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Posted: 10 Oct 2013 12:18 PM PDT
Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) continues its acclaimed ICON series with several new releases on October 8, Tom Jones, Dean Martin, The Rat Pack, Kenny Rogers, and Frank Sinatra. With its history and vast catalog of artists, UMe's continuing ICON series showcases the best music from the most popular, iconic and influential artists of all time. ICON is a proven physical line, a true cross-genre success with more than seven million copies sold in three years.
THE COMMODORES - ICON
Motown legends the Commodores were one of the major crossover acts of the 1970s, launching Lionel Richie's music career. The band's first album, 1974's Machine Gun, featured the scorching instrumental title song, which reached the Top 10 of Billboard's Soul charts. Within a year, the band released two more albums, Caught In The Act and Movin' On, which featured their first major crossover hit, "Sweet Love."
In 1977 they released their best-selling album, the self-titled Commodores, which featured the band's two biggest hits, "Easy," which showcased Richie's warm vocals, and the funk anthem "Brick House," with Walter Orange singing lead. They continued their rise to stardom the next year with Natural High, featuring the massive international hit "Three Times A Lady." They released Midnight Magic in 1979, featuring "Still," and "Sail On." By 1981, Lionel Richie's star was rising throughout the music world. He recorded one more album with the group, In the Pocket, featuring two Top 10 hits, "Oh No," and "Lady (You Bring Me Up)," before embarking on his solo recording career.
The Commodores ICON features all of the group's top hits, including the No. 1 smash, "Three Times A Lady," "Easy," "Brick House," "Sweet Love," and "Lady (You Bring Me Up)."
Full tracklist: 1. Lady (You Bring Me Up) / 2. Brick House / 3. Sail On / 4. Easy / 5. Slippery When Wet
6. Three Times A Lady / 7. Sweet Love / 8. Machine Gun / 9. Oh No / 10. Nightshift / 11. Still.
TOM JONES - ICON
In 1964, Tom Jones' second single for Decca, "It's Not Unusual," was a Top 10 smash. A string of hits followed, including "Once Upon A Time," "With These Hands" and the Burt Bacharach classic, "What's New Pussycat?" In 1965, Jones recorded the theme to the James Bond film Thunderball, and one of his best-loved singles, "Delilah," was released in 1968. In the '70s, Jones' hits included "Daughter Of Darkness" and "She's A Lady."
In 1993, Jones signed with Interscope and released the album The Lead And How To Swing It, featuring collaborations with Teddy Riley, Flood and Youth, among others. In 1995, he headlined Glastonbury, and his wildly successful 1999 album Reload, featuring duets with some of the year's brightest stars, once again brought him into the limelight. His latest studio album, Spirit In The Room, was released in April. As his career hits the 50-year mark, Tom Jones continues to delight fans around the world with his music.
Tom Jones ICON features his top hits and fan favorites, including "It's Not Unusual," "What's New Pussycat?," "She's A Lady," "Without Love," "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," "Daughter Of Darkness," "Love Me Tonight," and "Delilah."
Full tracklist: 1. It's Not Unusual / 2. What's New Pussycat? / 3. Thunderball / 4. Delilah / 5. Help Yourself /
6. Love Me Tonight / 7. (It Looks Like) I'll Never Fall In Love Again / 8. Without Love (There Is Nothing) /
9. Daughter Of Darkness / 10. I (Who Have Nothing) / 11. She's A Lady.
DEAN MARTIN - ICON
Playboy called him "the coolest man who ever lived." Elvis Presley worshipped him. "He was the coolest dude I'd ever seen, period," recalled Stevie Van Zandt, adding, "He wasn't just great at everything he did. To me, he was perfect." That man is Dean Martin. Simply put, he was a great singer. The warm sensuality of his voice continues to beguile generations of music fans with a winning style and a touch of mystery.
Dean Martin's effortless vocalizing has become modern shorthand for cool, as evidenced by the use of his songs in films, television, and ad campaigns. Martin was honored with The Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY® Award in 2009 and new releases drawn from his legendary recorded catalog and television archive continue to achieve multi-platinum success around the world.
