Sosa. Sosa also adds a horn section and features a variety of traditional and modern flute sonics on several songs. The inclusion of ancient instruments such as the kora, ngoni, and sitar bring an amalgamation of sounds to this wonderful recording. The remaining songs embrace Sosa’s spirituality and are dedicated to the various deities associated with the Santeria. Check it out.
ROOTS & GROOVES
Maceo Parker
Recorded live during a European tour in February and March 2007, ROOTS & GROOVES, is a two disc set on which saxophone legend Maceo Parker is accompanied by Germany’s WDR Big Band. Disc One is a brilliant tribute to the legendary Ray Charles and an equally amazing showcase for Parker’s own fiery brand of funk, soul and R&B. Several of Charles’ classics, i.e., “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” “Busted,” “Hit The Road Jack,” “What’d I Say,” among others, are perfect vehicles for Parker and the WDR to work their roots and grooves on both new and seasoned fans of the former James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic sideman.Parker’s vocals conjure up so many memories of Ray Charles’ indelible tenor that any unsuspecting listener would think Parker was channeling his voice! In addition to Parker’s soulful vocals, the soloing offered by members of the WDR brings this disc to “Ray-vana.”Frank Chastenier’s Hammond B3 solo on “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” gets a thunderous ovation from the audience as does their collaboration on “Georgia On My Mind.” Overall, this is a superb treat for fans of both legendary musicians and having their roots and grooves on one disc makes it all worth a trip to your nearest retailer. Disc Two gets back to the funk and features big band arrangements of well-known Parker originals such as “Off The Hook,” “Advanced Funk,” and the 1970s funk anthem “Pass The Peas.” Both Dennis Chambers and Rodney “Skeet” Curtis (both P-Funk alumni) join Parker and the WDR to funk up the volume on these songs while Parker ratchets up his funky saxophonics for nearly 18 minutes to close out the set with “Pass The Peas.” For anyone who has ever been to a Maceo Parker concert, you’d better believe the audience wasn’t sitting down on this one! ROOTS & GROOVES is a sure sign that Maceo Parker hasn’t lost one beat, groove, move, or chop in his nearly four decades of funkin’ and grooving. Check it out. ~Paula Edelstein
RAYA YARBROUGH
Raya Yarbrough
This debut recording from vocalist/songwriter/musician Raya Yarbrough merges jazz, pop and other styles in a sonic blend that should keep Yarbrough’s young fans interested for a long time. Clifford Brown’s “Joy Spring,” gets an update with electronic loops and manipulated sounds while “Sorrow’s Eyes,” follows a more straight ahead jazz path. Yarbrough definitely has certain vocal chops that stand out and with sufficient time, she’ll reach that special level of undeniability that only the best of jazz singers have attained. BUY RAYA YARBROUGH now.
TEQUILA MOON Jessy J
Jesse J joins the ranks of such contemporary female saxophonists as Mindi Abair and Candi Dulfer with her debut release called TEQUILA MOON. Produced by the amazing Paul Brown, she couldn’t go wrong and as a result, this recording is definitely saying something! Paul and Jesse co-wrote several of the recording’s great songs including the title track, “Sin Ti,” and “Fiesta Velada.” While her saxophone playing is emphasized mostly throughout, it is her seductively, sweet voice that endears you to her musicality. On “Mas Que Nada” she takes a lighthearted romp through the lyrics before Greg Karukas solos behind the infectious rhythms of Sergio Gonzales and Richie Garcia.“Bese Me Mucho” offers yet another splendid opportunity for Jesse to display her vocal prowess. Here she lovingly expresses a lover’s wish in subdued hushed tones. Her voice is fresh and friendly…not overly produced and just right for lovers of smooth jazz. Paul Brown’s genius as a guitarist and producer are on the long list of what makes this CD respectable. But along with the versatility of the musicians, Jesse’s cool tones, her hot saxophone licks and her lovely laid-back vocals and overall sensuality, TEQUILA MOON is one heck of a debut. I’m lovin’ it! Keep up the great work Jessy!Check it out!
