DON ELLIS – TEARS OF JOY / CONNECTION
A pair of classics from Don Ellis – back to back in a single
set! Tears Of Joy is one of the greatest albums ever from funky trumpeter Don
Ellis – partly because he takes off in a whole new direction of tones and
sounds! Don blows both a quarter-tone trumpet and four-valve trombone here –
both instruments with a very distinctive vibe, which are then set up in a
groovy large ensemble that features more trumpet and trombone, plus woodwinds
and a bit of strings – and some great electric touches on Fender Rhodes,
clavinet, and ring modulator! The tunes have that bold Ellis punch of a few
years before, but also really hit an earthier vibe too – not just new ideas in
sound, but also some rhythmic pulsation that really gives lots of the tunes a
fresh sort of flavor. Titles include "Samba Bajada", "Strawberry
Soup", "Euphoric Acid", "Get It Together", and
"Bulgarian Bulge". Connection is a great set of electric groovers
released at the same time that Don scored big with his soundtrack for The
French Connection! As you'd guess from the title, the feel here is quite
similar – funky electric big band jazz, with a very hip 70s action soundtrack
feel – one that mixes acoustic sax and trumpet passages with some groovier
keyboards and electronic bits – all wrapped up in production that's tight, but
never too slick to be funky! The album features a great take on Don's excellent
"Theme From The French Connection" – plus great electric jazz covers
of "Alone Again Naturally", "Superstar", "I Feel The
Earth Move", "Roundabout", and "Lean On Me" – as well
as album originals "Chain Reaction" and "Train To Get
There". ~ Dusty Groove
SUNNY WILKINSON - INTO THE LIGHT
Into The Night, the newest CD by veteran jazz vocalist Sunny Wilkinson features Wilkinson’s crystalline voice and impressive ability to
convey the heart of a lyric with unadorned honesty. For Wilkinson, the CD is
all about family— not just her immediate family, but her extended music family,
as well. The songs she chose comprise a mix of styles that resonate with
Wilkinson because they reflect, in various ways, her experiences and views on
love, life, and relationships. Wilkinson wrote lyrics to five of the songs,
including the title tune. “Into the Light” embodies the theme for the CD, which
is that life is often fraught with challenges and seemingly insurmountable
obstacles, but strength and perseverance can deliver you into the light, where
“wisdom and beauty abound.” The love for family and the strength and joy it
brings her permeate the CD, especially in the songs written by Wilkinson and
her husband, pianist Ron Newman, who composed three of the tracks. Whether
singing an intimate ballad or a fast paced, bopping scat number, Wilkinson
never hits a false or extraneous note. Her silky, warm voice, emotional
honesty, and thoughtful approach to lyrics are the hallmarks of an experienced
artist at the peak of her powers.
BONESHAKER (WILLIAMS/NILSSEN-LOVE/KESSLER) – THINKING OUT
LOUD
Plenty of bone-shaking going on here – thanks to work by
this heavy power trio, recording in Chicago with all the harder-burning energy
of the scene! Visitor Paal Nilssen-Love is on drums and percussion – playing
with all the incredible twists and turns that always make his performances such
a delight – while Mars Williams plays a variety of reeds, and Kent Kessler
reminds us again why his hands on the bass are always a force to be reckoned
with! Despite the intensity, there's also some strongly melodic moments –
especially from Williams – and titles include "Wabi Sabi",
"Brain Freeze", "Puffy Fluffy", and "Salty
Fruity". ~ Dusty Groove
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