November/December 2004 Issue 271 Free

30th Anniversary Year www.jazz-blues.com

PETER WHITE

A White Christmas at Playhouse Square 30TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November/December 2004 • Issue 271 A White Christmas at Playhouse Square

Published by Martin Wahl Peter White, Mindi Abair & Rick Braun Communications Provide the Holiday Cheer

Editor & Founder Bill Wahl It’s that rime of year again, and the mat. Earlier this year, MediaBase 24-7’s Layout & Design Bill Wahl Christmas concert season is upon us. research revealed that White’s music is On December 15 smooth jazz guitarist the most played on the entire radio for- Operations Jim Martin Peter White will be warming up Play- mat. The four-time consecutive winner of Pilar Martin house Square. the National Smooth Jazz Awards “Gui- Contributors The Englishman in the oversized tarist of the Year” honors is currently sup- Michael Braxton, Mark Cole, Chris jolly red suit will be porting his ninth solo Hovan, Nancy Ann Lee, David bringing a couple of album, Confidential, McPherson, Peanuts, Mark elves with him on his which was released in Smith, Duane Verh and Ron musical mission of March on Columbia holiday merrymak- Records. The first Weinstock. ing. Trumpeter Rick single from the album, Braun and saxo- “Talkin’ Bout Love,” Check out our new, updated web phonist Mindi Abair spent seven weeks at page. Now you can search for CD are loading up #1, and the new single Reviews by artists, Titles, Record White’s musical from the collection, Labels or JBR Writers. Twelve years sleigh as they visit “How Does It Feel,” just of reviews are up and we’ll be going all the way back to 1974! Cleveland on their an entered the Top 20 on 18-city U.S. concert its ascent to the peak Address all Correspondence to.... journey, which kicks position. His guitar Jazz & Blues Report off in San Diego No- sound has become his 19885 Detroit Road # 320 vember 26. White, signature, a sensitive Rocky River, Ohio 44116 Braun and Abair will and emotive voice of Main Office ...... 216.651.0626 deck the halls with melody, which sings Editor's Desk ... 440.331.1930 jazzy versions of Mindi Abair eloquently over R&B, [email protected] seasonal classics, a jazz, pop and Latin Web ...... www.jazz-blues.com few original holiday songs and some of rhythms. White, who first made his mark their best known hits. A Peter White as a teenager while playing with singer- Copyright © 2004 Martin-Wahl Communications Inc. Christmas is a holiday treat loaded with songwriter Al Stewart, with whom he wrote No portion of this publication may be only the finest ingredients - fun, funk, the hit “Time Passages,” has recorded reproduced without written permission smooth jazz and pop - and they guar- and/or toured with Abair, Basia, Dave Koz, from the publisher. All rights Reserved. antee it will even enchant the mean old Richard Elliot, Boney James, David Scrooges. Benoit, Gato Barbieri, Euge Groove, Craig Jazz Report was founded in Buffalo New All three artists have previously re- Chaquico, and Braun. York in March of 1974 and began in Cleve- leased holiday CDs, which is one of the Braun is also regarded as one of the land in April of 1978. We are subsidized things that inspired White to launch the top artists in smooth jazz, a format that solely through advertisement and ask that tour, now in its second year. “My earli- he fell into after a stint in the pop world,

you support our advertisers. est memories of Christmas were prob- where he co-penned the hit “Here With a W division of ably not much different from many other Me” while playing with REO Speedwagon. artin-Wahl c o m m u n i c a t i o n s people: snowflakes, tinsel, Santa Claus, He went on to play in Sade’s band, which reindeer and the opening of presents helped him hone his own sound as a solo surrounded by family. As a child, my artist. The trumpeter consistently deliv- father taught me to play Christmas mu- ers #1 hit singles and his albums often sic on my first instrument, the recorder, camp out at the top of the national charts "Buffalonious" and my love for holiday music has en- for months on end. Braun has released Original mascot from dured throughout the years. I hope this ten solo albums, including a new live col- the tour will be an opportunity for fans to lection, Sessions Volume 1, released on Buffalo Jazz Report enjoy their favorite Christmas songs in the newly launched Artisan Records label, days – mid '70s a family setting. Perhaps I’ll even bring which he owns with saxophonist Richard my recorder.” Elliot. Twice named “Smooth Jazz Artist Created by Over the past decade, White’s inti- of the Year” by the Gavin Report, Braun is Christine Engla Eber mate way with acoustic guitar melodies also recognized as an ace in the studio, has scored twelve #1 singles that have where he has produced records for White, Watch for new t-shirts bearing his image–coming soon! helped define the smooth jazz radio for- Benoit, Marc Antoine, Jeff Golub, Eric PAGE TWO November/December 2004 • Issue 271 Marienthal, Willie & Lobo, among others. struments and drummers their own On the concert stage and on record sticks. Amps, keyboards and drum kit Braun is a soulful and dynamic funkster, will be provided by the host band, to be who has recorded and toured behind col- used after their opening set. laborative duo and trio album projects Once again, the host band will be with Boney James, Kirk Whalum and the Peanuts All-Star Jam Band, led by Norman Brown (BWB). bassist Jim Bacha (Clearlight/Masque, Abair was last year’s breakthrough The Killers, BMZ) and guitarist Cy Sulak new artist of the year in smooth jazz. She (Sweetleaf, Michael Stanley’s solo shared the stage on White’s inaugural project, My Old School). Rounding out Christmas concert tour last year and the line-up this year will be guitarist Jerry By Mark Smith she’s back for another trek, this time in Zsigo (Clue, BMZ, The Collective), lead Back Home blues.....Tommy support of her recently released sopho- vocalist George Yunis (Souvenir), drum- Castro, one of the most popular artists more album, Come As You Are on GRP mer Tim Joseph (The Evidence, Wish to emerge on the blues scene in recent Records. Abair is an instrumentalist and You Were Here) and keyboardist Gary years, has signed a recording deal to a vocalist who incorporates rock and pop Jones (No Agenda, Midlife Chryslers) rejoin the family of Blind Pig Records, into her soul-jazz selections and she has Other unexpected surprises? Al- the independent label that brought him already started her own collection of #1s. ways, at the Peanuts All-Star Jam! to international prominence. Castro re- The sassy saxophonist’s crossover ap- For further information on The corded his first four studio albums for peal landed her an opening slot on tour Beachland Ballroom or for directions to Blind Pig, as well as a live CD and a this past summer with Josh Groban. the Peanuts All-Star Jam, call (216) 383- DVD that was taped at the legendary Before emerging as a solo artist, Abair 1124. Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. toured with The Backstreet Boys, Mandy The band is hard at work recording a Moore, Duran Duran and Jonathan But- Tri-C JazzFest’s new disc which should find its way to ler. stores in early February, 2005.... An- Peter White’s Chrismas Show will be The Song Is You! other piggy blues.... In addition to re- at the Palace theatre on Wednesday, Continuing its popular concert se- signing Castro, Blind Pig has just inked December 15 at 7:30 PM. Bad night? ries The Song Is You!, Tri-C JazzFest a deal with Rev. Billy C. Wirtz to release Then try the Dave Koz & Friends Smooth Cleveland will present Hoagy a live DVD and CD. Wirtz, pastor of the Jazz Christmas the night Carmichael: Up a Lazy River, Sunday, First House of Polyester Worship and before...Tuesday, December 14 at 7:30 November 7. Some of Carmichael’s Horizontal Throbbing Teenage Desire, PM. most memorable music; Georgia On mixes his piano skills with humor and My Mind, Star Dust, The Nearness of heavy doses of pro wrestling showman- You and many more will be covered. ship. According to the label, it “decided Peanut’s 30th Annual Joining host Bill Rudman and the to capture on videotape this six-foot- Joe Hunter Trio will be vocalists Bar- four heavily tattooed man with slicked- Thanksgiving Eve Jam bara Knight and Vince Mastro. Con- back flaming red hair and a demonic ceived by Rudman, The Song is You! goatee who wears Hawaiian print shirts Since 1975, the night before Thanks- is a multi-media program filled with live and alligator-skin shoes, and unleash giving has always been a special night music, recordings, videos and fascinat- a full length live performance DVD on for area musicians. It’s the one time of ing stories about the men and women the public. Also included will be back- the year when they try to get together to who made Broadway, Tin Pan Alley and stage footage, interviews, some clips play, this time just for fun. And, that movie music. Future programming will from his days in the pro wrestling busi- brings us to the Peanuts All-Star Jam include the music of the Gershwin ness, and a couple of other surprises.” 