Dean Martin ICON features 11 of Dino's most popular songs, including "Ain't That A Kick In The Head," "That's Amore," "Volare," "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You," and "Memories Are Made Of This."
Full tracklist: 1. Ain't That A Kick In The Head / 2. That's Amore / 3. Memories Are Made Of This / 4. Volare (Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu) / 5. Sway / 6. Powder Your Face With Sunshine (Smile! Smile! Smile!) /
7. Innamorata (Sweetheart) / 8. Just In Time / 9. Cha Cha Cha D 'Amour (Melodie D 'Amour) / 10. Return To Me (Ritorna-Me) / 11. You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You.
THE RAT PACK - ICON
For more than 50 years, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.'s recordings have entertained fans around the world. The sounds they made live and swing forever. Their timeless style set the standard for future generations and stoked the dreams of those who wished to be one of them.
The Rat Pack ICON spotlights classics from the three entertainment legends, including "We Open In Venice," featuring the vocal talents of all three men, and hits such as "That's Amore," "Luck Be A Lady," "That Old Black Magic," and "Ain't That A Kick In The Head."
Full tracklist: 1. We Open In Venice / 2. Witchcraft
3. Memories Are Made Of This / 4. Hey There / 5. Luck Be A Lady / 6. Ain't That A Kick In The Head /
7. That Old Black Magic / 8. The Boys Night Out / 9. That's Amore / 10. The Birth Of The Blues / 11. I'm Gonna Live Till I Die.
FRANK SINATRA - ICON
Frank Sinatra, long acclaimed as the world's greatest performer of popular music, is the artist who set the standard for all others to follow. A beloved entertainer for six decades, Sinatra earned three Oscars®, three Golden Globes®, including the Cecil B. DeMille Award, ten personal GRAMMYs® (and a total of 20 for his albums), an Emmy®, a Peabody®, and the Kennedy Center Honors Award in 1983. A generous charitable contributor, he was honored with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1971. In addition, Sinatra was awarded the Presidential Medal Of Honor and the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress' highest civilian award.
From 1953 to 1961, Sinatra recorded more than 17 albums for Capitol Records. During Sinatra's years with Capitol, he pioneered and perfected the idea of the "concept album" by recording and sequencing songs on his LPs to strike and complete a specific mood. Albums such as Come Fly With Me, Only The Lonely, Songs For Swingin' Lovers! and In The Wee Small Hours are considered vital classics. In 1960, Sinatra formed his own record company, Reprise. At that label, he would record many of his signature hits, such as "Strangers In The Night," "My Way," and "Theme from New York, New York."
Frank Sinatra has been called the most popular entertainer of the 20th century. The new ICON collection features 11 of his timeless classics, including "My Way," "Theme From New York, New York," "Come Fly With Me," "Strangers In The Night," and the Cole Porter classics "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "I Get A Kick Out Of You."
Full tracklist: 1. Come Fly With Me / 2. Young At Heart / 3. I Get A Kick Out Of You / 4. All The Way /
5. I've Got You Under My Skin / 6. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) / 7. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) / 8. That's Life / 9. Strangers In The Night / 10. My Way / 11. Theme From New York, New York.
 
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Posted: 10 Oct 2013 11:55 AM PDT
A SLOW JAMS JAZZ CHRISTMAS (VARIOUS ARTISTS)
From the original producers of the Slow Jams series comes a traditional take on the romance and splendor of the holiday season. Celebrating the spirit of Christmas with time-honored yuletide medleys, A Slow Jams Jazz Christmas puts a stylish spin on the Slow Jams brand. This album brings dreamy nostalgia of holidays gone by spent listening to jazz icons such as Dave Brubeck, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Vince Guaraldi, Coleman Hawkins, Oscar Peterson, and others. Slow Jams began as a late night radio show in 1994 by Kevin "Slow Jammin'" James called Sunday Nite Slow Jams. It soon developed into a successful program and eventually became a series of CD compilations that blended old and new R&B love songs. Original Jazz Classics is re-envisioning the series with a new version of Slow Jams enchantment. omplete Track Listing: Eddie Lockjaw" Davis - The Christmas Song / The Gene Harris Quartet - I'll Be Home for Christmas / Scott Hamilton - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas / Don Patterson - Merry Christmas Baby / Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here / Hank Crawford - O Holy Night / Oscar Peterson - White Christmas / Coleman Hawkins – Greensleeves / Dave Brubeck - O Tannenbaum / Scott Hamilton -Christmas Love Song / Jack McDuff -Winter Wonderland /Curtis Peagler - I'll Be Home for Christmas (reprise). Release date: 10/29/13.
