THE JAZZ CHILL CORNER FREDDIE HUBBARD'S BACK TO BIRDLAND, SONNY CLARK'S COOL STRUTTIN', BOBBY HUTCHERSON'S HAPPENINGS REISSUED |  |
- FREDDIE HUBBARD'S BACK TO BIRDLAND, SONNY CLARK'S COOL STRUTTIN', BOBBY HUTCHERSON'S HAPPENINGS REISSUED
- NEW RELEASES - TEMPO DREAMS VOLUME 2, STRANGE JAZZ UNIVERSE FEATURING RON BRUNER SR, RONNIE BURRAGE
- NEW RELEASES - GEORGE DUKE'S BRAZILIAN GROOVE, KIRK LIGHTSEY, JACOB SZEKELY TRIO
- JEFF LORBER CLASSIC ALBUMS REISSUED - WATER SIGN, WIZARD ISLAND, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, IT'S A FACT AND GALAXIAN
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Posted: 16 Oct 2013 12:52 PM PDT
FREDDIE HUBBARD - BACK TO BIRDLAND
Freddie Hubbard comes storming home to his bebop roots on this 1981, West Wind release. When Hubbard, Richie Cole on alto saxophone, Ashley Alexander on double trombone, George Cables on piano, Andy Simpkins on bass, and John Dentz on bass dive head first into the seminal Gillespie/Parker tune "Shaw Nuff," it's almost as though the '60s and '70s never happened. They swim straight back to the source-lightning fast and with unbridled energy. On "Lover Man" (Ramirez/Davis/Sherman), Cole's subtle, heartfelt soloing meshes seamlessly with Hubbard's velvet flugelhorn. It is great to hear these tunes and this kind of playing updated in an era of such superior recording techniques. On the final track, Hubbard's own "Byrdlike," the sparks fly off trombone, sax, and trumpet in ever growing spirals. This is real; blistering be-bop for those of us that can't get enough. Recorded in 1981. Personnel: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet). Recording information: 08/1982. Personnel includes: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Richie Cole (alto saxophone); George Cables (piano); Ashley Alexander, Andy Simpkins, John Dentz, Med Flory. Personnel includes: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Richie Cole (alto saxophone); Ashley Alexander (trombone); George Cables (piano); Andy Simkins (bass); John Dentz (drums). ~ cduniverse
SONNY CLARK - COOL STUTTIN'
The Rudy Van Gelder Edition of Cool Struttin' includes an essay by Bob Blumenthal. Digitally remastered using 24-bit technology by Rudy Van Gelder (1998, Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey). This is part of the Blue Note Rudy Van Gelder Editions series. 2013 Japanese pressing 24 bit remaster SHM-CD scheduled to include bonus material. Blue Note Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jerey on January 5, 1958. Originally released on Blue Note (81588). Includes liner notes by Nat Hentoff and Bob Blumenthal. Personnel: Sonny Clark (piano); Jackie McLean (alto saxophone); Art Farmer (trumpet); Paul Chambers (acoustic bass); Philly Joe Jones (drums). Producer: Alfred Lion. Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
BOBBY HUTCHERSON -HAPPENINGS
Happenings was vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson's fourth Blue Note release as a leader. Where its predecessors Diaolgue and Components were packed with challenging avant-bop, Happenings instead brings things down a notch. With pianist Herbie Hancock, drummer Joe Chambers, and bassist Bob Cranshaw on board, Hutcherson keeps the tone fairly light, performing his original compositions (the exception is Hancock's "Maiden Voyage") with a mellow, swinging style that emphasizes modal exploration. The performances are all top-notch, and the album still weighs in as one of the best in Hutcherson's fine catalogue. 2013 Japanese pressing SHM-CD scheduled to include bonus material. 24 bit remaster. Universal Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on February 8, 1966. Personnel: Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone, marimba); Herbie Hancock (piano); Bob Cranshaw (bass); Joe Chambers (drums). ~ cduniverse
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Posted: 16 Oct 2013 12:31 PM PDT
TEMPO DREAMS VOLUME 2 (VARIOUS ARTSTS
Following the critically-acclaimed 2012 release of their beat-centric compilation Tempo Dreams Vol. 1 (assembled by Detroit/UK producer-at-large Tall Black Guy), Brooklyn wax purveyors Bastrd Jazz Recordings have returned with Volume 2 of the enlightening, genre-bending series. This time around, the label has enlisted Bay Area mainstay DJ/producers Teeko & B. Bravo, driving forces behind the transformative "modern funk" sound emerging out of the West Coast. Sticking with the series' theme of showcasing new styles and emerging artists, curated by their own musical peers, Teeko and Bravo have conjured up an LP of mind-blowing tracks that push the limits of soulful electronic funk, outernational boogie, and cosmic hip-hop. Tempo Dreams Volume 2 picks up where the first edition left off, bridging the gaps between various geographic locations and local scenes, while also reaching for new heights with soaring vocal features and dance-floor primed beats. Featured artists include Rojai, E.Live, K-Maxx, Bayonics, Mugpush, Black Spade, Teeko & B. Bravo's own Starship Connection, Belgium's Pomrad, Atjazz, Amalia, and Insomniax. ~ giantstep.net
