december 2005 issue 278 free jazz now in our 31st year www.jazz-blues.com
&blues report Christmas 2005 On CD
Also... 31st Annual Holiday Gift Guide PART II December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 Published by Martin Wahl Communications
Editor & Founder Bill Wahl Christmas
Layout & Design Bill Wahl Operations Jim Martin 2005 Pilar Martin Contributors Michael Braxton, Mark Cole, On CD Chris Hovan, Nancy Ann Lee, Peanuts, Mark Smith, Duane one somewhat lesser-known song in- Verh and Ron Weinstock. cluded is her version of Irving Berlin’s “Count Your Blessings Instead Of Check out our new, updated web Sheep.” Krall, accompanying herself on page. Now you can search for CD piano, is heard with either Anthony Wil- Reviews by artists, Titles, Record liams or Russell Malone on guitar, either Labels or JBR Writers. Twelve years John Clayton or Ben Wolfe on bass and of reviews are up and we’ll be going Jeff Hamilton on drums, plus the all the way back to 1974! Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra for most tracks. Address all Correspondence to.... Jane Monheit, who is now on a ma- Jazz & Blues Report jor label with Epic Records, has also re- 19885 Detroit Road # 320 leased a sweet set of holiday songs. Rocky River, Ohio 44116 Other than “Have Yourself A Merry Little Main Office ...... 216.651.0626 Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Editor's Desk ... 440.331.1930 DIANA KRALL Town” and “Sleigh Ride,” she picked a [email protected] different set of songs for her offering. The Web ...... www.jazz-blues.com Christmas Songs VERVE Copyright © 2005 Martin-Wahl Communications Inc. No portion of this publication may be JANE MONHEIT reproduced without written permission The Season from the publisher. All rights Reserved. EPIC Jazz Report was founded in Buffalo New The two most universally popular York in March of 1974 and began in Cleve- female vocalists in jazz today have re- land in April of 1978. We are subsidized cently released their first Christmas
solely through advertisement and ask that albums. you support our advertisers. a W division of Diana Krall actually released a 3- artin-Wahl c o m m u n i c a t i o n s song EP in 1998 which came with a Cover photo of Sam Cooke courtesy classy 1999 desk calendar. Those of Michael Ochs Archives.com songs, Jingle Bells,” “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” are reprised for this, better-known pieces include the above, her first full-length holiday CD. It is pos- plus “The Christmas Waltz,” “Moonlight sible that at least two of those are the In Vermont” and The Carpenters’ “Merry same recordings - but if so, they are Christmas Darling.” She does several we mixed much better. The rest of the 12 don’t hear too often, including “The Man favorites heard include “Let It Snow,” With The Bag” (a hit for Kay Starr in the “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “White 50s), “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Santa Day” and “My Grown Up List,” written Claus Is Coming To Town, “Winter by David Foster and Linda Thompson. Wonderland,” “The Christmas Song” Jane is accompanied by her regular and one for the following week - “What working quartet with the addition of a 7- Photo of Diana Krall by Sam Taylor Wood - Verve Records Are You Doing New Year’s Eve.” The piece horn section, which includes Lew PAGE TWO December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 Soloff and Andy Snitzer on four cuts and “Stay A Little Longer, Santa”, rocking do get a recipe for Hot Crab Dip instead! a string section on three others. Vibist harp courtesy of Carey Bell’s “Christ- There is also a Traditional Songs for David Samuels adds his touch to “The mas Train”, bayou variations courtesy the Holidays CD in this series, which Christmas Waltz.” This comes in both of C.J. Chenier and Marcia Ball, moody includes such names as Mariah Carey, the standard CD and DualDisc versions. swing by way of Roomful Of Blues. If Aretha, Luther Vandross, James Tay- Although both these albums are in you know the artists, you get the idea. lor, Willie Nelson, Johnny Mathis, Nat a similar vein, the singers themselves The originality and the strength of the King Cole and a pairing of songs by are quite different in that Monheit sings tunes make this a disc that can take Bing Crosby and David Bowie (how’d with more drama than the naturally laid over a Christmas playlist. Any Alliga- that happen?); and a Classical Favor- back Krall. They both handle these holi- tor artists not mentioned so far are most ites for the Holidays with music per- day chestnuts very well and the back- likely here too. Blues people, this is formed by James Galway, The New ing is top notch. If you are getting re- holiday cash well spent. Duane Verh York Philharmonic, Placido Domingo, ally sick of hearing Mannheim Steam- Boston Pops Orchestra and others. Go roller or whatever when you go to the to www.epicrecords.com for more song parents’, in-laws’ or grandparents’ MORE HOLIDAY CDS info on any of the three in the series. homes for the holiday season, you MARTHA STEWART SERIES Now, let’s go from Martha Stewart might want to lay one or both of these to something completely different. Juan EPIC/LEGACY on them to make your season brighter. Oskar is a trumpet and keyboard player I’m sure they will all like either one.I JUAN OSCAR from Arizona who has released a really pretty much like them both about the JUAN OSCAR MUSIC different Christmas album on his own same, hence the alphabetical order for STEVE LUKATHER & label titled Christmas Is For Grownups the review. Too. Oskar says the album was inspired For more info on these, go to FRIENDS by The Trans Siberian Orchestra, The www.ververecords.com for the Krall, or FAVORED NATIONS Ventures, Handel, Mannheim Steam- www.epicrecords.com for the Monheit. KENNY ELLIS roller, Mason Williams, J. S. Bach, Bill Wahl FAVORED NATIONS Beethoven, Aaron Copland & “The 21st Century Chairman of the Board” and GENUINE HOUSEROCKIN’ DAVID LEONHARDT Herb Alpert. What a crew! As you might CHRISTMAS JAZZ GROUP expect, the music is all over the map ALLIGATOR RECORDS BIG BANG RECORDS covering songs with Latin/Salsa, rock, REPRINTED FROM OUR ballad/easy listening and dance/club NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2003 ISSUE CRAIG CHAQUICO mix flavorings. There are 24 songs in Trimming the tree, wrapping pre- HIGHER OCTAVE MUSIC all, with Oscar providing much of the sents, a few friends over for some cheer, I have never been a fan of Martha music on the Yamaha Motif ES6 key- a full-blown Yuletide bash- what could Stewart, so I immediately laughed board/synth. He also plays trumpet on enhance a blues lover’s holiday scene when her Jazz for the Holidays CD about half the songs, sings in Spanish more than tracks from a tough roster of showed up on my desk. But, when I fi- on some and has some guest female artists? Originals, for one thing. With a nally looked at it, I was quite surprised. vocalists for some others. This is some couple of exceptions, the fare on Genu- This is actually a very nicely chosen, fun stuff, but to see if it is your cup of ine Houserockin’ Christmas is self- varied set of Christmas songs. It is part tea, go to www.juanoscar.biz and navi- penned by the respective artists and of a Stewart Holiday Series recently gate to the page with the face in the reflects the character of each. It lays out released on Epic/Legacy Records. This CD. Then click on it. Then you can lis- like this- deep double-entendre from covers the gamut from some older cuts ten to most of the songs. What did we Little Ed & The Blues Imperials, inno- from Louis Armstrong, Peggy Lee & ever do without the internet? cently titled “Christmas Time”, sassy Benny Goodman, Louis Prima and Since we are in different mode now, seduction from Shemekia Copeland, Eartha Kitt all the way to offerings by let’s stay there for a while. Steve Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Lukather & Friends has released Give the Supreme Gift! and Chris Botti. In between are fare Santamental (I spelled it right) on Fa- such as Dexter Gordon’s wonderful ver- vored Nations Records. Mixing rock sion of “Have Yourself A Merry Little and blues with jazz they serve up a set Christmas,” Herbie Hancock & Chick of eight well-known holiday songs and Corea teaming up for “Deck The Halls,” two originals. Guitarist Lukather’s Tuck Andress heard on solo guitar for friends on board for the trip include rock “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” guitarists Steve Vai and Eddie Van Tony Bennett on “Santa Claus Is Com- Halen, saxist Edgar Winter and percus- ing To Town,” and more from Duke sionist Lenny Castro. Lukather says Ellington, Grover Washington Jr., they cut the whole record in a day and Read The Review at jazz-blues.com Russell Malone and Tex Beneke & The Click the Featured Story Tab a half “with no click tracks, no pro-tools, Glenn Miller Orchestra. There is no re- no bullshit, just two-inch analog tape.” & see Smitty’s Pick #14 on Page 15 cording/personnel information at all of this Holiday Special Edition He also says he couldn’t pay the guests other than the set list, but being that Sign up at www.bluescruise.com what they are worth so he’ll be taking this is a Martha Stewart production you their garbage out for the rest of his life. December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 PAGE THREE Good sense of humor there...and in the music too. Check this one out at www.favorednations.com. where you can sample three tracks. Also on Favored Nations comes Jazz & Blues Report Hanukkah Swings from Kenny Ellis. We see many albums every year with a Christmas theme, but very, very few 31st Annual come our way focusing on Hanukkah. Ellis, a multi-faceted performer and can- Holiday Gift Guide tor draws on his lifelong affinities for both the Jewish culture and the swing big bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman PART II and others for