2004, the original Thanksgiving Eve All- brothers, Duke Ellington and Harold Run for shelter now!!!....Make your Star Jam. Arlen. travellin’ plans now..... The Blues All-Star Jam founder Peanuts is The Song Is You! programs are Foundation has announced that the proud to announce that The Beachland held at the Cuyahoga Community Col- 2005 W.C. Handy Blues Awards will Ballroom in Cleveland (at 15711 Water- lege Metro Campus Main Stage The- take place in Memphis on May 5, 2005 loo Rd.) will be the site of this year’s Pea- atre at at 3 p.m. The theatre is located at the Cook Convention Center in down- nuts’ All-Star Jam on Wednesday, No- near the corner of E. 30th St. and town Memphis. Gibson Guitars and vember 24. Woodland Ave., Entrance 6. Baldwin Pianos are on board again as “This is the 30th year in a row I’ve On December 12, in partnership corporate sponsors for the event. As hosted my All-Star Jam on Thanksgiving with the Jewish Community Center of noted by the Blues Foundation “The Eve. The imitators are flattering, but it’s Cleveland, a repeat performance of Irv- 26th edition of the Handy Awards will not the real deal unless I’m there” Pea- ing Berlin: The Proud Father of 20th- follow the format of the sold-out and criti- nuts said, laughing, regarding this year’s Century Song will be held at 2 p.m. in cally-acclaimed 2004 show which fea- event, #30 in the series. the Cuyahoga Community College tured performances by more than 20 The Peanuts All-Star Jam 2004 is Eastern Campus Performing Arts Cen- Handy nominees in a dinner table set- open to the public, with the music start- ter, near Richmond Rd. and Harvard ting in the Convention Center’s new ball- ing around 9:30 pm and, as always, no Rd., in Highland Hills. Admission for all room. World-renowned Blues song- cover charge. It’s an 18 & over event shows is $15 at the door. For informa- stress Maria Muldaur said of the 2004 with proper I.D. required (“If you’re 18 & tion and group rates, call 216-987-4049 Handys, “This was the best music event over with a proper I.D., you’re on the or 216-987-4400. I have ever attended and I have been to guest list” Peanuts says). The series is sponsored by The a lot of music events. I am not talking SPECIAL NOTE: All guitarists and Andrews Foundation, WCLV-FM and about the best Handy Awards, but the bassists are asked to bring their own in- WKHR-FM. best music event, period.”...... See ya! November/December 2004 • Issue 271 PAGE THREE Jazz & Blues Report 30th Annual Holiday Gift Guide

As is the case every year at this time, this section will give you some ifdeas on holiday gifts to pick up for a friend...or to drop hints on for yourself! As usual, most of these are boxed sets and DVD videos, although we have chosen some single CDs as well. Happy shopping!

George Coleman/tenor sax, Victor Feldman/piano, Ron Carter/bass and Frank Butler/drums. The next three sessions retained only Coleman, with Herbie Hancock, Carter and Tony Wil- liams as the rhythm section. The next was the July ’64 live Tokyo concert with Sam Rivers taking over for Coleman, and the final session is the Sept. ’64 Berlin recording, with Wayne Shorter on board putting the famous Miles quintet of the mid-sixties intact. Also included here are eight previ- ously unissued tracks and three cuts MILES DAVIS appearing for the first time in an Seven Steps: The Complete unedited form. Another real treat here DEXTER GORDON Columbia Recordings of is the sound quality. Sony continues to The Complete Prestige Recordings Miles Davis 1963-1964 improve the sonics on reissues and PRESTIGE/FANTASY BOXED SET COLUMBIA/LEGACY BOXED SET here you’ll get 24-bit digitally remas- Fantasy Records, which owns the The many fans of Miles Davis con- tered technology. labels Prestige, Milestone, Pablo, and tinue to be treated with top notch reis- The package itself is a work of art. Contemporary, among others, continues sue discs and multi-disc sets from Co- Inside the grey canvas covered to be one of the main players when it lumbia/Legacy. This 7-CD set is the hardbox is an album type book with comes to reissuing jazz and blues albums latest edition to the many Miles boxes pages containing the pockets for each from their huge catalogue, and the label the label has reissued over the past CD and the 90-page booklet with all has also been a longtime leader in the several years. the recording/discography informa- arena of boxed sets. This set, as the title suggests, tion, notes by Bob Blumenthal and This massive 11-CD boxed set brings together every one of the many previously unpublished photos brings together all the recordings the leg- trumpeter’s recordings covering the of the musicians. The album is fastened endary tenor master Dexter Gordon years 1963 and 1964. That a seven together with a chrome spine. All of this made for Prestige Records. Disc 1 opens disc set would be needed to cover an is in true Legacy/Miles fashion, and it with a track from the Wardell Gray Me- artist’s output for a two year period is is no wonder that the label has col- morial album featuring Gordon with certainly a testament to what a pro- lected 9 Grammy Awards for their Miles Gray, Clark Terry and Sonny Criss, the lific recording artist Miles was. Davis deluxe boxed set series. This rest of the set was recorded between the The 50 song collections features could easily be number ten. years 1960 and 1973. What follows is five different bands, starting with an A fantastic set for Miles Davis fans. Dexter’s Jazzland album The Resur- April 1963 session with Miles joined by Bill Wahl gence of Dexter Gordon and an album PAGE FOUR November/December 2004 • Issue 271 led by tenor man Booker Ervin before songs. Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry was brought to breaking into Gordon’s 13 Prestige al- shine both as a duet and as part of a the public with a bums from 1969’s Tower of Power great closing all-star jam including T- steady stream of through 1973’s Blues a la Suisse - live Bone Walker on guitar, Willie Dixon on new releases at the Montreux Festival. The last song bass, drummer Jump Jackson, singer throughout the is a 17-minute blowing session “Treux Helen Humes and piano king Memphis label’s history. Blue,” with Gordon joined on the front Slim. This classy line at Montreux by Gene Ammons, Can- The Slim / Sonny Boy program is set opens with nonball Adderley and Nat Adderley. This set in a pseudo-night club motif with an true West Coast exquisite treat was taken from Ammons’ amusingly mild-mannered group of Ger- jazz material fea- album Gene Ammons and Friends at man “patrons” as a stage audience, but turing such play- Montreux. Slim is definitely for real and delivers a ers in the genre Among the 88 tracks here, 17 of solid set. Slim’s band serves as Sonny as Howard which are previously unissued, you’ll Boy’s backup as the curmudgeonly old Rumsey’s Light- hear Gordon in various quartet and quin- harp king bangs out some solid work. house All-Stars, tet settings with a host of musicians, in- The close-ups of Sonny Boy alone are Shelly Manne, Barney Kessel, Lennie cluding Jaki Byard, Barry Harris, Buster worth the price of this disc. Blues fans Niehaus, Hampton Hawes, Art Pepper, Williams, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Bobby are well advised to hit on both of these. Jimmy Giuffre, Bud Shank and many Timmons, Tommy Flanagan, Wynton Witnessing these masters getting a TV others. West Coast Jazz may have been Kelly, Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, star treatment not likely in the States is what the bright yellow Contemporary la- Billy Higgins, Thad and Hank Jones, special to experience. Duane Verh bel was known for, but Koenig actually Stanley Clarke, Louis Hayes, Hampton covered quite a spectrum of jazz, which Hawes, Bob Cranshaw and the you will hear over the next three discs. Adderleys. There are also some dueling THE CONTEMPORARY There is mainstream, hard