"I'm a veteran of the Los Angeles music scene. I'm not comfortable were I am, because I see what's ahead. It's a big universe. There's room. Better music does not make a better world. From Jesus' day til now there has always been the music of the day. It relieved the stress, celebrated life and death. Commemorated the occasions, offered a platform for philosophy and it forever evolves. New instruments, new concepts, new techniques, new technology (from log drums with goat skin heads to layered maple, birch and bubinga veneered drum shells with chrome hardware). There are literal music libraries we can access now from almost any point in world history and get a good understanding of how the earth and it's civilizations were at any given time. And we're talking about beautiful music (in the eye of the beholder). I love music and yet with this archival history of art, exponentially, this world and it's civilization are worse. Music is not the saviour......... So let's play" says drummer, Ron Bruner, Sr. Players on the CD "New Space Age Materials" are: Edmund Velasco Sax, Kamasi Washington Sax, Thundercat Bass, Stanley Clarke Bass, Del Atkins Acoustic Bass, Fidel Winzey Bass, Jinshi Ozaki Guitar, John Z. Guitar, Phil Charles Guitar, Rick Z. Guitar, Ron Bruner Sr. drums, Ariana Charlene Vocals, Bryan Evans Keyboards, Brandon Coleman Keyboards, Jameel Bruner Keybds, Cameron Graves Piano
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Posted: 16 Oct 2013 07:54 AM PDT
GEORGE DUKE - BRAZILIAN FUSION
A dream of a set – at least to our Brazilian-loving ears – a special package that brings together all the best Brazilian-flavored cuts from George Duke's late 70s run on Epic Records! The package is filled with wonderfully sunny grooves throughout – tunes that sparkle and soar with mighty nice rhythms – topped with loads of keyboards from George, and vocals that often have a scatting, breezy style that's plenty sweet – American soul influenced by Brazilian grooves, in a sound that's a bit like the feel of Earth Wind & Fire's "Brazilian Rhyme". It's wonderful to have these cuts all together, and the set feels like a dream album we would have compiled ourselves – with titles that include "Omi", "The Future", "The Way I Feel", "Sunrise", "Festival", "A Melody", "Ipanema Lady", "Corine", "Positive Energy", "Let Your Love Shine", "Thinking Of You", "Your Life", and "Yeah We Going". ~ Dusty Groove
 KIRK LIGHTSEY - SOLO PIANO, EN ARGENTINA
Kirk Lightsey's a pianist who really knows how to open up in just the right setting – which he definitely does here in this sublime solo performance from Bueno Aires! Lightsey's got a wonderfully lyrical touch – that balance of soul and sensitivity that's always made him one of the most expressive pianists of his generation – and even more so once the company on a session gets slim. Tracks are all quite long, but handled at a level that's always personal, but very powerful too – quite exploratory, but without ever being too far out – that special sort of blend that Lightsey does so well. Titles include "Habiba", "Pee Wee/Heaven Dance", "More Than You Know", "Goodbye Mr Evans", and "Infant Eyes". ~ Dusty Groove
Describing distinguished cellist Jacob Szekely's newest recording with words like "cerebral" and "soulful," critics have praised the indie musician's innovation and creativity. According to Szekely, largely credited for transforming the cello into a credible lead jazz instrument, the "soulfulness" on the recording wouldn't have been possible without his cello made by Eric Benning, a Los Angeles-area luthier who also crafts violas and violins. "It was perfect timing for both of us," stated Benning. "I had just made a Stradivarius model cello with some absolutely gorgeous wood I had been saving. Just as I was completing it, Jacob was looking to purchase something high-end. His career was starting to take off." The CD, titled "The Jacob Szekely Trio," which includes the talents of pianist Josh Nelson and drummer Christopher Allis, has received decidedly rave reviews from acclaimed music critics such as Brian Arsenault of the International Review of Music, who effusively stated: "The cello in Szekely's special hands is transformative, literally. At times a guitar, a bass guitar, a violin, a harp. But always, always a cello. Is there anyone else in the world who plays the instrument like this?" Szekely states that the recording and reception would not have been possible without Benning's cello in his hands. "It just wouldn't have been possible without Eric's instrument. My Benning cello is an inspiration to me. Whether I'm recording or performing, this soulful instrument empowers me to play from my heart and express what I always hope to express."
