THE OTHER SIDE OF SYMMETRY is an exemplary set of contemporary jazz compositions that features bandleader/composer/guitarist Douglas Gerry accompanied by a respectable nonet. This excellent ensemble of woodwinds, brass, and rhythm instrumentalists offer their stellar musical ideas in support of Gerry’s masterful approach to the construction of chords, chord voicings and colors. Gerry’s exceptional improvisations over classic jazz chord progressions are both dynamic and expressive. Most notable is his interpretation of “Waltz For Debby,” the great jazz standard written by Bill Evans. Gerry brings new colors and voicings to this evergreen in such a natural way that the listener gains a greater feel for the composer’s original concept. On the title track, “The Other Side of Symmetry,” Gerry’s soloing features inventive licks and thoughtful riffs. The remaining compositions feature elements from several different genres – folk, rock, bebop, country – that Gerry has fused in an asymmetrical kind of way. These chordal improvisations and elements keep listeners interested and his fans coming back for more. TOP PICK: “The Other Side of Symmetry.”
ILEMBE: HONORING SHAKA ZULU Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Over the past three decades, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethic landscape. Founder Joseph Shabalala suggested the name of the group – Ladysmith being the name of his rural hometown; Black being a reference to oxen, the strongest of all farm animals; and Mambazo being the Zulu word for axe, a symbol of the group’s ability to chop down any rival who might challenge them. With over 40 recordings in their stellar award-winning repertoire, numerous television and film appearances and special performances for royal families, Pope John Paul II, political leaders and nobility, the group now pays tribute to South African warrior and first king of the Zulu nation, Shaka Zulu. On Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu, Ladysmith Black Mambazo continues in the vein of their 1988 Grammy award winning and first US release Shaka Zulu. However, this new tribute celebrates Shaka Zulu’s sense of perseverance, creativity and the pride that he has inspired in generations of descendants. The title of the recording translates to “The Greatest Warrior” and each track speaks to Shaka’s rare combination of talents on such songs as “O Mmu Beno Mmu,” “Kuyafundw’ Osizini” and “Hlala Nami.” Drawing heavily from a traditional music called isicathamiya, the opening track refers to “Somebody and Somebody,” a reference to doing something better when you work with someone else. The a cappella harmonies of the group are punctuated with expressive intonations, humming and accentuated lyrics that resonate in unison and in every voice. The emotional depth in their voices as heard on “Learning From The Obstacles” is a challenge to all to continuously confront obstacles and learn from them while “Stay With Me,” talks about the value of staying with a good person, whether it’s a wife, a husband or a friend – any person you can learn and do good things with. The harmonies, melodic content and rhythmic beauty of these songs have transcended the Traditional World Music category and now reflect the value of globalizing a necessary mindset – that of a call for peace, positivism, working together for a common cause and enjoying life.Highly recommended.
Monterey Jazz Festival Records Releases Historical Performances by Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan
MILES DAVIS As one of the first recordings on the newly released Monterey Jazz Festival Records imprint, this inspired set by the Miles Davis Quintet at the 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival is among Davis’ best performances. His newly revamped quintet consisting of Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, Tony Williams on drums and George Coleman on tenor saxophone performed six great songs to a capacity audience in the Jimmy Lyons arena. Starting the set with a rip from his Harmon muted trumpet, Miles was in rare form, pure and filled with energy of his younger bandmates. The soloing on “Autumn Leaves” and Williams’ explosive set up behind Miles at the end of the song became a trademark point in concerts for years to come. Carter’s bass solo explodes in aural colors while Hancock holds down the piano logic. Miles’ captivating yet serene tones cast a romantic spell over the listener and endear you to his amazing command of every register. “So What” is taken a a faster tempo but works so well and hardly seems as if they’re being hurried off the stage. For those of us who never had the opportunity to hear Miles at Monterey, this is the next best thing. Please visit www.mjfrecords.org to buy this CD and others in the series.
