I was checking out the recently updated Natalie Cole website and found a great interview and some performance footage in Windows Media Format. It provides a glipse into the making of her recent Verve release, "Ask A Woman Who Know" which I will probably need another copy of since I am wearing the grooves off my first copy. It is very enjoyable.
November 2002 Archives
As promised, I ran (okay, walked!!) out to my local record store and got Kirk Whalum's new release, "The Gospel According to Jazz - Chapter II" and I was glad that I did. I really enjoyed "The Gospel According to Jazz - Chapter I" album which was released in 1998 for it merged gospel and jazz in such a spiritual way. This new release just takes it to a new level. I first enjoyed Kirk's saxophone when he was playing with Bob James in the mid-80's and on subsequent solo projects. The album opens with "John 1:1" which sets the tone for great things to come. Vocalist/Guitarist Jonathan Butler is featured on the instrumental "Thy Kingdom Come" and lends his wonderful voice to the beautiful song "Falling In Love With Jesus" which speaks to the love of God. Percussionist Luis Conte and gospel singer Tata "Maybe God Is Trying To Tell You Sumthin" Vega are featured on "El Todopoderoso" which is filled with Cuban rhythms. It is also a family affair with Kirk's brother Kevin giving the sensual Johnny "Guitar" Watson groove "Ta Ta You Baby" a gospel twist now named "Ta Ta You Jesus." Kirk's son Kyle wrote and plays a great bass guitar on "Seasons" which was dedicated to the victims of 9/11. I know I have mentioned most of the special guests but please note that Kirk is jammin' and giving God the highest praise on each song. All of the songs were recorded live at West Angeles Cathedral in Los Angeles except the jazzy studio track "The Moment I Prayed" featuring Kevin Whalum and gospel singer Kim Burrell. Rounding out this uplifting album are keyboardist George Duke, guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. and a host of wonderful background vocalists.
Kirk is also featured on the recent release "BWB - Groovin'" with Norman Brown and Rick Braun. Read more about Kirk's masterful music on his personal website, www.kirkwhalum.com.
I have been enjoying guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Butler's music for several years and my favorite album until now was "Deliverance." He has also given some great performance during the Jazz Explosion tours a few years back. As I was preparing this review, I read about his latest release, "Surrender" and the love and spirit that went into creating this wonderful album. This project was originally intended to be a gospel album which is quite evident by the spiritual feel of the ballads and instrumentals. Jonathan celebrates 25 years of Jonathan being a recording artist. He started singing and playing guitar when he was 7 years old and traveled extensively through his homeland of South Africa which was ravaged with Apartheid. If he were to pocket himself into a genre of music, it would be "soul jazz" but his life experiences provide such a broad canvas for him to draw from. You can hear the celebration of love in the opening song "This Is Love." "Pata Pata" was first made famous by Miriam Makeba in the 60's. The title track "Surrender" features a bit of call and response between Jonathan and saxophonist Boney James. "Take Me Back" celebrates coming back to our spiritual center while "Wake Up" comes alive with bouncy South African rhythms and "River of Life" is filled with peace and tranquility. This album about the love, faith, and spirit that lives within all of us and definitely touches the heart. Enjoy!
Read more about Jonathan's remarkable journey of life and music on his personal website, www.jonathanbutler.com.
On his first release in five years, saxaphonist Gerald Albright returns with a solid funk groove. This is also his first release on Verve/GRP. You may remember Gerald for his funky smooth jazz and quiet storm grooves in the 90's. He also did the outstanding "Pleasures of the Night" album with vocalist Will Downing. He is described as a "multi-instrumentalist" and takes on the duties of sax, flute, keyboards, drum programming and bass guitar in addition to contributing to the background vocals on this project. Tracks included are "Old School Jam" which is a throwback to the 70's R&B jams with a new flavor, "Groovology", "Ain't No Stoppin'", and "Don't Look Back" which pays tribute to "Soul Brother #1" James Brown. He also covers Eric Clapton's "Change The World" which was inspired by 9-11 and closes the album on an uplifting note with Donnie McClurkin's "We Fall Down." Also featured are some great musicians including Sheila "E", Jeff Lorber, Chuckii Booker (remember him!!!), and Paul Jackson, Jr. You will definitely enjoy the grooves on this album. Welcome back Gerald!!
