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    POSTED 14 AUGUST 2001

    SuperBass 2:
    Four years after the release of SuperBass, Telarc's groundbreaking live jam featuring veteran jazz bassist Ray Brown with colleagues John Clayton and Christian McBride, the three bassmasters reconvene in the equally innovative live summit, SuperBass 2. Recorded in front of an exuberant crowd at the prestigious Blue Note in New York City. “People don't realize how much music you can get out of three basses," says Brown. "Each bassist is an extension of his own personality—traits coming through their prismatic temperament, nuances, and rhythmic attitude—peppered with deep passion and wit.”

    Click here for more details:
    http://www.telarc.com/Jazz/title.asp?sku=CD%2D83483

    Girl Talk:
    An all-star cast backs one of the most distinctive vocalists in jazz, Vanessa Rubin on Girl Talk, a very personal and revealing statement. Rubin has a way of making each of these pieces her own in the tradition of the great song stylists. “Girl Talk looks at life, love and other matters of the heart from my distinctly female perspective.” —Vanessa Rubin

    Click here for more details:
    http://www.telarc.com/Jazz/title.asp?sku=CD%2D83480

    Find out where our jazz artists are touring:
    http://www.telarc.com/Jazz/tour.asp

    "Remember Shakti: Saturday Night in Bombay" John Mclaughlin
    ...available here.
    In the late '60s, John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain created their first Shakti project, a fusion between contemporary jazz and Indian classical music that still sounds refreshing today. On "Saturday Night in Bombay," the duo is back with another swirling, hypnotic effort that defies genres. Multiple drummers, great guitar playing by McLaughlin, and some extended improvisation make this night in Bombay one to remember.

    "Ain't Misbehavin: Live at the Jazz Showcase" Marian McPartland
    ...available here.
    Marian McPartland and Willie Pickens come together to release an album of piano duets on "Ain't Misbehavin': Live at the Jazz Showcase," and the results are simply sublime. The interplay between these two instrumentalists is remarkable and the performances are lively. Great stuff.

    "Symbols of Light (A Solution)" Greg Osby
    ...available here.
    Sax genius Greg Osby backed by strings? Hard to believe, but on "Symbols of Light (A Solution)" Osby and his standard trio perform alongside a string quartet to awesome results. Lest you think the addition of violins, cello, and viola will make Osbsy sound lush and light, check out "Repay in Kind," where the entire ensemble pulses with an infectious nervous energy. Ignore the old-time cover art, this is cutting-edge jazz.

    "Supernova" Gonzalo Rubalcaba
    ...available here.
    Give a listen to Gonzalo Rubalcaba's "Supernova" and you'll understand why the pianist is one of the greatest Afro-Cuban musicians alive. Rhythmically complex and heavy on the mesmerizing percussion, this disc swings through various styles and timings with abandon. Wonderful.

    "TNT (Trombone-N-Tenor)" Steve Turre
    ...available here.
    Trombonist Steve Turre finds himself in good company on "TNT," as he's backed on every track by one of three saxophone greats (James Carter, Dewey Redman, and David Sanchez). But don't think all the horns turn this collection into a bleat fest. Turre and company produce a laid-back disc filled with gorgeous moments ("The Nearness of You," Ray Charles's "Hallelujah, I Love Her So") and plenty of driving rhythms.

    STRING WIZARDS

    "Vol. 2-Paris & London 1937-48 [BOX SET] [IMPORT]" Django Reinhardt
    ...available here.
    With great remasterings and a rock-bottom price, the JSP label collects some of Django Reinhardt's most innovative performances on the four-CD set, "Paris & London, 1937-48." On these recordings from Django's later period, the Gypsy guitarist and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France show their most innovative side, with awe-inspiring playing, great arrangements, and some of their best-loved original tunes. A must-have for lovers of jazz guitar.

