dragonfly

A discriminating and effortless blues groove is the overall feel of “Hip Factor” by Steve Allee from the album “Dragonfly” Owl Studios 2008.

This trio is comprised of Bill Moring-bass, Tom Horner-Drums, and Steve Allee-keyboards/piano. Special guests Rob Dixon and Rich Perry -sax, round out the group.

What’s interesting about this particular jam is the the mid tune unison between Dixon and Allee. This is one of those tunes that can be enjoyed in just about any setting. I happen to listen to it while driving to work.

When the tune begins,the horns sound like a muted trumpet(a la Miles), until it gets underway. The tonal quality of all instruments played have an elegance rooted in simplicity.

Tom Horner is rather soft spoken on the drums opting for what sounds like brushes on the snare. Bill Moring is equally minimal on the bass, offering counterpoint to the drums.

The crux of the tune lies in the afore mentioned sax and piano phrasing, at first alternatively, then combined.

If listened to closely, you can hear Allee change from electric piano to acoustic and back again.This is my only slight dissappointment, I think the acoustic piano sounds better, at least in this case. Get off anyway!

Track listing:

1. Bus To Belmopan
2. Dragonfly
3. Somewhere
4. Yummy
5. Morning Glory
6. X&Y
7. Dedication Suite: Conversation With Bill
8. Dedication Suite: Thaddeus
9. Dedication Suite: If I Were a Bell
10. Hip Factor

Personnel:

Steve Allee-keyboards Bill Moring-upright bass Tim Horner-drums
Rich Perry, Rob Dixon-saxophone

letter to herbie

When listening to Naked Camera by John Beasley from the album “Letter to Herbie” 2008 Resonance Records, one is immediately reminded of Freddie Hubbard style of trumpet, which I mean as a compliment to Roy Hargrove, who is actually playing.

As the album name implies, this is a tribute to the great Herbie Hancock, with some Wayne Shorter thrown in for good measure.

All the cats on this jam are tight. They include Beasley on keyboards, Christian McBride-acoustic/electric bass, Jeff Watts-drums, Michael O’Neill-guitar, Louis Conte-percussion and Hargrove.

This tune reminds me of the old CTI lps of the 70s when what became “smooth jazz” hadn’t been coined as a phrase, let alone a genre, and wasn’t as boring as it’s become today.

The album is a reshaping of some classics with an original stamp, which is probably why Freddie comes to my mind! Duh!

Track listing:

1. 4 AM (Herbie Hancock) 5:51
2. Bedtime Voyage (Herbie Hancock) 6:13
3. Chan’s Song (Herbie Hancock) 6:15
4. Three Finger Snap (John Beasley) 4:36
5. The Naked Camera (Herbie Hancock) 5:20
6. Eye of the Hurricane (Herbie Hancock) 4:17
7. Diana (Wayne Shorter) 4:23
8. Hear and Now (John Beasley) 6:20
9. Still Time (Herbie Hancock) 4:09
10. Vein Melter (Herbie Hancock) 3:21

Personnel:

John Beasley - Piano, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet, Synthesizer
Christian McBride - Acoustic and Electric Bass
Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts - Drums
Roy Hargrove - Trumpet
Steve Tavaglione - Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet
Michael O’Neill - Guitar
Louis Conte - Percussion

east of angel town

What can I say, I just like Peter Cincotti’s voice. “Always Watching You” from 2007/09 “East of Angel Town” 143/Records is just a nice tune. Not to mention his style of piano. He’s got a blues-jazz kind of pop vibe on this jam.

I guess the litmus test for me is: “If I saw these cats playing at a small club, would I be impressed?”. I think I would.

Musical embellishments include sexy sax riffs by Scott Kreitzer, addition vocals by Jochem Van Der Saag, David Foster-keyboards, Nathan East-bass, and Obed Calvaire-drums.

Blues seems to have an “everyman’s” quality about it which connects with the listener. And I’m sure the fellas out there can relate to his lyrics to a greater or lesser degree.

Track listing:

Angel Town
Lay Your Body Down (Goodbye Philadelphia)
Be Careful
Cinderella Beautiful
Make It Out Alive
December Boys
U B U
Another Falling Star
Broken Children
Man On A Mission
Always Watching You
Witch’s Brew
Country Life, The
Love Is Gone Bonus Track
Come Tomorrow Bonus Track

Personnel:

Peter Cincotti (vocals, piano); Keith Robinson (guitar); Dean Parks (acoustic guitar); Michael Landau, Michael Thompson (electric guitar); Scott Kreitzer (saxophone); David Foster (keyboard); Nathan East, Barak Mori (bass guitar); Obed Calvaire (drums); Jochem Van Der Saag (background vocals).

highway 90

It seems to be rare, at least to me to find guitar players who play with a balanced style of blues, jazz, and rock. Shane Theriot is one who does. When listening to “Punch” from the album”Highway 90″ Shose Records 2000, one is happily surprised by his command of jazz/blues stylings.

