Sherry Winston’s latest offering continues with the love themes she shared on previous recordings. FOR YOUR LOVE is a splendid collection of original songs and covers of such favorites as Beyonce’s “Naughty Girl,” (on which Sherry samples Donna Summer’s “Love To Love You Baby”) and Sting’s “Roxanne.” The lovely flautist’s sixth recording dares her fans to immerse themselves in the exciting and exotic sounds heard on “Carribean Nites” “Overboard” and the beautiful title track “For Your Love.” The soulful vocals of Lori Anne Williams and Timmy Maia make this song a true keeper and their vision of Sherry’s title song is immaculate. FOR YOUR LOVE is by far one of Winston’s best recordings and a tribute to the loving, creative spirit that inhabits all of her recordings. Jazz flute is simply one of the prettiest sounds you’ll ever hear when played by a master and Sherry Winston is definitely a master. Joined by such luminaries as Phil Hamilton on guitar, Tyger Macneal on drums, Nick Bariluk on keyboards, Steve Clarke on bass, Dennis Hightower and Van Gibbs, among others, Sherry is in her element – one that is warm, inviting and stylish. Sherry dusts off “My Funny Valentine” and makes it shine with updated contemporary jazz flute voicings.This is one great rendition of this favorite American Songbook standard and you’re sure to enjoy how Sherry and her band make it their own. As the record proceeds to a close, the reverent “My Silent Prayer” leaves you with a feeling of peace and serenity that is enhanced by the emotional tones of Winston’s flute voicings. “Sherry Love,” the closing track is an upbeat composition that will have you feeling real good and wondering when Sherry and her band are coming your way! Check it out…for more information visit www.sherrywinston.com to buy FOR YOUR LOVE.
TIME CHANGES EVERYTHING Anna Wilson
On TIME CHANGES EVERYTHING, vocalist/songwriter Anna Wilson has created a program of original songs that spell certain success for the bright newcomer who thrilled her fans with her recent debut holiday CD. The 14-track recording features 13 original songs reminiscent of those from the Great American Songbook plus two bonus tracks – one of which features the great trumpeter Rick Braun. Wilson has a mellow voice that eases into each composition with smooth transitions and articulate readings. Top picks: “Fedora,” “Time Changes Everything,” and the beautiful ballad titled “A House, A Home.”
ANYTHING GOES Herb Alpert and Lani Hall
ANYTHING GOES is a rare offering by two of music’s most revered masters – trumpeter Herb Alpert and vocalist Lani Hall. The recording is a collection of great songs which were recorded live at venues throughout America and is their first project together as well as their debut recording for Concord Records. Reinterpretations of such Great American Songbook standards as “Fascinating Rhythm” “That Old Black Magic” “Let’s Face The Music and Dance,” the title track “Anything Goes” and “ I’ve Got You Under My Skin” are sure to envelope you, dear listener, in the warm array of emotions often associated with these songs. Hall’s vocals are versatile, inviting and earthy and have that special cabaret feeling that causes the audience to respond often and with warm appreciation. Alpert is the perfect foil for Hall’s voice, there in an instant to fill in the nuance and colors. ANYTHING GOES has something for everyone and is sure to invite their devoted fans back into a brand new musical lair. Buy it today. Simply click on the CD cover.
OUR DELIGHT
The James Moody and Hank Jones Quartet
OUR DELIGHT is a major release in the world of jazz, especially when you consider the quartet of musicians involved – James Moody on saxophone, Hank Jones on piano, Todd Coolman on bass and Adam Nussbaum on drums – as individuals who are just as dedicated as the quartet of musicians featured on THELONIUS MONK WITH JOHN COLTRANE COMPLETE 1957 RIVERSIDE RECORDINGS. Moody and Jones have bothe traversed a major portion of jazz’s history, playing with a who’s who of jazz along the way. Just as Coltrane and Monk, Moody and Jones have an everlasting appeal to jazz fans and will forever be appreciated for their contributions to the idiom. Here the quartet pays tribute to some of jazz’s greatest players and have included the works of such major composers and players as Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, Tadd Dameron, Count Basie, and many others. Moody plays a solid set throughout interspersing his flute and tenor saxophone prowess throughout. However,in his inimitable style,he’s at his best on flute on “Darben The Red Foxx.”This song is one of his originals and places him among the great wind players. Moody and Jones’ approach to such standards as “Body and Soul,” “Woody ‘N You, “ “Con Alma,” and “Birk’s Works,” reflect their reverence for Gillespie’s compositional prowess as well as giving the Heyman and Greene standard a fresh approach.