    "Heartstrings" Russell Malone
    ...available here.
    Russell Malone's "Heartstrings" doesn't pull any punches--this is a ballad album, pure and simple. Thankfully, Malone's got great solos and his electric guitar boasts one of the mellowest and prettiest tones around. Backed by Kenny Barron, Christian McBride, and Jeff "Tain" Watts, Malone delivers what is probably his finest hour on record yet; it's an unhurried, contemplative, and lovely affair.

    "M2 (M Squared)" Marcus Miller
    ...available here.
    Contemporary jazz artist Marcus Miller can seemingly play any instrument under the sun, but on "M2" he lets his bass do the talking (and walking). Featuring performances by everyone from Chaka Khan to Wayner Shorter, this groove-laden and funky disc has something for every listener.

    ECM STORE

    "Amaryllis" Crispell
    ...available here.
    A trio date with Marilyn Crispell, Gary Peacock, and Paul Motian on ECM is bound to be exciting, and the results heard on "Amaryllis" live up to expectations. Crispell's keyboard work is what really makes this disc so great; she plays long, lyrical lines that sound almost soothing in this free-jazz session. Contemplative, understated, and memorable.

    ECM Store
    ...available here.

    NEW SMOOTH AND CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

    "Good to Go" Duncan Millar
    ...available here.
    Duncan Millar's second album, "Good to Go," showcases the Fender Rhodes-playing smooth-jazz artist at his grooviest.

    "Tell the Truth!" Phil Upchurch
    ...available here.
    Guitarist Phil Upchurch can't be considered "smooth," but on "Tell the Truth!" he creates a soulful, contemporary jazz disc that features, among other things, a take on Steely Dan's "Jack of Speed." Recommended.

    BLUE NOTE STORE

    Whether you're looking for classic albums by Powell, Monk, and Blakey, or discs by modern jazzers such as Greg Osby and Eliane Elias, you'll find some of the best jazz albums of all time in our Blue Note Store.
    ...available here.

    COMING SOON: JAZZ PRE-ORDERS!

    * Dave Douglas, "Witness"
    ...available here.

    * Dave Holland Quintet, "Not for Nothin'"
    ...available here.

    * Charles Lloyd, "Hyperion with Higgins"
    ...available here.

    Also, check out the New & Future Releases page to view titles by release date, catch the latest digital downloads, investigate the coolest new reissues, and more.
    ...available here.

    New From TELARC:

    New Jazz Releases

    Back to Birdland:
    The legendary George Shearing Quintet sold millions of records in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Returning to the famous jazz nightclub nearly half a century after he penned “Lullaby of Birdland,” George Shearing and his quintet bring it all home in an inspired performance of jazz past and present.
    Click here for more details: X

    Droppin’ the Trombone Bomb:
    The musicians on TNT (Trombone-N-Tenor), Steve Turre’s first ever quintet recording, embody the highest level of virtuosity, artistry and creativity. For TNT, Turre dedicates himself to exploring the various vibrational permutations of the trombone. Along with old friends Carter, Redman and Sanchez, Turre is framed by two A-list rhythm sections: Mulgrew Miller, piano; Buster Williams, bass; and Victor Lewis, drums; and Stephen Scott, piano; Peter Washington, bass; Lewis Nash, drums; and Giovanni Hidalgo, congas, timbales and campana.
    Click here for more details: X

    Blue in Green:
    Tierney Sutton’s second Telarc release, Blue in Green, is an album of music written by or associated with the late pianist and composer Bill Evans, one of the most influential figures in all of jazz history. Entertainment Weekly says, “Sutton is a “new” artist worth savoring—although she has years of experience to draw on. Her second album for Telarc delivers more of the debut's promise: savvy scatting (on “Just You, Just Me”), striking vocal control and intonation, and emotion guided by intelligence.”

