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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