MY SO FINE Andre Delano
Smooth soul virtuoso Andre Delano has released MY SO FINE for Nu Groove Records. This stunning follow up to his 2005 rhythmically explosive smooth jazz hit FULL CIRCLE, is a mix of 14 original instrumentals and vocals that are sexy, fun and upbeat. Bassist Byron Miller, pianist Kevin Toney, trumpeter Greg Adams and guitarist Michael Ripoll also contribute their valuable chops to MY SO FINE and turn this CD into a smooth and soulful recording that is sure to satisfy and soothe you dear listener. The set opens with “Sista Caliente” an upbeat Latinesque piece that is sure to have you up and dancing to the beat of Delano’s hot saxophonics. “My So Fine,” features Delano’s sexy vocals, which should clear up any doubts about Delano’s triple threat status as a composer, instrumentalist and vocalist. Junior Walker, one of Delano’s major influences, gets a nod on “The Da Da Song.” The song is Delano’s “smooth soul reincarnation of the style of music Junior Walker would make.” However, here Delano tempers Walker’s burnished tenor sound with smoother and sexier riffs that further distinguish him from the 70s soul man. The mighty marching band sound of “JSU” is a great addition to this impressive recording. For those who appreciate a hot drum line beat and the popularity of southern marching bands, this song will take you there. Jazzed up with Delano’s sax solo and the announcer’s narration, this song hits its mark right in your tonecenter. Overall, this entire recording makes a savory, soul-filled statement that will get you into Andre Delano’s realm of sound. He’s got hot sax chops and is definitely a contender for the smooth soul throne.
THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU
Nicole Henry
Nicole Henry will definitely captivate you with her third CD called THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU. Influenced by jazz, pop, and soul, the Miami resident gives a fresh feeling to songs from the Great American Songbook. Opening with “That’s All” the award-winning Ms. Henry immediately assures her listeners that she can swing, re-interpret and move around inside a melody with the greatest of ease. She gives “Almost Like Being In Love,” a long-awaited extreme makeover that will have you bopping in your chair. With a strong, resonant voice that may remind you of Stephanie Mills’, Nicole Henry contributes several exciting elements to the title track that listeners may not have heard in previous renditions by other vocalists. Hers is ripe with elongated phrases, soulful harmonic progressions, and a captivating three-octave range. On Jobim’s “Waters of March,” she’s beautiful, buoyant and gifted with an ability to sing over a well-known samba rhythm. That said, if you like great vocal jazz music, then THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU should be in your jazz collection! Buy it here now.
SO MANY STARS
AVA LOGAN
Vocalist Ava Logan displays several great traits of jazz singing on SO MANY STARS. On her debut, she swings, she scats, and with her song selection, she gives you eleven compelling reasons to let her sing to you. Right off, she brings touches of Ella Fitzgerald to the mix on the opening track “Day In Day Out.” She breathes new life into this Johnny Mercer/Rube Bloom classic with the kind of energy and vigor that is necessary to sustain an audience’s attention to a song that’s been heard several times before. On “So Many Stars,” another great classic from the pens of Sergio Mendez, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Logan gives her rendition a fresh twist of smooth seduction that entices you into her side of the story. Backed by a stellar roster of world renowned musicians including Larry Novak on piano, Larry Gray on bass and Leon Joyce on drums, Ava Logan is an artist who deserves wider recognition because of her impressive classy style and unique blend of innovation and sound. Buy Ava Logan's SO MANY STARS right here. Click here
BEFORE LOVE HAS GONE
Stevie Holland
Vocalist Stevie Holland does a tremendous job with a well-selected repertoire of songs from the theatre, Tin Pan Alley and rare movies. BEFORE LOVE HAS GONE encompasses the beauty of Holland’s voice when accompanied by such great artists as Martin Bejerano on piano, Edward Perez on bass, Willie Jones III on drums, Ole Mathisen on saxophone and Paul Bollenback on guitar. Holland is blessed with great pitch, amazing articulation and clarity. Along with her ability to phrase well and sustain notes that convey the whole story, such jazz standards as “Where Or When” and rarely heard gems like “Lazy Afternoon” get a brand new life. Accompanied by piano only, “How Deep Is The Ocean,” is absolutely beautiful as Holland returns it to its most personal level. This chamber ballad was one of Irving Berlin’s most eloquent meditations. However, whether the songs are those of Rogers and Hart or Irving Berlin’s or her own beautiful originals, this recording captures the essence of jazz singing at its best. Low-keyed and laid back, this set is cooler than cool and can be enjoyed by the fireplace, at the club, at the beach or just about anywhere you want to hear some great laid back jazz. Buy BEFORE LOVE HAS GONE now.