bop, post- tenor tracks with fellow masters Booker RECORDS STORY bop, show tunes, soul jazz and early Ervin, James Moody and Gene CONTEMPORARY/FANTASY avant-garde, featuring such names as Ammons. Contemporary Records, the label Benny Carter, Ben Webster, Red Norvo, The enclosed 46 page booklet con- founded by Lester Koenig in 1951, was Sonny Rollins, Harold Land, Benny tains all the recording and track/person- known to be a leader among West Coast Golson, Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor nel/album information, color and B&W jazz indies (independent labels) along and Woody Shaw. You’ll also hear from photos, reproductions of the original al- with Fantasy Records (the current owner Helen Humes, Chico Freeman and many bum covers and notes by Ted Parken. of the Contemporary catalogue) and others. Art Pepper is featured on five An excellent set for the many fol- Pacific Jazz (now owned by Blue Note/ tracks throughout the set tracing him lowers of Dexter Gordon. Bill Wahl EMI.) This 4-CD set offers a look into from his early career through his live the treasure trove that resided in the Village Vanguard date in 1977, from vaults of Contemporary Records and which we get a solo alto sax version of BLUES DVDS American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1969 VOLUME 3 Limited Edition Jazz Collections! Blues Legends in Europe- REMASTERED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS MEMPHIS SLIM SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON Gerry Mulligan Concert Band, UNIVERSAL MUSIC DVD VIDEO Sarah Vaughan, Django Reinhardt, Produced for German TV in the mid- 60’s, the production values may look Hank Mobley, Woody Herman outdated or vintage and the black-and- and over 40 more Boxed Sets white will either annoy or enchant view- “Since its founding in 1983, Mosaic ers, depending on one’s perspective, but Records has established a worldwide the “star” content for true blues fans is reputation among knowledgeable jazz fans first rate on both of these titles. A young, as the best reissue label in the business. Mosaic’s limited edition boxed sets are tuxedo-decked Buddy Guy is hot on his collections of significant jazz recordings own or comping behind Big Mama packaged in a way that shows Thornton. A surprisingly slicked-up great respect for the music, Hound Dog Taylor performs both as the musicians, and the music sideman to a youthful, trim Koko Taylor lover.”- Robert Derwae, and as a frontman in a lineup that in- Cleveland Plain Dealer cludes an unexpectedly low profile Little Walter. Carefully placed in a “modern” www.mosaicrecords.com set are acoustic masters Skip James, Bukka White, and Son House each de- Call For A Free Brochure: (203)327-7111 livering solid versions of well-traveled November/December 2004 • Issue 271 PAGE FIVE Over The Rainbow on this set. Johnny Winter’s October ’69 album LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS The booklet bound into the long case Second Winter has also been given the Lightnin’s Boogie includes all the necessary song and per- Legacy Edition treatment. This set con- sonnel information, notes by Richard S. tains the original studio album plus two TAJ MAHAL Gindell telling the contemporary story, previously unreleased bonus tracks (not Sugar Mama Blues photos by prominent L.A. photographers alternate takes), one of which is an in- JOHN LEE HOOKER and color minis of the original album strumental. Disc 2 contains an 80+ Black Night Is Fallin’ covers. A very nice set chronicling this minute live concert at the Royal Albert JUST A MEMORY historic West Coast label. Bill Wahl Hall in London in April, 1970. All 9 tracks This Canadian trio reissue release are released here for the first time and features “live” dates from 1977 and 1980 the sound is quite good. This set is also at Montreal’s Rising Sun, a diverse venue a gem for all of Johnny Winter’s fans out of high reputation. If the sessions on there. these three discs are any indicator- the This “Legacy Edition” thing is a rep was well deserved. Good vibes great idea. Hopefully there will be many abound as do very respectable perfor- more of these to come. Bill Wahl mances by these masters. Lightnin’ sounds vital, blowin’ electric over under- stated rhythm. The feel is both business- like and congenial. Taj fronts the eclectic sounding line- up he debuted on his 1977 release Mu- sic Fuh Ya. A distinctly Afro-Caribbean atmosphere reigns on tracks from that SANTANA disc as well as established T.M. fare in- JOHNNY WINTER cluding “Corrine Corrina”, “Going Up To The Legacy Editions The Country” and “Good Morning Little COLUMBIA/LEGACY Schoolgirl”. Saxophonist Rudy Costa Columbia/Legacy has been reissu- provides strong solo work and Robert ing some classic albums in what they Greenwich frequently steals the spotlight call a “Legacy Edition,” which are ex- somehow turning his steel drums into a panded, newly remastered versions of bluesy faux-keyboard or rhythm guitar. the original albums in a two-CD set. RAY CHARLES There may be no new news on John Each of these contains the complete Ray: The Original Motion Lee Hooker’s disc- the song list is pretty original album, plus some bonus tracks Picture Soundtrack well-traveled, but his four-piece is high and a second CD which, in these two ATLANTIC/RHINO/WMG on energy and John Lee is fine form. cases, contains a live concert recording SOUNDTRACKS John Garcia is an ideal guitar partner, which is previously unissued. Whether or not you have seen the providing the leader just right amount Santana’s debut album, simply titled movie RAY, this 17 song soundtrack of of dialogue. Santana, was released in 1969 a day the Ray Charles performances in the film The cover art has a nice “series” after the Woodstock festival. The Legacy will be a welcome addition to your CD look to it and the quality is consistent Edition contains that album, plus some collection, or a friend’s as it would make enough to rationalize a triple acquisition. alternate takes and studio jams. The a perfect gift for a music loving friend. Duane Verh second disc contains six previously unis- Split between 11 studio recordings sued tracks featuring the band in the stu- and 6 live performances, this disc col- dio in January of ’69 before drummer lects many of his best known classics, CHRISTMAS ALBUMS Mike Shrieve and percussionist José such as “I’ve Got A Woman,” (Night Dianne Reeves ‘Chepito’ Areas joined the group. These Time) Is The Right Time,” Georgia On Frank Sinatra tracks provide an interesting look into My Mind,” Hit The Road Jack,” “Let The BLUE NOTE the formation of the Santana band, and Good Times Roll,” “Hallelujah I Love Her REPRISE/WSM also show what an improvement the So,” Mary Ann,” “What’d I Say,” and We have received many Christmas addition of Shrieve and Areas made. many others. albums this year and have chosen two Their presence on the second session in Ray was personally involved with the that stand out among the others. May resulted in these six tracks without film, which stars Jamie Fox as Charles. Dianne Reeves has released her first the new members being sacked and re- The genius passed away on June 10 at ever holiday collection titled Christmas recorded with the new band. The rest of the age of 73, but he left one hell of a Time Is Here on Blue Note Records. the second CD contains the band’s en- legacy for us all to enjoy. The movie and This brand new recording has 11 Christ- tire electrifying show on Sunday after- this soundtrack will certainly help that mas songs, some well known classics, noon at Woodstock. Of the seven tracks, along. If you don’t own any Ray charles some less known chestnuts, and some four have never been released until now. albums, there is not a reason I can think newer fare, but all performed with grace Without question, this set is a real gem of as to why this should not be the place and finesse. The percussion on some of for any Santana fan. to start. Dig in. Bill Wahl the tracks, especially “Little Drummer PAGE SIX November/December 2004 • Issue 271 Boy,” is outstanding. Dianne has won inviting percussionist and purported Grammy Awards for each of her last three witch-doctor Amoah Azangio to perform consecutive releases. She might get one alongside Eddie Harris and himself. for this as well. Nice refreshing stuff! The stage performances of Ike and Frank Sinatra certainly had a flair Tina and Wilson Pickett, while typical in HaveHave aa SmoothSmooth with Christmas songs and 18 of them their structure, are enhanced simply by are collected on The Christmas Collec- the context of this virginal audience. Even azzazz HolidayHoliday tion just released on Reprise/WSM. The the stone-serious police bordering the JJ tracks were taken from various Sinatra stage were grinning widely during the albums and singles recorded between Pickett set. The Staples Singers and ■ The Colors of 1957 and 1975. The exceptions are the Voices of East Harlem are well received previously unreleased “White Christ- as well but, interestingly enough, it is the Christmas mas” with Bing Crosby from 1957 and multi-racial band Santana, that shakes Peabo Bryson “Silent Night,” which features a 1991 things up most. Of the “native” interludes, vocal tack with a newly recorded or- a solo dance/percussion improv by Marilyn McCoo chestral backing arranged by Johnny Azangio, described by McCann is perhaps James Ingram Mandel. the most engaging, but there is abundant En Vogue Merry christmas! Bill Wahl splendid local color to check out. The soundtrack has been re-mas- State Theatre tered and includes separate commentary December 9 by Mavis Staples, Ike Turner and McCann. This is a concert film likely to get many Thursday, 8 PM • $45, $40 & $35 replays by lovers of soul and r&b as well as those looking for a special bit of his- tory. Duane Verh