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Posted: 16 Oct 2013 07:43 AM PDT
THE JEFF LORBER FUSION – WATER SIGN
A landmark set of fusion from Jeff Lorber – the major label debut of his group, and the virtual blueprint for a sound that many would try to copy over the years, but never quite match! The style's almost a summation of the CTI/Kudu approaches of the mid 70s – with Lorber setting down a sweet groove in a variety of keyboards, working with bassist Danny Wilson and drummer Dennis Bradford to create some serenely spacious grooves that have a lot of polish, but also still a nice degree of soul. Guest players really open up things nicely – especially Dennis Springer, who plays a variety of saxes on the set – as well as Joe Farrell, Freddie Hubbard, and Doug Lewis. Titles include "Toad's Place", "Country", "Tune 88", "Lights Out", "Rain Dance", and "Water Sign".
THE JEFF LORBER FUSION – WIZARD ISLAND
A real classic from Jeff Lorber – the kind of record that crossed-over immediately, and had a huge influence on so many different scenes! The style is smooth sweet fusion – of a sort that Lorber virtually helped invent, and so many others helped to ruin in later years – but here, things are clean and lean, very focused on the groove – and coming off with a really soulful sound! There's a great mix of acoustic and electric keys that really makes the album cook – giving it a two-dimensional feel that really comes off nicely on every tune – and the core lineup includes Lorber on keys, plus electric bass, drums, and saxes. Titles include "Wizard Island", "Lava Lands", "Shadows", "City", "Rooftops", and "Can't Get Enough".
JEFF LORBER – IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
Sweet fusion grooving from Jeff Lorber – going strong here in a tight early 80s mode that combines jazz and R&B with effortless ease! The leadoff title track is a catchy groover, done with lead vocals by Jeff and Maurice Starr – but most of the other tracks on the set are instrumental, in that tight mode that Lorber virtually invented at the end of the 70s – and coming off with a lot of soul, thanks to guest work from Lee Ritenour on guitar and Ronnie Laws on saxophone. The set also features vocals from Philip Ingram and Alex Ligertwood – each on a track apiece – and titles include "Sushi Monster", "In The Heat Of The Night", "Rock II", "Waterfall", "Blast Off", and "Don't Say Yes".
JEFF LORBER – IT'S A FACT
Jeff Lorber shows his equal talents for jazz and soul on this one – working in a tight blend of keyboard and guitar electric funk – one that's perfect for the occasional vocal part! The core sound is fusion, but done in a way that works nicely off of the R&B-tinged experiments of the 70s – taking lessons learned from Donald Byrd, Herbie Hancock, and The Crusaders – in order to come up with a jazzy groove that's also pretty appealing to fans of modern soul! Vocals are from a hip trio of talents – Sylvia St James, Greg Walker, and Arnold McCuller – and titles include "Full Moon", "Tierra Verde", "Your Love Has Got Me", "Always There", "Delevans", and "The Magicians".
JEFF LORBER FUSION – GALAXIAN
The Jeff Lorber group makes a move into R&B with a few tracks on this set – adding in vocals to their core sweet fusion approach, but in a style that totally makes sense! Lorber's always had a great way with a soulful tune – working with both electric and acoustic keys in a style that's similar to Rodney Franklin – and like Franklin, the occasional vocal in his work only seems to bring out the more soul-based aspects of his work. Donnie Gerrard sings on 2 tracks – "Monster Man" and "Think Back & Remember" – and other tunes include "Bright Sky", "Galaxian", "Magic Lady", and "Night Love".
~ Dusty Groove
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