Moody Blues founder Justin Hayward finds that there’s life beyond the blue horizon on this impressive solo session. Much of the music retains that wondrous musicality and warm hearted romanticism that mad the MB’s such a popular group in the…
Author: George W. Harris
Jaimeo Brown: Transcendence
Here’s a release that is truly difficult to label. Drummer/composer Jaimeo Brown has been a sideman for the likes of Geri Allen, Steve Turre, Pharoah Sanders and Wynton Marsalis. Here, he uses an intriguing core team of JD Allen /ts…
CAN GOOD SOUNDS REALLY BE THIS EASY? Ole Fessor Lindgreen: Fessor and the Great Ones
Ya know, I’m really a guy of few and simple desires. I’ve got peace with God, a good wife and family, a roof over my head, food on the table and a handful of faithful friends. Musically as well, I…
Jeanette Harris: Summer Rain
Smooth jazz is still with us, thanks to the likes of alto saxist Jeanett Harris, who burns the flame gently on this latest release. Her clean and polished tone is spotlighted on much of the material here, with support from…
Karen Souza: Hotel Souza
Karen Souza is what we used to call a “CHANTUUUUZEEE.” A modern day Julie London, she uses this disc to essentially create a mood to be wooed. Her voice dynamics range between a seductive whisper and a seductively breathy hush.…
Caswell Sisters featuring Fred Hersch: Alive in the Singing Air
OK, let’s just get the obvious out of the way, “Sisters, Sisters, There were never such devoted Sisters.” Don’t you already feel better? Now, on to the review-Rachel takes the vocals, Sara grabs the violin, Mama sang bass, daddy played…
JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE HEARD ALL WORTHWHILE MALE SINGERS…David Allyn: ’41-’63 Where You At? ’41-‘63
If you thought having a collecton of Jackie Paris recordings made you a fan of obscure but great jazz vocalists, David Allyn is going to take you to the next level. Mezzo-baritone in voice, sounding a bit like a mix of…
BEST TRIO EVER? Keith Jarrett/Gary Peacock/Jack Dejohnette: Somewhere (Live in Lucerne 2009)
If they’re not the best, they’ve got to be at least on the same plane with Oscar Peterson’s or Bill Evans’. They’ve sure been around long enough, and Jarrett/Peacock and De Johnette play the standards with a remarkable telepathy. The…
The Rolling Stones: Crossfire Hurricane
Here’s what is as close to a “definitive” documentary of the Rolling Stones as you’re going to get. Produced by Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman, Crossfire Hurricane includes recent audio interviews of almost all of the Stones through the years…
Michel Camilo: What’s Up?
If nothing else, Grammy winning pianist/composer Michel Camilo is known for his exciting and expressive chops. He’s used them most often in a trio format, but he’s also been successful in doing orchestral works of Gershwin. He’s also done a…