It is so easy just to want to call it a Randy Crawford album when it is actually a Randy & Joe album. He showcases vocalists so beautifully. Over the years, Joe has collaborated with Nancy Wilson, Lizz Wright, Phyllis Hyman, Lalah Hathaway and Dianne Reeves. It was in 1979 when Randy and Joe joined forces on the classic gem, “Streetlife.” Now 27 years later, Randy Crawford and Joe Sample have struck gold again with their new release, Feeling Good.

There is no secret combination. The magic in their pairing is very evident from the first song until the last. Randy and Joe bring new life and emotion to classic standards and pop songs on this release. The rich, playful opening title track “Feeling Good”, a classic Nina Simone gem, sets the mood. Randy’s vocals are effortless yet there is so much conviction in her voice that it feels like a personal mantra. She even scats a little near the close of the song and Joe’s piano is impeccable. “The End of the Line” is very breezy and has a light bossa nova feel. They take their time on “But Beautiful.” Joe’s opening notes let you know the romance is about to begin. It is poetry between the vocalist and the pianist. He is always so generous with his vocalists, giving Randy space to be romantic, lush, and smoldering without crowding her with notes. He punctuates as she delivers each beautiful phrase. Randy sings at the end “and that would be but beautiful, I know. I know.” The additional “I know” takes the beauty of this ballad to an even higher place. Randy originally recorded “Rio De Janiero Blue” on her Secret Combination album in 1981. There is something special about hearing an artist’s approach to one of their classics. Randy takes us back to Rio in grand style and the experience is even more powerful. Randy is sassy and sultry on “Lovetown”, a Peter Gabriel song. At a point in the song, Randy weaves a second layer of vocals into the chorus singing a couple of verses of the Eurhythmics’ “Sweet Dreams." Listen carefully and you will also hear a tip of the hat to “Streetlife.” The arrangement is incredible. “See Line Woman,” another Nina Simone classic is no less naughty than the original but a little more playful in this rendition. Randy lets you know with conviction that the “See Line Woman" is still wrecking hearts and Joe, in addition to his fine piano playing, provides the "See Line" vocal chants. “Tell Me More and More and Then Some” was written by Billie Holiday. Randy and Joe’s rendition of this classic is bluesy, smoky, and powerful. I especially like how the guitar responds to Randy’s vocals. “Everybody’s Talking” was the theme song from the movie “Midnight Cowboy.” This version has a breezy, island feel. You can imagine tropical beaches and sunny skies. Randy sounds wonderful and the organ adds a nice touch to the song. Randy makes “When I Need You” a testimonial to love. She takes this pop hit and makes it her own and Joe is right there laying the foundation with his piano. It is bluesy, soulful with a little bit of Sunday morning. “Save Your Love for Me,” made popular by Nancy Wilson, is beautifully done. Randy is warm and simmering on this ballad. The passion in her voice will make you save all your love for her. Joe co-wrote “Last Night at Danceland” with Wilton Felder for Randy’s Now We May Begin album in 1980, which The Crusaders produced. Just listening, you can tell that Randy and Joe were having great time remaking this tune. As she soars vocally, you can hear Joe having a scatting conversation with the piano. I first heard Shirley Horn sing Curtis Lewis’ “All Night Long” and fell in love with this song. It looks like I will have second love affair with Randy’s reading of this magnificent ballad. Randy brings to it the seasoning that only years of living can bring. I was driving the first time I heard her sing it and I had to pull over to listen to it again. When she belts her final “Now I’ve got to find the man who’s haunting me… all night long” it is riveting. It reaches to the depths of your soul. Joe’s phrasing and tinkling of the ivories during his solo is moving. The closing song on this spectacular album is “Mr. Ugly,” a lovely ballad in spite of its title. This song was originally done by Carmen McRae.

Feeling Good has been a long time coming. Randy Crawford and Joe Sample have brought us an album that will be cherished for years to come. I just hope we will not have to wait another 27 years for them to record together again.

Enjoy your music!

Posted by at 2:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I rarely get a chance to write when I am out on the road but I thought I would take a moment to check in since I have not posted here in a few weeks. I am at the 49th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, California. This is the granddaddy of jazz festivals and so far it has been great. On Friday evening and Saturday, I got to hear great music from The Yellowjackets, Roy Hargrove & RH Factor, Babatunde Lea, Peter Apfelbaum, Hiromi, Robert Glasper, Kurt Elling, Robert Lowery & Virgil Thrasher, McCollough Sons of Thunder, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Hutcherson, and Dianne Reeves. Today, I am looking forward to seeing Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Hank Jones, and Aaron Goldberg. The Monterey Jazz Festival is like being at a banquet with more food than you could ever imagine eating. You know you can eat every dish or see every performer but it is great to get a small portion of as much as you can. Hmmmm...I must be getting if I am making food analogies.

One of my coolest moments during the festival was meeting Dianne Reeves after her wonderful set in the Main Arena last night. She is very gracious. The photo above is from that special moment. More photos and notes very soon.

Photo Highlights from the 49th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival

In the meantime and as always, enjoy your music!

Posted by at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

"I have been told by many about my influences: jazz, gospel, classical, rhythm and blues, etc... and have been encouraged to make recordings addressing these idioms individually. I have never been interested in making repertory driven or stereotypical recordings - it has been my choice to a take a different route." - Cyrus Chestnut

Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut is an innovator. His music is melting pot of all his musical influences, from his childhood playing in the Baptist church in his native Baltimore to playing for Betty Carter, Carla Cook, and Wynton Marsalis. I have been following his music since the mid 90's when I purchased his Revelation album on an afternoon of random music shopping. Over the years, he has grown and matured musically but there is always a constant theme in his music. You know when he sits down at his piano, he is going to take you on an adventure like never before and you know there will be at least one or two hymns or spirituals included on every album.

On his debut release for Warner Brothers Jazz, You Are My Sunshine, Cyrus raises the bar through the roof. He has taken songs that we have come to know, shaken them up, and given them new life and in between, he slips in his own bold compositions that make you stop and take notice.

