Originally released in 1986, this dvd/blu-ray includes not only the classic documentary/performance/interview of the greatest living sax player Sonny Rollins, but with extra special features the is now extra commentary by director Robert Mugge and extra audio of “G-Man” and…
Month: August 2017
The Isley Brothers & Santana: Power of Peace
A collection of two legends get together on this fascinating album of soul stirring; Ronald and Ernie Isley of the famed Isley Brothers create a summit with Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman Santana along with other family members Kandy Johnson…
John Pizzarelli Sinatra & Jobim @ 50
Well, John Pizzarell has already done tributes to both Frank Sinatra and Antonio Jobim, so it makes perfect sense to deliver an album dedicated to their own collaboration. Throw in Jobim’s grandson Daniel for some vocals and you get a…
Allegra Levy: Cities Between Us
Allegra Levy has an easy sounding delivery as she mixes subtle swing with a quirky attitude on this a clever combination of originals and covers. Of the latter, she adds lyrics to Dexter Gordon’s “Soy Califa” and with the sizzling…
NYSQ: Sleight of Hand
Consisting of Tim Armacost/ts-ss, David Berkman/p, Daiki Yasukagawa/b and Gene Jackson/dr, the NYSQ drinks deep from the hard bop waters on this winning album of jazz standards. Armacost has a deep and rich ‘Tranish tone, and uses is well on…
Innocent When You Dream: Dirt In The Ground
Trumpeter and composer Aaron Shragge must be inspired by Tom Waits, as he uses one of his songs for the title of this album as well as doing a thoughtful cover of his tunes like the classic “Ol ‘55” which…
Nicki Parrott: Dear Blossom
Armed with her bass and winsome voice, Nicki Parrott teams with Chris Grasso/p, Chuck Redd/b and Lenny Robinson/dr along with some guests for a welcome tribute to the highly influential Blossom Dearie, who’s Betty Boop-like voice gave bop an extra…
Gato Libre: NEKO
Consisting of Natsuki Tamura/tp, Yasuko Kaneko/tb and Satoko Fujii/acc, Gato Libre create rich and melancholic textures on this moody and floating album. Fujii’s accordion creates a bohemian atmosphere on pieces like the pastoral “Tama” while sighing on the abstract “…
Nick Moran: Easier Time
Vocalist Nick Moran has a rich soulful voice, sometimes veering towards the Motown feel of Stevie Wonder, and even giving a dash of Jamie Cullum on this mix of smoky Memphis stews. With a swirling B3 in the background, Moran…
AFRO SHEEN! Valenti: Valenti
The artist that goes by the single name Valenti plays drums, keyboards, bass, percussion and even contributes lyrics on this funkified album that is heavy on 70s soul sounds. Sometimes he playes all or most of the instruments giving some…