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Marc Antoine Universal Language Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:25:22 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Marc Antoine has released him CD entitled Universal Language. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Marc Antoine fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Universal Language Marc Antoine’s artistic excellence is on full display as Antoine has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn’t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

Marc Antoine is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with him talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

I’m of the opinion that Universal Language is certainly Marc Antoine’s best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it’s a collection that even the casual Jazz fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 4 – Children At Play, track 9 – Point Of View, and track 10 – Crossroads

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Palm Strings. Wow!

Universal Language Release Notes:

Marc Antoine originally released Universal Language on February 15, 2000 on the GRP Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Palm Strings

2. Valerio

3. Celta

4. Children At Play

5. El Camino

6. N.Y. Strolling

7. Elikya (Hope)

8. Bossa Nouveau

9. Point Of View

10. Crossroads

Personnel: Marc Antoine (nylon acoustic & steel-strings guitars, percussion, programming); Lokua Kanza (vocals, guitar); Cara Jackson (vocals); Andy Snitzer (saxophone); Jim Hynes (trumpet); Michael Davis (trombone); Dave Valentin (flute); Philippe Saisse (piano, keyboards, drums, percussion, programming); Jeff Golub (electric guitar, electric sitar, mandolin); Will Lee, Mark Egan, Andre Magna (bass).

Engineers: Philippe Saisse, Roy Hendrickson.

Recorded at Valerian Studio, New York, New York.

By: Tom Milson

Lalah Hathaway "Outrun The Sky" Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:38:48 +0000

Lalah Hathaway, very talented Jazz artist has released her latest CD titled Outrun The Sky and Wow! It’s really a good one.

This one grabs your attention right out of the gate with How Many Times and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Boston, which by the way is another great track.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Lalah Hathaway’s most impressive releases ever.

If you’re a Lalah Hathaway fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don’t even have to be a fan of Hathaway, or even Jazz to know is good. It’s just good music. Period.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are How Many Times [track 1], Forever, For Always, For Love [track 4], and Outrun The Sky [track 6].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Your Favorite Song. It’s a great track!

Outrun The Sky Release Notes:

Lalah Hathaway originally released Outrun The Sky on Sep 28, 2004 on the ARK 21 label.

CD Track List Follows:

How Many Times Back Then Your Favorite Song Forever, For Always, For Love Better And Better Outrun The Sky If U Ever In The End Admit It Stronger We Were 2 More Boston

Personnel include: Lalah Hathaway (vocals); Mike City (various instruments); David Delhomme (guitar, keyboards); Chris Parks (guitar, bass guitar); John “Jubu” Smith (guitar); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Tim Carmon (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Michael White, Poogie Bell (drums); Ricky Rodriguez (percussion).

By: Tom Milson

Marc Antoine Classical Soul Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:02:40 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Marc Antoine has released him CD entitled Classical Soul. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Marc Antoine fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Classical Soul Marc Antoine’s artistic excellence is on full display as Antoine has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Classical Soul. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Jazz isn’t your favorite genre you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Marc Antoine is clearly in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – French Dream, track 7 – Follow Your Bliss, and track 9 – Classical Soul

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Smart But Casual. This is a great track!

Classical Soul Release Notes:

Marc Antoine originally released Classical Soul on January 27, 1998 on the NYC Music label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Smart But Casual

2. French Dream

3. P.C.H. (Pacific Coast Highway)

4. Unity

5. Universal Language

6. Timeless Line

7. Follow Your Bliss

8. New Boundaries

9. Classical Soul

Personnel: Marc Antoine (vocals, guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, bass, programming); Bernadette Barlow, Allan Sovory, Larry J. Blouin (vocals); John Lewis (vocals, programming); Sam Riney (saxophone, flute); Mike Mainieri (vibraphone); Michael Mishaw, Chris Conti, Michael Railton (keyboards); Jimmy Haslip, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Derrick Bourne (bass); Willie McNeil, Lenny Castro, Juliet Prater, Steve Reid (percussion); Jason Daniel Silva, The Lumberjack (programming).

Recorded at Frazzy Frog Studios, France and Slamm Shack Studios, North Hollywood, California.

All songs written or co-written by Marc Antoine. Samples include “The Lope Song” (Eddie Russ/Jazzmasters).

