IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation
Issue # 91 REVIEWS
New! New! New! Zzaj PODCAST!
We now have 3 TOTALLY FREE CD's (with free cover art) available for download at our NETLABEL site! The only thing we ask is that you scroll to the bottom of the page(s) & give us a REVIEW! Please ADVERTISE this to ALL your friends... tell them we are GIVING AWAY music!
Amina Figarova - SEPTEMBER
SUITE: Though Amina's music is always beautiful, what she presents on this
CD subtly captures your attention as she reflects on the tragedies of 9/11...
her piano is joined by tenor sax from Kurt van Herck, trumpet from Nico
Schepers, flutes by Bart Platteau, bass from Wiro Mahieu and drums from Chris
Strik on 10 stellar performances that will stick in your mind (& your ears) as
poignantly as that day of infamy. We've reviewed her fine work before, in
issue #70 and
issue #87 and were
impressed on both occasions with her skills as a leader and composer. The
tune "Emptyness"
paints a bleak picture, but also contains that seed of hope necessary to
continue the fight for one more day... clearly paints a sonic image of recovery
and emergence. Something closer to my impressions of Amina's work on
earlier albums was "Denial"
(my favorite on the CD) full of life and energy, even it it represents the
consternation after a life-changing event... her keyboard work on this just
drives the music - a wonderful jazz composition. Another high-energy
piece (as you might imagine) is the aptly titled "Rage"
- if you aren't angry after listening to this one, you have no emotion left.
Figarova will be a jazz star on the horizon for the foreseeable future... she
gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating on this great CD! Get more
information at www.aminafigarova.com/
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Alice Stuart & the Formerlys -
FREEDOM: If you
rolled all your mem'ries of lady blues singers up into one image (& I'm talkin'
high rollers like Bonnie Raitt), you wouldn't even come close the power Alice
projects on this fine country/blues CD. What's so stunning (besides her
husky-toned vocals & superb guitar) is how easily she evokes mem'ries of many
yesterdays back (for this ol' phart, anyway)! 11 of the 13 tracks are
composed by the musicians on the album, & that originality adds genuine spice
(as I believe it always does) to the performances. Alice is joined by Marc
Willett on bass guitar, Steve Flynn's keyboards (just LOVIN' that organ stuff,
Steve), drums by Steve Potts & pedal & lap steel from Charlie Wallace.
Believe it or not, this is our first listen to her high-spirited music, even tho'
she was with FZ's Mothers of Invention back in the old days... my favorite cut
on the CD is "If You
Want it to Last", in great part because of the blues organ sounds - just
like church - but also because Stuart's vocal just KICKZ it... heavy spirit
involved here. If yer' lookin' for "road music", you'll dig (as I did) on
the title track, too... strong tune all the way through, with heartfelt lyrics &
a real down-home feel. This album packs a real punch that will keep it at
the top of your playlists for years to come... it draws a MOST HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED for blues & country listeners 'round the globe. Get more
information at www.alicestuart.com/
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Trio M
- BIG PICTURE: After reviewing Myra Melford's exciting "UNDER
THE WATER" (with another of our favorite keyboard improvisers, Satoko Fujii)
in our last issue, I sent her a copy of the review after passing it along to the
promoter... that's (not only) because I was mightily impressed (as I always have
been) with Myra's improvisational excellence, but also because I've known her,
off & on, since my first trip to Olympia, in the late 1970's. She let me
know that she'll be playing in Seattle in the fall (more details will be
forthcoming on that soon) with this grouping, & also sent a copy of this 2007
release with the trio. If you're a lover of free-spirited improvisation
with high talent, you'll have to have this in your collection... I've
reviewed a whole host of CD's with Matt Wilson's drums, and bassist Mark Dresser
has been on many albums from Satoko reviewed here... just use the "search"
utility at the bottom of this page to find all of them. 7 all original tracks
will have you (literally) dancing along with your headphones, unless you're a
"conventional" listener... you must be inclined towards adventure in your
listening, because nothing is sacrosanct - heck, even the blues is incorporated
on Wilson's "Naive
Art", one of the tastiest morsels I've heard in a long time... in fact, that
blues influence is prevalent on most of the pieces on the album! Each
player "talks" to the others on this piece, and involves you intimately in their
dialogue... a very cool piece. It is Myra's "Secrets
to Tell You" that captures my "favorite track" notation, though... the
interplay here is intricate and highly emotional, for the listener as well as
the players... it's one of my all-time favorite compositions from Myra! I
rate this one as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and also give the CD the "PICK" of this
issue for "best improv trio". Get more information from their
Coastal Jazz site/page. Rotcod Zzaj
Sound
Visions Media
- FROM A
MOTHER'S HEART: There are some very familiar jazz players/singers (for me)
here, like Judi Silvano, & John Stowell, paying tribute to moms everywhere...