    Click here for more details: X

    Find out where our jazz artists are touring: X

    BARGAIN JAZZ COMPILATIONS

    "Jazz Music for: After Hours" Various Artists - Jazz
    ...available here.
    Next time you're in a late-night, romantic mood and want some music appropriate for the occasion, we've got just the thing. Madacy's "Jazz Music For" series of CDs, created in conjunction with "BET on Jazz," offers 11 compilations of wonderful mood music from some of the top jazz artists of all time, and each one costs less than $11. Whether you want jazz for dancing, Sunday mornings, or after hours, this series includes an album that will suit your occasion.
    More Madacy jazz compilations
    ...available here.

    POSTED 17 JULY 2001

    "You're My Thrill" Shirley Horn
    ...available here.
    Shirley Horn's latest, "You're My Thrill," is also one of the diva's most solid albums in recent years. Nearly a dozen romantic standards with great, slow-burning arrangements by Johnny Mandel make this a must for fans of jazz vocals.

    Philadelphia Experiment
    ...available here.
    "The Philadelphia Experiment" features the groove-laden sounds of keyboardist Uri Caine, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Ahmir ?"uestlove" Thompson (from the hip-hop group the Roots). The music? A soulful, funky exploration of soul and jazz instrumentals. The Philly theme may be tenuous on a few cuts, but who cares? This is jazz fusion at its coolest.

    Ernest Ranglin
    ...available here.
    Guitarist Ernest Ranglin is one of the great ska innovators, and on "Gotcha!" the musician doesn't forget his Jamaican roots. His polished jazz guitar mixes with the frenetic ska energy of tunes such as "Pass the Dutchie" and "The Bubbler." For the long hot days of summer, this disc provides the perfect soundtrack.

    "Cole After Midnight" Marcus Roberts Trio
    ...available here.
    Pianist Marcus Roberts pays tribute to two Coles--Nat "King" Cole and Cole Porter--on the aptly titled "Cole After Midnight." With his lyrical lines and refined restraint, Roberts has a great feel for these well-loved vocal standards.

    GREAT REISSUES

    "It's Uptown [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [EXTRA TRACKS]" George Benson Quartet
    ...available here.
    George Benson's playing style has evolved over the years, but even on 1966's "It's Uptown" he sounded at the top of his game. There's great jazz guitar in the Charlie Christian vein and three tracks featuring Benson on vocals: "A Foggy Day," "Summertime," and "Stormy Weather."

    "Diz & Getz" Gillespie
    ...available here.
    1953's "Diz and Getz" is, quite simply, a classic. The blistering session features the title men, along with Oscar Peterson on piano and Max Roach on drums, all playing their collective hearts out. The interplay between Gillespie and Getz is stellar and, thanks to a great remastering, the sonics are awesome.

    "Vol. 1-Amazing Bud Powell [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]" Bud Powell
    ...available here.
    The latest classic Blue Note albums to receive audio restorations from Rudy Van Gelder are two of Bud Powell's greatest, "The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 1" and "Vol. 2." Volume 1 showcases Powell at his peak, with the incredible backing of Sonny Rollins, Fats Navarro, and Max Roach, to name a few.

    BLUE NOTE STORE

    Guitarist Pat Martino delivers what must be one of the best jazz albums of the year with "Live at Yoshi's." With organist Joey DeFrancesco and drummer Billy Hart backing him up, Martino has near-perfect accompaniment. From the breakneck speed of "Oleo" to the laid-back soul of "All Blues," these guys are tight. All told, a wonderful disc.
    ...available here.

    See Amazon.com's Blue Note Store
    ...available here.

    ROOTS OF JAZZ

    "Spreadin' Joy" Sidney Bechet
    ...available here.
    New Orleans didn't make too many jazzmen like Sidney Bechet, the globetrotting clarinetist-saxophonist who never veered from his hot jazz roots. On "Spreadin' Joy: 1940-1950," Naxos collects 18 of his greatest tracks at a bargain price.

    "Lunceford Special" Jimmie Lunceford
    ...available here.
    With his famous two-beat rhythm and some of the most interesting (and polished) arrangements in swing-jazz's history, Jimmie Lunceford deserves to be ranked as one of the great bandleaders. "Lunceford Special" captures 22 of his 1939-1940 Columbia recordings; it's wonderful music that still sounds timeless.