This is his debut album, apart from his regular gig as guitar player for the Neville Brothers band. Supported by a distinguished lineup of music veterans including: Art Neville-organ, “Mean” Willie Green-drums, Adam Nitti -bass, and last, but by no means least Tom Reynolds -piano.

What’s impressive about this tune is the interplay between Theriot and Reynolds as they play on top, around and through the basic groove established by the drums and bass. With splashes of harmonic vocals provided by Nick Daniels, Earl Smith and Shane, you’ll want to turn up the volume so no sublteties are missed.

Track listing:

1) It Ain’t My Fault
2) Pump
3) Thrashy
4) Highway 90
5) The Streat Beater
6) Punch
7) Shiho
1321 N. Las Palmos
9) Stampy
10) Bayou Chicken
11) Cabilo Breeze

Personnel:

Players:
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals Shane Theriot
Keyboards, Piano, Clavinet Johnny Neel
Bass Victor Wooten, Paul Chapman, Adam Nitti, David Johnson
Drums “Mean” Willie Green, JD Blair, David Northrup
Organ, Voice Art Neville
Piano, Keys Tom Reynolds
Soprano Sax Jeffery Scot Wills
Fretless Bass Kim Stone
Piano Randy Hoexter
Vocals Nick Daniels, Earl Smith
Percussion Jim Roberts
Skank Guitar Eric Struthers

L.O.V.E.

Let me say at the outset “This Is My Time” by Terri Walker(aka Chanelle Gstettenbauer) from L.O.V.E. album Mercury Records 2005 is somewhat an aberration for me. I’m not usually impressed nor find any appeal from looped tracks.

The groove of this jam is a sped up version originally laid down by the eighties group Dynasty(Adventures in the Land of Music). They had some moderate success with the tune “I’ve Just Begun To Love You”

It was also sampled by Camp Lo and titled “This Is It”, neither of which was very appealing to me.

That said, Terri’s rendition is a definite jam. It’s an uptempo self affirmation ode on surmounting life’s obstacles. Most effective is her straightforward delivery and vocal clarity,which combined make the tune work.

Composing credits go to both she and Jos Jorgensen.

This jazzy funk track didn’t get a lot of airplay domestically, though evidently was a minor hit in Europe.

From the start the irresistable bass line groove by Barry Sonjohn grabs your attention. What’s also somewhat sophisticated for this type of tune is the scat sang chorus. Vocals are by whom is called “The Family Tradition”, along with Blackman singing lead and keyboards. Further examination of the personnel reveals a young Dennis Chambers on drums.

Blackman’s credentials include having played with the likes of Parliament/Funkadelic,Earth,Wind & Fire, Roy Ayers, and Lenny White etc. His keyboard facility is also well showcased on this jam.

Track listing:(lp)

A1 Yabba Dabba Doo 5:16
A2 Heart’s Desire 4:30
A3 Holding You, Loving You 4:10
A4 Deaf Hook-Up Connection 4:03
B1 You Ain’t Hip 3:01
B2 Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide 3:38
B3 Since You Been Away So Long 5:11
B4 Never Miss A Thing 3:50

Personnel: The Family Tradition

Don Blackman-piano,keyboards
Desire “Deezie” White-vocals
Sheri “Ayo” Snyder-vocals
Barry “Sonjohn” Johnson-bass
Steve “City” Horton-guitar
Eddie “EPM” Martinez-guitar
Dennis “Washington” Chambers-drums

live in south africa

Jonathan Butler is an artist I’ve been familiar with since the latter part of the ’80s. Because of the fact that he seemed somewhat of a folk/pop type of singer, I’d never really taken the time to follow his music.

The first time I heard “Dance with Me” from “Live in South Africa” 2007/08 Rendezvous Records, the beginning sounded reminiscent of Milton Nascimento, whose voice I’ve always liked.

Further listening revealed a love song with a simple premise to the woman he loves. Dance with me.

What’s enjoyable for me is Butler’s vocal fluidity, and the songs understated syncopation. It also has a “pocket”, which lends a soft funk not often heard in ballads.