especially poignant for me on a personal level since my mother passed only a
couple years back. Even though my mom was more "church-oriented" in her
musical tastes, I've no doubt that she would smile down on these tunes as she
listened to them, as they are full of life and the gentle caring attitudes that
most of us associate with our mothers. The most impressive thing about
this collection is that it's got real energy - there's not a dull or
"sappy" cut in all 11 tunes; that can't be said for many of these assemblages,
but spirit fills each of the pieces. I glommed right on to Judi Silvanos'
"Bougainvillea",
probably because I've listened to (& reviewed) her music so many times.
Strangely enough, though, it was a composition from Mala Waldron called "Ellie"
that captured the "favorite" spot for me... it will just bounce you along
through the magical scats & supremely spirited piano playing. This CD
isn't just for "mom's day", by any stretch of the imagination... you can play it
anywhere, anytime, & I imagine those of you who wander about with IPODS attached
to your ears will play my favorite track & all of the other cuts over & over &
over again. I give this a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (which is kind of a
"first" for a tribute album). Get more information at
http://errandgirlforjazz.blogspot.com/ Rotcod Zzaj
Steve Khan
-
THE GREEN FIELD: This 2006 CD is the last we received in a batch from
Steve - the others have been reviewed over the last 3 issues, all with more than
favorable ratings... the others seemed to have more original comps (4 of the 9
tracks on this album were Khan originals), but Steve & his partners John
Patitucci (acoustic bass), Jack DeJohnette (drums) & Manolo Badrena
(percussion), along with Ralph Irizarry (timbales) & Roberto Quintero (congas,
percussion) also play some killer renditions of tunes by Ornette, Herbie
Hancock, Wayne Shorter & (even) Monk. Steve & crew are among the most
accomplished jazz players I've ever listened to, and have a distinctive style
all their own... his playing is fluid and often leads the listener into
territory they have never experienced before. If you are looking for
guitar-based jazz that has real "meat on it's bones", subtle shadings & NO
fluff, you will need to have this wonderful 2006 release. One of
the liveliest pieces is Herbie's "Riot"...
every player is engaged, particularly at about 3:56, & they'll have your mind
dancing! It's the title track (one of the Khan original compositions) that
I imagine will be everyone's favorite, though... it certainly was mine... strong
drum & percussion introduction, with signature lead popping in from Khan at
about 1:25... Steve is an absolute wizard at showing you what the intent of the
thought behind the piece is, and you will be immediately enchanted by this
classic piece of jazz. I give it our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, along
with the "PICK" of this issue for "best guitar-based jazz". Get more
information at www.stevekhan.com Rotcod
Zzaj (afterthought from Steve Khan: "You might find this to be
interesting reading after the fact...
http://www.stevekhan.com/greenfielda.htm Editor - thanks, Steve!)
OGoGo - REDUX: The
guitarist on this very interesting CD is named Igor, who we reviewed in
issue #85... this time
he's joined by Rod Oakes on midi-trombone, & never a more adventuresome musical
experience will you encounter. The 3:21 "Rudimentary
Celtic" gives you a clear aural insight into what the players are trying to
accomplish, but if your ears will only accept "fluffy" music, you'd be better
off not ever putting the 'phones on or turning the volume up to "high".
For those of us who are already jaded enough to enjoy avant-garde for it's own
sake, you'll gorge yourself on "Bikini
Scientist" over & over... the trombone is featured right up front on this
one, and Igor's scale-work & effects pedal are cranked right in there with the
parrot screams... ha! ha! For pure oblivion, though, it was the opener, "Lunch
On The Peacock" that got my nomination for favorite track... I'm not
positive the peacocks would agree, but fans of "Naked Lunch" (Burroughs) will
understand right where this tune is coming from. I don't recommend this
for listeners stuck in the traditional, but for anyone with adventuresome ears,
this gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Get more information at
http://igorogogo.com/index.htm
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Jennifer Lee -
QUIET JOY: That
sentiment is exactly what you'll feel as you listen to Ms. Lee's sultry, yet
spirited, vocals on this excellent musical & vocal adventure. I have a
feeling that part of the reason why I was so strongly attracted to all 13 of the
tracks is that Jennifer also plays guitar and piano on several of them.
