Friday, April 03, 2015

NEW RELEASES: THE BUDDY RICH BAND - MERCY, MERCY; KEITH CARTER - PLAYING FOR YOU; J. LAROI - EAR CANDY

THE BUDDY RICH BAND - MERCY, MERCY

Mercy, Mercy has been entirely remixed and includes 3 previously unissued tracks. The Buddy Rich Big Band includes: Buddy Rich (drums); Art Pepper, Don Menza, Walt Nemuth. Recorded live at Ceasars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. This CD reissue brings back the finest all-round recording by Buddy Rich's big band. The original version of "Channel 1 Suite" is a classic and contains tenor saxophonist Don Menza's most memorable solo, plus a couple of brilliant improvisations from the explosive drummer/leader. Another highlight is an inventive Phil Wilson arrangement of "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," and even "Alfie" (a melodic feature for altoist Art Pepper) and "Ode to Billie Joe" come across well. In addition to the original LP program, three selections were released for the first time on this CD. "Chelsea Bridge" is particularly significant, for it showcases Pepper, who was making a brief (and unsuccessful) comeback seven years before he finally returned to the scene. This spirited and often-exciting set is a real gem and is essential. ~ Scott Yanow.

KEITH CARTER - PLAYING FOR YOU

Keith Carter's music is a blend of smooth jazz and adult contemporary. Keith was born and raised in the Seattle /Tacoma area and has been playing in funk bands since Jr High School. Keith comes from a large musical family starting with his father, LaRoi Carter Sr., who still plays trumpet and is the family's musical inspiration. The rest of the family includes Keith's twin brother, Kevan Carter, bass player and song writer; and younger brother LaRoi Carter Jr., guitar player. Keith recently shared the stage with prominent Northwest musicians such as Darren Motamedy, Jeff Kashiwa, and Tom Grant. Keith's musical instruments include: Yamaha Alto Custom 82Z, Yamaha Tenor Custom 82Z, and Yamaha Soprano Model 475. Keith's early musical influences such as Warren Hill, David Sanborn and Gerald Albright provided the inspiration for this album. Wonderfully recorded tracks and well executed playing make this "smooth" album a joy to listen to on rainy days, at parties, or just cruisin' down the road. ~ CD Universe

J. LAROI - EAR CANDY

"Ear Candy" is J. LaRoi's sophomore project following 2013's debut "West End of the Sky". Once again, J. LaRoi gives you a cornucopia of jazz styles but blends them seamlessly together. Whether your taste is in smooth jazz, jazz fusion, jazz rock, Latin jazz, straight ahead jazz, or jazz pop, there is something here to please everyone. From the catchy hook of "5th House of the Sun" to the sensual "Midnight Rain" to the funky retro jazz funk of "Afro's & Bell Bottoms", this latest project from J. LaRoi will give your ears something sweet to listen to and savor. If your musical tastes are diverse and range from The Rippingtons to Carlos Santana to Herbie Hancock to Paul Hardcastle, then treat yourself to some "Ear Candy". ~ CD Universe


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