THELONIOUS MONK
Imagine Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk on the same bill in the same year at the 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival! Wow, it must have been heaven on earth for jazz fans. But just imagine a revitalized Thelonious Monk, there for a second year. On THELONIOUS MONK LIVE AT THE 1964 MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL you’ll relive that following year that Monk took the stage after weathering the stormy career path that ranged from his stints at Minton’s nightclub assisting with the invention of bebop, recording with Coleman Hawkins on Blue Note and having his NY cabaret card revoked. His quartet included Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Ben Riley on drums and then 23-year old Steve Swallow on acoustic bass. Opening with “Blue Monk” Monk states the theme solo. But when Rouse takes over he provide sparse, asymmetrical comping the epitome of blatant nuance. “Evidence” contains the rich hesitation and mastery of silence Monk treated his fans to regularly. “Rhythm-A-Ning” opens with tight, energetic, up-tempo unison work, and spirited counterpoint on Monk’s part. Two more Monk originals close the set with “Think of One,” and “Straight No Chaser,” where the quartet is joined by the MJF Workshop consisting of Buddy Collette, Lou Blackburn, Jack Nimitz, Bobby Bryant and Melvin Moore with all tunes arranged by Collette at Monk’s request! Take a cool listen to this set and enjoy all sides of Monk’s great musical nature. Visit www.mjfrecords.org to purchase this CD.
DIZZY GILLESPIE “That’s close enough for jazz,” says Diz as he warmed up for this exciting set in 1965 that found the great Dizzy Gillespie thrilling the audience at Monterey Jazz Festival. Having performed there a record 19 times, he was in great form with his ensemble of James Moody, Kenny Barron, Christopher White, Buddy Collins and Big Black on congas. This was a great event and my first visit to Monterey as a child!!! Now that I realize what I was experiencing, this concert means more than ever. With his signature song “Night In Tunisia” and the outright jam titled “Trinidad, Goodbye,” Dizzy is burning, ripping notes, hitting his stride with everything he’s got. The quintet heard here had been together approximately 3 years and jelled with new fervor each time they played a song - even though it may have been the 1000th time they’d jammed it. Top set pick is “Night In Tunisia” because of the new take on this old standard. Big Black was swinging on congas and Moody and Gillespie doubled up on the opening riff before Diz breaks away to play the familiar head. Whether joking with the audience on “Diz’s Comedy Sketch” or paying tribute to Lady Day on “Day After” Dizzy Gillespies set at the 1965 Monterey Jazz Festival will wow you all over again. Please visit www.mjfrecords.org to buy this CD.
SARAH VAUGHAN
This sensational appearance of Sarah Vaughan at the 1971 Monterey Jazz Festival ignited the stage with passionate emotion, explosive accompaniment and stylish repartee that is not only impressive but set the standard for many jazz singers of her day. This particular festival also featured such giants of jazz as Mary Lou Williams, Carmen McRae, and Erroll Garner among others that weekend but Sarah Vaughan’s legendary voice was the sophisticated element that created the most appreciation that Sunday night. She created a dialogue between two great traditions – jazz and singing. Still considered a leading creative force even today, her renditions of “And I Love Him” (a twist on The Beatles’ “And I Love Her”) “Round Midnight” and her trademark piece “Tenderly” brought raves from the audience and will keep you spellbound. Buy The Series and the works that trace the legendary jazz artists who appeared at Monterey in their heydays. There will be never be another Sarah Vaughan so you, dear reader would be well-advised to add this great “live” event to your jazz collection. Please visit www.mjfrecords.org to buy this CD.
