JEF GILSON AND MALAGASY - GILSON ET MALAGASY
Think
Mulatu and Ethiopea, Fela Kuti and Nigeria - now think Malagasy and Madagascar!
Over recent years, Jazzman Records have
delved deep in into the life and work of the late French jazz pioneer Jef
Gilson. The outcome has been two double albums featuring the best of his life's
work, and has included many previously unreleased tracks. As well as spending
his days (and nights) composing, recording, producing, arranging and
performing, part of Gilson's life involved the study and exploration of music,
and in the late 1960s his curiosity led him to the ex-French colony of
Madagascar, the island just off the south eastern coast of Africa. Indeed,
Gilson was fascinated by all kinds of music, not just jazz, and his thirst for
musical knowledge led him to make several trips to Madagascar not only to study
the indigenous music, but also to spread his passion for jazz. His absorption
ofMalagasyculture and the strength of his personality would eventually result
in the release of 3 exceptional albums ofMalagasyjazz, as well as a string
ofMalagasyconcerts, events and radio shows performed across France. This new
release is the entirety all 3 of these albums, as well as 2 further albums of
previously unreleasedMalagasymaterial, in an attempt to address the profound
contribution that Gilson and Malagasyhave made to world jazz.
JOE HENDERSON - THE STANDARD JOE
There's
nothing standard about this set – as Joe Henderson always brings something
special to a recording session – especially at this point in his career! The
album has a wonderful format – Joe's unique tenor tone set up beautifully
alongside the bass of Rufus Reid and drums of Al Foster – no piano or other
horns at all, just an open, swinging combo with a really great sense of energy!
Joe's bold lead really sets the tone for most numbers – and a few tracks are
compositions that Henderson recorded famously early in his career, recast here
with a whole new sound and heightened sense of maturity. Titles include
"Blues In F (aka In N Out)", "Blue Bossa", "Inner
Urge", "Body & Soul", and "Take The A Train". Also
features a bonus alternate of "Body & Soul". ~ Dusty Groove
KELIS - FOOD
The
never predictable, always endearing spacey pop soul chanteuse Kelis's debut for
Ninja Tune – working with producer Dave Sitek – and it's her best record in
years! We've loved Kelis from get-to around here, going back to when her vocal
presence grounded the spacier sounds of the young Neptunes production style in
genuine soul, and she's doing that again here with Sitek in the production
booth. As you'd guess from the album and song titles, it's got a foodie theme,
but it's loose one, and the songs stand strongly on their own. The surprising
thing is how rooted in timeless soul it is; if you thought the move to Ninja
Tune would beget a farther trip to the dancefloor cosmos, think again. Keep on
defying expectations, Kelis. It's just one of the reasons we've always loved
ya! Includes "Breakfast", "Jerk Ribs", "Forever
Be", "Floyd", "Runnin'" Hooch".
"Cobbler", "Bless The Telephone", "Friday Fish
Fry", "Change", "Rumble", "Biscuits N'
Gravy" and "Dreamer". Bonus CD edition includes a disc with
remixes by Mount Kimbie, Machinedrum, Will Saul & Komon, Ben Pierce and
more! ~ Dusty Groove
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