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Nils "Pacific Coast Highway" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Posted by admin on September 22nd, 2009 No Comments

Pacific Coast Highway is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Artist Nils, and is another winner from this talented musician.

This one will grab your attention right from the very first note with Pacific Coast Highway and won’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Baja California, which by the way is another great track.

Pacific Coast Highway is a nicely 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. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

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

Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired and the production is simply outstanding. If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album.

While the entire album is outstanding the truly standout tracks are Georgy Porgy [track 3], You’ve Got A Friend [track 5], and Baja California [track 12].

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

Pacific Coast Highway Release Notes:

Nils originally released Pacific Coast Highway on Jan 25, 2005 on the Baja / TSR Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Pacific Coast Highway

2. Baack Pocket

3. Georgy Porgy

4. Coming Home

5. You’ve Got

A Friend

6. Cruisin

7. Sneakin’

8. Summer Nights

9. Hey Ya

10. Keep Rollin’

11. Kona Girl

12. Baja California

Personnel include: Nils (various instruments); Abraham Laboriel (bass instrument); Steve Ferrone (drums); Steve Reid (percussion). Recording information: The Room Behind The Bar, Hidden Hills, CA.

By: Clyde Lee Dennis

Posted in Jazz Festivals

Weather Report Mr Gone Jazz Music CD Review

Posted by admin on September 16th, 2009 No Comments

I can describe the latest release from Jazz super group Weather Report for you with just one word… Outstanding!

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.

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 Weather Report most impressive releases ever.

Overall Mr Gone is excellent 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 sensational from beginning to end.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – River People, track 3 – Young And Fine, and track 8 – And Then

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – The Pursuit Of The Woman With The Feathered Hat. Outstanding!

Mr Gone Release Notes:

Weather Report originally released Mr Gone on January 15, 1991 on the Legacy Recordings label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Pursuit Of The Woman With The Feathered Hat

2. River People

3. Young And Fine

4. Elders, The

5. Mr. Gone

6. Punk Jazz

7. Pinocchio

8. And Then

Weather Report: Wayne Shorter (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, background vocals); Joe Zawinul (melodica, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, synthesizers, percussion, background vocals); Jaco Pastorious (fretless bass, drums, timpani, background vocals); Peter Erskine (drums, background vocals); Manolo Badrena (percussion, background vocals).

Additonal personnel: Deniece Williams, Maurice White (vocals); Tony Williams, Steve Gadd (drums); Jon Lucien.

Recorded at Devonshire Sound Studios, North Hollywood, California. Includes liner notes by Bill Milkowski.

By: Clyde Lee Dennis

Posted in Jazz Festivals

Andre Ward Crystal City Jazz Music CD Review

Posted by admin on September 9th, 2009 No Comments

Crystal City is the latest Jazz CD released by the highly talented Andre Ward who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I’m confident Andre Ward fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one.

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.

These days it’s a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

Overall Crystal City is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Jazz collection. Truly an outstanding Jazz CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 – Wishful Thinking – (with Barbara Fowler), track 3 – Andre’s Theme – (with Yasha), and track 10 – I Dont Want To Be In Love – (with Marc Nelson).

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 12 – When Nightime Comes. This is a great track!

Crystal City Release Notes:

Andre Ward originally released Crystal City on April 24, 2007 on the Orpheus Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. They Keep Calling Me

2. Wishful Thinking – (with Barbara Fowler)

3. Andre’s Theme – (with Yasha)

4. Chicago (Here We Go)

5. When You’re Alone

6. Abstract

7. It’s Written All Over Face

8. New Orleans Lights

9. More Than Friends

10. I Don’t Want To Be In Love – (with Marc Nelson)

11. Crystal City

12. When The Nighttime Comes

By: Clyde Lee Dennis

Posted in Jazz Festivals
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