He opens with the gospel hymn "God Has Smiled On Me." He starts into it in the traditional manner and then spices it up with a soulful groove. The groove gets a little funkier and swingin' on Cole Porter's "It's All Right With Me." "For The Saints" is aptly titled for this bluesy/gospel composition evokes visions of Sunday morning with church hats and big fans. He rolls his notes with extra care and makes you wanna wave your hand or pat your foot. I am sure Thomas A. Dorsey would have enjoyed Cyrus' reading of "Precious Lord" for he too was an innovator and loved the blues and jazz. For this take, Cyrus gives it a jazzy touch and it also features Michael Hawkins on bass and some nice brushwork on the drums from Neal Smith. The title track "You Are My Sunshine" is like no version you have ever experienced. He gives it a down home New Orleans swinging feel complete with a tambourine. His composition "Erroling" is a tribute to Erroll Garner. In his playing, I can hear a loosely woven rendition of "He Will Remember Me" and the organ of Jimmy Smith as Cyrus strides over the keys. Smallwood's "Total Praise" is solemn and reverent and features Cyrus on solo piano. He swings hard on his composition "Lighthearted Intelligence" and it features a great drum solo from Neal. "Sweet Hour of Prayer" gets interpreted as a mid-tempo jazz ballad. "Hope Song" is purely jazz filled with hope and love and he swings hard again on "Flipper" which features a call and response between Cyrus on piano and Neal on the drums with Michael keeping time on the bass. After taking us to church often throughout this album, he closes service by giving his own special treatments to "What A Fellowship" and "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior."

I had the pleasure hearing Cyrus live in concert earlier this year with his current trio of Michael Hawkins on bass and Neal Smith on drums. A few minutes before the concert, Cyrus was out greeting people in the audience and I got a chance to compliment him on the Soul Food album and his work with Carla Cook. He is soft spoken and his mannerisms remind you of an old soul very in touch with the past and able to use that wisdom for today. His concert was sensational. His set included Oscar Pettiford's "Blues in the Closet", "God Has Smiled On Me", "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "Body and Soul", "Duke's Place", and "I Can't Help It." His piano let out a thunderous roar as he intertwined through a variety of tempos. He brings all of his musical gifts together and result is just amazing.

I dedicate this review with love to my jazz mentor, my Dad, who would have been 84 years young today. Enjoy your music.

Additional Recordings:

Blessed Quietness: A Collection of Hymns, Spirituals, and Carols (1996)
A Charlie Brown Christmas (2000)

Posted by at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Midnight is the right time for love and good music. On her third release for Concord Records, Midnight, jazz vocalist Diane Schuur sets the mood for romance. For this album, she works with hitmaker Barry Manilow and his longtime collaborator, Eddie Arkin. The result is a beautifully crafted album of 13 songs that showcase Diane at her best.

She open the evening swinging on the title track "Midnight" complete with a big band. "When October Goes" is one of my favorite Nancy Wilson songs and Diane has given me reason to love this song even more. Each of her duets are exquisite. She pairs with jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson on the playfully naughty "Stay Away From Bill", teams with R&B crooner Brian McKnight on the Latin flavored mid-tempo "I'll Be There" and closes out the evening with Barry Manilow on the intimate ballad "Anytime." Diane has the ability to convey so much emotion in her songs. She glides effortless with her three and half octave range through her reading of "Consider The Point From Both Ends", floats on the cool bossa nova tunes "What Is Love?" and "Our Love Will Always Be There", and reflects poignantly on the well-orchestrated "He Loved Me", a beautiful tale of a love that has ended. Definitely a heart wrenching as is the powerful "Good-bye My Love." Diane lets go of her troubles as she catches the "Southwind" to take her away from the blues. "No Heartache Tonight" is another swinging tune as she shakes off the blues and soars vocally like an eagle in flight. Diane accompanies herself on solo piano as she sings the lush ballad "Life Is Good", which gives us a self-portrait of her wonderful life. This gem will definitely be in her repertoire for years to come.

Diane is joined on this wondeful musical journey by a host of spectacular musicians including Alan Broadbent, Randy Kerber, Anthony Wilson, Paulinho Da Costa, Peter Erskine, Bill Liston, Warren Luening, Andy Martin, Chuck Berghofer, Eddie Arkin, and Dan Higgins, and Harvey Mason. Midnight is sure to be a part of many of your evenings.

Posted by at 8:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Every year during the holiday season, I look for new music to add to my holiday music collection. We only get to enjoy this music for a short time and then it is time to put it away until the next year. This season I am enjoying the second release in the MAXJAZZ Holiday Series: Merry Magic by Eric Reed. Eric brings fresh new approaches to these holiday classics and swings hard on piano on such favorites as "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" which features Steve Nelson on vibes and "Winter Wonderland." He sings excellently on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and contributes his own swinging composition "Angels in the Snow" which includes Barak Mori walking the bass and Rodney Green keeping time on the drums. Eric is also joined by upcoming MAXJAZZ vocalist Erin Bode on wonderful renditions of "I Wonder As I Wander" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" Popular jazz and cabaret singer Paula West sings a playful rendition of "Santa Baby" and the reflective "After The Holidays." His early roots of playing gospel music in his father's storefont Baptist church are evident on "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming" and "The Christmas Blues" which features Eric on solo piano and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fidelis)" with him on organ. "The Christmas Song" has a bit of a breezy and tropical feel but is very solid. Merry Magic will definitely make your spirits bright this holiday season and for years to come. Enjoy your music.

Posted by at 4:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Someone to live for
Beg, steal, and die for
Eat humble pie for
Fly to the sun and the moon and the sky for
Someone to dance with
Laugh with and cry for
And that someone is you...