The bell intro to the title track (along with the fact that it's a Lee original)
made it one of my favorite cuts on the album... it's actually track 5, "Music
of Your Soul" (yet another of Jennifer's compositions) that will shiver your
timbers, though... the bouncy piece is one of the most jazzified female vocals
I've heard in years - gets a definite HOO-rah! from me... this is my favorite on
the album! Many of the pieces have a decidedly Latin flavor, & the
standout cut for that kind of jazz (for this listener) was "Menininha
do Portão"... you'll be able to see yourself sippin' Cuba Libre's out in
Jennifer's Oakland, California garden as you groove along to this cut, no doubt.
If you want a little fun mixed in with high talent jazz & vocals, you'll want to
get this one. It gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me. Get more
information at www.jennifer-lee.net/
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Jeremy Udden - PLAINVILLE:
Two words really describe this new CD from Jeremy - "decidedly different"... in
some circles, that might be construed to mean "strange" or "not good", but not
here at Zzaj Productions... Udden's sax work meshes quite nicely with (get
this....!) banjo by Brandon Seabrook & (yeah, somethin' else); pump organ
from Pete Rende... when you combine that with solid bass from Elvind Opsvik and
daring drums from RJ Miller, you've got something alright! Is it
jazz? Is it hill-country music? It will be up to the listener to
decide, but whatever you label it (if you're into such drab exercises), you'll
know it was Jeremy & his crew. Just when you think you've got 'em
"pegged", they slide right into "Curbs", with heavy rock leanings... and it is
THAT quality that makes the listening superb and refreshing through all 9
tracks. I have a feeling jazz listeners will be hearing much, much more
from Jeremy... his playing is full of emotion, no matter what rhythm he is
playing against. It's really odd, because when it comes to music, I'm not
a "seasonally inclined" kind of person, but it was "Christmas Song" which
stirred me most... very expressive and deep. I give this one a MOST HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED, unless you're a listener who demands that everything be "normal"...
get more information at www.jeremyudden.com
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Beth McDonald - HOME: It
was a very different style that we reviewed from Beth in
issue #88... that CD was
dedicated to her child... this outing includes 4 originals from Ms. McDonald, as
well as stunning vocals on all the other 13 tracks. Her rendition of
Duke's "I Ain't Got
Nothing But the Blues" is one of the best I've heard (lately) from a lady
vocalist, but it's her original track titled "It
Would Be So Easy" that made my ears perk up & really listen... the
whole spirit of jazz & blues is captured on this composition, and Beth's vocal
displays talent far beyond the norm. The interplay between the keyboard
and her voice on "Fever"
took me right back to the mood inspired when Peggy Lee sang it, albeit with a
more "sophisticated" sound, somehow. Seems to be a lot of Peggy
here, with other tunes like "He's
A Tramp"... those songs were part of an era in jazz all their own, & it's
nice to revisit that whole "groove" thing through McDonald's shining talent.
If you love listening to bright female jazz vocals with high spirit, you'll
agree when I declare this album MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Beth is able to
wrap you in a web of enchantment that won't soon fade. Get more
information from her
PRESS KIT.
Very nice jazz for laid-back listening. Rotcod Zzaj
John Brackett
- JOHN ZORN - TRADITION AND TRANSGRESSION: This 167-page volume delves
deeply (at times a bit too deeply) into the "reasons" for why Zorn composes his
music, it's associations with violence, magic & mysticism. There are great
chart illustrations, image extracts from various albums John has put in the
public eye... many of the charts pages would serve as great study tools for
students trying to learn how to compose, but some of the narratives got (I felt)
a bit more involved in the "whys & wherefores" than the substance of what
feelings such music generate for player(s) & listener(s) alike. What the
book did do was spur me to revisit many of the YOUTUBE performances
available from Zorn, most notably "Electric
Masada - Karaim (part 1)" & "Part
2"... there's no question that these are composed performances (you can see
the players reading the charts), but you can also see the spontaneity of their
playing together, with John only using his thumb, forefinger and closed/open
fist to "direct" the movements. Brackett digs deep into the origins of
many of Zorn's compositions that are on the "darker side", and gives his views
(and other authors') on their influence by the occult. It IS an
interesting read, but I found myself sliding forward to the "next" chapter in
search of the red meat... what makes this guy Zorn "tick".... & it was
quite clear from my YOUTUBE tours that the best way to understand that is to
listen and watch, rather than to read about it. Still, for some
readers, John Brackett's explanations will be just as enchanting as the musical
adventures Zorn offers up... ergo, a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those folks who like
to dig into theory. Get more information at
INDIANA UNIVERSITY PRESS.