PEGGY DUQUESNEL - ALL I ASK FOR CHRISTMAS
There is always a bit of an uproar when Santa and the elves debate over music preferences while toiling away in their North Pole workshop preparing for the big night. Some prefer swinging to straight-ahead jazz instrumentals while others prefer contemporary vocal numbers. Multidimensional pianist and vocalist Peggy Duquesnel's "All I Ask for Christmas" is certain to satisfy everyone with her generous 21-song collection that will be released November 5th by Joyspring Music. Duquesnel produced the two-CD set - one acoustic jazz instrumental disc and one vocal disc - offering fresh arrangements of seasonal standards along with four new songs that she composed and recorded as both instrumental and vocal selections. The entire album will be serviced to jazz radio stations while smooth jazz outlets will be gifted with the single, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," featuring genre star Rick Braun's regal flugelhorn.
The instrumental portion of "All I Ask for Christmas" is a return to the classically-trained pianist's roots in straight-ahead jazz presented with elements of adult pop, contemporary jazz and inspirational material on this, her seventh full-length outing. Backed by a crackling quartet – Grammy-nominated bassist Brian Bromberg on upright, drummer Joe La Barbera (Bill Evans, Tony Bennett, Bill Cunliffe), percussionist Brian Kilgore (Barbra Streisand, John Williams, Elton John, Coldplay, Aerosmith) and guitarist Jay Leach ("American Idol," Barry Manilow, Gladys Knight) – Duquesnel's arrangements are influenced by storied artists from yesteryear (George & Ira Gershwin, Horace Silver, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra) along with a dose of contemporary acoustic jazz (Dave Grusin, Bob James, Miles Davis).
On the vocal disc, Duquesnel sings and scats three duets with debonair vocalist Bill Cantos: the bebop title track penned by Duquesnel; the aptly titled "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)," which was written and recorded by Amy Grant; and another new Duquesnel gem, "Under the Christmas Tree," a romantic country gospel waltz adorned with Leach's pedal steel guitar. Talented newcomer Emma Werderman impresses with a vocal full of moxie during a duet with her mentor (Duquesnel) on the stunning "Mary Did You Know" further illumined by Duquesnel's piano eloquence. Duquesnel's glowing jazzer "Light of Christmas" and the waltz-like "Christmas is Here" are new songs written with warmth, familiarity and timeless qualities that have the potential to become enduring evergreens.
"The album concept is to take familiar Christmas songs and put them with unique arrangements that have a jazz influence, but that are all accessible to a broad audience. In the process of making the album, I decided to do instrumental versions of the vocal songs. I am both a vocalist and an instrumentalist and enjoy playing these songs just as much instrumentally as vocally. For the listener, having both versions makes a lot of sense because they set two entirely different moods," said Duquesne. ~ www.PeggyDuquesnel.com.
JOHN FAHEY - CHRISTMAS SOLI
John Fahey's Guitar Soli Christmas album is the acoustic guitarist's visionary 1968 set, was a scintillating collection of solo steel-string adaptations of beloved traditional Yuletide melodies ("Joy to the World," "We Three Kings of Orient Are," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"). It reportedly sold more than 100,000 copies on Fahey's own Takoma label, tabbing it as his best-selling album, and inspired several more memorable holiday sets from the guitarist: Christmas With John Fahey Vol. II (1975, also on Takoma), Christmas Guitar Volume One (1982, on the Varrick label), and Popular Songs of Christmas & New Year's, a duet collection with fellow guitarist Terry Robb (1983, on Varrick).