Just the words from "I'm All Smiles" sets the mood for romance but add to that Dianne Reeves passionately singing and scatting this tune and it raises the romance to another level. This is my favorite track from her new Blue Note release, A Little Moonlight, which contains 10 songs drenched in love. Dianne brings warmth, beauty, and grace to each lush note of these classic gems. I first heard the opening track "Loads of Love" on an early Shirley Horn album. "I want my dinner, some smart conversation, and loads of lovely love." Now those are words to live by and Dianne delivers them quite well. Her fervent reading of "I Concentrate on You" has a bossa nova flavor. She is full of wise on "Reflections"as she poignantly reflects on her life and the lessons she has learned along the way. She calls on the "Skylark" to lead her heart to the love it has lost. Her beautiful phrasing tugs at your heart. She brings the tempo up and scats in her playful rendition of the title track, "What A Little Moonlight Can Do" and then simmers down with "Darn That Dream" which features Romero Lubambo on solo acoustic guitar caressing her every note. He also joins her on the sweet "Lullaby of Broadway." She lovingly smolders on the wistful "You Go to My Head" as trumpeter Nicholas Payton adds just the right touches to this romantic melody. She closes out with a promise to return on "We'll Be Together Again" and that is enough to keep us enchanted forever. Carefully crafting their notes and rhythms to accompany to her to perfection are Peter Martin on piano, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Gregory Hutchinson on drums.

Continuing to smile....

I have had the pleasure of seeing Dianne Reeves three times in concert but this night was extra special. The lights were low, the mood was just right, romance was in the air, and the couples were cozy as Dianne looked radiant and crooned majestically throughout the evening. She opened with the "12th of Never" and moved to her scatting tribute to Sarah Vaughan, "I Remember Sarah" which featured some great rhythms from her drummer, Gregory Hutchinson. She scatted note for note with pianist Peter Martin on this wonderful tune. Dianne used a Joan Armatrading song line to describe her new album, A Little Moonlight. "I'm not in love, but I am open to persuasion." She continued to woo us with a lush, warm, passionate rendition of "Skylark." The acoustics were perfect so every note was clear and crisp. She held you on the edge of your seat with every word. I heard the opening bass notes from Reuben Rogers on "I'm All Smiles" and I thought I would either melt or elevate from her playful, magnificent delivery of this song. Dianne shared childhood stories of her singing songs that did not know the meaning of at family gatherings and how the adults would just laugh in enjoyment. Accompanied by a down home, bluesy solo piano, she took us back to the early days with "I've Got Rock In My Bed" where she told us of having the "blues from roof to ground" and a naughty little twist on the end where she sang "I've got Rocks Johnson in my bed" which indicates she may have found a cure for those old blues. She reflected a bit more on childhood with the jazzy, breezy "I Remember Nine" and made us starry-eyed once again as she sang the first couple of verses of "You Go To My Head" acappella. It was definitely a highlight of the evening. "Blue Prelude" opened with Reuben's bass solo and Dianne gave a serious moan on the end of the song. She closed with "Show Me Your Heart" filled with chants and Latin rhythms. As she bid us goodnight, she reminded us to "tell our stories." I felt so good after the concert that I had to sit there for a few minutes, as the crowd cleared, just to soak it all in and reflect on this powerful musical experience. Thank you Dianne!

Posted by at 8:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Tradition is defined as the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. Jazz is an ever evolving journey with new roads being explored every day. Jeremy Pelt is a gatekeeper of the straight-ahead jazz tradition while adding his own nuances which will merely broaden and widen the road. At 27, he plays like an old soul who draws his musical being from the ancestors. He grew up in Southern California listening to Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington and his musical influences include Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Donald Byrd, Wayne Shorter, and Terence Blanchard.

On his MAXJAZZ Horn Series debut album, Close To My Heart, Jeremy celebrates the emotional ballads. Each of the eleven selections is filled with the lush and rich sounds of his horns. He is quite capable on trumpet and flugelhorn. His notes are well crafted and their rounded tones are perfect. Several of his selections are accompanied by violins, cello, and viola which frame his wondrous horn so beautifully. On the opening Mingus ballad, "Weird Nightmare", the strings rush in like a gentle breeze as he flows in with his mellow trumpet. He swings brightly on "Excerent" (Pepper Adams) and "Take Me In Your Arms" (Suisse & Norman) which features some great drum work from Lewis Nash. Jeremy plays solo flugelhorn on the Ellington & David ballad "Don't You Know I Care." The piece is solemn, reflective and has a certain longing as it tugs at the heart. Pianist Eric Reed contributed the mid-tempo ballad "Piogga Di Perugia" which features Mulgrew Miller on a very nice opening piano solo and Jeremy brings in a certain brightness that gives the tune a reminiscent feel of the Coltrane classic "Giant Steps." His sensuous horn continues on the Jimmy Rowles ballad "502 Blues (Drinkin' & Drivin') which features Peter Washington on bass solo. His horn rings like a bell as he opens "All My Life" (Mitchell & Stept) which is punctuated with lush strings. The cornerstone of this album is the Wayne & Rasch ballad "It's A Beautiful Evening." After a string intro, Jeremy comes in mellifluously on the flugelhorn with Mulgrew framing his every note. You can imagine yourself on an evening stroll on the beach with the sun just about to set as you hear Mulgrew tip-toe on the piano and the strings wash upon the shore. It is magnificent. "This Is The Moment" (Hollaender & Robin) features Jeremy on trumpet and David O'Rourke on solo guitar. David also arranged and conducted all the string selections for the album. The album closes out with the beautiful ballads "Why Try To Change Me Now?" (Coleman & McCarthy) and "In Your Eyes" (Loesser). Jeremy also serves as co-producer and arranger on the album.

Jeremy can play anything well, from standards to straight-ahead classic jazz to the more contemporary and avant-garde. He has played with Jimmy Heath, Wayne Shorter, Soulive, Bobby Short, Lewis Nash, Bobby "Blue" Bland, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Ravi Coltrane, Cassandra Wilson, and bands honoring Cannonball Adderley and Duke Ellington. He has toured the U.S., Europe, France, Spain, Japan, and Brazil with his trumpet. He topped the 2003 DownBeat Magazine Annual Critics Poll awards for Rising Star on Trumpet, and the Jazz Journalist Association selected him as one of the Best Emerging Stars in Jazz.

After the first listen, this album will touch your heart and with continued listening, it will be close to your heart. Years from now, we will look back on this album as just one of the many bright moments in the formidable career of this brilliant trumpeter.

Posted by at 1:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

The talent and skills of violinist/bandleader Regina Carter are limitless. She has been a dynamic force on the violin since her early days with the Detroit band Straight Ahead. Her solo projects have been impeccable, each taking her to a higher level of musicianship and artistry. Her current project, Paganini: After a Dream sores to unimaginable heights.