By: Tom Milson

Alan Broadbent "You And The Night And The Music" Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:55:09 +0000

Alan Broadbent, the richly talented Jazz artist has released his latest CD titled You And The Night And The Music and Wow! It’s good.

Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with You And The Night And The Music. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Alan Broadbent’s most impressive releases ever. Overall You And The Night And The Music is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Jazz fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tracks are You And The Night And The Music [track 1], Withe The Wind And The Rain In Her Hair [track 3], and What’s New [track 6]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 2, I Wish I Knew. Outstanding!

You And The Night And The Music Release Notes:

Alan Broadbent originally released You And The Night And The Music on Oct 24, 2006 on the Artistry label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. You And The Night And The Music

2. I Wish I Knew

3. With The Wind And The Rain In Her Hair

4. Baubles, Bangles, And Beads

5. Ceora

6. What’s New

7. Dearly Beloved

Personnel: Alan Broadbent (piano); Brian Bromberg (bass); Joe LaBarbera (drums). Recorded at Castle Oaks Studios, Los Angeles, California on March 15 & 16, 2002.

By: Tom Milson

Nelson Rangell – Look Again – Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:53:25 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Nelson Rangell has released him CD entitled Look Again. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Nelson Rangell fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Look Again Nelson Rangell’s artistic excellence is on full display as Rangell has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

Nelson Rangell has been a heavy hitter in the Jazz genre for quite some time now and Look Again is an excellent illustration as to why.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Jazz isn’t your favorite genre you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

If you’re a Nelson Rangell fan, or just a fan of Jazz music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 3 – Good Morning Love, track 8 – Somethin’s Goin On, and track 11 – Scenario

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Look Again. Good stuff!

Look Again Release Notes:

Nelson Rangell originally released Look Again on March 11, 2003 on the A440 Music Group label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Look Again

2. Dedication

3. Good Morning Love

4. Off The Hook

5. Saturday Night

6. Long Walk

7. Steppin’

8. Somethin’s Goin On

9. With All My Heart

10. Whisper

11. Scenario

Personnel includes: Nelson Rangell (saxophone); Terry Black (vocals, keyboards, Moog bass, programming); Will Downing (vocals); Jeff Kivet (trumpet); Ozzie Melendez (trombone); John Blasucci (keyboards, Hammond B-3 organ); Chris Davis, David Mann, Tejai (keyboards, programming); Gerey Johnson, Rhon Lawrence (guitar); Will Lee, Lamar Jones, Richard Patterson, Vernon Barbary (bass); Khari Parker, Ralph Rolle, Tarell Martin (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Craig Bauer (programming).

Producers include: Chris Davis, Darren Rahn, Craig Bauer, Vernon Barbary, Terry Black.

By: Tom Milson

Jim Brickman Valentine Jazz Music CD Review

admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:25:40 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Jim Brickman has released him CD entitled Valentine. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Jim Brickman fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Valentine Jim Brickman’s artistic excellence is on full display as Brickman has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

Valentine literally grabs your attention right from the start with Valentine and won’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Destiny, which by the way is another great track.

Valentine has a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

Listen to and I think you’ll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Jim Brickman is clearly in top form.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 – To Hear You Say You Love Me, track 10 – Love Of My Life, and track 12 – Destiny.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Valentine. Wow!

Valentine Release Notes:

Jim Brickman originally released Valentine on January 8, 2008 on the SLG Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Valentine

2. To Hear You Say You Love Me

3. Escape

4. Sundown

5. Reflection

6. You

7. Open

8. Brazil Sunset

9. Sacred Moment

10. Love Of My Life

11. Never Alone – (with Lady Antebellum)

12. Destiny – (with Jaci Valesquez)

Personnel: Jim Brickman (piano).

Additional personnel: Jaci Valesquez, Lady Antebellum, Jake Simpson, Tom Douglas (vocals).

By: Tom Milson

Freddie Hubbard Face To Face Jazz Music CD Review

admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:45:37 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Freddie Hubbard has released him CD entitled Face To Face. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Freddie Hubbard fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Face To Face Freddie Hubbard’s artistic excellence is on full display as Hubbard has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

The CD kicks off with a great track, All Blues, that I suspect will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

Face To Face is a pleasantly varied, mix of 5 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

I give Face To Face my highest recommendation. It just plain belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 – Thermo, track 3 – Weaver Of Dreams, and track 5 – Tippin.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – All Blues. This is a great track!

