GEORGE DUKE - BRAZILIAN FUSION
A dream of a set – at least to our Brazilian-loving ears – a
special package that brings together all the best Brazilian-flavored cuts from
George Duke's late 70s run on Epic Records! The package is filled with
wonderfully sunny grooves throughout – tunes that sparkle and soar with mighty
nice rhythms – topped with loads of keyboards from George, and vocals that
often have a scatting, breezy style that's plenty sweet – American soul
influenced by Brazilian grooves, in a sound that's a bit like the feel of Earth
Wind & Fire's "Brazilian Rhyme". It's wonderful to have these
cuts all together, and the set feels like a dream album we would have compiled
ourselves – with titles that include "Omi", "The Future",
"The Way I Feel", "Sunrise", "Festival", "A
Melody", "Ipanema Lady", "Corine", "Positive
Energy", "Let Your Love Shine", "Thinking Of You",
"Your Life", and "Yeah We Going". ~ Dusty Groove
KIRK LIGHTSEY - SOLO PIANO, EN ARGENTINA
Kirk Lightsey's a pianist who really knows how to open up in
just the right setting – which he definitely does here in this sublime solo
performance from Bueno Aires! Lightsey's got a wonderfully lyrical touch – that
balance of soul and sensitivity that's always made him one of the most
expressive pianists of his generation – and even more so once the company on a
session gets slim. Tracks are all quite long, but handled at a level that's
always personal, but very powerful too – quite exploratory, but without ever
being too far out – that special sort of blend that Lightsey does so well.
Titles include "Habiba", "Pee Wee/Heaven Dance", "More
Than You Know", "Goodbye Mr Evans", and "Infant Eyes". ~ Dusty Groove
Describing distinguished cellist Jacob Szekely’s newest
recording with words like “cerebral” and “soulful,” critics have praised the indie
musician’s innovation and creativity. According to Szekely, largely credited
for transforming the cello into a credible lead jazz instrument, the
“soulfulness” on the recording wouldn’t have been possible without his cello
made by Eric Benning, a Los Angeles-area luthier who also crafts violas and
violins. “It was perfect timing for both of us,” stated Benning. “I
had just made a Stradivarius model cello with some absolutely gorgeous wood I
had been saving. Just as I was completing it, Jacob was looking to purchase
something high-end. His career was starting to take off.” The CD, titled “The Jacob Szekely Trio,” which includes the
talents of pianist Josh Nelson and drummer Christopher Allis, has received
decidedly rave reviews from acclaimed music critics such as Brian Arsenault of
the International Review of Music, who effusively stated: "The cello in Szekely’s special hands is
transformative, literally. At times a guitar, a bass guitar, a violin, a harp.
But always, always a cello. Is there anyone else in the world who plays the
instrument like this?" Szekely states that the recording and reception would not
have been possible without Benning’s cello in his hands. “It just wouldn’t have
been possible without Eric’s instrument. My Benning cello is an inspiration to
me. Whether I'm recording or performing, this soulful instrument empowers me to
play from my heart and express what I always hope to express.”
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