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Irene & Her Latin Jazz Band -
A SONG OF YOU:
Ah, visions of huge vats of grapes with ladies ankles stained from stomping them
into pulp & juice come to mind for the fine wine this album represents. A
genuine sonic pleasure trip, Irene's band will capture you in it's floating and
gently swaying Latin rhythms and tasty jazz shadings. The title track
(click on the link in the header to listen) represented the essence of the CD
for me, and turned out to be my favorite on the album, especially when the
keyboards by guest artist Rique Pantoja kicked in. Many of today's
listeners will be unfamiliar with the tunes Irene picked for this outing...
artists like Antonio Carlos Jobim ("Triste")
and Joao Gilberto ("Bim
Bom") were at the top of the charts back when I first became intrigued by
jazz, but in an age of .mp3's, some of those great songs have been somewhat
"submerged". Irene's vocals are spirited and full of life on all 14 tracks
& will provide enjoyable listening for many years to come. I give this a
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any & all who love to listen to jazz that can transport
you to another era instantly. Get more information at
www.irenesings.com
p.s. You can also watch her perform "Sway"
and "Why
Don't You Do Right" on YOUTUBE. Rotcod Zzaj
Frank Potenza Trio - OLD, NEW,
BORROWED & BLUE: Here's one kickin' little CD, I'll tell you, folks...
Frank's guitar is right ON the (jazz) target, supported by great drums from
Steve Barnes, & when Joe Bagg's organ joins in, you'll feel like you're in the
hippest club in town! The trio is joined by Holly Hoffman's superb flute
on this excellent collection of tunes... the flute really adds to that
"jazzhead" feeling these folks create, like you're the coolest listener in the
world, & whether you just snap your fingers, tap your toes or get right on up &
dance across the floor, these folks will make you feel welcome. I couldn't find
any clips of this recent album, but there was a nice
VIDEO of him playing with Joe Pass & a few audio samples from earlier albums
at
www.frankpotenza.com/clips.html, as well as a nice
photo montage of his career as a performer at
www.frankpotenza.com/perf.html
Since the focus is on this new release, though, I'll say that there's only one
original from Frank... the other tracks, though, feature songs penned by top-end
players like Jimmy Smith, Lee Morgan ("Party Time" from Lee was my favorite
track on the album, 'coz it had a wonderfully unique arrangement & super
guitar/organ) & (of course), Wes (as in Montgomery). Potenza is a force to
be reckoned with, no doubt... I thoroughly enjoyed the listen & this one will
stay at the top of my playlists... I give it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well
as the "PICK" of this issue for "best trio jazz". Get more information at
www.frankpotenza.com
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Bret Hart
- LOOK USING YOUR EARBALLS, ALICE: I'm (still) not sure who Alice is, but a
quote from Mark Paolini on the first or second page pretty well summed up
what/who Bret is (for me, anyway): "The un-thinking man's Richard
Thompson." Ha! Ha! Ha! I still can't feature Hart as being "old
enuff" to be writing his memoirs, but that's probably got a lot to do with not
having seen his face (except, o' course, on Facebook) for quite some many years.
We first hooked up over in Korea, of all places, during the mid-to-late
eighties, when I was just jumping in to the whole home-taper scene... he was
already pretty well entrenched as a player, reviewer & producer of all kinds of
things musical, & what I found most refreshing about him was that he was
cut from his own cloth... no pretense, maybe a kind of "edge", but the
talent rocked on through. Since those early years of our friendship, he
has gone down many different roads... an unimaginable amount of groups, live
shows & albums (tapes & now CD's) galore... his book serves as a very
nicely illustrated tour of many of those experiences... not just sonic
adventures, either... he is a fully competent artist & word-bender who can tease
or torment you with superb lyrics. A ton of pictures, album covers,
interviews and links that will entertain you for hours on end. This was
just like going back through 20 years of associations I'd had in that musical
adventure-land that the whole home-taper thing represented. A very
impressive tome that will be well-worth whatever price Bret is charging for the
electrons at
Lulu. This marvelous chronicle gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from
this reader! Rotcod Zzaj
ComputerChemist -
LANDFORM:
(editor: Here's what I wrote back to Dave after my first listen to this
great CD - "Some music MUST be written about as it is listened to the first
time")
There are many electronic artists who lay claim to "playing music like Tangerine
Dream", but few who live up to the rhetoric... the solo work of Dave Pearson
(who moved to Hungary in 2008 from the UK) is clearly not just sales hype...