All four of those brilliant albums are generously represented on Fantasy's newly compiled Christmas Guitar Soli With John Fahey, a 14-song compilation of highlights from Fahey's Yuletide catalog. Scheduled for October 29 CD release, the collection provides a lovely soundtrack for the upcoming holiday season and boasts newly created cover art by Tom Weller, who designed the artwork for many of Fahey's original Takoma albums, that's done in the style of those classic sets. In addition, Fantasy will reissue The New Possibility: John Fahey's Guitar Soli Christmas Album in its original vinyl LP form on November 5.
The new CD's first five selections (the three mentioned above, plus "Auld Lang Syne" and a medley of "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing" and "O, Come All Ye Faithful") hail from the classic '68 set. "Oh Holy Night," "Carol of the Bells" (a duet with guitarist Richard Ruskin), and a medley of "Oh, Tannenbaum," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Jingle Bells" are taken from his 1975 follow-up LP. Moving over to the Varrick imprint, Fahey recorded "The First Noel," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," and "Silent Night, Holy Night" for Christmas Guitar Volume One, while "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "The Christmas Song," and a medley of "Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" hail from the duet album with Robb. The compilation's 14 selections summarize Fahey's long-term commitment to finger-picking timeless Christmas melodies on his acoustic axe.
Born February 28, 1939 in Washington, D.C., Fahey was brought up from age six in suburban Takoma Park, Maryland (inspiring the name of his future label). Blending country, bluegrass, and blues into a groundbreaking guitar technique that also incorporated classical influences (a hybrid later termed American Primitivism), Fahey first recorded in 1958 and released his debut album (which introduced his alter ego of Blind Joe Death) the next year on his fledgling Takoma imprint. Only 100 copies were pressed initially. In 1963, Fahey and fellow record collector ED Denson tracked down pre-war blues legend Bukka White, recording him anew for Takoma and relaunching White's career. Fahey released his own Takoma encore set, Death Chants Breakdowns and Military Waltzes, during this same period.
While not releasing all of his subsequent albums on Takoma, Fahey continued to record prolifically for the label that he founded into the early 1980s. He weathered a bout with ill health and lived in poverty for a time, but made a heartwarming comeback during the '90s. Fahey died February 22, 2001 following a coronary bypass operation.
The concept of playing holiday classics on acoustic steel-string guitar was unheard of until Fahey explored the tantalizing possibility. Christmas Guitar Soli With John Fahey collects the best of his Yuletide performances on one warmly inspiring collection.
 
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Posted: 10 Oct 2013 10:53 AM PDT
JOE BRENT & SARA CASWELL
Sara, recognized as a "Rising Star" in the 2013 DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll and as one of the top jazz violinists in both the 2011 and 2012 JazzTimes Readers Poll, regularly performs with her two groups, the Sara Caswell Quartet and the Caswell Sisters Quintet, as well as vocalist Roseanna Vitro (2012 Grammy nominee) and the genre-defying Rose & the Nightingale. She has toured extensively with bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding (3-time Grammy winner including "Best New Artist" in 2011), violinist Mark O'Connor's American String Celebration, soloed numerous times in Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, and performed and/or recorded with many artists including Regina Carter, Fred Hersch, David Krakauer, Gene Bertoncini, Charlie Byrd, Skitch Henderson, Nadje Noordhuis, and Alan Ferber. Currently on faculty at Manhattan School of Music's Jazz Arts Division, Sara studied classical violin with the legendary Josef Gingold, has won over 100 awards and first-place prizes in the jazz and classical competition worlds, and has released two highly-acclaimed solo CDs - First Song and But Beautiful - and a CD with her sister, vocalist Rachel Caswell, entitled Alive in the Singing Air. Says O'Connor: "Most good violinists will never experience what Sara creates with her instrument. It is beautifully refined emotion that lifts the spirit and at the same time, crystallizes for me this thought: jazz violin could really have something to offer again."