    Harry Reser
    ...available here.
    Harry Reser may have been the greatest tenor banjo player of all time, but his wild arrangements of hot jazz novelty numbers is what's most impressive to modern ears. "Six Jumping Jacks, Vol. 2" captures 24 late-'20s recordings of Reser and his charming ensemble. If you like Spike Jones, you'll love this.

    Artist Essentials
    ...available here.

    NEW SMOOTH AND CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

    "Very Best of Gerald Albright" Gerald Albright
    ...available here.
    Some of saxophonist Gerald Albright's finest cuts are gathered on this 11-track collection, including one brand-new track, "When Morning Comes."

    "Nylon & Steel" Manuel Barrueco
    ...available here.
    Guitarist Manuel Barrueco blurs the lines between classical guitar and jazz sounds on "Nylon & Steel," his disc of duets with fellow six-stringers Al Di Meola, Steve Morse, and Andy Summers.

    "Time & Again: Pt. 2-Anthology [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]" Bobby Caldwell
    ...available here.
    Of course you'll find smooth-jazz vocalist-guitarist Bobby Caldwell's big hit, "What You Won't Do for Love," on his best-of, "Time & Again: The Anthology, Part II." You'll also find 15 other stylized tracks from Caldwell's three decades of recording.

    COMING SOON

    * Miles Davis, "Live at the Filmore East: It's About That Time"
    ...available here.

    * Greg Osby, "Symbols of Light"
    ...available here.

    * Brad Mehldau Trio, "Progression: Art of the Trio, Vol. 5"
    ...available here.

editor, Andrew Bartlett © 2001 amazon.com and ncdn associates of amazon.com,bn,tower,cdnow

PREVIOUS REVIEWS

    From Arkadia Records:

    BENNY GOLSON discography – TOP 15 ON GAVIN JAZZ RADIO! #
    The response to One Day Forever has been overwhelmingly positive at radio. After only 3 weeks, One Day Forever earned the highest chart position of any jazz record making its debut that week. Now only two weeks later, One Day Forever has jumped up to the Top 15 of the Gavin Jazz charts. Benny has a busy summer scheduled with live club gigs and festival dates planned.

    O N E D A Y, F O R E V E R
    For over 45 years, Benny Golson has been one of the architects of jazz. His compositions have contributed to the songbooks of many groups and leaders, from Miles Davis to Quincy Jones. Now on One Day Forever , his new CD, Benny along with some of the legends of jazz, revisits some of his biggest hits, with some new ones as well, including the premiere of Benny’s classical solo piano composition, “On Gossamer Wings”, performed by Postcards recording artist Lara Downes. Featuring RON CARTER, MULGREW MILLER, ART FARMER, CURTIS FULLER and a rare guest appearance by SHIRLEY HORN, performing the first songs for which Benny has composed lyrics, backed by a string orchestra.

    Listen to what the press is saying
    about Benny Golson’s One Day Forever

      One Day Forever is a classic and one you will truly enjoy having in your CD collection. One Day Forever is a masterpiece, unique, special and Benny Golson at his finest! Excellent in all aspects! Solo work on all selections is memorable and enjoyable! Get a copy soon and share it with a friend!” – Lee Prosser, JAZZREVIEW.COM

      “..this recording is a celebration of his compositional genius and his underrated full-bodied tenor sax sound.” - Eugene Holley Jr., SCHWANN INSIDE JAZZ & CLASSICAL

      “ * * * * ½ “ – Ken Dryden, ALL MUSIC GUIDE

      “Certainly, one could say, that One Day Forever contains something for everyone.” – Don Williamson, ALL ABOUT JAZZ

      “There is a lot of Coleman Hawkins in his (BENNY’S) playing – perhaps more than any living saxophonist – and it’s lovely to hear such a refined, manly, prewar version of harmonic modernism.” - Ben Ratliff, THE NEW YORK TIMES

    For more information on Benny Golson please go to: Benny Golson: One Day Forever
    ..on-line
    Benny Golson: THAT’S FUNKY
    ..on-line
    Benny Golson: TENOR LEGACY
    ..on-line
    Benny Golson: UP JUMPED BENNY
    ..on-line

    ULI LENZ discography – NEW RELEASE FEATURING HORACIO “EL NEGRO” HERNANDEZ and IRA COLEMAN!