some excellent compositions that will absorb your head, spin it around about 100
times & eject you into the other side of the wormhole in etherspace that
"LANDFORM" creates for your mind. If you find that difficult to believe,
or think I'm "pitching" for him, just listen to "After
the Eclipse"... Pearson's talent shines through, in most sweeping fashion,
and will be most enjoyable for all but the most non-adventurous listeners.
If you find your highest point when listening to symphonic starry elegance, you
will enjoy the title track as much as I did... it was my favorite on the CD... a
truly enchanting intro (about 1:35 or so) to a full 10:54 trip that has (both)
strong psychedelic and progressive influences! "Geoid",
the last track, was also a full-tilt adventure that came in a strong second for
this listener... full of pleasant surprises and some very nice guitar patches -
LOVED the jazzy-feeling electronic keyboards on this one. I'm very highly
impressed with this 3rd album from Dave, & will devote significant listening
time to his earlier works in future issues. I give this an unequivocal
MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any & all who want more than just "thumpa-thumpa" in
their electronic soundscapes. Keep an ear out for ComputerChemist... I
predict that you will be hearing LOTS more of his solid work in the near term!
Get more information at
www.computerchemist.com/ Rotcod Zzaj (p.s. My pal
Jerry Kranitz at
www.aural-innovations.com/ will LOVE your music, Dave... tell him Zzaj sent
you, please).
Darrius
- CAN'T GET ENOUGH: There was a time (back in those "good old days", ya'
know) when this oldster was immersed in the kind of music Darrius envelops your
ears in on this splendid CD... names like Stevie Wonder & Prince are easy enough
for a one-sheet to compare the singer/player to, but this guy HAS the soul that
elevates him to the same plateaus of those giants of yesteryear. If he
only evoked memory lane for me, I probably wouldn't have gone past the first
track, but Darrius takes that whole era of soul forward to the 21st century with
his own expressions of love and well-being for our times. I first listened
to him on his REVERBNATION
page & asked him for whatever he had in need of review. So many of those
players who claim to be playing "soul music" these days try & blend it in with
rap & hip-hop in order to make their music more palatable for those listeners
who don't even realize the power that well-crafted lyrics and true talent have.
In addition to his significant vocal skills, Darrius also displays keyboard
abilities far and above the norm... to verify my praise of his skills, just
listen to "All The Way
Slow", one of my favorite mellow pieces on the album. My favorite cut
on the album, though, was "Why
Fight"... if you want to hear what "modern soul" is all about, you'll want
to get this tune. I'm very highly impressed - enough to give this one my
MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating! Get more information at
http://darriuswillrich.com/
Rotcod Zzaj
Blue Sky 5+2 - FIVE MINUTES
MORE: If you're a (musical) swinger, this little CD will be your cup
of tea... it's a quintet led by Craig Gildner & tenor player Tom Greco with a
genuine affinity for playing what I like to call "flapper" music. I mean,
you'll think you're right out there in that 1930's ballroom/dance hall scene,
jazzin' for sure! Craig & Tom are joined on this album by bassist James
Fowler & drummer Gene Cedras, ergo the 5+2... all the players are right on time,
& have plenty of spirit to bowl you over with. If you're older (like me),
you'll want to dig those ol' saddle-shoes right on out of the closet... younger,
& you'll find some kind of sneakers that look like spats, maybe... either way,
get ready to dance 'round the room with your baby, over & over again. 16
well-recorded tracks that will have you in the mood for cuttin' rugs all over
the place. This kind of jazz isn't for everyone, but those who love swing
in the mix won't be able to stop spinning this one... I give it a HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED! Get more information at
www.bluesky5.com Rotcod Zzaj
Bonnie Kane and Federico Ughi
- COMMON DENOMINATOR: You can hear several of Bonnie's tracks with Federico
at her last.fm page.