RAY CHARLES Genius Loves Company A Smooth Jazz Christmas CONCORD RECORDS The final session for the late Ray ■ Dave Koz and Charles paired him in duets with several singers between June 2003 and March Friends 2004. Palace Theatre In Ray’s own words “I’ve recorded with so many amazing musicians in my December 14 SOUL TO SOUL career, but never on a duets album all my Tuesday, 7:30 PM Various Artists own. I thought it was time to have some $50, $45 & $40 RHINO/WSM DVD VIDEO of the friends that I love and the artists In 1971, a lineup of top-shelf black that I admire come into my studio and musical artists headed for the West Af- sing with me live.” rican country of Ghana for a thirteen- The result of that thought is this inti- hour plus concert. In the tradition of mate 12 song album, all of which was Woodstock and Wattstax it was caught produced by either Phil Ramone or John on film along with scenes featuring nu- Burk and mixed by Al Schmitt. Most of merous native musicians and some the cuts were recorded at RPM Studios in amusing interludes focused on the con- Los Angeles and they all fit together per- ■ A Peter White genial street corner interaction of the fectly well. Christmas You’ll hear Ray with Norah Jones, various American stars and their hosts. featuring Soul To Soul stands as an entertaining James Taylor, Diana Krall, Elton John, tribute to the power of music to bridge Natalie Cole, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Rick Braun & cultures and an engaging marker in Michael McDonald, B.B. King, Gladys time when black American conscious- Knight, Johnny Mathis and Van Morrison. Mindi Abair ness first reached out en masse to make Three of the songs were written by the Palace Theatre this mainline connection to its origin. artist Ray performs with - James Taylor’s The difference in the reactions of “Sweet Potato Pie,” Elton John’s “Sorry December 15 Wednesday, 7:30 PM • $30 & $25 the Americans to this new and differ- Seems to be the Hardest Word,” and Van Tuesday, 7:30 PM • $30 & $25 ent scene is amusing in itself. Ike and Morrison’s “Crazy Love.” Tina Turner seem as naive on African I’d have to say that every song is an ■ TICKETS: playhousesquare.com, box streets as any first-time tourists while absolute standout here, and this album office, 216-241-6000 Les McCann appears to have made should please anyone who likes good or 800-766-6048 more solid connections, meeting then music–period. Bill Wahl November/December 2004 • Issue 271 PAGE SEVEN aptly titled “Montreux Success In Dis- ter, titled “Reflections,” was written by guise.” Bennett himself as he looks back at Well shot and well recorded with Ste- length on each track in this set. While reo and 5.1 mixes, you won’t go wrong these notes were also written in 1991, with this Montreux set. Bill Wahl Bennett updated them to cover the new songs included in this edition of the boxed set. In true Columbia/Legacy fashion, this is a first class set. Bill Wahl

STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN & DOUBLE TROUBLE Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985 EPIC/LEGACY DVD VIDEO If you are a Stevie Ray Vaughan fan, MAVIS STAPLES or someone on your gift list is, this 2- Have A Little Faith DVD set is tailor made for repeated en- ALLIGATOR joyment. One of the highlights from this This set is split with two complete summer’s Pocono Blues Festival was the Montreux Festival performances three performance by Mavis Staples. Her set years apart. Although all of the first, and TONY BENNETT included some classics associated with most of the second were released with Fifty Years: the Staple Singers and what was then a audio versions only in 2001, this is the The Artistry of Tony Bennett preview of this recently issued Alligator first release for the video portion. COLUMBIA/LEGACY BOX SET disc, These are two very different con- If you, or someone you know, are a Have a Little Faith. This new album certs. The 1982 show was before the re- fan of singer Tony Bennett, this 5-CD set will be welcome for Ms. Staples’ many lease of their first Epic album and would be a great gift idea. This set con- fans and gain her new fans as well. While Vaughan was pretty much unknown. tains 110 tracks from Bennett beginning the material is religious in nature, the Although the band played well, their re- with “The Boulevard of Dreams” from basic messages of songs such as the title ception was poor - in fact to the point 1950 opening disc one and culminating track, God Is Not Sleeping, In Times Like that some of the rude members of the with “What A Wonderful World” from These and Step Into the Light can move audience were booing. Between this and 2002 which closes disc 5. In the middle persons of all faiths. The mood of many the 1985 concert, the band had two plati- is a veritable slew of the singer’s work songs is mostly reassurance in these num selling albums on Epic Records and presented in true chronological order for very troubling times we live in. There are a Grammy. Disc 2 contains the second his many followers to feast on. This set some nods to the unsettled times on concert, where they were greeted by the updates the original Legacy box issued There’s a Devil on the Loose, while a crowd as though they had just completed in 1991 which chronicled his first forty couple of songs, Ain’t No Better Than a Mars landing. With the addition of key- years, adding another decade of works You and At the End of the Day, promote boards to the band, and more elaborate from Tony’s exceptional career. the idea that whatever our state in life, production, Vaughan and Double The four color booklet inside con- we are all basically the same. As she Trouble tore the place up. An extra treat tains dozens of photos and six chapters sings on the latter number that whether here is the inclusion of the late Texas of liner notes by Bennett’s longtime pi- one is a Wall Street broker or a fruit cart guitar master Johnny Copeland for three ano accompanist Ralph Sharon, jazz vendor, “At the end of the day, we’re all tracks, and a standout is the slow blues critic Leonard Feather, Sinatra biogra- the same.” “Tin Pan Alley (aka The Roughest Place pher Will Friedwald and radio’s Johathan She recalls her late father on Pops In Town)” on which Copeland also takes Schwartz. Those chapters are reprinted Recipe, singing about he taught her how a turn on vocals. from the original Forty Years boxed set. to sing and how to live, and gave his fam- Also included on Disc 1 is an inter- The latest chapter for the 1992-2002 ily all his love and everything he had to view with bandmembers Chris Layton recordings was written by Rolling Stone give. and Tommy Shannon with additional contributor Anthony DeCurtis, covering A Dying Man’s Plea is a moving ren- comments from Jackson Browne and his winning over the MTV audience and dition of See That My Grave is Kept John Mayer which give some insight into winning the Grammy for Album of the Clean, with additional lyrics that Pops the first Montreux fiasco and how it ac- Year, and looks into his nine albums re- Staples had added with nice dobro and tually fueled the band’s success. It is corded during this period. The final chap- fiddle from John Rice. The album con- PAGE EIGHT November/December 2004 • Issue 271 cludes with a