The vision for this project began in September 2001 when pianist Werner "Vana" Gierig played a rehearsal CD of her quintet for his longtime friend Andrea Liberovici, an Italian composer and theatre director. This inspired the idea of Regina playing a jazz concert with the Paganini violin. "The Cannon" (II Cannone) - nicknamed for its enormous natural sound, was built in 1743 by Guarneri del Gesu and belonged to the great baroque violinist and improviser, Nicolo Paganini. She would become the first non-classical violinist and the first African-American to play this illustrious instrument.

"But many people had to be convinced that playing jazz on "The Cannon" would not debase the instrument's artistic legacy or hurt its physical well-being..."

Through faith, determination, and perseverance, Regina, Vana and Andrea worked diligently to make the vision of playing "The Cannon" a reality. In December 2001, their vision came to life with a spectacular concert in Genoa, Italy for which Regina received several standing ovations. After the success of the concert and additional negotiations with the Italian officials, they came back to Genoa in November 2002 to record an album on this magnificent instrument.

Regina chose music from the French Impressionist period for this album. Many of the impressionists hung out with jazz musicians during that time which lends to the rich quality and beauty of the music presented in this recording. Each piece is filled with passion beyond compare. Included are Ravel's "Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte", Bonfa's "Black Orpheus", Faure's "Pavane", on which Regina melodically chants like rain falling on a desert, and "Apres Un Reve", Piazzolla's "Oblivion", and Debussy's "Reverie" which is based on an arrangement performed by Ella Fitzgerald. It is punctuated gracefully with the piano and cymbals. Pianist Werner "Vana" Gierig contributed "Healing in Foreign Lands" and there is an excerpt from "Alexandra" which Regina composed. This piece was originally commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The album closes with Morricone's "Cinema Paradiso" which opens like the beginning of a fairy tale and flows into playful bossa nova with a hint of Jobim toward the end.

Joining Regina on this musical pilgrimage of a lifetime are Werner "Vana" Gierig on piano, Chris Lightcap on bass, Alvester Garnett on drums, and Mayra Casales on percussion with special guest Borislav Strulev on cello and orchestra conducted by Ettore Stratta. They compliment each other well and the result is this fine recording that is a delightful addition to your music collection.

Continue reading "Regina Carter - Paganini: After A Dream" »

Posted by at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Below are my very first music reviews written in 2001. I recently found them and wanted to share them because these are both great albums.

Shirley Horn - You?re My Thrill

It has been written ?songs are happy when Shirley sings them? and that is certainly true on You?re My Thrill. Over eight years ago, jazz pianist/vocalist Shirley Horn and producer/composer Johnny Mandel joined forces on the award-winning album, Here?s To Life, which has become a jazz standard. This wonderful tradition has continued in their pairing on this recording. Included on this set are ?The Best Is Yet to Come?, ?The Very Thought of You?, ?I Got Lost In His Arms? and "You?d Better Love Me (While You May)". The highlights of this album are the lush title track, ?You?re My Thrill? and the romantic ?My Heart Stood Still? which rises and swells into a wonderful climax where time literally stands still. In the tradition of Here?s To Life, Shirley and her trio laid down the tracks in advance on all but one of the songs. Johnny created lush orchestrations, which harmonically fill, embellish, and caress each of the songs. Shirley?s vocals are economical yet effective on the ballads and she really swings on the mid-tempos numbers. You?re My Thrill shall truly be a thrill to your heart.

Dianne Reeves ? The Calling Celebrating Sarah Vaughan

On the heels of her Grammy Award Winning Album, In The Moment/Live In Concert, jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves presents, The Calling Celebrating Sarah Vaughan, a musically moving tribute to her mentor, ?The Divine One?, Sarah Vaughan. Backed by a 42-piece orchestra, Dianne takes us on a musical journey than spans over the vast body of Sarah?s music. She has chosen songs that capture Sarah?s musical versatility and Dianne breathes her own unique African, Caribbean and Brazilian rhythms into every note. Included are beautiful renditions of Sarah standards, ?Send In The Clowns?, ?Embraceable You?, ?Fascinating Rhythm?, ?Speak Low? and a bluesy, playful ?I Hadn?t Anyone ?Til You? featuring Clark Terry on ad-lib vocals and trumpet solo. ?I Remember Sarah? pays tribute to Sassy?s bluesy scatting and ?A Chamada? (The Call) homage to the special voice inside of each of us. Pianist/Composer Billy Childs provided the orchestral arrangements and producer/arranger/musician George Duke presided over the production of these timeless treasures. Whether for a long drive or a quiet evening alone, you are sure to hear the calling inside your soul.

Posted by at 12:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This could have easily been a Friday Flashback but it was just too good to wait for a Friday. A few months after Sarah Vaughan's death in 1990, Carmen McRae?s recorded Sarah?Dedicated to You. I had this album on cassette until I finally found it on CD last year. Bluebird First Editions recently reissued this classic album with four bonus tracks including "If You Could See Me Now", "Wave", "Embraceable You", and an alternate version of "Sarah." Carmen was lovingly and masterfully backed by the Shirley Horn Trio. Ironically, this wonderful tribute was Carmen's last album.

Bluebird's Release Notes for Sarah Dedicated to You

Posted by at 7:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How many times have you bought music just because the album cover caught your eye? You just looked at the album and said, "now that looks like it is going to be good." In most cases, my intuition has served me well but every now and then, I have been mislead and learned the real meaning of "don't judge a book by its cover." The classic albums have the best covers but, of course, that was during a time when the artists were groomed for success and they were quite stylish.

I recently visited Kirk Whalum's website and found out that his new release, Into My Soul, came out this week. I have been a fan of Kirk Whalum since he was playing with Bob James and on his own early solo projects. His talents on the saxophone shine through whether he is playing pop, soul, jazz or gospel. I looked at the album cover and thought of a quiet place with sunshine, cool breezes, peaceful waters and good music. I have the album on order so you can definitely look forward to a review on it. I just know it is going to be good.

