Thursday, June 14, 2018

New Releases: Jean Carne - Don't Let It Go To Your Head:The Jean Carne Anthology; Kris Brownlee – Breathe: Night Sessions; Curtis Haywood - Summer Breeze


Jean Carne - Don't Let It Go To Your Head:The Jean Carne Anthology

A fantastic tribute to the great Jean Carne – a singer who started out in jazz, working with then-husband Doug Carn on spiritual sessions and drummer Norman Connors on his soulful sides of the 70s – then shifted over to the Philadelphia International label, where she really helped Philly soul find new direction moving into the 80s! Jean always brings all the sophistication of her roots into her music – making her way more than just another soul singer, and instead a vocalist with a great range of expression that has her opening up in just the right way, no matter what the setting. This excellent collection is filled with classics from her years on Philadelphia International, and also includes some rare 12" mixes and duets with other artists too. Titles include "Free Love", "No Laughing Matter", "Don't Let It Go To Your Head", "You Can't Come Back Now", "There's A Shortage Of Good Men", "Time Waits For No One", "Lonely Girl In A Cold Cold World", "Bet Your Lucky Star", We Got Some Catchin Up To Do", "When I Find You Love", "Was That All It Was (12" mix)", "What's On Your Mind (12" mix)", "Revelation/Infant Eyes", "Mystic Stranger", "Completeness", and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" – plus "I'm Back For More" with Al Johnson, "Sweet & Wonderful" with Glenn Jones, "You Might Be Surprised" with Roy Ayers, "Love Is Beautiful" and "Dreams Of Tomorrow" with Dexter Wansel, "Keep In Touch" and "The Look Of Love" with Grover Washington, and "Dindi", "Love's In Your Corner", and "Valentine Love" with Norman Connors.  © 1996-2018, Dusty Groove, Inc

Kris Brownlee – Breathe: Night Sessions

Saxophonist Kris Brownlee returns with a new collection of originals, playing multiple instruments on each track of this, his fourth album. First emerging on the scene in 2001 as the frontman for his group, The Grooveside, Kris quickly setup a weekly jazz residency in Chicago that allowed him to not only sharpen his contemporary sound, but allowed him to evolve his straight-ahead jazz chops as well. "Over the past 25 years of playing, I've been influenced by many, but none more than by saxophonist Boney James," Brownlee said. Kris is always looking for new ways to set himself apart from the crowd. Whether it’s through his all out dance party-like shows or through his unique compositions, Kris Brownlee will take contemporary jazz fans on a journey that they won’t soon forget. ~smoothjazz.com

Curtis Haywood - Summer Breeze

Just in time, saxophonist Curtis Haywood brings you a smooth rendition of “Summer Breeze” and a new collection of studio recordings.  On his latest album, Curtis broadens his signature ballad sound with Urban Contemporary rhythms from his R&B Funk roots, thanks to production partner and longtime friend Ainsley Taylor and the early work of Witnel Paul. "Wherever The Chips Fall" (featuring Nathaniel Mitchell on keyboards) and the inspirational "Promise Me” are the lead singles.  Curtis exuberates his passion on The Stylistics’ classic "You Are Everything", displays his versatility with steelpan on the Caribbean-flavored rendition of the Seals & Crafts classic title track "Summer Breeze”, and invites flutist Ragan Whiteside to join the fun on "Let it Go”. There’s something for everyone, from Calyspo-flavored "Touch Me" to quiet storm specials like "Midnight Hour" and “Lullaby”.  Overall, it’s a solid album from Curtis Haywood that deserves a place on your playlist. ~smoothjazz.com



No comments:

Post a Comment