new rendition of Will the Holiday, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Clapton somehow managed to Circle Be Unbroken, which was the first Monk and George Duke. And the third gather more guitarists than I can men- song the Staples learned to sing as a division is Hot, with offerings from tion here, and many of the songs fea- family and was a hit for them on Vee- Count Basie, Duke Ellington, George ture 2, 3, 4 or 5 at once. A short list of Jay. Benson and Freddie Hubbard. the slew of guitarists here includes Rob- Produced with Jim Tullio who adds For the most part, there is really ert Lockwood, Jr., Hubert Sumlin, David percussion, bass and guitar on various nothing on these that does not fit. For “Honeyboy” Edwards, Buddy Guy, tracks, Mavis Staples sings brilliantly example - the Hancock does not mix Jimmie Vaughan, J.J. Cale, Robert with so much passion. The musicians in his acoustic work with his later elec- Cray, BB King, James Taylor, Jerry the studio provide a most sympathetic tric funk. All tracks are acoustic. Also, Douglas, Joe Walsh, Carlos Santana, backing, with a bluesy-soul feel on most the Benson mixes his CTI work with John Mayer, John McLaughlin, Larry of the songs. This writer may be a reli- one of his earlier tracks from ‘66, then Carlton, Steve Vai, Doyle Bramhall II gious skeptic, but these performances closes with another CTI track This is and ZZ Top. move me. This is clearly among the best the only one of the series that has a I received an advance version in the recordings (blues or otherwise) of this strange flow. mail the day the magazine had to be year. Ron Weinstock In all, nice samplers with a great put together for press, so I admit I had low price. Bill Wahl to do a quick sampling of the music to get it in this issue. This is simply a fan- JAZZ MOODS SERIES ERIC CLAPTON tastic choice for any guitarist out there COLUMBIA/LEGACY Crossroads Guitar Festival who can listen to players in the blues, If you are looking for some sam- WSM/REPRISE/DUCK DVD VIDEO jazz and country genres. The only thing plers at a low list price, Columbia/ This is a guitar players extrava- that bothered me was that Lockwood’s Legacy has released several featuring ganza. Set for release on Warner Stra- song was only heard in part because music from their massive vaults. tegic Marketing (WSM) November 9, it the first part was heard underneath The series is broken down into features music from the 3-day Cross- Bramhall talking about the blues elders, three divisions. The first is Cool, which roads Music Festival in Dallas this past such as Lockwood. I’d rather he’d kept offers releases by Miles Davis, Dave June. Four hours of music from that quiet and let the elder play. But there Brubeck, Stan Getz and Grover Wash- festival is included on this 2 DVD set, are enough other performances here to ington, Jr. The second is ‘Round Mid- and the audio and video quality is su- make this an obvious purchase for gui- night, which features discs by Billie perb. So is the music. tar fans everywhere. Bill Wahl

November/December 2004 • Issue 271 PAGE NINE earlier recordings an average of released last year seven previ- (or was it the year ously unis- before...time flies.) sued bonus This 12-CD set in tracks on a mighty fancy box each. There offers 15 hours of is also a sixth music recorded disc offering over the 16 year 12 more bo- period with remas- nus tracks in tered and repack- their first release. These albums were aged versions of recorded between 1972, when Garcia JONI MITCHELL the band’s studio began his solo career in addition to lead- Dreamland albums during this ing the Dead, and 1982. All the music ASYLUM/REPRISE/NONESUCH/ period (such as has been newly remastered for this re- RHINO Mars Hotel, Terrapin Station, Go To lease. Garcia’s solo career found him Five time Grammy winner Joni Heaven, Reckoning, etc.) recorded for recording his own songs, some Dead Mitchell assisted in the compilation of this Arista and Grateful Dead Records. Each songs with a different twist, and covers 17 song retrospective of her incredible of the albums is loaded with bonus ma- of material by such artists as Bob Dylan, career. This collection brings together terial, mostly live concert recordings and The Beatles, the Stones, some soul and some of the best known songs from her studio jams or alternate versions. In all, R&B classics and more. Also packed in many albums recorded between 1972 and there are 161 songs residing in the box, the box is a 130 page full color book 2002. Although not exactly in chronologi- and 65 of them have never been previ- loaded with info and pictures. A great cal order, I’m sure that the program was ously released. Also included are two gift for a Garcia fan, this box, even at list well thought out and they certainly do flow books - “The Albums” which covers the price, breaks down to about $12 a CD, well, which is actually more important recording and song information, and “The plus you get the book and the box. anyway. Included are orchestral versions Band,” which covers the history of the If your budget is a bit smaller, go for of “Amelia” and “Both Sides Now” re- band and lists all their albums and singles Jerry Garcia - After Midnight. Released corded in 2002 and released on her None- under the heading “The (Even More) now for the first time, this 3-CD set con- such album Travelogue, and another or- Compleat Grateful Dead Discography “ tains Garcia’s February 28, 1980 con- chestral version from 2000 - “Both Sides (I know...I never saw it spelled that way cert at Kean College in Union, NJ. Like Now,” released on her Reprise album of either.) Each book is close to 100 pages, the Dead, the same name. is loaded with pictures and printed in full Garcia Always known for picking first rate color. was known musicians to accompany her, some of the Also released earlier this year is for some players on these songs are Larry Carlton, Rockin’ The Rhein With The Grateful long con- David Crosby, Graham Nash, Jaco Dead, a collection of live recordings from certs-this Pastorius, Don Alias, Neil Young, Stephen a mighty long concert at Rheinhalle, one run- Stills, Milt Holland, James Taylor, Joe Dusseldorf, West Germany on April 24, ning close Sample, Tom Scott and Wayne Shorter. 1972. Also included on the 3-CD set are to 3 hours. The cover and the enclosed full color 2 bonus tracks from a concert at the Ly- Heard 36-page booklet features all the record- ceum in London in May of the same year. only with keyboards, bass and drums, ing and album information, the lyrics for They get into some pretty hefty jams at Garcia goes light on Dead material and all the songs and paintings by Mitchell. A times on some of these extended cuts, heavy on covers of songs by Bob Dylan, sweet package. Bill Wahl such as the 44 minute version of “Dark J.J. Cale, Hank Ballard, Allen Toussaint, Star” split in two halves with a version of and others. He covers the Beatles’ “Me And My Uncle” sandwiched in the “Eleanor Rigby,” Jimmy Cliff’s “The THE JAM BANDS middle. This is the first release of the Harder They Come” and the R&B clas- GRATEFUL DEAD complete Rhein show, which has been sic “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By JERRY GARCIA remixed and remastered in HDCD from You.” In chatting with our resident blues the original 16-track tapes and presented reviewer Duane Verh recently, we both PHISH here for the first time in pro audio. A final agreed that Garcia had the ability to RHINO/WSM CD SETS/DVD note for Deadheads - one of the London cover artists very well in his own unique If you have someone on your gift list bonus tracks features the final version of manner that many others can’t pull off. who is into the Grateful Dead, or the jam “Turn On Your Lovelight” sung by Pig- A good case in point here are the ver- band that followed, Phish, then there are pen. sions of Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s several choices for this year to consider. In a related story..Rhino/WSM has Door” and “Simple Twist Of Fate.” And All are on the Rhino/WSM label. also issued two sets by the Dead’s late to give you an idea of what to expect, The most mammoth of them all is guitarist/singer Jerry Garcia. the shorter of those two clocks in at 14 Grateful Dead: Beyond Description All Good Things: Jerry Garcia Stu- minutes. The sound quality of this con- (1973-1989), which would be like a Part- dio Sessions collects within its hard box cert is exceptional as well. A fine set. Two boxed set companion to the set of all five of Garcia’s studio albums