Jazz CDs/ DVDs/vynil

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John Mclaughlin

Though their paths crossed on the Miles Davis classic IN A SILENT WAY and on Larry Coryell's SPACES, this disc is the first actual collaboration between pianist Chick Corea and guitarist John McLaughlin. The Five Peace Band truly is a super-group, the other members being the versatile bassist Christian McBride (acoustic and electric), saxophonist Kenny Garrett (a Miles alumnus too), and fusion drumming ace Vinnie Colaiuta. LIVE features cozy, intimate Corea-McLaughlin duets, sizzling electric playing, and enchanting acoustic passages. They pay tribute to Miles with a medley of "In A Silent Way" and "It's about That Time," with yet another Miles grad Herbie Hancock guesting on keyboards. And there's even a tasty rendition of a bebop classic, Jackie McLean's "Dr. Jackle." Aside from a righteous meeting-of-the-minds, LIVE proves that fusion as a concept is not played out.
Personnel: John McLaughlin (guitar, electric guitar); Chick Corea (piano, keyboards); Kenny Garrett (saxophone); Christian McBride (acoustic bass, electric bass); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums).

Quiet Nights CD

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Diana Krall

Diana Krall's first studio outing since she and husband Elvis Costello became the proud parents of twin boys, 2009's QUIET NIGHTS finds the jazz singer/pianist turning in a serene and pleasantly subdued set. Krall breezes through a few bossa ... Full Descriptionnova standards, most notably "The Girl from Ipanema" (here gender-reversed to "The Boy...") and the title track (originally "Corcovado"), both penned by the legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim. QUIET NIGHTS isn't solely a Brazilian-themed outing, however, as Krall also spends plenty of time in the comfortable realm of the Great American Songbook, offering up elegant orchestral renditions of "I've Grown Accustomed to His Face" and the Bacharach/David gem "Walk On By" that benefit from her supremely smoky vocals and graceful delivery.

My One And Only Thrill CD

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Melody Gardot

Although the plaudits for Melody Gardot's debut album, WORRISOME HEART, were entirely justified, it sometimes seemed as if the young singer-songwriter's compelling personal story--hit by a car and severely injured at the age of 19, the aspiring fashion designer began playing piano and writing songs as part of her physical therapy--overshadowed her music. Gardot's second album, MY ONE AND ONLY THRILL, dispells that sense entirely: this gorgeous collection of lavishly orchestrated jazz-pop ballads is the work of a genuinely talented singer-songwriter. Gardot's melodic sense is greatly matured: opening track "Baby I'm A Fool" and "Lover Undercover" have the feel of new standards in the making. Similarly, she's a more expressive and self-assured singer, with a canny sense of timing and a sultry lower register that's particularly suited to a Julie London-style kittenish purr, as on "Our Love Is Easy." MY ONE AND ONLY THRILL is one of 2009's best jazz vocal releases.
Personnel: Melody Gardot (vocals, guitar, piano).
Audio Mixers: Al Schmitt; Steve Genewick.

Metamorphosen CD

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Branford Marsalis

Since the 1980s, one of America's greatest jazz saxophonists (tenor and soprano both) has been Branford Marsalis. His synthesis of pre- and post-John Coltrane eras of saxophone as well his musically inclusive attitude--enjoying everything from ... Full Descriptionopera to Led Zeppelin--has proven to be both creative AND popular. Marsalis is also a bandleader--the quartet on 2009's METAMORPHOSEN has been together since the late `90s. This set features varied, pointed, and engaging originals by all the musicians (including some bravura ballads by pianist Joey Calderazzo) as well as a special added attraction: the complex "Jabberwocky" features Marsalis on his rarely heard alto saxophone.
Branford Marsalis: Branford Marsalis (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Joey Calderazzo (piano); Eric Revis (upright bass); Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums)

Send One Your Love CD

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Boney James

Along with Dave Koz and Gerald Albright, Boney James has carved out a nice niche for himself as one of the most popular smooth jazz saxophonists ever. Now, Mr. James has gone and done a concept album, with the (eternal) concept being Valentine's ... Full DescriptionDay love. His melodious, suave sax playing brings out the amorous best in choice selections by Barry White, Stevie Wonder, and James Taylor, whose "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" features singer R&B singer Quinn, something of a Boney James discovery.

Jarreau CD

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Al Jarreau

Recorded at Garden Rake Studios, Studio City and Ocean Way Studios, Hollywood, California.
Personnel: Al Jarreau (vocals); Jay Graydon (guitar, synthesizer); Jerry Hey, Chuck Findley, Gary Grant (trumpet, flugelhorn); Bill Reichenbach, ... Full DescriptionCharlie Loper, Lew McCreary (trombone); Tom Canning (piano, synthesizer, harmonica); David Foster, Greg Mathieson (piano, synthesizer); Jeremy Lubbock (piano); Theophilus T. Blood, Steve George, Michael Omartian, Steve Porcaro, Robbie Buchanan (synthesizer); Abe Laboriel (bass); Jeff Porcaro (drums, percussion); Steve Gadd, Grey Trevorson (drums); Victor Feldman (percussion); Venetta Gloud, Bill Champlin, Richard Page (background vocals).

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