Face To Face Release Notes:

Freddie Hubbard originally released Face To Face on June 24, 1997 on the Original Jazz Classics label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. All Blues

2. Thermo

3. Weaver Of Dreams

4. Portrait Of Jenny

5. Tippin’

Personnel: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Oscar Peterson (piano); Joe Pass (guitar); Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen (bass); Martin Drew (drums). Recorded at Group IV Studios, Hollywood, California on May 24, 1982. Includes liner notes by Norman Granz.

By: Clyde Lee Dennis

Bobby Hutcherson Oblique Jazz Music CD Review

admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:58:42 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Bobby Hutcherson has released him CD entitled Oblique. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Bobby Hutcherson fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Oblique Bobby Hutcherson’s artistic excellence is on full display as Hutcherson has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known guests that have been assembled to play along with Hutcherson on several of the tracks. Artists like Alfred Lion and Rudy Van Gelder just to name a couple.

If you’re a Bobby Hutcherson fan, or just a fan of Jazz music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – My Joy, track 4 – Subtle Neptune, and track 6 – Bi-Sectional

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Til Then. What a nice track!

Oblique Release Notes:

Bobby Hutcherson originally released Oblique on August 2, 2005 on the Blue Note Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Til Then

2. My Joy

3. Theme From “Blow Up”

4. Subtle Neptune

5. Oblique

6. Bi-Sectional

Personnel: Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone); Herbie Hancock (piano); Albert Stinson (bass instrument); Joe Chambers (drums).

Recording information: Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey (07/21/1967).

By: Clyde Lee Dennis

Jackie McLean Action Jazz Music CD Review

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:16:07 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Jackie McLean has released him CD entitled Action. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Jackie McLean fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Action Jackie McLean’s artistic excellence is on full display as McLean has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

Jackie McLean has been a heavy hitter in the Jazz genre for quite some time now and Action is an excellent illustration as to why.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Jazz isn’t your favorite genre you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn’t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Overall Action is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Jazz fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – Plight, track 4 – I Hear A Rhapsody, and track 5 – Hootnan

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Action. Good stuff!

Action Release Notes:

Jackie McLean originally released Action on June 29, 2004 on the Blue Note Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Action

2. Plight

3. Wrong Handle

4. I Hear A Rhapsody

5. Hootnan

Personnel: Jackie McLean (alto saxophone); Charles Tolliver (trumpet); Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone); Cecil McBee (bass instrument); Billy Higgins (drums). Recording information: Van Gelder Studios, Englewood, NJ (09/16/1964).

By: Tom Milson

David Sanborn Another Hand Jazz Music CD Review

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:27:03 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist David Sanborn has released him CD entitled Another Hand. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe David Sanborn fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Another Hand David Sanborn’s artistic excellence is on full display as Sanborn has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Another Hand. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

David Sanborn possesses the characteristic of being able to win you over with him talent alone. The kind of artist I frankly just flat out enjoy listening to.

If you’re even mildly into Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD. Overall Another Hand is an a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 1 – First Song, track 3 – Come To Me, Nina, and track 7 – Weird From One Step Beyond

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5 – Another Hand. Outstanding!

Another Hand Release Notes:

David Sanborn originally released Another Hand on July 2, 1991 on the Elektra Musician label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. First Song

2. Monica Jane

3. Come To Me, Nina

4. Hobbies – (with Syd Straw)

5. Another Hand

6. Jesus – (with Syd Straw)

7. Weird From One Step Beyond

8. C. E. E.

9. Prayers For Charlie From The Devil At Four O’Clock/The Lonely From The Twilight Zone

10. Dukes & Counts

Personnel: David Sanborn (saxophones); Syd Straw (vocals); Lenny Pickett (tenor saxophone); Art Baron (trombone); Terry Adams, Mulgrew Miller (piano); Dave Tronzo (acoustic guitar); Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot, Al Anderson (guitars); Greg Cohen, Marcus Miller, Charlie Haden (bass); Joey Baron, Jack DeJohnette (drums); Don Alias (percussion).

By: Clyde Lee Dennis