PAUL TAYLOR – COUNTDOWN
In the 19 years since Paul Taylor first got On The Horn with his hit debut album, he s enjoyed an extraordinary journey in the contemporary urban jazz world. From the start of his recording career, Taylor has created his ever cool deeply soulful and rhythmic trip-hop influenced sound by working with some of urban jazz and R&B s top producers, including Rex Rideout, Barry J. Eastmond and The Heavyweights. But one of the most important architects of the saxman s core flow has been Dino Esposito, who helped Taylor establish his vibe with On The Horn and Pleasure Seeker, and has played a powerful role in the saxophonist s evolution by helming tracks on his subsequent recordings Undercover , Hypnotic, Nightlife, Prime Time and Tenacity. Countdown marks the return of Dino Esposito who for the second album in a row is the sole producer. I m always trying to grow as an artist, so there were ideas going all the time as we developed these tracks, he adds. I definitely have an established sound, so the key was having an open mind and being honest when we hit on a certain vibe, groove or lick I had done before and taking the tune in another direction , says Taylor. Countdown also finds Paul working with guest artist Peter White. Taylor s mix of funk and sensuality were a natural fit for the emerging urban jazz genre, and he soon became one of its core artists.
MIKE LEDONNE & THE GROOVER QUARTET – THAT FEELIN’
There's a real sense of collaborative joy in the image on
the cover here – and that vibe really comes through in the energy of the
Groover Quartet of organist Mike LeDonne – a fantastic combo that brings
together the tenor of Eric Alexander, guitar of Peter Bernstein, and drums of
Joe Farnsworth – plus some guest work on alto from Vincent Herring on a few
tracks too! Alexander cut his teeth in the group of Charles Earland on Chicago,
and he's really on fire here next to Mike's soaring work on the B-3 – in a
flurry of soulful sounds that are further embellished by the great sense of
tone that Bernstein brings to his guitar – driven forward by LeDonne's basswork
on the Hammond, and the always rock-solid drums of Farnsworth. Titles include
"Sweet Papa Lou", "That Feeling", "La La Means I Love
You", "I'd Never Change A Thing About You", "At Last",
and "This Will Be An Everlasting Love". ~ Dusty Groove
DEANA MARTIN – SWING STREET
"Swing Street” is one of the finest in Deana’s canon of
work. Each album sees this artist grow … take more risks … and spread her
wings. There are 15 swingin’ songs on "Swing Street” packed with all the
diversity and elegance you would expect from a woman who is passionate about
her music. Deana challenges herself with each project and "Swing Street”
certainly proves that. In this collection, she once again gathers her A-list of
session players, arrangers, composers, conductors, and engineers ... the ones
who live and breathe this music, and she hands them 15 gems to wrap themselves
around. ”Swing Street” is a sophisticated collection of superb performances.
And, while it might not be her motivation, it sure feels like her proud Pop is
giving her his inimitable smile and saying, "Ya did good, Kid. Let ‘em
have it.” Includes: 52nd & Broadway; I've Been Around; Spooky; Hearing Ella
Sing; That's Life; Bye Bye Blackbird; New York State of Mind; Good Things Grow;
I Know What You Are; Quando, Quando, Quando; Strangers in the Night; Bellissima;
Georgia on My Mind; Tennessee Whiskey; and Who's Got the Action.
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