Bonnie's sax & flute is just as innovative and raw as ever... we've listened to
& reviewed her music a LOT, most recently on her MAMBO MANTIS effort in
issue #81... Ughi's
drums roll in tightly under, around & through the various improvisations & the
duo provides great listening pleasure for those who love their music without
restrictions. The liner notes describe this CD as "uniquely meditational
work on families, aging & the realities encountered when family members live
across great distances"... in that sense, I view this as a sort of "landmark"
recording for Bonnie... it's a very mature set that pushes strong pulses of
emotion out across the sonic waves! Be sure to experience this in the
headphone zone, as distraction isn't part of the equation here... this is music
that deserves to be listened to, and it's more accessible than many improv
session recordings I've heard. Outstanding work that gets a MOST HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED for all those listeners who can't stand conventional work and want
to explore new sonic territory. Get more information at
www.wooweb.com Rotcod
Zzaj
Lawrence Blatt - THE COLOR OF
SUNSHINE: We reviewed Lawrence's work in
issue #81 - very
favorably, I might add. On this fantastic guitar journey, he brought in
William Ackerman (founder of Windham Hill Records) to produce the sessions for
him, as well as a whole host of other players, including players like Derrick
Jordan (who have been reviewed here before as well). The blending of
various instruments in against/behind his magical guitar makes for a sound very
much more alive and vibrant... I would imagine that may have had
something to do with Mr. Ackerman's ideas, but the talent level is stellar on
all 14 tracks, not something you will put down anytime soon. Those in our
readership who are hardcore jazzheads may not find this their favorite
album, but if you listen through the whole CD, you'll find something attractive
in the spirit of light that Lawrence projects through his music - my particular
favorite was "White
Light" - very full body and natural flow. I give it a MOST HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED, and hope many of you will visit his
website to find out more about this
enchanting player. Rotcod Zzaj
Abraham-Clements-Tellander -
BETWEEN STOPS: It's been a while since I reviewed Alex's fine keyboard
playing (issue #79)...
very favorably, I might add. On this energetic outing, he's joined by
drummer John Abraham, with vocals from Zara Tellander (as well as a whole host
of other players too long to itemize in this review). As with his
previously reviewed CD, all the compositions are originals... talk about
energy for the playing... very high on the musical Richter scale on an even
dozen cuts. Zara's vocals are right up-front on most of the tracks, so in
addition to the high talent of the players, you're getting a sweet vocal
performance from her all the way through... thoroughly professional... she's
from Sweden, but gigs all around the world - & you'll know why when you hear her
on this great CD. In fact, the whole experience has a unique
"international" flavor, with (what I felt) a decidedly "European" feel...
especially on pieces like (my favorite) "One
Day" - very expressive and full of emotion in Tellander's vocal, as well as
from all the other players. I also enjoyed the high-flying "Into
The Sky" for it's clear communication of the adventure that jazz should be
for all! I rate this one as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners who want
nothing less than the best! Get more information at
www.alexanderclements.com or
www.myspace.com/betweenstops
Rotcod Zzaj
DJ Derrick - SINGLE RELEASES: This collection of trance compositions from
artist Derrick Meyer was referred by my sister in Ohio... I'm not exactly sure
what their connection is, though she does teach music, so I expect that has
something to do with it. Great energy, great talent on all 14 of the
compositions Derrick had me pull down... lots of swirling, plenty of movement &
never a dull moment. The pieces range from his earliest efforts to his
most current... there's plenty of drum & thump (as you might expect with
electronica), but he has nice subtle pads working well for him, too. The
songs I received were higher quality .mp3's (in a protected site he provided),
but you can listen to several of his efforts on his "DJ
Derrick - New Trance" page, as well as give him feedback on what you hear
(by individual track). My favorite song was "Pouring
Souls (Original Mix)", a 5:23 piece that blends the beats (very) well, but
also features piano sounds and swirling outer-space-like wave rushes that will
blow your mind. I also liked "Dreamy
October (Pad Chain Edit)", as it has a lot of different movements going on.
That's the "key" to the music he's painting for your aural adventures, I
think... it's far more involved & "musical" than so many of the trance artists I
listen to these days... he seems to understand that "just thump" won't cut it
for the long term - that listeners demand more than that. Based on what
I've heard thus far, I give his work a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED & predict that if he
keeps at this, you'll be hearing far more of his music in the coming years.