CAROL WELSMAN Carol Welsman
"Carol Welsman" is a powerful yet accessible work by a much-admired musician whose time has come. It features thoughtfully chosen material, beautifully recorded and lovingly mixed (by Joe Vannelli, who also mastered), performed by a small core group of professionals. The result is an honest statement from an artist who is as strong in a live setting as she is on record. That artist - and that recording - is CAROL WELSMAN.Welsman has chosen material which showcases her myriad talents to great effect. Fluent in several languages, Welsman literally crosses the globe on this engaging recording, from Brazil to Cuba, and from Spain to Canada, America and beyond, without ever once losing sight of her own voice. Without exaggeration, every track exudes confidence and the pure joy of making music with the ideal group of musicians. Welsman's seemingly effortless command of the material is clear from the first track, "Brazasia," a paean to an exotic locale and to a lover. Cuban-born drummer Jimmy Branly propels the song into an irresistible groove that never lets up. "Hold Me", a song co-written by Welsman and John Acosta, is heard next in a completely new version, with a tempo that lets Carol deliver a heartfelt vocal that serves the song beautifully, and is complemented by some gorgeous alto sax courtesy of Eric Marienthal. "Dans Cette Chambre" marks the first time a French language adaptation has been created and recorded of Gordon Lightfoot's classic "Beautiful," a song steeped in Canadian history. These three songs only represent what a great listen you’re in for when you play CAROL WELSMAN. Of the 13 tracks, you are sure to “Live To Tell” your friends of the wonderful set she sings on her debut for Justin Time records. Buy it now.
RUMBA PALACE Arturo Sandoval A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval is one of the most dynamic performers of our time. A four-time GRAMMY Award winner, a winner of six Billboard Awards as well as an EMMY Award, the virtuoso stands tall among the giants of jazz. An accomplished jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player, as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer, Sandoval recently made his Telarc label debut his 28th recording. RUMBA PALACE features stunningly sophisticated and elegant songs with plenty of fire. Titled after his newest nightclub in South Beach Miami, Florida, the record also shows off Sandoval’s singing with some help from Cheito, best known for his work with Gloria Estefan. This CD is exciting, especially since Sandoval is accompanied by such great musicians as Felipe Lamoglia on saxophone and EWI, Tomas Cruz on percussion and Antonio Perez on keyboards, along with bassist Armando Gola and drummer Alexis Arce. They tear through “El Huracan Del Caribe” and “21st Century” while his technique on the moody mambo “Sexy Lady” displays his grace and affecting riffs with equal precision.With plenty of versatility on ten new compositions, Sandoval is especially strong, easy to love, and burning bright on the title track. “Peaceful,” “Having Fun,” and “Nouveau Cha-Cha” are other great highlights. Don’t miss Arturo Sandoval at the Playboy Jazz Festival on Sunday, June 17th. For more information about the great Arturo Sandoval log on to www.arturosandoval.com BUY RUMBA PALACE today.
CARLOS SANTANA & WAYNE SHORTER LIVE AT THE 1988 MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Carlos Santana/Wayne Shorter Band performed its debut concert at The Fillmore in San Francisco, California. The beginning of a 26-city concert tour throughout the U.S. and Europe, the band recorded this amazing set at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland on July 14, 1988.The result is a stunning 2-disc recording of one of this band’s greatest performances. Accompanied by such stellar artists as Leon “Ndugu” Chancler on drums, Patrice Rushen on keyboards, Armando Peraza on congas, Alphonso Johnson on bass among others, this set rocks with such favorites as “Incident At Neshaur” soothes you with Shorter’s amazing riffs on “Shhh” and provides spiritual nourishment on such great Santana/Shorter compositions as “Spiritual” and“Sanctuary.”Combining the infectious grooves, melodic guitar and passionate percussion of jazz and World elements, the group is credited with igniting a new interest in Shorter’s creativity since his split from Weather Report. The CD also includes interviews with Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter and festival creator Claude Nobs. Available on DVD also. Buy them together at the SOTJ store.