    R A I N M A K E R ‘ S D A N C E
    German pianist Uli Lenz’s first US release on Arkadia Jazz, Rainmaker's Dance , is an event. Already internationally known, Uli is joined by American masters IRA COLEMAN on bass, HORACIO “EL NEGRO” HERNANDEZ on drums and Arkadia label mate saxophonist T.K. BLUE on several cuts. With a formidable command of the keyboard, composition and style, Uli represents the best of Jazz’ past, present and future – and is truly a pianist to watch.

    Uli Lenz has a big summer planned with exciting gigs planned for The A Train in Berlin, Germany as well as tentatively scheduled dates with label mate JORIS TEEPE during the North Sea Jazz Festival. Additionally, Uli Lenz’ “Traumatic Experiences with Bavarian Trapdoors” will be a featured track on the upcoming BET ON JAZZ/NARM Jazz Sampler entitled JAZZ NOW to be released next month.

    For more information on Uli Lenz’ Arkadia release go to: Uli Lenz: Rainmaker's Dance
    ..on-line

    DAVID LAHM discography – NEW RELEASE FEATURING RANDY BRECKER!

    M O R E J A Z Z T A K E S O N J O N I M I T C H E L L
    Pianist David Lahm continues to demonstrate that Joni Mitchell’s songs fit perfectly into the world of jazz, while maintaining their own distinctive flair. David’s own compositions shine through in a vibrant and striking session featuring jazz all stars RANDY BRECKER and VINCENT HERRING.

    Listen to what the press is saying
    about David Lahm’s More Jazz Takes on Joni Mitchell

      “…this is a CD collection you will want to own and enjoy. David Lahm and More Jazz Takes on Joni Mitchell is a winning combination! Excellent jazz!” – JAZZREVIEW.COM

      “..the band swings, the outlook is sunny and Lahm once again digs deep from within, as he effectively reshapes Joni Mitchell’s songbook into prismatic mosaics of jazz-based themes and memorably melodic arrangements.” – Glenn Astarita, ALL ABOUT JAZZ

    For more information on David Lahm’s Arkadia releases go to: David Lahm: More Jazz Takes on Joni Mitchell
    ..on-line
    David Lahm: More Jazz Takes on Joni Mitchell
    ..on-line

    PAUL TOBEY discography– NEW RELEASE!

    S T R E E T C U L T U R E
    Canadian pianist Paul Tobey breaks through with Street Culture , his first International release. Featuring Paul’s brilliant original compositions, Street Culture is a celebration of the diverse elements that influence our surroundings. Modern yet guided by tradition, it’s a universe filled with the boundless energy of inventive minds, all uniting to enrich our environment. Featuring JIM VIVIAN on bass, TERRY CLARKE on drums and MIKE MURLEY on tenor saxophone.

    Listen to what the press is saying about Paul Tobey’s Street Culture !

    “Paul Tobey and Street Culture is a unique and enjoyable jazz listening experience, one that will entertain you with original songs and solo work! Give it a listen! Excellent performances!” – JAZZREVIEW.COM

    “Beautiful melodies and a lyrical approach to the compositions are elements that also make Tobey’s music interesting and should garner him loyal fans.” – Paula Edelstein, ALL MUSIC GUIDE

For more information on Paul Tobey’s Arkadia releases go to: Paul Tobey: Street Culture
..on-line


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reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates or record promotional materials