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Review of the John Mclaughlin CD Industrial Zen

Posted by admin2 on August 23rd, 2010 Comments Off



I can describe the latest release from Jazz sensation John Mclaughlin 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, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

Industrial Zen has a pleasantly varied, mix of 8 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb 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.

If you’re a John Mclaughlin 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 2 – New Blues Old Bruise, track 5 – To Bop Or Not To Be, and track 8 – Mother Nature

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – For Jaco. It’s a great track!

Industrial Zen Release Notes:

John Mclaughlin originally released Industrial Zen on August 1, 2006 on the Verve label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. For Jaco

2. New Blues Old Bruise

3. Wayne’s Way

4. Just So Only More So

5. To Bop Or Not To Be (For Michael Brecker)

6. Dear Dalai Lama

7. Senor C.S.

8. Mother Nature

Personnel: John McLaughlin (vocals, guitar, fretless guitar, programming, drum programming); Shankar Mahadevan (vocals); Eric Johnson (guitar); Ada Rovatti, Bill Evans (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Gary Husband (keyboards, drums); Otmaro Ruiz (synthesizer); Hadrien Faraud, Tony Gray, Matthew Garrison (bass guitar); Mark Mondasir, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Zakir Hussain (tabla); Marcus Wippersberg (drum programming). Recording information: Metropolis Studios, London, England.

By: Tom Milson

Posted in Jazz Festivals

Rick Braun "Full Stride" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Posted by admin2 on August 23rd, 2010 Comments Off



Not sure what’s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Full Stride gets. Full Stride stated simply is one of Rick Braun’s best CDs 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 Full Stride. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Full Stride is a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist who in my opinion 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 and I think you’ll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is simply outstanding.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are Nightfall [track 2], and Magic Moment [track 8].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8, Soul On Soul. Good stuff!

Full Stride Release Notes:

Rick Braun originally released Full Stride on Sep 15, 1998 on the Atlantic label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. A Very Good Thing

2. Nightfall

3. Hollywood & Vine

4. One Love

5. Moonshot

6. China Bath

7. Magic Moment

8. Soul On Soul

9. South Of Midnight

10. Aqua Funk

Personnel: Rick Braun (trumpet, Flugelhorn, keyboards, programming); Peter White (nylon string guitar); Jeff Golub, Nils Jiptner, Tony Maiden, Bruce Conte, Carl Verheyen (guitar); Maysa Leak (vocals); Doug Norwine (soprano & tenor saxophone); Lee Thornburg (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Mitchel Forman (acoustic & electric piano); Curtis Brengle (piano); Moon Calhoun (synthesizer, percussion, programming); Donnell Spencer, Jr. (keyboards, drums); Brian Culbertson, Chuck Kentis (keyboards, programming); Boney James, David Garfield (keyboards); Cliff Hugo (acoustic & electric bass); Jack Daro (acoustic bass); John Menzano (bass); Dave Palmer, Michael White (drums); Paul Brown (programming).

By: Tom Milson

Posted in Jazz Festivals

Scott Hamilton – Back In New York – Jazz Music CD Review

Posted by admin2 on August 21st, 2010 Comments Off



One word describes the CD Back In New York from Scott Hamilton… AWESOME!

Scott Hamilton has been a super star in the Jazz genre for quite a while now and Back In New York is an excellent illustration as to why.

Back In New York is a pleasantly varied, mix of 1 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

Overall Back In New York 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 this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 4 – I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face, track 7 – Bouncing With Bud, and track 10 – I’ve Just Seen Her

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – What Is This Thing Called Love. This is a great track!

Back In New York Release Notes:

Scott Hamilton originally released Back In New York on April 5, 2005 on the Concord Jazz label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. What Is This Thing Called Love

2. Wonder Why

3. Blue ‘N’ Boogie

4. I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face

5. Lullaby Of The Leaves

6. Fine And Dandy

7. Bouncing With Bud

8. Love Letters

9. This Is Always

10. I’ve Just Seen Her

Personnel: Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Bill Charlap (piano); Peter Washington (double bass); Kenny Washington (drums). Recording information: Nola Studios, New York, New York (2004).

By: Tom Milson

Posted in Jazz Festivals
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