Read more about Gerald on the Verve/GRP website and his personal website, www.geraldalbright.com.
P.S. He will be playing at Kimball's East in Emeryville, Ca. February 7-9. Check Gerald's website for other tour dates.
The new Incognito album, "Who Needs Love" was released in Japan on November 20. There are no plans at this time to release this album in the U.S. I have been listening to the sample tracks on the Incognito website and they are really nice. I have also been checking the website forum to find out where the album can be purchased. It is available on CDJapan ($20.20 + $10 for shipping.) It is temporarily out of stock on Dusty Grooves America. If anyone finds a better price, please let me know.
No, this is not a dream. It is really true. Seven-time Grammy award-winning songtress Anita Baker is making her long awaited return. She will be doing two concerts on December 27 and 28 at the Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville, Indiana (just a few miles outside of Chicago.) Tickets are available via the internet only on Friday, November 22 at 12pm from Ticketmaster and go on sale to the public on Saturday, November 23 at 12pm. The ticket prices are between $65-75. This is definitely a concert that you do not want to miss. What a great gift for Christmas!!! Also check out other upcoming Star Plaza Theatre events. Thanks shb!!
I also found a Pollstar article on "The Return of Anita Baker" which mentions she is working on a new album so hopefully there will be some music next year.
The much anticipated movie, Standing in the Shadows of Motown opened on November 15. The film is based on the Funk Brothers, the little-known backing band that provided the music for Motown record label's hit singles from the Detroit era. The band's story is told through archival footage, narration, interviews and re-creation scenes. There are also 12 new live performances of Motown classics with the Funk Brothers backing up Chaka Khan, Ben Harper, Bootsy Collins, and others.
Thank you David for your comments. We saw the film yesterday at the Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley and it looks like it will be playing there for another week. What is unfortunate is that this film did not get the same hype as Harry Potter which opened the same day. The film is playing at limited theatres around the country and the length of the stay is based on ticket sales. It only played in Chicago for one week. If you missed it, get it when it comes out on DVD next year. Standing in the Shadows of Motown is an excellent documentary on the Funk Brothers band, the heartbeat of the Motown sound. It was a moving tribute and wonderful to see this band get their much deserved recognition. It is very much overdue. Their sound was often imitated but never duplicated. In addition to the band, there were excellent performances by Chaka Khan, Joan Osbourne, Montell Jordan, Gerald Levert, and Meshell Ndegeocello. Oh yeah, the background vocalists for the band were off the hook. You have got to see this film.
Checkout the official movie website, www.standingintheshadowsofmotown.com.
It is impossible to love every CD that you purchase. Recently, I purchased an Ella Fitzgerald CD from circa 1969 where she was singing pop songs from that era like "Get Ready" and "Got To Get You Into My Life." Great voice but a not a good choice of material. My saving grace on this buying trip was Count Basie's "April In Paris." I also bought the new Nnenna Freelon release that day which I will discuss shortly.
Heather Headley - "This Is Who I Am"
Heather Headley's debut album came to me highly recommended from a couple of friends so I was excited about getting it. I have played this album at least five times and other than a couple of tracks, nothing really grabs me here. I enjoyed the tracks "He Is", "Nature Of A Man" and "If It Wasn't For Your Love" but beyond that everything sounded the same to me. Heather's vocals are wonderful and strong but I think she could have had some material that was better suited for her instrument. I cannot wait to read the comments on this one. :)
Read more about Heather on her personal website, www.heatherheadley.com.
Nnenna Freelon - "Tales Of Wonder"
When I think about the music of Stevie Wonder, I am taken back to listening to his music while growing up in Chicago. He is truly blessed musical genius. Jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon latest release is a celebration of Stevie Wonder's music. Upon the first listen, it sounds like "Stevie Wonder lounge music" but after a few more listens, you will understand Nnenna's interpretation of the music of Wonder. Tracks included are "Overjoyed", "Creepin'", and "My Cherie Amour." I would love to hear India.Arie or Ledisi do a Stevie album.
