Superb Musicianship or Elevator Muzak? - Discuss

Posted by: Blobdang on 03 October 2002

Tentative first posting in the Music Room – Hello, here goes...

It is often said that so-called smooth jazz, ala Jazz FM staple is boring, bland, muzak etc. Must admit listening to daytime Jazz FM in the car, they stick to rigid formula of a ‘smooth jazz’ track (usually a saxophone played over digital keyboards and programmed percussion) followed by an oldie soul track.

However have discovered two bands in particular, Fourplay and Acoustic Alchemy. Perhaps at first listening bland, music grows van be taken on two levels, gentle background music (nothing wrong with that in principle?) or superb melodies and supreme musicianship.

On a slightly different level are Pat Metheney (enormous pedigree set apart from the rest) and Marcus Miller (more R&B influence).

Hopeful the start of a thread for smoother jazz with a rougher edge, i.e.that’s got greater depth and not mere muzak. Particularly interested in Larry Carlton’s other work – any recommendations? Any other artists that would fall in to this category?

Geoff
Posted on: 03 October 2002 by Dev B
I also listen to Jazz FM sometimes, mainly while driving to and from work, but also at home.

Mike Chadwick is the best DJ they have, he plays interesting stuff, also the 'travelling jazz' (one a week 7pm) programme is very good, the rest of the programming is a bit samey (I'll admit to liking Dennis Taylor, oops frown).

Heres' some stuff I like:

- Norman Brown
- Fourplay
- Joe Sample
- Patti Austin
- Will Downing

but, if you like more fresher european Jazzed up beats you would be better checking out the Munich based compost label or the Studio K7! (artists like Truby Trio, Jazzanova, etc. Much, much cooler and goes down better in the smart bars of Clerkenwell smile

Also buy 'Jockey Slut' magazine, all the music snobs read the 'Wire', but some of the music in that magazine is just inaccesible crap.

regards

Dev
Posted on: 03 October 2002 by Pete
If you want to try some Larry Carlton I'd suggest "Last Nite", a live set where he stretches out a bit and rocks as well as turning in some mellower measures. I had a couple of his studio LPs yonks back and found them too much like mannered fuzak to get them out, but Last Nite has some fire in it too, bringing back happy memories of those superb solos he put on Dan records.

More trad in terms of instrumentation, but truly serene stuff, is Fred Simon's "Dreamhouse" on the naim label (Paul and Anna, are you listening? we want more!). Fits the "smooth yet deep" criteria very nicely.

Still staying firmly in the realms of the mellow accoustic with a bit extra, have a try at some of Martin Taylor's discs: Spirit of Django is a good place to start.

Sax over digital keyboards... tried any of Andy Sheppard's stuff with Steve Lodder? It's really rather good!

Pete.
Posted on: 03 October 2002 by steved
Some other jazz guitar or "smooth jazz" suggestions.

Lee Ritenor (there is at least one Larry&Lee CD)
Stanley Jordan
Earl Klugh
Joe Sample
Acoustic Alchemy
Tuck & Patti
Fourplay
Michael Franks
George Benson
Mark Whitfield

Steve D
Posted on: 03 October 2002 by Blobdang
Dev, cheers mate, incidentally Patti Austin and Will Downing sound superb on GRP 'A Twist of Marley' compilation.

Pete, quite agree, initially attracted Larry C from Steely Dan work - guitar at end of Gaucho's Third World Man awesome (Man).

Steved, thanks great list - though don't some of these may be too bland - some of George Benson's work I fund insipid. Again looking for 'smooth' with a 'rough' edge (clumsy metaphor I know).

While its on my mind, another band I forgot to mention before: Steps Ahead (check out Magnetic and NYC albums).

Geoff
Posted on: 04 October 2002 by woodface
If you want to listen to music (jazz) that is both smooth and good I would start with 'Kind Of Blue' - Miles Davis. Other artists to check out would be Bill Evans, Benny Carter, Johnny Hodges, Duke Ellington (esp the small groups) et al. Most of todays modern jazz leaves me cold, the exception being Fred Simon's Dreamhouse.
Posted on: 04 October 2002 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by woodface:
If you want to listen to music (jazz) that is both smooth and good I would start with 'Kind Of Blue' - Miles Davis. Other artists to check out would be Bill Evans, Benny Carter, Johnny Hodges, Duke Ellington (esp the small groups) et al. Most of todays modern jazz leaves me cold, the exception being Fred Simon's Dreamhouse.


Wholehearted thanks for the lovely endorsement; I'm thrilled to be considered in such exalted company.
Posted on: 07 October 2002 by woodface
Not heard from you for a while, any new music in the offing?
Posted on: 08 October 2002 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by woodface:
Not heard from you for a while, any new music in the offing?


Thanks for asking; as ever, I am grateful for your interest and enthusiasm.

I always have new music in the offing, but unfortunately no opportunity for release. Again, I urge you and anyone else who is interested to inquire directly to Anna Tooth and Paul Stephenson ... they hold the key.
Posted on: 10 October 2002 by Dave J
Many of his earlier recordings are excellent, very much along the same lines as his Steely Dan work (he was also on the excellent Donald Fagen "Nightfly" album and Joni Mitchell's "Court & Spark"). I can recommend:

"Larry Carlton"
"Alone But Never Alone"
"Strikes Twice"
"Sleepwalk"

His more recent albums have mellowed a bit although the Larry and Lee album is superb.

For something with a bit more bite try:

Carlton/ Steve Lukather "No Substitutions, Live in Osaka"
Or some of Robben Ford's stuff, particularly his first album with The Yellowjackets (called "Yellowjackets" - their more recent albums have gone off the boil), "The Inside Story", "Robben Ford" and "Talk to Your Daughter". After that he gets bluesier, which I like but may not appeal to you.

You could also try some Mike Stern, perhaps "Time in Place" or "Standards and Other Songs". Stern's work is moving more towards Pat Metheny and John Scofield. And on that note, whatever you do, definately get "Überjam" by John Scofield, my album of the year so far.

Enjoy

Dave
Posted on: 10 October 2002 by Blobdang
Don't hold back NaimGaim, now I know!

Miles Davis..hmmm..yes, I've heard of him wink

Geoff