Bitter Suite
Amy LaCour
BITTER SUITE is Amy LaCour’s self-released EP and consists of five very personal songs that reflect LaCour’s sensitivity to the issues and people she deemed inspirational. Her voice is soulful, emotional and passionate as she accompanies herself on piano alongside Reggie Hamilton on bass and Curt Bisquera on drums. Additional musicians – Debra Dobkin on percussion, guitarist Randy Jacobs and James Harrah add more ambience to her lyrical poetry and compelling sound. Four of the five songs explore relationship issues – i.e., “Bittersweet” is a ballad about the pain inherent when relationships end; “One Man’s Stone” was inspired by a friend who was being treated badly in his relationships, while“I’m The One” is an aching dark dirge and “Fall” completes the chronicles of Amy’s past relationships. “Fool’s Road” explores a composite character but is also rather somber. It’s great to have an outlet for emotional strain and these songs set the story straight about some trying times in LaCour’s life. All songs were written by LaCour and are well produced and played down to the bone. This EP is a good indication of her sound talent and should help Amy LaCour’s fans find a reason to support her efforts. Check her out at www.amylacour.comBuy BITTER SUITE here.
Monterey Jazz Festival Records Releases Historical Performances by Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan, 50th Anniversary All-Stars/2007, and Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival
Ever since 1958, the Monterey Jazz Festival has recorded almost all of its Arena performances, leaving us a true legacy, a living history of jazz. In conjunction with Concord Records, the Festival has issued 13 CDs of these rare and rarefied recordings on our own label, Monterey Jazz Festival Records, with more exciting MJF titles due for release this year and in years to come. These concert performances have never been available before, and they truly capture Monterey’s favorite artists at their best -- including historic sets from Louis Armstrong, Art Blakey and the Giants of Jazz, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Shirley Horn, Thelonious Monk, Cal Tjader, Tito Puente & His Orchestra, Sarah Vaughan, Jimmy Witherspoon featuring Robben Ford, the 50th Anniversary All-Stars, and more! These historic CDs are available here. Just click on the Miles Davis CD cover.
PIANO STARTS HERE LIVE AT THE SHRINE Zenph Re-performance of Art Tatum's 1933 and 1949 concert
Although Art Tatum stands out as a much-lauded master of Harlem stride piano and boogie Woogie, he remains a complex and controversial figure because many jazz historians could not fit him neatly into their evolutionary stylistic niches. His playing has been analyzed as having“bravura Lisztian” aspects because of his penchant for classical music, but his well-known virtuosic concepts for jazz piano have served as the foundation for the beginning of the Harlem stride tradition. On ART TATUM, PIANO STARTS HERE LIVE AT THE SHRINE, Zenph Studios has taken Tatum’s original audio recordings of 1933 and 1949 and turned them back into live performances; precisely replicating what was originally recorded! These software-based processes extract every musical nuance of his recorded performance and store the data into a digital file. The re-performance are played back on a real acoustic piano fitted with a sophisticated computer and hardware, letting the listener “sit-in-the-room” as if he or she were actually present at the original recording session. These re-performances are then recorded again using modern technology and top-of-the-line microphones and sound systems. This new recording took place with and without audiences on September 23, 2007.
Tatum’s world-renowned finger dexterity is captured in its full ‘cutting contest’ format on such great standards as “Tea For Two,” “St. Louis Blues,” “Tiger Rag,” and several others. “Tea For Two” is full of dense harmonies and sweeping runs and arpeggios that will leave you speechless. “Tiger Rag” is played at breakneck speed while his astonishing double-time work on “I Know That You Know” (at a tempo of well over 400 beats per minute!) and the sly dissonances of “The Kerry Dance” hint at the broad range of his imagination. These noteworthy performances should be in your record collection and are a must for every jazz historian. Buy them today. Just click on the CD cover.
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.
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.
