HARRY ALLEN FEATURING JOYCE– SOMETHING ABOUT JOBIM
A lovely little Brazilian-styled set from tenorist Harry
Allen – and one that features vocals and guitar from the wonderful Joyce!
Almost all titles are originals by Antonio Carlos Jobim – as you'd guess from
the title – but Allen's deep-voiced approach moves them into very different
territory than the usual bossa remakes – and reminds us just how great Jobim's
compositions can be as vehicles for jazz improvisation. In addition to guitar
from Joyce, the rest of the quintet features Helio Alves on piano, Rodolfo
Stroeter on bass, and Tutty Moreno on drums – who further underscore the
Brazilian elements – and Joyce sings on three of the album's eleven tracks,
always adding a lot when she does! Titles include "Captain Bacardi",
"Chovendo Na Roseira", "Theme For Jobim", "Angela",
"Voce Vai Ver", "Tema Jazz", "Mojave", and
"Antigua". ~ Dusty Groove
ROBERT STILLMAN – RAINBOW
Robert Stillman sits amidst a host of different instruments
on the photo with the album – Fender Rhodes, Tenor, soprano sax, and drums –
all of which, and more, he plays with a wonderful sense of expression on this
overdubbed set – almost with the personal feel of some obscure indie album from
the 70s! The music is partly jazz, and partly instrumental excursions with a
beautiful sense of sound – as Stillman works out these lovely textures and tones
on one instrument, then overdubs another, and creates some very beautiful, very
individual moments in the process. There's almost a spiritual feel to the
record at points, but the performance is more fragile and meditative at other
points – all with a poetic vibe that fits the image on the cover. Titles
include "Ruthie In May", "As He Walked Into The Field",
"Warren Is A Great Car", "Rainbow", and "Field With
Pops". ~ Dusty Groove
MATT CAB – SHUNKASHITO
Cool, catchy soul from Matt Cab – a soul singer with
American roots, but one who's been making much bigger waves recording albums
like this for the Japanese scene – where he seems to be creating quite an
audience for his music! Matt's got a style that could be huge if he were given
bigger chart placement over here – instantly appealing, with a quality that's
heartfelt, but never overdone – and a mode that's never trying too hard to be
anything other than a kind of hummable, memorable soul with nice crossover
potential – especially on the album's midtempo tracks, which might be the most
appealing. The album features guest work from Sway, Maco, and Che'Nelle – and
titles include "Take My Hand", "Sweet Simplicity",
"Castle In The Sky", "Used To Know", "Come Back",
"To You", "Call Your Name", and "That
Touch". ~ Dusty Groove
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