with Hey...check out the concert ticket prices PAGE TEN November/December 2004 • Issue 271 on the covers editing mix and mastering tips cover...five BOOKS and techniques. bucks advance! So whether you are an old hand in The band RECORDING & PRODUCING need of new tricks, need a little refocus, that carried on or are new to recording arts and want a in the Grateful IN THE HOME STUDIO: solid foundation, Recording & Produc- Dead’s tradition A COMPLETE GUIDE ing in the Home Studio: A Complete of long jam David Franz Guide is a great holiday idea. tunes was BERKLEE PRESS Note: The new second edition has Phish. Rhino/ Can’t teach an old dog new tricks? been updated for Pro Tools 6. It also cov- WSM has just Yes you can and this is the place to start. ers all the new Digidesign home studio released a two- With a master’s degree from Virginia hardware, including Digi 002, Mbox, and DVD video set titled Phish IT. IT was a Tech and music credentials in Music Pro- Digi 001 and shows you how to use it 2-day festival in Maine at the end of the duction and Engineering at Berklee Col- effectively. Included are new HANDS-ON band’s 2003 tour which drew 60,000 lege of Music, David Franz has as- PROJECTS in every chapter which dem- fans. Like the Dead, many of their fol- sembled a very methodical and well dia- onstrate and reinforce all the power of lowing will go wherever the band goes gramed tutorial on the home studio. the new technology; follow four songs - they simply can’t see too many Phish The book is broken up into four in four different genres (rock, hip-hop, shows. This video delivers over 4 hours major sections covering the entire re- electronica, and jazz) through the entire of Phish music and will thrill any of their cording and production process, begin- recording process. Jim Martin fans. The main PBS program runs 90 ning with Your Studio–with set-up tips minutes, plus bonus material. Also in- and recording basics...things you may THE FABULOUS cluded are bonus interviews and addi- have never learned, thought you knew VAUGHAN BROTHERS tional uncut footage not in the main PBS or more often than not forgot. feature program and a photo gallery. Preproduction covers the role of a pro- JIMMIE AND STEVIE RAY Both the audio and High Definition ducer and engineer as well as planning James L. Dickerson video are superb, and the Dolby 5.1 mix your project and how to get it done. Pro- TAYLOR TRADE PUBLISHING was done by five-time Grammy winner duction–my favorite section, this con- This book arrived just in time to bee Elliot Scheiner. sists of two very comprehensive chap- too late for this issue. However, given I am working off an advance, so I ters on recording techniques–everything the fact that the holidays are upon us, I can’t mention anything else that might from mic to MIDI and everything else in felt that some information on it should be hidden in the box as all I have are between as well as a clarifying look at be included. the discs. This set was released on Oc- digital recording and getting the most out Paging through and reading parts of tober 12 and lists at $29.99. Bill Wahl of your mixing board. Postproduction the chapters is enough to tell me that if November FRI 5 ...... TONY KOUSSA JR. BAND SAT 6...... COLIN DUSSAULT'S BLUES PROJECT FRI 12 .....MR. STRESS WITH THE ALAN GREENE BAND SAT 13.....RHYTHM SYNDICATE It’s More Than Just a Club FRI 19 .....HEART & SOUL Serving Fine Food & Great Music, with no cover daily till closing SAT 20.....TRAVIS HADDIX BAND MONDAYS 7PM EDDIE & THE EDSELS FRI 26 .....HIPNOTIC DOG TUESDAYS 7:30PM ERNIE KRIVDA & THE FAT TUESDAY BIG BAND SAT 27.....COLIN DUSSAULT'S BLUES PROJECT WEDNESDAYS NOVEMBER DECEMBER 8PM 3THE GEESE CATS WITH DANCE LESSONS 1WYNG IT (ROCK N ROLL) FROM JITTERBUG & MORE 8ROCK SHOP 10 DON BAKER BAND 15 THE NOBODY’S (BLUES) December 17 SOUL’D OUT 22 SAM GETZ BAND FRI 3 ...... REMEMBER WHEN 24 THE AVENUE FIVE BAND 29 ALEX BEVANS ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOOTENANY SAT 4...... COLIN DUSSAULT’S BLUES PROJECT FRI 10 .....TUMBLIN’ DICE THURSDAYS THE SAVANNAH JAM WITH BAD BOYS OF BLUES SAT 11.....THE DEACONS SPECIAL EVENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 5TH FRI 17 .....BLUES ON PURPOSE RONNIE HOWARD & CRUISIN’ (5:00 – 9:00 PM) AFTER THE BROWNS PATROITS GAME SAT 18.....TRAVIS HADDIX BAND WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 29TH FRI 24 .....CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY ALEX BEVANS ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOOTENANY 8:00 PM.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 25TH.. ARMSTRONG/BEARCAT’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY (7:00PM) FRIDAY DECEMBER 31ST.... NEW YEARS EVE PARTY WITH ET KING & DETERMINATION 30676 Detroit Road Westlake (440) 892-2266 www.TheSavannah.com November/December 2004 • Issue 271 PAGE ELEVEN Serving Delicious Food you have a fan of one or both of the both their struggles and achievements. Lunch & Dinner Vaughan brothers on your gift list, this Also, the hard road to stardom. book would be something to consider. Dickerson, considered to be an ex- The Fabulous Vaughan Brothers pert on pop culture, is the author of 15 looks at the lives of Jimmie and Stevie books and thousands of magazine and Ray from their early childhood until newspaper articles. The book is hard Stevie Ray’s death in 1990 in a helicop- cover and lists for $24.95. It runs 200 ter crash. Dickerson achieves this pages including a discography for both through interviews with over the years brothers and 12 pages of black and white with both the Vaughan brothers and other photos. It is scheduled for release some NOVEMBER musicians such as B.B. King, Robert time in November. Sorry, that’s about all Friday 5 Cray, Ron Wood, Carl Perkins and oth- I can tell you, but at least you know the THE BOP KATS ers. He highlights the musical aspects book is out, or soon will be at any rate. W/AUSTIN WILLACY of the brothers’ lives and also covers Bill Wahl Saturday 6 BUDDHA’S BELLY w/ COLORWHEEL Combining influences and studies in jazz, rock, classical and world music. Friday 12 TINSLEY ELLIS “Tinsley Ellis’ move to Telarc for his 2002 CD Hell or High Water apparently We only bring you the inspired him. Like that disc, “The Hard Way” is a blues/rock tour de force. Cream of the Crop! Saturday 13 as his original, “95 South.” Showing DEBBIE DAVIES maturity as both composer and per- “I don’t often give endorsements or former, Jones knows how to skillfully references, but once in a rare while and warmly embrace a melody and de- hear a musician of such talent that I livers an array of tunes that are melo- want people to know. I believe my dious, fluid, accessible and pleasing to reputation backs up my ability to the ear. recognize exceptional blues guitarists. Five of the 11 tunes are Jones’ Such a one is Debbie Davies. originals and there’s enough diversity Hear her now.”— John Mayall in rhythms and harmonies to hold ap- Wednesday 24 peal for the widest audience. CARLOS JONES Jones’ interactions with Fuller Jones, who has been recognized as a (playing soprano sax) seem relaxed and pioneer of the American Reggae sound, comfortable, especially on “John,” a delivers a blend of roots-based reggae SEAN JONES beautiful, melancholy number inspired music that is influenced by his Ameri- Eternal Journey by a dream Jones had shortly before can roots, and has thus created a MACK AVENUE his father died. Fuller contributes the hybrid sound that is all his own. After hearing him in local venues, dark-toned title tune and the boppish DECEMBER Cleveland jazz fans have been raving opener (“Gullyism”) and the rest are about the young trumpeter Sean Jones attractive variations on standards. Friday 3 who grew up in Warren, Ohio and Jones pays tribute to Freddie THE SAUCE BOSS earned a degree in classical trumpet Hubbard with a satisfying, lightly Friday 10 performance from Youngstown State swinging quartet version of “You Are CHRIS DUARTE University and a masters from Rutgers. My Everything.” Playing muted trum- His debut as leader on the Detroit- pet in a duo setting with Miller, Jones Friday 31 based label finds him mixing it up in delivers a gorgeous, graceful take on New Year’s Eve celebration duo to quintet settings with pianist “God Bless the Child.” with JASON WHITE Orrin Evans or Mulgrew Miller, bassist At 25, Jones possesses abundant Charles Fambrough, drummer Ralph talent to take him to the top. There’s CALL FOR ADDITIONAL DATES! Peterson and saxophonist/flutist Tia not a dull track in the bunch and Jones’ team mates are with him all the way Weekend Shows 9:30; Weekdays 8:30 Fuller. Jones’ classical training serves on this Brooklyn, NY session recorded 216-902-4663 him well, yet he’s equally comfortable on October 16-17, 2003. 