Read more on Nnenna Freelon on her personal website, www.nnenna.com.
Friday evening at the 20th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival, after a trek up Powell Street because the streetcar was out of service, we went to Grace Cathedral to see saxophonist James Carter and the Tuvan throat-singing group, Huun-Huur-Tu. Grace Cathedral is a great edifice in San Francisco and I was excited about hearing music in this space.
Huun-Huur-Tu originates from the mountainous Russian Republic of Tuva, just north of Mongolia. Each is a master of multiphonics, the ability to produce two distinct pitches. Their sound and their music were definitely unique and filled the cathedral. They were very entertaining but their set ran a little long.
James Carter roared through his set with great tenacity. He made his horn speak, squawk, and growl and filled the room with a melodious but sometimes ear-piercing sound. The highlight of his performance was a powerful rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" intertwined with "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Later in his set, he was joined by Huun-Huur-Tu and they performed a couple of numbers together. Carter was challenged but blended brilliantly with Huun-Huur-Tu's vocal sounds.
Saturday evening was the crowning night of the SF Jazz Festival for me for two great jazz legends of our time were performing at the Masonic Auditorium, Shirley Horn and Ahmad Jamal. Shirley's set opened differently than it had in the past. George Mesterhazy replaced Shirley on the piano, Eddie Howard replaced the late Charles Ables on "the baas" (as Shirley would say) and her old faithful, Steve Williams was on the drums. They warmed up the crowd with an instrumental. Shirley was then wheeled on stage and greeted with a loud applause. Always graceful and glamorous, she looked wonderful as she opened with "All Or Nothing At All." Despite not being at the piano (due to a foot amputation earlier this year), Shirley was still very much in charge and kept her trio under her spell. She flowed through such gems as "How Am I To Know", "A Time For Love", and "Come In From The Rain." She gave a very playful and sensual rendition of "Fever." The highlight of the evening was her poignant rendition of The Beatles' classic, "Yesterday." There was such a silence that fell over the room, you could hear her every breath. It was very moving. She closed with her signature song, "Here's To Life" and as wonderful as she was, I look forward to the day when she is back at the helm of her Steinway piano.
Continue reading Groovin ' at the San Francisco Jazz Festival.
I experienced the 45th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival for my first time this year. I have wanted to go since I moved to the Bay Area a few years ago. The festival runs annually from Friday through Sunday on the 3rd weekend in September. This year I decided to go after some serious coaxing from a fellow audiophile to come hear Lizz Wright plus I really needed a vacation. It was more wonderful than I ever could have imagined. In addition to hearing some wonderful music, I learned so much about the music that I love.
We went to the festival without purchasing our tickets in advance in hopes of being able to purchase tickets from people who had extras. Well God truly smiled upon us, for we were able to purchase VIP box seats for all of the Sunday shows. Keep in mind, you cannot purchase VIP box seats. Usually, they are passed down from generation to generation. After that, we lined up tickets for the Friday night shows.
The festival is held on the Monterey County Fairgrounds and there is music everywhere. The Jimmy Lyon's Stage is the big arena where the festival headliners play. There were three smaller music stages on the grounds - Dizzy's Den, Night Club, and Garden Stage. In addition, there was the Courtyard Stage, Coffee House Gallery, and the Jazz Theatre.
Continue reading The Monterey Jazz Experience.....
This is the last week of my Essentials for Oracle Database Administrators course so I am finishing my assignments and exams. I attended the 3 nights of the San Francisco Jazz Fest over the weekend and had a great time. More to come. I will be attending a writer's workshop this weekend so I can stop splitting my verbs and consonants. Picked up an few new tunes including Gerald Albright, Heather Headley, and Kirk Whalum.
Funniest moment of the weekend: I played Diana Krall's "Live In Paris" on Friday and on Saturday morning I could not get my CD player to work. Could I have been cursed by the Krall? Much to my relief, it started working again when I put on some Joe Sample.
Also, check out the nearly completed j-notes logo on the about j-notes pages. It was designed by js and I am grateful to have such a talented friend!!!