Related Books on Jazz Album Cover Art and Photography

The Great Jazz Day by Charles Graham, et al
Blue Note: Album Cover Art by Graham Marsh, Glyn Callingham
Blue Note 2: The Album Cover Art: The Finest in Jazz Since 1939 by Graham Marsh (Editor), et al
In the Groove: Vintage Record Graphics, 1940-1960 by Eric Kohler, Tony Bennett (Introduction)
For the Record: The Life and Work of Alex Steinweiss by Alex Steinweiss, et al

Posted by at 6:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Best Blue Note Album in the World...Ever!

I found this superior compilation earlier this year while looking for the music of Stanley Turrentine on half.com. Now the title may sound a little lofty but there is definitely some fine music here from several of the great jazz legends and their contemporaries. If I were ever to teach a Jazz 101 course (don't get any ideas here), this would definitely be recommended listening. The music of the past gives way to the music of today and beyond.

Disc One

1. Song For My Father - Horace Silver
2. Blue Train - John Coltrane
3. Moanin' - Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
4. Blues Walk - Lou Donaldson
5. Autumn Leaves - Cannonball Adderley (featuring Miles Davis)
6. Midnight Blue - Kenny Burrell
7. The Sidewinder - Lee Morgan
8. Watermelon Man - Herbie Hancock
9. Amen - Donald Byrd
10. Born To Be Blue - Grant Green (featuring Ike Quebec)

Disc Two

1. Cantaloop - Us3
2. The Turnaround - John Patton
3. Greasy Granny - Charlie Hunter Trio
4. Back At The Chicken Shack - Jimmy Smith (featuring Stanley Turrentine)
5. Soy Califa - Dexter Gordon
6. Girl From Ipanema - Eliane Elias
7. Thinkin' About Your Body - Bobby McFerrin
8. Tupelo Honey - Cassandra Wilson
9. At Last - Lou Rawls & Dianne Reeves
10. Because I Love You - Richard Elliot

Posted by at 8:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

  

The moment has come and you are planning a dinner party or a romantic evening for your special someone. Of course, you are serving something a bit more classy than pigs-in-a-blanket and grape Nehi...LOL!!! Oh, but what about the music? What can you play that will set the right atmosphere without putting your guests to sleep (at least not too early!) I have heard music at parties that is often more memorable than the guests. Here are a couple of wonderful compilations that are certain to set the perfect ambiance for your special evening.

Lady Sings The Blues

Capitol Records has put together a spectacular 2-CD collection of 28 smoldering torch songs classics featuring several contemporary jazz singers and legendary chanteuses. The joy of a compilation is that it gives the listener a musical taste of a variety of voices and if you really like an artist(s), you can go and explore their respective body of work.

Disc One

1. Sarah Vaughan: Key Largo
2. Ella Fitzgerald: Solitude
3. Dianne Reeves: Embraceable You
4. Etta James: Don't Go to Strangers
5. Della Reese: Call Me
6. Diana Krall: I'm Just a Lucky So and So
7. Dinah Washington: Call Me Irresponsible
8. June Christy: Something Cool
9. Keely Smith: You Go to My Head
10. Nancy Wilson: The Very Thought of You
11. Dinah Shore: My Funny Valentine
12. Kay Starr: It Had to Be You
13. Rosemary Clooney: One for My Baby
14. Peggy Lee: I'll Be Seeing You

Disc Two

1. Peggy Lee: Here's That Rainy Day
2. Sarah Vaughan: Stormy Weather
3. Dianne Reeves: In a Sentimental Mood
4. Diana Krall: They Can't Take That Away from Me
5. Etta James: Body and Soul
6. Cassandra Wilson: Someday My Prince Will Come
7. Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones: More Than This
8. Patricia Barber: The Thrill Is Gone
9. Nancy Wilson: You've Changed
10. Julie London: Cry Me a River
11. June Christy: Don't Explain
12. Rosemary Clooney: Lover Man
13. Keely Smith: I Wish You Love
14. Lena Horne: We'll Be Together Again

The Ultimate Diva Collection: The Diva Series

Verve Records has long been known for cooking up great compilations and this one continues their find tradition of blending the just right musical ingredients to bring you something extra special. This collection of 16 gems is just the icing on the cake. It is a part of Verve's Diva series, dedicated to the greatest female jazz vocalists and their greatest songs.

Artists in the series include Blossom Dearie, Ella Fitzgerald, Astrud Gilberto, Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.

Tracks

1. How High the Moon - Ella Fitzgerald
2. Lullaby of Birdland - Sarah Vaughan
3. Teach Me Tonight - Dinah Washington
4. Body and Soul - Billie Holiday
5. You Took Advantage of Me - Carmen McRae
6. Peel Me a Grape - Anita O'Day
7. Someone to Watch Over Me - Blossom Dearie
8. Love Me or Leave Me - Nina Simone
9. Come Dance With Me - Shirley Horn
10. I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life - Gloria Lynne
11. Fly Me to the Moon - Astrud Gilberto
12. I Don't Know Enough About You - Peggy Lee
13. A Sunday Kind of Love - Etta James
14. It's Crazy - Natalie Cole
15. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To - Helen Merrill
16. It Don't Mean a Thing (if It Ain't Got That Swing) - Ernestine Anderson

Posted by at 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Church: Songs of Soul & Inspiration is a beautiful recording of songs that are drenched in soul, spirit, faith, and a couple of extra cups of love. It opens your heart and fills it with warmth. It takes you to church whether you are sitting on a beach or in rush hour traffic. The inspiration of this music touches you right where you are.

Dr. Maya Angelou delivers the spoken word for this collection of 14 classical, gospel, pop, and R&B songs performed in a gospel style by the leading ladies of music, whose beginnings were in church. The featured songbirds include Jennifer Holliday ("The Wonder of You") , Patti Labelle ("Way Up There"), Stephanie Mills ("Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand"), En Vogue ("How Deep Is Your Love"), Patti Austin ("You Gotta Be"), Shirley Caesar ("His Eye Is On The Sparrow"), Chaka Khan ("Love Me Still"), Denyce Graves ("Ava Maria"), Nnenna Freelon ("Ooh Child"), Dionne Warwick ("What The World Needs Now Is Love"), and Ann Nesby ("A Song for You"). They are harminiously backed by The Fire Choir. This angelic choir is also showcased on "As" and "Way Up There."