Get more information at his
FB page
Rotcod Zzaj
Goat
- GOAT: Nice intricate wanderings that include tenor/ewi from Greg
Sinibaldi, guitar by Skiff Feldspar and drums/percussion from Denali Williams...
we reviewed Goat's "Special
Agent" in our last issue & found it very tasty listening for those inclined
towards adventure in their music... this album was release prior to that (it was
their first release, I believe), and is even more in the experimental zone.
Those in our readership who can't wrap their ears around compositions that build
slowly & don't have recognizable hooks may find "Dungeon
Ghost" a difficult ride, but it was my favorite track (of the 5 on the
album)... it is an 18:42 sonic bonanza full of very energetic sonic pictures
that will (either) enlighten or have you curling up your ears in fright... ha!
ha! "Badger
v cougar" is a bit more subtle, with some nice flute intros, & about half
the time/length, but still requires intensity in listening. This group
will inspire those who play music like this - it reminds me of some my own
musical forays, and makes me want to sit right down and "compro-vise" something
for the 22nd Century listener. It's some of the richest trio work I've
heard in a long time, and doesn't use "cheats" (like loops, etc.); comes across
as totally spontaneous performance with high talent. I give this one a
MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, too. Get more information at
www.gregsinibaldi.com Rotcod
Zzaj
John Wubbenhorst
- BANSURI DREAMS: We have been reviewing a lot of John's CD's over the last
3 to 5 months, after meeting him on FB. He has a totally unique
understanding of how powerful music can be, but weaves in and out behind the
most poignant scenes in your dreams to provide sonic counterpoint for
reflection. Beauty is inherent in a piece by John, but if you use
headphones to listen, you will actually "see" some of his visionary aural
insights into what makes the soul transcend the ordinary, and will feel the
enlightenment he has achieved radiate out into your day, your night & yes, even
your dreams. The bansuri (Indian wood flute) has a deep and rich
tone, yet it meshes perfectly with the other instruments/players (Hadgini on
drums and percussion & Ken Anoff on cymbals), especially on cuts like "Midnight
Meditation", my favorite on the album. The pace
is slower than you might expect, but it's a "build" like none you've heard
lately... constant elevation without reaching too hard; if more New Age
players could achieve this awareness of what it takes to nudge the listener's
spirit into ascendant mode, the genre would envelop the world! I give this
one my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, & advise (even) the jazz hardcases out
there to give this one a try. Get more information at
www.facingeast.com/bansuridreams.php Rotcod Zzaj
Steve Elson
- MOTT & BROOME: Jennifer Griffith joins Steve's soprano, tenor & baritone
sax & clarinet originals along with drums/percussion from Scott Latzky, bass
from Yasushi Nakamura and guitar/background vocals by Pete Smith in this totally
jazzy CD release (28 April, 2009); very pleasant music that will bring you up
from whatever low you may have descended to. "Bowery
Bossa Nova" seemed the best example (for my ears, anyway) of the substance
Elson & crew are able to paint for your aural adventures. Steve has been
"around", playing with some of the big ones... Joe Henderson, Johnny Otis, Eddie
"Cleanhead" Vinson, as well as pop musicians like David Bowie & Laurie Anderson.
That rich and varied musical background is reflected in his compositions and
will reward the listener with hours of listening pleasure, especially on cuts
like (my favorite), "Woolgathering",
which features Elson's solid clarinet mastery. The keyword for tunes
composed by Steve is "imaginative"... a surprise at every change, and absolutely
no clichés! I rate this as HIGHLY RECOMMENDED & advise those who
love superior reed talent to visit
www.steveelson.com right away! Rotcod Zzaj
Guideline for artists SUBMITTING to us: We do NOT generally review .mp3 files/sites. Being an active artist myself, though, I understand the need for the use of Internet sites as a "staging ground" for reviews! You are encouraged to email us your .mp3 links... we will visit the site/link, & if we like your energies, we will contact YOU! (We will NOT respond to followup inquiries about .mp3 files, though!!! p.s. If you EVER e-mail me .mp3 files, you will be BLACKLISTED on this site!!!)
In This Issue: -
IF you are the FIRST e-mail respondent to this note (to
rotcod@hawaii.rr.com - MAKE SURE
your subject states ALEX CD), you will
receive (free of charge) a copy of a superb jazz CD by Alex Kontorovich, titled
"DEEP MINOR" (which was reviewed in our last issue). We will have (some)
more freebies coming in future issues, so be sure & tell all your friends about
us!
RETURN to Zzaj
Productions MAIN page!