PATTI LABELLE – BEL HOMMAGE
A great little jazz album from Patti Labelle – and that's
right, we did say "jazz" and not soul – as the whole thing's got a
wonderful old school style that really suits the singer's voice perfectly!
There's a classic presentation to the record, but also one that's never trapped
in cliched gimmicks – as the live jazz backing seems to unlock more spontaneity
in Patti's vocals than we remember hearing in recent decades – as she takes
each song and gives it a wonderful personal performance. The lady also mixes in
some deeper bluesy currents to her phrasing, in a way you'd never expect from
her 70s albums – and titles include "Jazz In You",
"Moanin", "Moody's Mood", "Softly As I Leave
You", "Peel Me A Grape", "I Can Cook", "Folks Who
Live On The Hill", "Song For Old Lovers", and "Go To
Hell". ~ Dusty Groove
JAMIE BRANCH – FLY OR DIE
An incredible debut from trumpeter Jaimie Branch – an artist
who seems ready to be one of the boldest new voices in jazz on the Chicago
scene! Branch works here at a level that both lives up to an AACM legacy of
experimentation, and the rich exploration in new jazz forms that we love from
the International Anthem label – a short-lived imprint, but who who've really
opened up a wider audiences for the best creative efforts from our home town!
Branch's group here is great – with Tomeka Reid on cello, Jason Ajemian on
bass, and Chad Taylor on drums – the last of whom brings his wonderfully loose,
open, yet still-swinging style to play – and creates this magical flow that
only seems to inspire Jaimie's bold trumpet work even more. The record is
constantly creative, but deeply spiritual too – and also includes guest
performances from Josh Berman on cornet and Matt Schneider on guitar. Titles
include "Jump Off", "The Storm", "Waltzer",
"Fly Or Die", "Leaves Of Glass", and "Meanwhile". ~ Dusty Groove
EMANUELA CAMPANA - FORTISSIMO
A sweetly sultry singer – and one whose style will grab you
nicely, even if you don't understand Italian! The style here is laidback and
jazzy – with a warm glow that comes from some very well-crafted arrangements –
sometimes with a bit of bossa in the rhythms, sometimes kind of a soulful 70s
vibe – often very mellow, but in a way that lets the voice of Emanuela Campana
really open up and glow! The set features a great remake of Morricone's classic
"Metti Una Sera A Cena" – plus "D'Improvviso", "Cu'Mme",
"Brividi", "El La Chiamano Estate (Papik disco rmx)",
"All Around The World", and "La Voglia La Pazzia". ~ Dusty Groove
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