JAMIE CULLUM – INTERLUDE
The intent behind Jamie Cullum's seventh album, Interlude --
released in the U.K. in 2014, with a U.S. release in 2015 -- is to strongly
reconnect the singer/pianist with his jazz roots. Gone are the flirtations with
electronics, along with original material: Cullum is playing live with a jazz
orchestra, singing standards that are familiar but not shopworn. He expands the
songbook so there's room for Hank Williams' "Lovesick Blues" and the
Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," but his playbook is
straight out of Ray Charles. He's growling and crooning as he alternately
pounds and tinkles his piano, giving plenty of space for the orchestra to surge
but not allowing a lot of room for improvisation. Most of the songs here clock
in somewhere between three and four minutes, which is a strong indication that
this album lies toward the pop end of the jazz spectrum. This is by no means a
bad thing. By devoting himself to a strong book of standards and recording with
a live big band, Cullum seems reinvigorated. He's enjoying tearing into these
old tunes and that excitement isn't merely palpable, it's contagious. ~ Stephen
Thomas Erlewine
ORNETTE COLEMAN - TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION!
Digitally remastered by Joe Tarantino (Fantasy Studios,
Berkeley, California). With his second album as a leader, 1959's TOMORROW IS
THE QUESTION!, Ornette Coleman had not quite made all the necessary adjustments
that would introduce his classic period. However, enough changes had been made
to make it clear that the alto saxophonist -- contrary to his detractors'
sneers--had a specific sound he was aiming toward, and a clear idea of how to get
there. The biggest change between this album and Coleman's 1958 debut is the
lack of a pianist, which puts the melodic emphasis solely on Coleman's sax and
Don Cherry's trumpet. Coleman and Cherry are in remarkable sync throughout;
indeed, "Rejoicing" features several passages of the pair playing in
unison, and two of the album's most harmonically fearless and rhythmically
loose solos are Cherry's spotlights in "Giggin'" and
"Endless." Only the somewhat ordinary post-bop rhythm section of
bassist Percy Heath (spelled by Red Mitchell on the last three tracks) and
drummer Shelly Manne keeps TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION! from reaching the ecstatic
free-jazz heights of Coleman's classic Atlantic albums. Recorded at
Contemporary's Studio, Los Angeles, California on January 16, February 23 and
March 9 & 10, 1959. Originally released on Contemporary (7569). Includes
original liner notes by Nat Hentoff. Personnel: Ornette Coleman (alto
saxophone); Don Cherry (trumpet); Percy Heath, Red Mitchell (bass); Shelly Manne
(drums). ~ CD Universe
FUNKEE BOY - SOUL PURPOSE
Chart Topping/Award Winning Smooth Jazz recording artist
Funkee Boy follows up his award winning/#1 selling CD "Philosoulphy"
with his 3rd CD "Soul Purpose". This stellar CD blends Funkee Boy's
signature keyboard playing/songwriting/music production w/ A-List artists
Warren Hill, Najee, Bob Baldwin, Cindy Bradley, Nick Colionne, LEILA, Surface,
Lamone, Timmy Maia, Tevin Michael and more!!! "Soul Purpose" wins the
prestigious SESAC 2014 Smooth Jazz Award for top 5 Billboard and radio play. These stellar artists come together on my new CD that
features 9 original songs along with hot smooth jazz coverversions of Bruno
Mars smash hits "Treasure" & "Just The Way You Are".
Funkee Boy also grooves to R.Kelly's"Step In The Name Of Love", and then slow
it down with the Eagles classic ballad "I Can't Tell You Why". Soul Purpose takes the listener on a journey starting off
with the Uptempo tracks "Bonafide" & "Let It Flow".
Then it embraces your smooth & soulful side with tracks "Deja
Vu", "Karma", & "Keystroke. There are also brilliantly
written lyrics on the RnB vibes "Bring Back The Days" and
"Satisfied". Funkee Boy then plays with your senses and invokes a
certain type of mood by drawing on the 50 Shades Of Grey inspiration with the
solo piano piece "Escala". The 1st single "Let It Flow"
featuring Warren Hill achieved Top 10 on all 4 Major (non pay for play) Charts
- #4 Billboard, #8 Groove Jazz, #9 American Music/USA TODAY, #10 Smooth Jazz
Network. The CD also achieved the #1 best selling worldwide CD in Soul Jazz! Once again, Funkee Boy stays true to his
"philosoulphy" of blending his roots Jazz + Funk + RnB = SOUL. If you
like Smooth Jazz, RnB, Soul, Piano, Saxophone, Tasteful Vocals with meaningful
lyrics then this CD is for you!! ~ CD Universe
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