Thursday, April 07, 2016

NEW MUSIC: DONALD EDWARDS – PRELUDE TO REAL LIFE; JACK ASHFORD – JUST PRODUCTIONS; KEEFE JACKSON / JASON ADASIEWICZ – ROWS AND ROWS

DONALD EDWARDS – PRELUDE TO REAL LIFE

A really different album from drummer Donald Edwards – one that adds in some Fender Rhodes from Nicholas Payton and a bit of vocals from Vivian Sessoms – all in this cosmic blend of jazz and soul that's not too different at times from some of Robert Glasper's recent work! Some tracks are still straight jazz – and are still pretty darn great – with strong lead tenor from Walter Smith III, and bold tones on guitar from David Gilmore – in a group that also includes bass from Luques Curtis. But the vocals are an especially nice surprise – sung in an angular, edgey way, with lyrics penned by Edwards on the tunes "Hop Scotch", "Way To Her", and "Thought For A Day". Trumpeter Antoine Drye joins the group on the track "Prelude To Real Life" – furthering the collaborative spirit of the record – and other titles include "Incantation", "Apple Street", "Beautiful Intuition", and "Queen & The Princess".  ~ Dusty Groove

JACK ASHFORD – JUST PRODUCTIONS

A huge legacy of Detroit soul – all from the masterful hands of onetime Motown maestro Jack Ashford and his Just Productions team! Ashford's had his hands in countless great records over the years – early work with Motown, key Detroit Pied Piper Productions material, and all these excellent cuts from later years – done by Jack in a mix of Northern Soul styles, and some even funkier modes for the 70s! Almost all these tracks only got released on tiny little labels, mostly as singles – and the set also includes a few never-heard tunes from the Ashford vaults – although overall, most of this music is still pretty darn obscure. Yet that never stops it from being great – as, similar to Detroit contemporary Dave Hamilton, Ashford was always working at a top level – and always found a way to bring his A-game to the table, even if he wasn't going for a hit. CD features 24 tracks in all – and titles include "Let's Do It Again" by Billy Sha-Rae, "Where Are You" by The Four Sonics, "Love You Baby" by Eddie Parker, "Sweet Baby" by Al Gardner, "Don't Take Your Love" by The Magnificents, "Deserted Garden" by Sandra Richardson, "Don't Worry" by The Smith Brothers, "Did She Do It To You" by Ray Gant, "Do The Choo Choo" by Jack Ashford & The Sound Of New Detroit, "After You Give Your All" by Softouch, and "I Need Your Love" by Lee Rogers.  ~ Dusty Groove

KEEFE JACKSON / JASON ADASIEWICZ – ROWS AND ROWS

Mindblowing sounds from two of the most creative musicians on the contemporary Chicago scene – coming together in a setting that really brings out the best of both of them! Keefe Jackson's a reedman who can blow with a strong sense of freedom, but never lose his way – and, like session partner Jason Adasiewicz, he often operates in a post-free mode that knows all the farther reaches of the sonic territory, but often sticks closest to the most meaningful, tonally expressive areas! That approach – heard here on tenor and bass clarinet – makes a wonderful combination with Jason's vibes, which we've raved about countless times – and which have never sounded better, here. Adasiewicz is easily one of the most important musicians on his instrument in decades – and a record like this just continues that reign in an amazing way. Titles include "Rows & Rows", "Cannon From The Nothing Suite", "Thunder Cooker", "Caballo Ballo", "Where's Mine", and "A Rose Heading".  ~ Dusty Groove


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