Review: Could there be many more soothing words than Blue Note, Christmas and Norah Jones as we head into winter? I Dream Of Christmas is the famous crooner's first ever holiday album and is packed with warm, heart melting tracks and feel good sounds. The nine-time Grammy winning singer, songwriter, and pianist has really excelled herself with this delightful and comforting collection of timeless seasonal favs. There are some new original songs that come laden with the complicated emotions of our times and plenty of hopeful moments that are sure to become repeat fixtures in your festive playlists.
Review: Brother Jack McDuff's Moon Rappin is a bold exploration of funky and spacey soundscapes, marking a departure from his usual soul-jazz style. While the album may not adhere to traditional jazz norms, its fusion of funk rhythms with jazz improvisation showcases McDuff's versatility and willingness to experiment. Tracks like 'Flat Backin' and the title track blend jazz flutters over a funk foundation, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. With its heavy wah guitar and top-notch drumming, the album successfully bridges the gap between jazz and funk, offering a glimpse into the progressive musical trajectories of the era. In hindsight, Moon Rappin emerges as an unintentional precursor to the funk and jam music that would follow, with its spacey soundscapes hinting at the psychedelic funk to come. McDuff's adventurous spirit and willingness to push boundaries make Moon Rappin a noteworthy and influential record that deserves recognition for its role in shaping the musical landscape of its time.
Review: Celebration, Volume 1 marks the beginning of a series of archival treasures curated by the iconic saxophonist Wayne Shorter before his passing in 2023. This electrifying 2014 live recording captures Shorter's renowned quartetifeaturing pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Bladeiat the Stockholm Jazz Festival. The set includes dynamic interpretations of 'Zero Gravity,' 'Smilin' Through,' 'Orbits,' 'Lotus,' and 'She Moves Through The Fair,' each showcasing the group's fearless improvisation. Carolina Shorter's liner notes reveal the deep personal connection Wayne had with this project. As he meticulously sifted through unreleased recordings, the Stockholm performance stood out out to him strongly Originally envisioned as Unidentified Flying Objects to reflect the otherworldly nature of the music, the collection was later renamed Celebration as Wayne embraced the urgency of honouring life's vibrancy.
Review: Wayne Shorter's Juju, released in 1966, remains a quintessential work of modern jazz that now gets reissued on CD via Universal Japan. The groundbreaking work showcases Shorter's exceptional compositional prowess and innovative approach to jazz with a stellar lineup including pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Cecil McBee, drummer Elvin Jones, and legendary saxophonist Shorter himself. It's packed with a seamless blend of intricate melodies and dynamic rhythms and tracks like 'House of Jade' and 'Yes or No' highlight Shorter's masterful use of modal jazz to create a soundscape that's both complex and deeply engaging. The album's blend of subtle harmonies and powerful improvisations solidifies its status as a timeless classic.
The Next Time You See Me, Things Won't Be The Same
The Take Off
Birks' Works (alternate take)
Lady Be Good (alternate take)
Love Walked In
36-23-36/The Theme
Review: By the time Kenny Burrell took the stage at the Five Spot Cafe in August 1959, he had already 90-degree head-turned his best jazz fellow travellers with a glissando of Blue Note LPs. But this gig, his first live date as a leader, brought a new kind of magic. Contracting Art Blakey, Tina Brooks, Roland Hanna, Bobby Timmons, and Ben Tucker on band duties, Burrell confidently executed a suite of hard bop soaked in sweat, swing, and soul. This 3xLP brings that steamy summer evening back to life in full analogue detail; housed in a tip-on trifold jacket with an accompanying booklet of rare Francis Wolff photos, an essay by Syd Schwartz, and new reflections from Burrell himself, it's a vivid snapshot of a moment when everything clicked.
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