Joe Brent, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, also studied the mandolin in Italy before relocating back to New York City. He was a longtime member of pop sensation Regina Spektor's touring ensemble, and has performed and recorded with Woody Allen, Jewel, Gary Smulyan, and Stephane Grappelli. Simultaneously, he has maintained a career in classical music, having performed as soloist with the Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, The Boston Symphony, and countless others. He released his first album, Point of Departure, in 2007, featuring music by Astor Piazzolla, J.S. Bach, and Manuel de Falla, and in 2009 released solo. EP, an album of solo mandolin arrangements of songs by rock artists such as Animal Collective and The Flaming Lips. He has recorded the complete mandolin music of David Loeb and an album of the lute music of John Dowland, and in 2009 was added to the faculty of Mannes College, where he remains the only mandolin instructor at a major American conservatory. Music journalist Don von Schrilz said, "There has probably never been a mandolin player with better technical skills, and he matches that with an enthusiasm for every imaginable role a mandolin can fulfill," and he has been described as, "One of the truly exceptional musicians of his generation," by David McGee of The Bluegrass Special.
Together, Joe and Sara weave a broad musical tapestry, using the delicate strands of folk music and the incendiary embers of jazz and rock. Drawing material from artists as diverse as Stevie Wonder, Astor Piazzolla, and Weezer, along with original compositions reflecting their diverse backgrounds, Brent and Caswell are a musical experience not to be missed.
JORDANA TALSKY - STANDARD DEVIATION
Jordana Talsky's debut album, Standard Deviation, marks the arrival of a serious young talent in Canadian jazz. The vocalist/songwriter has been turning heads (and ears) on the Toronto scene for the last three years, and her musical career now takes a giant leap forward with this superb solo record. Standard Deviation features a seamless mix of pop and jazz material. Jordana succinctly describes the style of the record as "jazzy takes on pop songs and poppier takes on jazz songs. I am always attracted to new combinations, rather than strictly sticking to a genre." As the album title suggests, this is not just another conventional album of Great American Songbook standards. She does breathe vibrant new life into a few such classics, giving a bossa twist to "Old Devil Moon" and a breezy feel to "Devil May Care," while these tunes nestle snugly alongside fresh reinterpretations of pop-rock hits by Alannah Myles (her signature tune "Black Velvet"), The Police (a sly take on "Murder By Numbers") and The Cardigans' "Love Me (Lovefool)." Â The funky and infectiously upbeat "Panta Niwas" is, she explains, "based on some of my experiences in Nepal, when I lived there in my year between undergraduate and law school studies." The other original, "Whogonnahold," is a more introspective and philosophical look at life, but one delivered with delightful exuberance. No matter the repertoire, Talsky consistently displays an eloquent and fluent voice. Her phrasing is impeccable, and she never succumbs to the temptation of trying to impress with the technical ability she clearly possesses. The accompaniment of her ace band is always empathetic. Standard Deviation?. A high standard sensation!
MIKE FIELD - RUSH MODE
Since the release of his first album Ashes in 2011, brilliant jazz man Mike Field has been on the move gigging from one big city to the next - travelling as far afield as Germany, France, New Zealand and even on board a ship to Antarctica - but mainly shuttling between Los Angeles and Toronto, all the while composing a continuous stream of new material. Field continues the whirlwind of activity with his latest CD RUSH MODE - an eclectic collection of jazz tunes ranging from classic bebop to Latin-flavoured romps. The through line is as the title suggests, a portrait of the way we live our busy lives, though Field's take is definitely more on the positive side. As with his last album, Field likes to keep it upbeat on Rush Mode. The band does it all here and they do it all really well. The songs are driven mainly by Field's playful, virtuoso trumpet and the superb artistry of saxman Paul Metcalfe; the pair play on these recordings as if they're "brothers from another mother." The short, snappy, bouncy tunes keep the sense of excitement and energy throughout, save for the hauntingly beautiful ballad "The Last of the Summer Days" featuring the exquisite, smoky vocals of musical guest Sophia Perlman. Among the highlights are the title track, where sprightly flamenco flourishes (by special guest Kevin Laliberte on guitar), meet classic bop horns; "Play for You," a vintage, dirty-thirties-style tune, grounded by a tango beat with seamlessly interwoven play between Metcalfe's sax and Field's alternately growling and soaring trumpet; and the aptly-named "Balkan Swing", an Eastern European snake-charmer that features florid piano riffs and showcases Field's penchant for world music rhythms and melodies.In addition to Field and Metcalfe, the Mike Field Jazz Quintet includes exceptional players Carlie Howell on upright bass, Dave Chan on drums, Teri Parker on piano with special guest musicians Rosendo "Chendy" Leon on percussion and Mark Eisenman on Fender rhodes and piano. Produced by Shelly Berger, the nine-track album was recorded at Canterbury Music Company in Toronto between June 2012 and May 2013, engineered by Jeremy Darby and mixed by Andrew Mullin.
