What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XIII)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 01 January 2017
2017 has arrived today, so time to start this thread afresh.
Last year's thread can be found here;
Now Playing.....
Edwin McCain - Misguided Roses
Edwin McCain (lead vocals, guitar), Craig Shields (alto, baritone, soprano, tenor saxophones, wind controller, keyboards) Dave Harrison (drums, percussion) Larry Chaney (electric guitar, cuatro, lap steel) Scott Bannevich (bass)
Why - I heard Edwin in concert once in the late 90's and his voice was magnificent. At the end of the concert which was outdoors as people were filling out he came back out on stage and played a guitar and sang without amplification. His voice projected far from the stage, strong and sweet. I have been a fan since.
Les McCann - The Truth
Why? Because its so good, recommended if you like 60's West coast Jazz
Now Playing.....
Dave Matthews - Crash
Why - .....it appears I am stuck in the '90s today! I do love the Dave Matthews Band and enjoy their music quite a bit.
ewemon posted:
Streaming it from Tidal now. TYVM for posting Ewemon.
Now Playing.......
Blue Mitchell - The Cup Bearers
Leaving the 90's and heading back to the 60's...... A mention/recommendation by JEROEN20 and was in the mood for some jazz.
Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Junior Cook (tenor saxophone, saxophone), Cedar Walton (piano), Roy Brooks (drums), and Gene Taylor (bass)
Opening two tracks are wonderful!
Rainbow Rising.
ewemon posted:
Rainbow Rising.
Excellent,
Not seen that cover before.
Always good...
Lou Donaldson's undisputed masterpiece, Blues Walk, marks the point where the altoist began to decisively modify his heavy Charlie Parker influence and add a smoky, bluesy flavor of his own. The material is still firmly in the bebop vein, and the mellower moments aren't as sleepy as some of Donaldson's subsequent work, so the album sounds vital and distinctive even as it slows down and loosens things up. That makes it the definitive release in Donaldson's early, pre-soul-jazz period, but what elevates Blues Walk to classic status is its inviting warmth. Donaldson's sweetly singing horn is ingratiating and melodic throughout the six selections, making even his most advanced ideas sound utterly good-natured and accessible. The easy-swinging title cut is a classic, arguably Donaldson's signature tune even above his late-'60s soul-jazz hits, and his other two originals -- "Play Ray" and "Callin' All Cats" -- are in largely the same vein. Elsewhere, Donaldson displays opposite extremes of his sound; the up-tempo bebop classic "Move" provokes his fieriest playing on the record, and his romantic version of "Autumn Nocturne" is simply lovely, a precursor to Lush Life. The addition of Ray Barretto on conga is a subtle masterstroke, adding just a bit more rhythmic heft to the relaxed swing. There are numerous likable records in Donaldson's extensive catalog, but Blues Walk is the best of them all.
ewemon posted:
How did you get this?????? I have been looking for a copy of this for ages!
Magnificent record....
AllMusic Review by Stacia Proefrock
From the first moments when Dexter Gordon sails into the opening song full of brightness and confidence, it is obvious that Go is going to be one of those albums where everything just seems to come together magically. A stellar quartet including the stylish pianist Sonny Clark, the agile drummer Billy Higgins, and the solid yet flexible bassist Butch Warren are absolutely crucial in making this album work, but it is still Gordon who shines. Whether he is dropping quotes into "Three O'Clock in the Morning" or running around with spritely bop phrases in "Cheese Cake," the album pops and crackles with energy and exuberance. Beautiful ballads like "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry" metamorphosize that energy into emotion and passion, but you can still see it there nonetheless. Gordon had many high points in his five decade-long career, but this is certainly the peak of it all.
If you don't have this one yet, get your copy discounted at Quboz. These Italians will blow you away with there version of honoring Miles Davis....., a great album..... with sometimes more secure blowing than the master himself...
Joan Armatrading - Walking under Ladders
Bouqght this from Oxfam on vinyl for £2.99. It sounded ok but nothing special until today playing it with the full SL loom. Now it's beauty is revealed by SL. The DIN to XLR has been in place for 10 days and is on loan from Naim via my dealer. The later has made a big difference to the soundstage, while the others including the RCA to DIN for the Rega RP10/Aphelion/Aria showed enough improvement to encourage you to continue. The conclusion is that the Classic boxes need the SL loom to deliver.
John Perry's Desert Island Albums says
This album does a good job of showing off Joan's range, from the new wave opener through the rasta-rock feel of When I Get It Right, Romancers, and I Can't Lie to Myself to the bluesey folk taste of songs like The Weakness in Me and No Love and the straight anthem rock of I Wanna Hold You and Eating the Bear. Joan carries off all of these genres well and enthusiastically.
Of course that range wouldn't be possible with just any band, and the band Joan plays with on this album is impeccable. Joan plays some acoustic guitars and does all the lead vocals, of course. The rhythm section throughout the album is Jerry Marotta on drums and Tony Levin on bass. If those names sound familiar, it's because you've also heard those guys play (separately or together) on albums by Peter Gabriel, John Lennon, Paul Simon, Jules Shear, Indigo Girls, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Tom Waits, and hundreds of other artists. Their talents shine on this album, particularly on the ballads (listen to Tony Levin's expression in The Weakness in Me for example).
Phil
I have a very old vinyl copy of this -- replacements go for silly money these days. Great album! Brings back memories. Was playing "Inside" a second ago:
....
I'm sitting on the corner feeling glad.
Got no money coming in but I can't be sad.
That was the best cup of coffee I ever had.
And I won't worry about a thing
Because we've got it made,
Here on the inside, outside so far away.
....
enjoy
ken
Martha Argerich - Bach: Toccata, Partita No. 2, English Suite No. 2
He has always this special touch to his music, sentimental touch I would say...