The initial seed for this project was planted with mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves when a young fan told her he could hear Church in her voice. She teamed with songwriter/producer Tena Rix Clark to create this magnificient recording. There is also a second CD which includes interviews with each of the performers capturing their early experiences in church and video footage of the recording. The liner notes are beautifully written by Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison.

On a personal note, I had to get this CD after both my sister-in-law and a close friend were in love with it and told me I definitely needed to give it a listen. I am glad that I did.

Read more about this wonderful music on www.churchcd.com.

Posted by at 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The joy of really good music is that word about it spreads quickly and Kem's debut release Kemistry is musical proof of that. Several people asked me about and even sent me the website before I had chance to pickup this album. He can be easily compared to Al Jarreau with his sound and vocalization but he brings some fresh qualities to his music. He sings about love, life, faith, hopes, and dreams. He leaves the listener room to embrace the song in our own lives. He is romantic and sensual without being graphic which is definitely a quality reminiscent of years gone by.

Born in Nashville and raised in Detroit, Kem is a self-taught musician and his vocal range spans 4 octaves. He began playing piano at an early age at his grandparent's house. He can mimic many instrumental sounds with his mouth and hands. After much perseverance, he finally quit his job to pursue his dreams of making music full-time. He sold 10,000 albums on his own label which caught the interest of Motown Records. He still sings with his church choir on Sundays.

This collection of melodies includes "Matter of Time", "Say", "Miss You", "Love Calls", "This Place", "You Are" and "Brotha Man." His songs are powerful and filled with love and spirit. Kemistry has been at the top of my list for good music to fall asleep by for a few weeks. I am sure it will set the mood for your evenings as well.

Continue reading "The cool sounds of Kem" »

Posted by at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Jonathan Butler has been bringing us his mellow guitar and smooth voice for over 25 years. N-Coded-Music has put together a compilation of his music entitled The Ultimate Butler. It features previously released songs during his tenure on N-Coded plus two brand new songs. Vocalist Maysa joins Jonathan on the souful remake of the Leon Ware classic "If I Ever Lose This Heaven" and guitarist Chuck Loeb and saxophonist David Mann are featured on the remake of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow."

Previously released tracks include "Lost to Love", "Do You Love Me?", "After All This Time", "Dancing on the Shore" (featuring Kirk Whalum on sax) , "Song for Elizabeth" (featuring Dave Grusin on piano), and "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love for Me)" (featuring Candy Dulfer on sax). This album is definitely a welcome addition to your collection.

Posted by at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Vocalist/songwriter Lizz Wright's highly anticipated debut Verve release "Salt" is now in a record store near you. Send an e-card to tell your friends about this wonderful album. The first single will be "Blue Rose" which is a song Lizz wrote for her mother. Encourage your radio stations to play her music and let's get the word out!!

Singer/songwriter Lizz Wright has created music for every mood. A song for every season in our lives. Her debut Verve album "Salt" touches every emotion in the soul and is just a finely crafted body of music. There is no overdubbing and overproduction here. There are no background vocalists. The musicians compliment her movements not overshadowing them with their own agendas. What you hear is quality, clarity, and a well-trained instrument of vocal precision and greatness. Under the watchful production eye of Tommy LiPuma, Brian Blade, and Jon Cowherd, this album has been created with the feel of a recording made years ago with attention to every detail yet, it is new, and brought to the present by this resonant voice.

Lizz elevates on a soulful groove with the Flora Purim classic "Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly." She sings a melodic chant that is quite catchy and will have you singing along. The self-penned title track "Salt" pays homage to Donny Hathaway. Her bluesy, soulful phrasing conveys a message of believing in your dreams and never losing your salt. She is accompanied by a mean horn section of Derrick Gardner on trumpet, Vincent Gardner on trombone, Myron Walden on alto saxophone while Kenny Banks does double duty on the piano and Hammond B3 organ. Her vocals are intoxicating on her reading of "Afro Blue" as Danilo P�rez takes off in flight on a piano solo filling the song with latin rhythms. "Soon As I Get Home" from "The Wiz" seems so fitting as she sets off on her adventure in a brave new world of music. Her gospel roots are evident throughout this rich album but they especially shine as she brings new flavor to the traditional hymn, "Walk With Me, Lord." On the next songs, she takes a slight but wonderful turn in the road. She goes deeper in your soul with reflective and thought provoking lyrics. In addition to "Salt", she wrote the passionate "Eternity", the smoldering "Fire", and the beautiful "Silence" and co-wrote the introspective "Blue Rose" with Kenny Banks. Each of these songs display powerful emotions, spirit, and love and she delivers each of them magnificently. She brings us "Goodbye" and vocalizes poignantly about a love that has ended on the Rachmaninov/Edmonson/Medley piece "Vocalise/End of the Line." Brian Blade contributes "Lead the Way" which also reflects on her musical journey and lets you know that love will guide her every step of the way.

The musicians brought the best of their craft to this album. In addition to their production and arrangement tasks, Jon Cowherd is featured on piano and fender rhodes and Brian Blade on drums and acoustic guitar. John Hart is featured on guitar, Doug Weiss on acoustic bass, Monte Croft on marimba and vibraphone, Jeff Haynes on percussion, Chris Potter on soprano saxophone, Terreon Gully on drums, Sam Yahel on Hammond B3 organ, and Adam Rogers on acoustic, electric and bottleneck guitars. "Eternity", "Vocalise/End of the Line", and "Blue Rose" are washed with a flood of cellos and violas.

Lizz's music will stand the test of time for she sings from her heart and soul and is very present in her lyrics. It is very clear there's nothing wrong about Lizz Wright. She will continue to grow and soar. Just like the salt in the stew, she brings us a whole lot of flavor. Enjoy Lizz and her music.

Update: Salt is #2 on the Contemporary Jazz charts. Go Lizz!!!

Posted by at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

On this date in 1934 in our jazz history, vocalist/pianist extraordinaire Shirley Horn was born in Washington, D.C.