NIGHT & THE MUSIC The Fred Hersch Trio
NIGHT & THE MUSIC is an impressive example of pianist Fred Hersch’s ability to create a workable synthesis between the techniques of jazz master Thelonious Monk and the infamous Tin Pan Alley composers Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. The recording consists of four of his original compositions, one contribution by Drew Gress, four re-arranged standards and two Thelonious Monk compositions. Seven of these performances are first takes. The exemplary performances from bassist Drew Gress and drummer Nasheet Waits also illuminate the award-winning pianist’s strong roots in both jazz and popular music. The sheer inventiveness and musicality of this trio is particularly prominent on the opening composition – “So In Love.” Where Cole Porter uses a highly lyrical piano to express the meaning and theme of this great song, Hersch creates variety in the song by shifting to a different scale during the course of the piece. Irving Berlin’s “How Deep Is The Ocean,” and “Change Partners” is brilliantly transformed by the trio’s creative liberation. This updated version is sure to entertain both new listeners and devoted fans. Their renditions of Monk’s “Mysterioso,” and “Boo Boo’s Birthday,” provide impressive examples of bop harmonies that support catchy themes. Hersh breaks away from Monk’s eccentric manner of improvising, i.e. isolated stabbed notes, but his piano playing is complemented with a firm harmonic foundation by Gress’ walking bass and Waits’ rhythmic drum disarticulation. Hersch’s blue notes and alternative chords also enliven Monk’s well- worn harmonic progressions.Fred Hersch’s original compositions are passionate and fresh. “Galaxy Fragment/You The Night And The Music” is impeccable and ranks among his most beautiful adaptations. Overall, the repertoire here is amazing and this incarnation of the Fred Hersch Trio is quickly becoming a trio of choice because of their virtuosity, fluidity, suppleness and inventiveness. BUY NIGHT AND THE MUSIC now.
Night School
An Evening With Stanley Clarke & Friends
Stanley Clarke
This totally hip DVD documents the 3rd Annual Concert for The Scholarship Fund at the Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, CA. Recorded in October 2002, bassist Stanley Clarke shares the stage with some of the world’s best known musicians in performances you’re sure to remember for several years forward. In addition to these full-length performances, viewers should enjoy the interviews, bonus features and comedy offered here. Now recording for Heads Up International, Clarke’s label debut offers viewers a chance to actually witness Clarke performing with such luminaries as Marcus Miller, Lenny White, Stevie Wonder, Bela Fleck, Karen Briggs, Stewart Copeland, Flea, Wayman Tisdale, Ndugu Chancler, Sheila E. and so many more all on one night! With Sinbad as M.C., superior technical support and sound standards, this set rocks with excitement. Top spotlights are the “The Floor,” “Song To John,” and most of all “School Days” where several bass players strut their strats on one of Clarke’s biggest hits. Night School may never be the same! Check it out. Buy NIGHT SCHOOL right now.
DJIN DJIN Angelique Kidjo
The electrifying Benin-born, Brooklyn-based vocalist Angelique Kidjo is the most popular African artist to emerge since her idol Miriam Makeba. Hailed by the New York Times for her “growls and swoops that link African tradition to American soul music,” Kidjo cross-pollinates the drum-based grooves of her native West Africa with Euro-pop, R&B, electronica, Latin and Caribbean music to create a potent Afro-funk fusion. The Grammy nominated artist features Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, Ziggy Marley and Peter Gabriel on this amazing recording titled DJIN DJIN. Check it out at the SOTJ store today.
re-IMAGINATION Eldar
ELDAR re-imagines several aspects of his growing musicality with this stellar presentation of new songs. The acclaimed pianist is joined by an all-star collective that features such amazing talents as James Genus on bass, Terreon Gully on drums, DJ Logic with programming effects and turntables and Mike Moreno on guitar among others. With electrifying elements that place this recording in a whole new light Eldar improvises with sterling techniques which give his songs special meanings and exceptional clarity. Eldar takes his jazz chops to a new level while maintaining the jazz tradition. BUY RE-IMAGINATION NOW.
