FRANK
SINATRA – ULTIMATE SINATRA
The
defining voice of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra enjoyed a legendary recording
career that spanned six decades, beginning with his earliest session in 1939
and culminating with his last in 1993, for his world-renowned, multi-platinum
Duets and Duets II albums. Ultimate Sinatra presents key recordings spanning
the Chairman of the Board s recordings for Columbia, Capitol and Reprise,
together for the first time. Ultimate Sinatra opens with 'All Or Nothing At
All,' recorded with Harry James and his Orchestra on August 31, 1939 during
Sinatra's first studio session. Ultimate Sinatra's 4CD edition boasts 100
tracks celebrating 100 years (plus a never before released bonus track),
including many more luminous recordings that reinforce Sinatra's well-deserved
moniker, The Voice. The chronological collection dives deeper into Sinatra's
musical world of iconic recordings, before closing with a previously unreleased
rehearsal version of 'The Surrey With The Fringe On Top' recorded in 1979. The
deluxe edition also features an 80-page booklet with a new essay by Sinatra
historian and author Charles Pignone, as well as rare photos and quotes from
Frank Sinatra and his children, Nancy, Tina and Frank Jr., as well as Nelson
Riddle, Billy May, Quincy Jones, and others. ~ Amazon
PORTICO –
LIVIING FIELDS
Where do
you start talking about a suite of recordings so concerned with the
commonalities between beginnings and ends? You could start by saying that
'Living Fields' is an album of catharsis and redefinition, born of a desire to create
newness out of loss and change. You could also say that the band Portico
themselves have undergone a process of ending and re-beginning, but none of
this quite captures what you will hear. The best thing you can do is listen.
Portico make music which moves forward towards distant places while offering
rare intimacy as well, arriving somewhere between structured pop songs and a
disintegrating ambience, a unique blend of the sublunary and the celestial.
Reverb drenched piano meshes with swathes of studio noise while vocals float
high above a world of textural atmosphere. Drum machines crisply puncture the
air around shimmering arpeggios of synth and electric bass.You can be
untethered, detached in space only for a moment of detail to rush into focus.
Melancholia and euphoria sunk into each other. The effect is profoundly
emotional without ever needing to emote. Portico are Duncan Bellamy, Milo
Fitzpatrick and Jack Wyllie. Previously they were three-quarters of the highly
successful and critically-acclaimed Portico Quartet. But 'Living Fields' is no
continuation under a shortened name. As far as the band are concerned this is a
debut. There are three remarkable singers on this record: Jono McCleery, Joe
Newman (Alt-J) and Jamie Woon. These are not just guest performances and it
shows. Woon shared a house with Portico in East London when they were writing
and recording the album that would become Isla and he was working on
"Mirrorwriting." Joe Newman is a childhood friend of Wyllie's and
Jono McCleery was introduced to Portico by Jamie Woon and has opened for them
in the past. These existing relationships allowed for a consistency of thought
and expression which makes this a truly remarkable record. ~ Amazon
STEVE GADD
BAND – 70 STRONG
The
follow-up to the same group’s Gadditude , this release celebrates drums master
Steve Gadd s 70th birthday. The other members of this phenomenal instrumental
dream quintet, with enviable CVs, are trumpeter Walt Fowler (Frank Zappa, Buddy
Rich, George Duke, Billy Cobham), guitarist Michael Landau (Ray Charles, Joni
Mitchell, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd), keyboardist Larry Goldings (Michael
Brecker, Jack DeJohnette, Maceo Parker, Jim Hall) and pioneering 5 string
bassist Jimmy Johnson (Allan Holdsworth, Billy Childs, Stan Getz). A richly
satisfying panoramic sound palette of groove and grace. Tracks include: Foam
Home, Freedom Jazz Dance, Written in Stone, The Long Way Home, Sly Boots,
Duke's Anthem, Elegant Squares, Desu, De Volta Ao Samba, Oh, Yeah?, and Blues
For... ~ Amazon
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