Another definite jam!

notes from the underground

Due to my love of the unpredictable and the piano, “Uncle Chubb” from “Notes from the Underground” 1992 on Amulet Records, is right up my alley.

Fusion, free jazz group Medeski, Martin and Wood have a deserved reputation for all of that and more which is typified by this track.

Their affinity for the atonal and seemingly dissonant melody and key signature makes this jam a true journey of musical revelation.

The personnel include: John Medeski - piano, Billy Martin - drums and Chris Wood - bass.

CAB 4

I love the overall old school vibe of this tune. Somewhat reminiscent of Jeff Lorber’s pre-commercial days.
Jam and Toast from the album CAB 4 2003 is more edgy than Jeff, but not as cosmic as Return to Forever.
A more comfortable mix I’ve not heard in a while.
It is simultaneously up-tempo and laid back, and all the cats get a chance to express themselves.
And what a lineup.

The main cats are: Tony MacAlpine-guitar, Bunny Brunel-bass, Dennis Chambers-drums, and Brian Auger-keyboards(my man! can you believe it?), and special guest Patrice Rushen.
The tune is bass groove and guitar riff driven, yet not annoyingly so. Which is not to discount the amazing counterpoint contributions of Brian and Patrice, while Dennis is holding it down on the snare and high hat.
CAB is clearly one of the best jazz-fusion groups of the new millenium!

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Track listing:
Hold On
One for the Road;
Shizuka;
Tony Mac;
Raymond;
BB’s Rhumba;
Bass Ackward;
Cloud 10;
Alphonse;
Jam & Toast;
Dede.

Personnel:
Tony MacAlpine, electric guitars, keyboards

Bunny Brunel, electric basses, keyboards, percussion loops

Dennis Chambers, drums

Brian Auger, B3 organ, keyboards

Patrice Rushen, piano, Rhodes, keyboards

palmystery

I love listening to some of today’s artists’ interpretation of fusion.
I’ve just recently got into “Sifu” by Victor Wooten, while listening to internet radio.
A friend hipped me to Bela Fleck, for whom Wooten played bass, so I knew of him.
Based on songs brief opening commentary and the fact that he is a martial artist, we’re led to the Chinese meaning of “Sifu” as teacher, and this tune is an ode in some way.

Nevertheless, this tune from the 2008 album “Palmystery” is a jam.
From the haunting background vocals, wailing guitar and sax. To Wooten’s dynamic, staccato bass plucking, you’re taken on an avante-garde fusion journey.
This alone may imply him having been passed the bass player baton from Stanley and Jaco. Enjoy!

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Hear more cats like this

Personnel:

Victor Wooten (vocals, bass instrument, bass guitar, fretless bass, hand claps, drum programming);

Amir Ali (vocals, lute, violin, darabukka);

Joseph Wooten (vocals, piano, organ, keyboards);

Richard Bona (vocals, percussion);

Chuck Rainey,

Sifu Brian Edwards, Dorothy Wooten, Doug Woodard, The Woodard Family, Daniel Hunt, Derrick Lee, Alvin Chea, Saundra Williams, Adam Wooten, Holly Wooten, Kaila Wooten, Keith Lee (vocals);

Regi Wooten (guitar, bass guitar);

Alvin Lee ,

Mike Stern (guitar);

Keb’ Mo’ (slide guitar);

Roosevelt “The Doctor” Collier (pedal steel guitar);

Eric Silver (mandolin, violin);

Howard Levy (harmonica);

Rudy Wooten,
Shawn “Thunder” Wallace (alto saxophone);

Jeff Coffin (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone);

Karl Denson (tenor saxophone);

Rod McGaha (trumpet);

Barry Green (trombone);

Neal Evans (organ);

Dane Bryant (keyboards);

Anthony Wellington, Alvin “Lil’ Al” Cordy, Anthony “Flex” Wellington, John Billings (bass guitar);
Steve Bailey (fretless bass);
JD Blair, Earl “Big E” Walker, Dennis Chambers, Raymond Massey, Will Kennedy, Derico Watson (drums);
James Jackson (congas);
Roy Wooten (cajon drums, shaker, hand claps);
Darrell Tibbs (percussion).

1. 2 Timers
2. Cambo
3. I Saw God
4. Lesson, The
5. Left, Right & Center
6. Sifu
7. Miss U - (with The Lee Boys)
8. Flex
9. Gospel, The
10. Song For My Father
11. Happy Song
12. Us 2