~ cduniverse
 
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Posted: 10 Oct 2013 11:43 AM PDT
REBECA VALLEJO - AZUCAR CANELA
Madrid born vocalist and composer Rebeca Vallejo is a most versatile and innovative performer. Known for combining her ancestral Flamenco roots, her deep love and understanding of Brazilian music, with the language of Jazz, Rebeca Vallejo deftly weaves all these elements into a sound that is truly unique. Rebeca's third studio album entitled "Azucar Canela" is a collection of 8 original compositions, two unique adaptations of Jazz standards and a "Buleria" interpretation of a Milton Nascimento's classic "Cravo e Canela. The album is being brought to life under the direction of Grammy Award Winning producer John Seymour (Santana, U2, Dave Matthews Band). "Azucar Canela" reaches beyond what's purely "entertaining" creating a unifying journey where three musical cultures, three countries (Spain, Brazil, US), and three different types of "blues" converge. Among the internationally sought-after musicians who participated in the recording of this album are Spanish Flamenco pianist Ariadna Castellanos, Brazilian percussionist Ze Mauricio, Argentinian pianist Emillio Solla, Spanish "cajonero" Jose Antonio Montana and Chilean percussionist Yayo Serka.
GRUVORIA - THE SIXTH KNUCKLE
In early 2007, Gruvoria attracted the attention of some of Canada's top musical tastemakers with their acclaimed second album Dirty Fuel. Now, guitarist & composer Blair Purdy and his 6-piece jazz-funk powerhouse are back with their third full-length album, The Sixth Knuckle. Gruvoria is a fascinating study in contrasts -- full of musical muscle, creative testosterone and edge, yet also playful and accessible to a wide range of music lovers. The band is comprised of some of the finest cross-genre players in Toronto, including: Purdy (guitar, composition & vocals), Ashot Grigorian (alto sax), Marcus Ali (tenor & baritone sax), Eric Boucher (keyboards), Ross MacIntyre (bass) and Vladimir Mladenovic (drums). The title of the new record references both Purdy's unique guitar style and his experience as a highly trained karate sensei and educator; the sixth knuckle is below the baby finger where the hand meets the wrist, and is one of the strongest and most resilient places from which to strike an opponent. The album was recorded live off the floor over a two-day span at Purdy's BPM Studios in King Township, Ontario; the music studio doubles as his dojo. In addition to the original songs, the album features covers of 'Times Like These' by Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), the Headhunters classic 'Daffy's Dance' and 'Friar Laurence' by legendary classical composer Sergei Prokofiev. Yes, you read that correctly -- a jazz-funk version of Prokofiev! Griuvoria's club and festival resume includes the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival, Beaches Jazz Festival, the Festival of Friends (Hamilton), Lula Lounge, Trane Studio, and Supermarket. They have shared the stage with the likes of Elizabeth Shepherd, Souljazz Orchestra, Burnt Sugar: The Arkestra Chamber and Kobo Town. The band is also highly in-demand for private parties and events, particularly in the film industry.
