Tuesday, December 06, 2016

NEW RELEASES: IVAN LINS & GERALDO FLACH – MUITO BOM TOCAR JUNTOS; KARL BYNES – CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE; SHARON LEWIS AND TEXAS FIRE - GROWN ASS WOMAN

IVAN LINS & GERALDO FLACH – MUITO BOM TOCAR JUNTOS

One of the best albums we've ever heard from this legendary Brazilian singer – at least within the past decade or so – a fantastic reunion with pianist/arranger Geraldo Flach, who gives the music a jazzy flow that's totally wonderful! Both Ivan Lins and Geraldo play piano and keyboards – so most tracks have a keys-heavy sound that's great, with mostly acoustic underpinning the music – creating waves of sound, even on the mellow cuts, which seem to unlock the jazziest side of the singer's vocals! The whole thing almost feels more like some lost live date from the 70s than a 21st Century performance – and is a reminder of that special sophistication that some of the true geniuses in Brazilian music can give us. Titles include 'Novo Tempo", "Ultimo Desejo", "O Mapa Da Cidade", "As Pastorinhas", "O Voo Da Aguia", "Estrela Guia", and "Lembra De Mim". ~ Dusty Groove

KARL BYNES – CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE

Actor and vocalist Karl Bynes waxes his debut single with an inviting gospel, R&B, and jazz flair on the holiday classic, “Christmas Time is Here.” For those YouTube devotees, Karl Bynes is a regular contributor with several videos filmed at intimate New York establishments and an audition for Adult Simba in The Lion King. Theater goers may have also noticed his acting chops with the sketch comedy, Satire Off Broadway, depicting life in the Big Apple. Yet his true heart leans towards his flexible tenor voice, who currently makes his theatrical acting debut as a lead choir vocalist in the holiday comedy, Almost Christmas. Besides his debut movie appearance, the Florida native also marked his recording debut, accompanied by his regular pianist, Densen Curwin, to share a deeply personal holiday favorites, “Christmas Time is Here,” one of the musical highlights from the 1965 holiday chestnut, A Charlie Brown Christmas. As a veteran vocalist, Bynes enjoys injecting jazz phrasing, one case in point being “Grateful” by Hezekiah Walker & L.F.C., anchored by influences such as Frank McComb (who accompanied him at the piano for “Knocks Me Off My Feet”), gospel legend Daryl Coley and contemporary jazz icon, Anita Baker. The same applies with “Christmas Time is Here,” with an interpretation spotlighting all of Bynes’ extensive range and vocal colors. ~ Peggy Oliver/The Urban Music Scene


SHARON LEWIS AND TEXAS FIRE - GROWN ASS WOMAN

Sharon Lewis has plenty of Texas fire here – but she's also got a good Chicago mix of blues and soul – almost a west side vibe, but with a contemporary approach – and a level of grit that makes her one of the strongest blues talent in the current Delmark Records roster! Lewis can really put a lot of growl into her vocals, but also never gets too fixated on that mode either – and instead can come across with almost a deep soul vibe on some numbers, especially when the band isn't bluesing it up too much. The core combo features Roosevelt Purifoy on piano and organ, and Steve Bramer on guitar – and guests include Sugar Blue on harmonica and Hank Ford on tenor sax – on titles that include "Chicago Woman", "Can't Do It Like We Do", "Hell Yeah", "Old Man's Baby", "High Road", "Soul Shine", and "Freedom".  Dusty Groove


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