812 Huron Rd E.. • Cleveland on modern, funk-tinged numbers such Nancy Ann Lee PAGE TWELVE November/December 2004 • Issue 271 MUDDY WATERS Johnny Winter’s Columbia debut album – Johnny Winter. There is a nice choice of AND JOHNNY WINTER material including Mean Mistreater, Be REISSUES ON COLUMBIA/LEGACY Careful With a Fool, When You Got a Good Following up the acclaimed and Friend, I’ll Drown in My Tears, Dallas and 12387 Cedar Road award-winning reissue, Muddy ‘Missis- Good Morning Little Schoolgirl. Winter Cleveland Hts. sippi’ Waters Live, Sony/Legacy recently sometimes was a bit too frantic to me, par- Reservations: 216-795-0550 reissued the three studio albums Johnny ticularly in his vocals, and I must confess Winter produced by the legendary Muddy I find his vocals most appealing when he WED NOV 10 7 & 9 PM Waters, Hard Again, I’m Ready and King doesn’t try to belt them out but rather sings THUR NOV 11 8 & 10 PM $25 Bee. Recorded after Muddy had ended his in a more relaxed manner. So his vocal affiliation with Chess Records, there is no MOSE ALLISON on Be Careful With a Fool doesn’t appeal Blue Note rec. artist. Legendary question that these recordings were to these ears as much as does his fret work, Vocalist, Pianist & Composer. among the most vital Waters recorded but I know others differ from me on this FRI NOV 12 7 PM $10 since the classic recordings from the late point. Dallas is a splendid acoustic slide forties to mid-sixties with which his leg- CHARMAINE NEVILLE performance in which Winter engrafts his Funky Jazz from New Orleans. end was established. lyric upon a slide accompaniment evok- Hard Again was the earliest one and ing Robert Johnson’s Ter raplane Blues. TUE NOV 16 7 PM $25 it opens with Muddy reprising his Mannish Mean Mistrteater goes back to Leroy Carr ELIANE ELIAS QUARTET Boy with Johnny shouting in support with and the accompaniment here (based on Elegant Brazilian Pianist & Vocalist the band hammering out the beat and a Muddy Waters recording) includes Willie plays music from her new CD. Muddy singing with a virility that a twenty- Dixon’s bass and Walter Horton’s majes- FRI-SAT NOV 19-20 five year old wishes they possessed. The tic harp, with Winter giving one of his best 8 & 10 PM $25 backing band here includes Winter, harp- vocals on this date. I am not sure if it was BRIAN AUGER’S ist James Cotton, Pinetop Perkins, Willie included in the original release, but there ‘Big Eyes’ Smith and Calvin Jones, who OBLIVION EXPRESS is also a terrific rendition of Texas Johnny From London. The Godfather help Muddy reprise I Want to Be Loved. Brown’s Two Steps From the Blues, that of “Acid Jazz”. Legendary B-3 Player. They take Brownie McGhee’s The Blues was made famous by Bobby Bland and SUN NOV 21 5:30 & 7:30 PM $20 Had a Baby and recast it into a Muddy Winter does a more than credible rendi- Waters song, and then take things Deep tion of the vocal with a full backing group LEV POLYAKIN Down in Florida. The mix of old and new & RUSSIAN BLUE – Cleve Orch. with horns. There is also an alternate of Violinist debuts new Christmas set the tone for the Waters Blue Sky re- Dallas, and the three Muddy Waters reis- CD, featuring MIKE PETRONE. leases. sues also include previously unissued MON-TUE NOV 22-23 7 PM $20 I’m Ready was the second release and tracks. Although I have not heard Winter’s reunited Muddy with Big Walter Horton and MICHAEL WOLFF most recent album, I really enjoyed lis- & IMPURE THOUGHTS – Pianist Jimmy Rogers from his classic bands of tening to his last two Point Blank discs over the fifties. The rhythm section is perhaps extraordinaire returns, CD Release a decade ago. This reissue of one of his Party. Feat. JOHN B. WILLIAMS, a touch lighter here as Walter reprises the earliest albums is most welcome, and, like MIKE CLARK, BADAL ROY. title track, (I’m Your) Hootchie Cootchie the three Waters records from a few years SUN NOV 28 7 PM $20 Man, Screamin’ and Cryin’, and Rock Me later, stands up as fresh today as when MIKE & JOHN along with Good Morning Little School Girl first recorded. Ron Weinstock and 33, a slow blues that is a recasting of PETRONE Eddie Boyd’s 24 Hours. Its also nice to hear KEITH JARRETT, Rare meeting of father and son Winter and Bob Margolin holding things playing two pianos with their respective trios. together with their playing and Winter of- GARY PEACOCK, TUE NOV 30 7 PM ten adding his own inspired straight guitar JACK DEJOHNETTE as well as slide playing to compliment The Out-of-Towners CLEVELAND BOB ROTATORI Featuring Mike Petrone Quintet. Muddy’s. ECM The final album, King Bee features Recorded July 28, 2001 at State WED DEC 1 7 PM $25 more authoritative performances includ- Opera in Munich, this wonderful six- BENNY GOLSON ing Slim Harpo’s I’m a King Bee, with a track CD by pianist Keith Jarrett, double- Legendary Saxophonist. Star of Steven strong Rock Me groove. (My Eyes) Keep bass player Gary Peacock and drummer Spielberg film “The Terminal.” Me in Trouble, Sad Sad Day, and Mean Jack DeJohnette is a listening treat that TUE DEC 27 7 PM $10 Old Frisco are classic recordings refreshed contributes nicely to Jarrett’s vast ex- NICE & WELCH here along with Champagne and Reefers, isting discography. CD Release Party. Vocalist joins trio which became a Waters staple in his later Jarrett shows his most melodious, for Cool Holiday Celebration. years. Johnny Winter certainly must be romantic side and performs with WED-THUR DEC 29-30 7 PM $TBA thanked for showing that Muddy Waters warmth, sincerity, inventiveness and JAMEY HADDAD remained among the true giants of Ameri- swingability, especially on the 12-minute Percussionist leads all-star group TBA. can music and these recordings certainly opener, “I Can’t Believe That You’re In NEW YEAR’S EVE...... DOMINICK FARINACCI kept him in the public eye. Love With Me.” His light tinkling of the & HIS JULLIARD JAZZ ALL-STAR QUARTET Sony/Legacy also has reissued keys nicely launches the melody head CALL NIGHTTOWN FOR RESERVATIONS (2160 795-0550 November/December 2004 • Issue 271 PAGE THIRTEEN “The Groit Man,” assisted by Treanor’s use Frost), pianist Bob Lohr and guitarist Jesse of the Ngoni, a west African device con- Hoggard. Severn Records brought these sidered the banjo of the region or “Texas veterans to the studios in WROX in Son” and Treanor’s playing the Khalam, Clarksdale, Mississippi Must Be Jelly is an African guitar flavored with bottleneck the result. or slide work. The are a melange of sounds Recorded in the studio with no isola- in AFRICAN WIND that are tough to de- tion booths or overdubs, these blues vet- scribe on some cuts, to the point I kept erans dig back to their roots on these per- looking at the cordless phone, because formances, and Jimmy Reed’s influence something in “Mean Woman Blues” was is evident on the first. Willie Smith handles making the same chirping sound as the the vocal on phone’s ringer. Baby Don’t Say That No More, taken If tired of the same old, same old 4/4, as a nice shuffle, while Williams’ voice and Blue Note recording artist Eliane Elias will African Wind will give you a fresh breeze harp are supported only by Hoggard’s bring her quartet to Night Town on Tuesday, for your ears. Peanuts acoustic guitar on I’m Gonna Get My Baby. November 16 for one show at 7 PM The full band backs Williams on Sun Is THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO Shining. Williams does a marvelous job of the warhorse favorite, “I Love You.” of evoking Reed’s lazy vocals and harp He refreshes a lovely rendition of the Someday My Prince Will Come COLUMBIA on these tracks. These musicians are gem, “You’ve Changed.” Jarrett’s cre- masters of the shuffle as displayed on ativity is at its peak on these selections Pianist Hank Jones, bassist Richard Davis and drummer Elvin Jones prove James Mathus’ If I Ever Get Flush Again, as well as the nearly 20-minute take on as Fuzz Jones and Big Eyes Smith lay the title tune, his appealing version of they are, indeed, “The Great Jazz Trio” on this potent 10-track performance of down the solid groove. Willie Smith takes “Five Brothers” which swings all the way the band down in the alley with his fine through, and a respectful, poignant read- standards recorded in a Tokyo studio ses- sion May 12 and 13, 2002. slow blues, Eye to Eye, which also has ing of “It’s All In the Game.” His cohorts some excellent piano from Lohr. Guitarist are tastefully with him every moment. Launching with a powerfully inven- tive take on Ellington’s “Caravan,” each Hoggard takes the vocals on some nicely You’ll wish you’d been there. penned originals, with the John Lee Friendly and heartwarming, this is one veteran musician of this spectacular threesome gets opportunities to show off Hooker flavored Arkansas Boogie being a of Jarrett’s most appealing albums. nice rocking selection, although his vo- Nancy Ann Lee his expertise. Selections include excep- tional readings of Cole Porter’s “You’d Be cals sound a tad strained. A couple DAN TREANOR & So Nice To Come Home To,” Jerome instrumentals round off this disc which will FRANKIE LEE Kern’s “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” Thad readily appeal to those who love straight- Jones’ “A Child Is Born,” Charlie Parker’s ahead classic Chicago and downhome African Wind “Moose The Mooche,” and more. While Memphis blues of the fifties and early six- NORTHERNBLUES MUSIC they don’t depart radically from the main ties. Ron Weinstock To once again lift my favorite Monty melodies, what these jazz statesmen add Python line, “And now for something com- to each tune is special. pletely different.” MCCOY TYNER Everyone is in fine form on this re- Colorado bluesman Dan Treanor Counterpoints: Live in Tokyo cording, but (at any tempo) it’s Jones’ makes and plays homemade African MILESTONE traps artistry that adds so much more to music instruments and somewhere along Recorded in performance at a “Live the listening pleasure. His fiery drum- the line got hooked up with R&B vocalist Under the Sky” Festival concert at ming, tidy brushwork, nuances of cym- Frankie Lee, which is how African Wind Denen Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan 26 years bals and pristine tempos that remind you happened. Loaded with 14 originals and ago (on July 28, 1978), this spectacu- of how much the late drummer will be 1 cover tune, African Wind is a percus- lar five track performance should sat- missed. A highly recommended album sion driven mix of many styles, starting isfy fans whose ears appreciate challeng- for the material as much as the musician- with the hard and honking funk of “Miss- ing jazz improvisations. ship. Nancy Ann Lee ing” and the Marvin Gaye-inspired title cut. At the festival, pianist McCoy Tyner Fueled by R.D. Jones’ upright acous- performed one set in a solo piano set- tic bass, “Love A Woman’s Soul” and the JELLY ROLL ALL STARS ting and the second with Ron Carter and downhome funky “Tell Me Mama” add two Must Be Jelly Tony Williams. Selections from both sets more twists to what you think would be a SEVERN RECORDS are included here. straight blues line. The boogie woogie, The Jelly All Stars is an all star group The recording launches with Tyner’s percussion-driven “Who’s Playing Who” is of downhome blues legends that include powerful 11:24 minute original, “The a throwback to the old skiffle music out of Muddy Waters band alumni drummer Greeting,” performed with Carter and England as vocalist Erica Brown gives Lee Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith and bassist Calvin Williams. Two other Tyner a call and response during the traditional ‘Fuzz’ Jones, Sam Carr from the Jelly Rolls originals,”Aisha” and “Sama Layuca,” blues number “Lonesome Road,” jazzed Kings (a group that included Big Jack are given splendid solo readings that al- a little by the harp playing of Treanor. Johnson and the late Frank Frost), St. low the pianist to let loose a mixture of The African instruments add flavor- Louis harmonica ace Arthur Williams (who moods from serene to thunderous. A ing to about half of African Wind, be it in was associated with Sam Carr and Frank satisfying piano-bass take on Ellington’s PAGE FOURTEEN November/December 2004 • Issue 271 “Prelude to a Kiss” shows off Tyner’s romantic, flowery side year’s Pocono Blues Festival. That CD was comprised of in- with tight and creative accompaniment from Carter. The trio terpretations of some well known and lesser known blues. is featured on the most adventurous piece, “Iki Masho (Let’s Severn has just issued this new album which is comprised Go),” which includes a lengthy, inventive solo from Carter solely of originals, so she is presenting her own “musical vi- and some flashy pyrotechnics from Williams. sion of the blues, rather than interpreting the vision of oth- From start to finish, you’ll find yourself engaged. This is ers.” She has a strong backing band that includes Carl a resplendent recording. Nancy Ann Lee Weathersby or Dave Spector on lead guitar, Rob Waters on keyboards, Ron Graham on saxophone, Harlan Terson on bass PAUL REDDICK and Marty Binder on drums. Villanelle Bruso’s powerful vocals will suggest Koko Taylor to many (Koko is her idol). She does have a similar background, as NORTHERNBLUES MUSIC she, like Taylor, moved to Chicago after having deep south- Much like a character that Alan Lomax would be doing a ern roots (Bruso grew up in Mississippi). Her roots are lyri- documentary on, harpist Paul Reddick comes out of the mists cally expressed in the title track, a shuffle where she talks of time from the pre-World War Two era of blues and that fa- about going back because that’s where her baby is, as well as mous blues crossroad...... Toronto, Canada? Miss Mae’s Juke Joint, that celebrates the juke her grand- Hey, why not, as over the years the sounds of that era have mother operated. She gets down in the alley on a superb slow influenced musicians all over the world. And Reddick appears blues, All My Life, with some nice sax in the accompaniment, to have kept a sharp ear on the earlier masters as the acoustic while she sings in a more relaxed manner on Broken Heart, blues of “Winter Birds” give way to some down home harp with its caribbean-flavored groove. Nora takes us to New Or- work during “Big Not Small.” leans on the rhumba, I’ve Got Two Men, (one of whom has to Kathleen Edwards melts a plaintive violin into the fiber of go) with a nice solo break from Dave Spector. Don’t You Re- the title piece while Richard Bell’s piano and Reddick’s harp member is a slow blues that evokes Someone Loan Me a Dime. quiver like a two car blues collision during of the opening “Luck Carl Weathersby is particularly impressive here in his instru- In Love,” though that might not be a bad thing. mental responses to Bruso’s vocal and his solo. “So Long, Thank You, Goodbye” sounds like a Dixieland With this new release she has gone beyond the promise outtake from some Leon Redbone project and “Round This shown on her earlier disc and has shown herself as among Time Of The Year” takes us to the time and place that Reddick those who will carry on and follow Koko Taylor and keep “this is trying to visit. Despite “Burning Fuse” turning into a down- great music alive and vital.” Ron Weinstock home Delta slide show, “Five Silver Dollars” is where Reddick throws everything but the plantation outhouse into the tune via Reddick’s harmonica and vocal loops, Colin Linden’s slide guitar work and Richard Bell’s B-3 organ. Slow and dreamy in some parts and a low rumble of groove touched with funk in others, Villanelle is a perfect vehicle for the subliminal time travelers in the audience due a vacation from these modern times. Peanuts STEVE TURRE The Spirits Up Above HIGHNOTE Trombonist Steve Turre leads a cookin’ group featuring reeds players James Carter and Vincent Herring, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Buster Williams, drummer Winard Harper and guest Dave Valentin (flute on one track). Paying tribute to his main inspiration, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Turre refreshes eight of the saxophonist’s tunes and contributes an original homage. Each selection is solid and engaging. One of the best is the title tune; reminiscent of Art Ensemble of Chi- cago fare, it finds a deep groove and is greatly enhanced with a vocal chorus and Herring’s joyous soprano sax solo. Turre’s in top form throughout and his teammates are in- spired and energetic throughout. Considering the diverse mate- rial and top-notch musicianship, there’s plenty to like about this recording made in May 2004 at Van Gelder Recording Studio. Nancy Ann Lee NORA JEAN BRUSO Going Back To Mississippi SEVERN RECORDS I recently reviewed a CD from Nora Jean Bruso, a Chi- cago based blues singer who really impressed many at this November/December 2004 • Issue 271 PAGE FIFTEEN November/December 2004 • Issue 271