GEORGE BENSON - GIBLET GRAVY
This reissue of Benson's 1968 Verve LP is worth the price of admission just for three of the small-group cuts. "Billie's Bounce," "Low Down and Dirty," and "Thunder Walk" find the guitarist stretching out in the company of Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Billy Cobham on an uptempo Charlie Parker blues, a gutbucket slow blues and a deeply blue hard-bop groove tune, respectively. This recording sits right between Benson's early small-combo records as a leader (COOKBOOK and IT'S UPTOWN) and his move to even more heavily produced recordings for CTI. The grooves are groovy, the horns are punchy, and the then-future of jazz guitar makes his way through the charts as feature artist, laying down the head, shadow boxing with the swaggering arrangements for a chorus or two, and getting out in a radio-friendly two minute and fifty-nine seconds. Plus you get to hear Benson and Hancock duking it out like they mean it on "Low Down and Dirty." All tracks have been digitally remastered. This is part of Verve's By Request series. Recorded at A&R Recording Studios and Capitol Recording Studios, New York, New York from February 5-7, 1968. Includes liner notes by Nat Hentoff. Reissue producer: Bryan Koniarz. Personnel: George Benson (guitar); Tom McIntosh (conductor); Eileen Gilbert, Albertine Robinson, Lois Winter (vocals); Pepper Adams (baritone saxophone); Jimmy Owens (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ernie Royal, Snooky Young (trumpet); Alan Raph (bass trombone); Herbie Hancock (piano); Eric Gale, Carl Lynch (guitar); Ron Carter, Bob Cranshaw (bass); Billy Cobham (drums); Johnny Pacheco (congas, tambourine). Producer: Esmond Edwards. Q (1/01, p. 122) - 3 out of 5 stars - "... There's a soul element here.... Go straight to be-bop blues classic 'Billie's Bounce' or the 'What's New' alternate takes for modern jazz guitar at its finest."
~ cduniverse
 
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Posted: 10 Oct 2013 10:35 AM PDT
DANE MAXIM RICHESON - MAXIM CONFIT
Maxim Confit is a mix of jazz and world music influences that features renown artists such as David Liebman---saxophone, Joe Locke--vibes/marimba, Jamey Haddad--drums/percussion, Bill Carrothers--piano, Vic Juris---guitar, Michael Spiro--percussion. Each track is unique with using different instrumentation and abrupt changes in musical styles. For instance, track one, Simbomba, features the African Kora (played by Kane Mathis) playing a traditional song of Gambia and arranged by Ken Schaphorst. Track two is a break beat version of Monk's Evidence that moves through several mood changes lead by Joe Locke on vibes, Jose Encarnacion on sax, and Bill Carrothers on piano.
TODD HILDRETH TRIO - HYMNS
Todd's first instrument was the accordion at age 10. He took to the instrument well, but found himself switching to piano after seeing a performance by Jerry Lee Lewis at age twelve. Todd found a gift for improvisation, but didn't take his talents seriously through high school. Todd enrolled in Bellarmine College (now Bellarmine University) in 1985 with the intention of becoming a high school English teacher. As he roamed the campus and found empty practice rooms to play around in, he began to befriend students and faculty at Bellarmine. By the end of his first semester, he switched his major to Music with a Jazz Emphasis (though he would go on to earn an additional BA in English from Bellarmine). For the next ten years, Todd would make his living as a freelance jazz, commercial, and liturgical musician, quickly gaining the reputation as a creative and versatile improvising musician. In 1992, he founded the Java Men, an all-original jazz unit that won the LEO poll's "Best Jazz Band" four consecutive times. Java Men released four CDs in their 12-year existence, and toured the country several times, making several appearances at The Knitting Factory in New York City. In the year 1999, Todd was invited to join the faculty of Jamey Aebersold's Summer Jazz Camps. The faculty has boasted such luminaries as David Baker, Kenny Werner, Eric Alexander and Lynne Arriale. Shortly afterward, he was asked to become the music director for Ascension Lutheran Church in Louisville, and was hired by Bellarmine University to join their Jazz and Music Technology faculty. In the course of his career, Todd has performed with, recorded with, or opened for The Coasters, The Platters, Martha and The Vandellas, Eugene Chadbourne, Jimmy Raney, Conrad Herwig, Buckwheat Zydeco, The Monkees, Liberation Prophecy, Love Jones, King Kong (at Lollapalooza), Dave Stryker, Victor Wooten, The Shangri-Las, Brian Setzer, Liz Phair, Aretha Franklin and Nora Jones.
STEVE TALEGA - JUNE BALLOON
This CD was recorded in two sessions. It just fell into place so quickly with so little effort. A truly joyful experience. I've been making music with these two band-mates in a number of ensembles for many years and it shows in the musical telepathy you'll hear on this recording. These were a bunch of my compositions that cover a lot of stylistic territory, and I wanted this CD to be a snapshot of just how broad we can range as a trio...though there is one solo keyboard piece. We had a lot of fun making the record and I think that shines through in the music. I hope you love it! In case you're wondering, all the keyboard sounds are onboard my new Nord Stage 2...a glorious instrument!