DIVERSIFY
LAO TIZER
Pianist/composer Lao Tizer unveils his latest recording DIVERSIFY this month with fourteen new songs. This collection of music features Lao’s creativity in a stylistic array of songs which culminate in a beautiful musical spectrum. From Classical to World, Tizer takes you there via a little help from his remarkable musical family and guest artists. With Jeff Kollman seated in the producer’s chair, Tizer’s performances entice you into their musical hideout and reveal several new dimensions of Tizer’s progressive musicality. These songs are beautifully arranged – check out “Diversify,” cohesive – give a listen to “Ella’s First Flight,” and even fun – who can deny the fun of “Summer Dayz?” With more longing for true musical virtuosity from his generation, Lao Tizer is poised to contribute a musical legacy that will be enjoyed for years to come. Buy DIVERSIFY today.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
Beatlejazz
This recording should start a stampede to the nearest web retailer because of the creativity that Beatlejazz brings to some of The Beatles’ lesser- known hits and of course the never-ending fascination with all things connected to THE BEATLES! But jazz audiophiles will find that this is quiet, sophisticated jazz with accompaniment from such jazz luminaries as Joe Lovano, Toots Thielemans and Richard Bona. The Beatlejazz trio – Brian Melvin on drums and tabla, David Kikoski on piano and synthesizer and Larry Grenadier on bass - ignites new feelings on such great songs as “Fool on the Hill,” “Lady Madonna,” “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill,” “ “All You Need is Love” (with vocals by Richard Bona) “All Things Must Pass,” “The Night Before,” “Beautiful Boy,” “I Want You (She's So Heavy),” “Cold Turkey,” and “Waterfalls.” Great drumming by Brian boosts his ranking among jazz drummers while Kikoski’s and Grenadier’s chops continue to be diverse and entertaining. Lovano, giant that he is, is amazing on Lennon’s “Look At Me.” Check it out at www.lightyear.com .
SOTJ asks that you buy NEW ORLEANS to support the victims devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
NEW ORLEANS
Compilation - Various Artists
Putmayo Records
This excellent recording features jazz and blues legends -- both past and present. Together they take you on a musical excursion through New Orleans, Louisiana – from Storyville to Preservation Hall, from the Mississippi steamboats to Bourbon Street in the French Quarter and past many swinging stops in between. Opening with “Drop Me Off In New Orleans” by Kermit Ruffins, listeners get a jump start on the great vibe given off by the Crescent City and the long-term effect it has on its visitors and residents. His husky voice backed by a second line (a brass band street parade) styled band and he immediately gets you excited with their New Orleans style of swing and parade inspired march beats. “I Got A Right To Sing The Blues” features the New Orleans tradition of approximated beats and improvised lyrics through the vocals of Doc Cheatham and the great muted trumpeting of Nick Payton. “Basin Street Blues” which tells of the notorious red-light district and the surround Storyville District that nurtured young musicians who provided a soundtrack to the lifestyle that pervaded there, gets a brilliant re-interpretation from Louis Prima’s bluesy vocals. Dr. John later re-interprets this same song written in 1928 by Spencer Williams, but adds his own version of the song’s lyrics and spices it up further with his honky-tonk piano riffs. One of the best songs on the CD sung by none otherthan the great Louis Armstrong. Since no tribute to the Crescent City would be complete without an interpretation by the great trumpeter, the producers have added “Tin Roof Blues.”This narrative style tune captures much of what drew such global audience to Armstrong – his ringing tones, thrilling intimacy and genteel ambience. Interpreted by Dr. Michael White, “Give It Up,” (Gypsy Second Line) evokes the ragtag street parade the serve as a subtext to the big, formal parades that roll through the grand avenues. Here the listener can genuinely get caught up in the feeling of a second line following the back routes on small streets and drawing a dancing crowd along with it. The clarinet and trumpet solos are amazing and bring additional sentiment and understanding to the musical visions shared on this song. For those into New Orleans-style of jazz, this is an excellent addition for any collection. For those just learning about the history of jazz, this is a great start since it features styles ranging from ragtime, march, brass bands, big band, New Orleans R&B and swing. Buy NEW ORLEANS today.