Here's her bio from Allmusic.com:

"A superior ballad singer and a talented pianist, Shirley Horn put off potential success until finally becoming a major attraction while in her 50s. She studied piano from the age of four. After attending Howard University, Horn put together her first trio in 1954, and was encouraged in the early '60s by Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. She recorded three albums during 1963-1965 for Mercury and ABC/Paramount, but chose to stick around Washington, D.C., and raise a family instead of pursuing her career. In the early '80s, she began recording for SteepleChase, but Shirley Horn really had her breakthrough in 1987 when she started making records for Verve, an association that continued on records like 1998's I Remember Miles. You're My Thrill followed in early 2001."

My personal love affair with Shirley began in 1993. Upon a friend's recommendation, I bought the Glengarry Glen Ross movie soundtrack which introduced me to Shirley singing "You'd Better Go Now" and also Jimmy Scott singing "Street of Dreams." About a month later, I was shopping for music and saw Shirley's "Here's To Life" CD and purchased it. I was in euphoria. Never had I heard such wonderful phrasing sang slowly coupled with such brilliant yet efficient piano playing. I saw her in concert for the first time at Ravinia just days before my 30th birthday. From beginning to end, it was sheer pleasure. I was seated so that I could see her fingers touch the keys while she played and sang her enchantingly beautiful melodies. She had the ability to make the most from silence. I have seen her several times since and each time has been amazing. I now own 19 of her CD's and every compilation I can find that she has sung on. I would recommend her 1992 album "Here's to Life" as the quintessential album for your collection. It was produced by Johnny Mandel and every song is a treasure. I once read that "songs are happy when Shirley sings them." I know this to be true.

Here's some additional titles that you will also definitely enjoy:

1963 - "Loads of Love/Shirley Horn with Horns"
1965 - "Travelin' Light"
1987 - "I Thought About You - Live At Vine St."
1988 - "Softly"
1988 - "Close Enough For You"
1991 - "You Won't Forget Me" (featuring Miles Davis)
1993 - "Light Out of the Darkness - A Tribute to Ray Charles"
1994 - "I Love You, Paris"
1995 - "The Main Ingredient" (recorded in her home)
1998 - "I Remember Miles"
2001 - "You're My Thrill" (her most recent CD)

Her new Verve album "May The Music Never End" will be released on 6/24.

Notable albums where Shirley is featured on vocals and/or piano:

1990 - Carmen McRae "Sarah - Dedicated To You" (Shirley on piano with her trio)
1991 - Toot Thielemans - "For My Lady" (Shirley on piano and vocals with her trio)
1995 - Jeffrey Smith - "Ramona" (Shirley on piano with her trio)
1996 - "Antonio Carlo Jobim and Friends" (vocals and piano)
1997 - "A Tribute to Oscar Peterson - Live at The Town Hall" (vocals)
1999 - Charlie Haden Quartet West - "The Art of the Song" (vocals)
2001 - Bill Charlap - "Stardust" (vocals)

Sound Clips

Here's to Life
How Am I To Know
Estate'
Something Happens to Me
I Wanna Be Loved
Get Out Of Town
Come A Little Closer/Wild Is The Wind
Only The Lonely
Do It Again

For a real treat, check out the Shirley Horn Discography. It is definitely an impressive body of work.

Posted by at 6:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I was a little nervous when I received Jazzhole's new release "Circle of the Sun", because I wanted to play it at work but I was not sure if it was "office-friendly." My first exposure to Jazzhole was their funky "The Beat is the Bomb" remix album in 1996. I was wonderfully surprised when I heard the opening track "Love Philosophy" with Marlon Saunders' smooth vocals over a mellow backing groove. I played the entire album several times that day and have been enjoying it very much since then. Their neo soul/nu-jazz grooves are as peaceful and tranquil as they are earthy, funky, and soulful.

The New York based band Jazzhole debuted in 1994 with founding members Marlon Saunders, John Pondel, and Warren Rosenstein. Their lineup of players has changed over the years as the band and their sound evolved. The trio is still responsible for much of the songwriting and production and several new members have been added to their musical landscape. Tabla (drum) player Naren Budhakar, vocalist and Cameroon-native Kaïssa Doumbé, and percussionist Daniel Sadownick have joined the rich mixture of this group. Rounding out their dynamic groove are vocalists Lucia Iman and Michelle Lewis, David Innisis on bass, Dave Binney on saxophone, Gary Pozner on rhodes and organ, Kevin Disimone on rhodes, Mark Robohm on drums, and Mazz-Mlani on violin.

The highlights of this album are driving beat of "Ndolo", the bossa nova "Horn Interlude", the sensual "Love Thang", the tropical mood of "Circle of the Sun", the Latin flavored "Um Ritmo No Meu Sono", the romantic "A Little Dress For Mary." Also featured are Michelle Lewis on the remake of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence" with the sultry rhythm of the tabla in the background and Kaïssa Doumbé melodically singing in her native language of Duala on the remake of Leon Russell's "Superstar."

There is a groove for every mood on this album from bouncy rhythms to warm summer night melodies. For more information on Jazzhole and sound clips from their current release, please check out their website, www.jazzhole.com.

Posted by at 6:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Trumpeter Roy Hargrove's band "The RH Factor" has a new album entitled "Hard Groove" which will be released on May 20. This is not your ordinary Hargrove album. Don't worry, the mellow trumpet has just gotten a little funkier. "Hard Groove" is like a big ole pot of gumbo blending together sounds from jazz, hip-hop, rap, soul and funk with a stellar cast of musicians and vocalists helping to make it even more tasty.

Hargrove describes it in the liner notes:

"This recording is something I've wanted to do for quite some time. The music is a representation of what can happen when people looking in the same direction get together, with dedication, focus, and positive spiritual energy."

Sample Tracks:

"Poetry"

"I'll Stay"

Posted by at 6:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Every now and then, you go to the record store and pick an album just because the cover looks good and gives you the vibe that it sounds even better. This is how I was introduced to MAXJAZZ vocalist René Marie on her debut release "How Can I Keep From Singing" in 2001. Later that year, I received a MAXJAZZ Vocal Series sampler which began my love affair with this record label. I have since enjoyed the recordings of Carla Cook, René Marie, Laverne Butler, Mary Stallings, Mulgrew Miller and Jessica Williams. I got to see René Marie perform last summer at the Monterey Jazz Festival and met her after the show. She was very warm and personable. I am only mentioning six of the wonderful artists at MAXJAZZ but I definitely think this label is one of the best kept secrets in jazz today. Their artists are true to their craft and take their time in making a quality product. The black and white cover photography is attractive and lends to the beauty and uniqueness of the recordings. I am not going to lavish much more praise on these artists for I want you to go over to MAXJAZZ and experience them for yourself. You will definitely hear that good music awaits you. Enjoy!