~cduniverse
 
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Posted: 10 Oct 2013 05:27 AM PDT
GAPPY RANKS - SHINING HOPE
Gappy Ranks is a British Dancehall musician. His love for music started in his home town Harlesden, London where he was born and raised. The year 2010 saw the introduction from Silverstar Sound's DJ Gussy, which lead Gappy Ranks to join forces with Pierre Bost of French Records and Special Delivery Music Label which opened up a whole world of show dates and touring. In 2010 Gappy was also signed to Greensleeves Records & released his 1st album "Put The Stereo On". This album was well received worldwide featuring tracks such as "Put The Stereo On" and "Heaven In Her Eyes" which went to number 1 for 16 weeks on the UK Reggae charts. Gappy Ranks was nominated for the 2010 Mobo Awards in the Best Reggae Act Category. In 2011 Gappy Ranks followed up with his second album "Thanks & Praise" on his own independent label Hot Coffee Music distributed by VP Records & Greensleeves which included the smash hit "Stinkin Rich" by Italian producer Macro Marco. Gappy Ranks is now ready to unleash his 3rd album "Shining Hope" this fall which is supported by a massive tour schedule already in progress! ~ www.gappyranks.com
BAHAMA SOUL CLUB - THE CUBAN TAPES
The Cuban Tapes consists of 17 tracks of the finest Club Jazz and again with selected vocal features like some of the most announced artists of the contemporary Cuban music Scene: Danay Suarez, Arema Arega, and Telmary Diaz - a grandiose trio which was also selected by Gilles Peterson for his terrific 'Havana Culture' project. Also included are three generations of distinguished American singers from the past until now, starting with Jazz and Gospel legend Bessie Smith, Soul and Funk diva Spanky Wilson and the Grammy nominated Soul and Blues Powerhouse Ruthie Foster. Finally on top of that the wonderful Anna Luca from mighty Club Des Belugas. The feel of the album is a bit more darker and deeper than what you would expect from The Bahama Soul Club – it's an alluring Tiki blend through Jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms and instrumentation, environmental sounds with lush and romantic themes throughout.
CHUCK MANGIONE - LOVE NOTES / DISGUISE / SAVE TONIGHT FOR ME
Three Chuck Mangione albums from the 80s – all packed here together in a single set! Love Notes is full of cool compressed flugelhorn from Mangione – and a set that also features the leader on some Fender Rhodes as well! Chuck's working here in a small combo setting that keeps up the best vibe of his fusion classics from the 70s – that compressed quality that made magic with much bigger audiences than were reached by the usual jazz players of his generation – yet handled with that well-crafted vibe that still gave Mangione some respect from the old school. Tracks are relatively long, and surprisingly creative at times – and titles include "Steppin Out", "No Problems", "Memories Of Scirocco", "Love Note", and "To The 80s". On Disguise, Chuck Mangione gets some great help from Deodato – who not only plays keyboards on the set, but also arranged and produced – in a way that gives lots of the tracks the same soulful vibe as his own records from the time! Deodato's groove is definitely more 80s-styled than some of Mangione's other music – but the overall approach is still nice and warm, and plenty soulful – thanks to those compressed flugelhorn lines that Mangione blows so beautifully. Titles include "Josephine", "Leonardo's Lady", "Love Theme From London & Davis In New York", "Diana D", and "Love Wears No Disguise" – plus the odd "Shirley MacLaine", which also features some weird rapping from Shirley herself! Save Tonight For Me explores the soulful side of Chuck Mangione – a set that still features plenty of lead solos from Chuck, but which also brings in some fuller backings that have a contemporary R&B vibe overall! Most numbers are still instrumental – although there's a bit of vocals on the set – and as with other Mangione records from previous years, keyboards are often the other key element in the mix – an instrument that Chuck's learned to solo with in a really sweet way. Titles include "Machu Picchu", "Rockin At Red Rocks", "Sweet Cheryl Lynn", "Give Your Heart A Chance", and "TJ's Gingerbread House". ~ Dusty Groove
 
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