Posted by at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just as you were sitting there anticipating either the joys or anxiety of Valentine's Day, Verve Records comes out with a compilation of the love songs for the forlorn entitled "When Love Goes Wrong: Songs for the Broken-Hearted." This album features fifteen of the most thoroughly depressing songs ever recorded collected on one special CD. Throw in Aretha Franklin's "Drinking Again" and you could call it, "Drinking Music - The Sequel." I have a love for this kind of music but I could never quite figure out why especially since I don't drink.

Track Listing:

1. Good Morning Heartache - Billie Holiday
2. Born To Be Blue - Chet Baker
3. It Never Entered My Mind - Johnny Hartman
4. Everybody's Somebody's Fool - Little Jimmy Scott
5. A Woman Alone With The Blues - Peggy Lee
6. A Woman's Intuition - Beverly Kenney
7. Everything Happens To Me - Frank D'Rone
8. I Fall In Love Too Easily - Shirley Horn
9. Here's That Rainy Day - Helen Merrill
10. I'm Through With Love - Arthur Prysock
11. I'm A Fool To Want You - Dinah Washington
12. What Will I Tell My Heart? - Billy Eckstine
13. But Not For Me - Sarah Vaughan
14. Reaching For The Moon - Ella Fitzgerald
15. Gloomy Sunday - Mel Torme

Somebody pass me a bottle of Seagrams and the Krispy Kremes!!

Posted by at 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This is probably one of the more challenging albums that I have reviewed merely because of its greatness. Last year, a friend from New York sent me a copy of Darius de Haas' solo release "Day Dream - Variations On Strayhorn". When I picked it up from the post office, I immediately played it in the car and have been enjoying it immensely ever since. Thanks John!!! Now making this even more interesting, about a month later, some friends were visiting and saw the CD and asked where did I get it since it was not a widely publicized release. We discussed how wonderful the album is and I also learned that Darius also sang on the "Dreamgirls in Concert" album which I recently purchased.

Darius grew up in my hometown of Chicago. His parents are quite accomplished in music as well. His father, Eddie de Haas, performed with Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Blossom Dearie. His mother, singer Geraldine Bey, was best known for her work with the highly regarded 60's vocal trio, Andy and the Bey Sisters. Jazz singer-pianist Andy Bey is his uncle. Darius is widely known in the New York theatre scene appearing in the Broadway productions of "Kiss of the Spider Woman", "Carousel", "Rent", and "Marie Christine." The inspiration for doing this solo project of Billy Strayhorn's music came from a desire to showcase the work of a composer who people should know better. From the times that I have sung "Lush Life" in the shower and heard other Strayhorn compositions, I know that his music is very challenging but beautiful.

Darius breathes new life into these classic and timeless Strayhorn works. He gives excellent treatment to popular Strayhorn favorites "Satin Doll", "Take the 'A' Train" and "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'." His vocals are jazzy, soulful, and playful on these songs. "Your Love Has Faded" is melancholy even though it tells the story of a romance that has lost its shine. The intertwining for "Passion Flower" and "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing" is warm and passionate. Billy Strayhorn wrote "Lush Life" when he was in his teens and I first heard it on a Donna Summer album when I was in my teens. Over the years, I have heard many wonderful renditions of this song but none compare to what Darius brings to this song. Roy Nathanson's percussive sax intros and accompanies Darius' brilliant tenor vocals. You feel the poignancy of the song's sad lyrics in the still quiet. "My Love Is as a Fever" and "Takes All My Loves" are Strayhorn/Ellington compositions from the Duke Ellington album "Such Sweet Thunder" which paid tribute to William Shakespeare. My favorites are Darius' handling of "My Flame Burns Blue" as it gently winds into "Day Dream" and I also enjoyed the powerful reading of "Something to Live For" for it illustrates the complexity and beauty of Strayhorn's music and life." Darius is backed by masterful musicians Deirdre Rodman on piano, Brad Jones on bass, J.T. Lewis on drums, Roy Nathanson on saxophone, and Marvin Sewell on guitar and a host of orchestration. This album celebrates the work of one of the great composers of our time performed by one of a new generation of great vocalists. Congratulations Darius on your outstanding album and continued success to you.

Read an interview on Talkin' Broadway with Darius de Haas and check out his personal website, www.dariusdehaas.com.

Sample Tracks in Real Audio

"A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing"

Posted by at 7:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"Welcome to the colored section | Welcome to the Negro league | Sign your name on the black list and know this | It's American history | See what is to be blackmailed | See a real live conspiracy | Sign your name on the black list and know this | It's American history"

When was last time you listened to an album where the words were so powerful and meaningful that you actually had to pull out the liner notes to make sure you did not miss anything? I have listened to Donnie's debut release on Giant Step Records, "The Colored Section" several times. I am enjoying it so much that it has taken me awhile to do to this review. The lyrics above are from his opening song, "Welcome To The Colored Section." They are truly poignant and thought provoking. Donnie has been placed in the currently popular "neo-soul" genre but his music has the soulful consciousness of Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and the sensitivity of Roberta Flack. You hear their influences in his music as well his own church roots growing up in Atlanta. Donnie opens our eyes to the world around us and then brings us back inside to look at our own loves and lives. Every song on this album is a precious gem that is brilliantly arranged. Among the host of excellent musicians, Billy Preston is featured on the Hammond B3 organ and Bobby"Rufus"Watson on the bass. My favorite songs include "You Got A Friend", "Rocketship", "Do You Know? ", Cloud 9", and "Heaven Sent." I hope this is just the beginning of great music from this talented artist.

Donnie is currently touring with his good friend, India.Arie and also with Julie Dexter. Read more about Donnie on his websites, www.donniesoul.com and www.donniemusic.com. Be sure to pick up the album so we can keep the good music coming.

Posted by at 6:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (65)