this project and came up with a thoroughly enjoyable set of 10 songs...eight classics and two originals, As is the case every year at this time, this section will give you some ideas celebrating the Hanukkah season. He on holiday gifts to pick up for a friend...or to drop hints on for yourself! sings in both English and Hebrew and As usual, most of these are boxed or 2-CD sets and DVD concert throws a bit of Yiddish in on the parody or documentary videos, although we have chosen some single CDs as well. “Twas The Night Before Hanukkah.” Most are very new, some a bit older titles that we have just recently latched on He’s got some fine musicians on board to. None have been previously reviewed. As has been our custom, after the jazz & too, including Stu Goldberg of Mahavishnu Orchestra fame on piano blues section we have several items in other genres for those folks with diverse and keyboards. This one can be sampled tastes, or those on your list who are not into jazz or blues as such. This is the at www.favorednations.com as well. Very second part of this year’s offerings. Most in this issue are DVDs. For the real enjoyable music! motherload, download our November 2005 issue and check it out. Back to the mainstream, Easton PA Happy shopping and Happy Holidays! based David Leonhardt Jazz Group has released another album on Big Bang Records titled I’ll Be Home For Christ- of Sacred Music as well as footage of mas. The fleet fingered pianist/leader his band at Basin Street West in San Leonhardt is joined by the very able vo- Francisco and the Monterey Jazz Festi- calist Nancy Reed, with Larry McKenna/ val, plus clips from actual recording saxes, Matthew Parrish/bass and Taro sessions. You even see how he tries to Okamoto/drums for a set of 15 Christ- get some rest in the dressing room dur- mas classics in straight-ahead jazz style. ing an break between sets at a live gig. The band is tight and works very well A fantastic look into the Duke’s life at together and that is all evident here. the time. For more information on Part 2 of the DVD presents the his- Leonhardt’s unit, his recordings and to toric Concert of Sacred Music per- sample some tracks, go to formed live at Grace Cathedral in San www.davidleonhardt.com. Francisco. It was the first of a series of And for the light jazz fans out there, sacred concerts Ellington would perform guitarist Craig Chaquico has released in various churches in different cities. Holiday on Higher Octave Music. The concert combines jazz with classi- Chaquico was formerly a guitarist with cal music, spirituals, gospel, blues and Jefferson Starship and since moving into dance, and the orchestra is joined by the light jazz arena he has become a DUKE ELLINGTON several guests, including Jon Hendricks, Esther Marrow, the Herman McCoy Choir popular performer, garnering loads of Love You Madly airplay on the WAVE stations nationwide. and tap dancer Bunny Briggs. The clos- He mixes nine traditional Christmas A Concert Of Sacred Music ing piece, “David Danced Before The songs with three originals, coming up at Grace Cathedral Lord,” is a showcase for Briggs and with some very lyrical music full of EAGLE ROCK DVD Hendricks. catchy melodies and licks. Christmas Any Duke Ellington fan out there will These programs are of great histori- music comes off very well in the light want to get their hands on this just-re- cal importance and have never been jazz format, which is why the annual leased DVD of prime Duke from two pro- previously available on DVD. concerts by people like Dave Koz, Peter grams presented by Ralph J. Gleason in Presented in the original black and White and many others are so well at- the mid ‘60s. The first is I Love You white format, the audio choices are tended. Madly, a documentary exploring the life mono and Dolby Digital Stereo. The To check this one out, or sample and legacy of the Duke, chock full of quality of both audio and video is quite some tracks, you can go to performances and interview clips. We good. You really can’t go wrong with this www.higheroctave.com. Bill Wahl see him as he prepares for the Concert for any fan of the Duke. Bill Wahl PAGE FOUR December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 THE RUDY VAN GELDER EDITIONS From 1953 to 1967, Alfred Lion produced a body of work that ranks as the most innovative series of recordings in modern jazz. Almost all of these masterpieces were documented by the extraordinary Rudy Van Gelder; a self-taught engineer who more than set a new standard. Devoid of caution or timidity, he captured the full power and rich sound of jazz ensembles with dazzling clarity. His contribution to the focused approach that Blue Note took at every stage of any album was immeasurable. Decades later, Rudy agreed to take a second look at the original recordings, bringing them into the digital domain with the same skill and focus. Six more RVG Editions have just been released. If you think you’ve heard these gems before, listen again.
Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It, Leo Parker Down With It, Blue Mitchell That’s Where It’s At, Stanley Turrentine
Reach Out, Hank Mobley Turning Point, Lonnie Smith The Sounds of Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Smith Other Recent RVG Edition Releases Fuego, Donald Byrd • Symphony for Improvisers, Don Cherry • Music from ‘The Connection’, Freddie Redd • The Big Beat, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers • Sunday Morning, Grant Green Inventions & Dimensions, Herbie Hancock • Oblique, Bobby Hutcherson • Time for Tyner, McCoy Tyner • Boss Horn, Blue Mitchell • Judgement, Andrew Hill • At the Organ, Vol. 3, Jimmy Smith ARTIST SELECTS SERIES: A SELECTION OF THEIR PERSONAL FAVORITE BLUE NOTE RECORDINGS, SELECTED & SEQUENCED BY THE ARTIST
Freddie Hubbard Gerald Wilson Kenny Burrell Lou Donaldsom PLUS.... A Major Find on Blue Note... These newly-discovered sonically- Never Before Released! pristine concert tapes from Carnegie Hall in November 1957, found in the Thelonious Monk Voice of America archives at the Library Quartet with of Congress in Washington DC earlier this year, capture 51-minutes John Coltrane of remarkable music from two legends Live at Carnegie Hall at the height of their powers.
December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 PAGE FIVE recounts so many aspects of his past, the early days in Mississippi and sto- ries of many other Delta bluesmen such as Robert Johnson, Big Joe Wil- liams and others, that the viewer gets a big lesson in an important chapter in Blues history in 84 thoroughly-en- joyable minutes. Some of what he covers includes playing a little guitar for Big Joe after which Williams said “I can learn you how to play.” Then he recalls how the MILES DAVIS two hooked up and hit the road to- The Cellar Door Sessions 1970 gether, but how Joe liked to “fight all COLUMBIA/LEGACY BOX SET the time.” This boxed set of Miles’ Cellar He talks about things like gam- Door sessions was a feature review in bling, hopping freight trains, playing the Holiday Gift Guide on our Novem- on the street, laying with women and ber issue. life in the deep south. However, after the issue was Both he and B.B. King have seg- printed we found out that the release ments where they talk about life as a GEORGE BENSON date had been moved to some manu- sharecropper - what a sharecropper facturing hold ups. The new release actually was, how it all worked (the Live At Montreux, 1986 date is said to be December 20. sharecroppers did all the work) and EAGLE ROCK DVD Eagle Rock Entertainment has To read the review, refer to the No- the like. just released this set from George vember issue if you still have it, or you In addition to B.B., there are ap- Benson’s 1986 performance at the can download it from our website at pearances by Willie Foster and 1986 Montreux Jazz Festival. It is yet www.jazz-blues.com. Bill Wahl Waymon Meeks who add more dis- course and offer their own live perfor- another chapter in Eagle Rock’s ever mances. expanding Montreux series. Honeyboy traces his travels that A huge name in the contemporary eventually had him landing in Chi- jazz format, Benson is remembered by cago, and he covers many aspects of many for his masterful guitar work Blues in Chicago and some of its play- starting with joining jazz organist Jack ers, such as Muddy Waters and Howlin McDuff’s trio in 1962 and going on to Wolf, how much he missed Little forge his own successful solo career Walter after he died in 1968, and then with albums on Prestige, Columbia, the same again after losing his wife. Verve and CTI. Now 90 and still living in Chicago, Most of those albums showcased Honeyboy is still here, but all his old his Wes Montgomery-influenced gui- friends are gone. tar playing, but he broke out big as a He fondly speaks of Michael Frank vocalist with his cover of Leon of Earwig Records, who befriended Russell’s “This Masquerade” in 1976 him many years ago and has been his which became a massive hit. He’s manager since 1975. been known as a vocalist/guitarist During the movie you’ll also see ever since. some clips with interesting and infor- The Russell song is not on this set, mative input from Alligator Records but some of his other hits are, such founder and president Bruce Iglauer. as “The Greatest Love Of All,” “Turn Throughout the movie Honeyboy Your Love Around” and “On Broad- HONEYBOY EDWARDS plays and sings, and it comes to your way.” You’ll also hear “Affirmation” Honeyboy home with fantastic audio and video (which is one of the instrumentals), FREE RANGE PICTURES DVD quality. “Beyond The Sea,” “Lady Love Me This DVD chronicles the life and Honeyboy Edwards is a great sto- (One More Time),” “Feel Like Making times of one of the last living great ryteller, and he keeps you captivated Love,” “Turn Your Love Around,” “In Delta bluesmen - David “Honeyboy” throughout this DVD. Your Eyes,” another instrumental “My Edwards. It has been out a few years, There have been many documen- Latin Brother” and more. but I just picked up a copy when I re- taries on the blues, but Honeyboy, re- His band, which includes a horn cently saw Honeyboy in an informal leased in 2002, may just be the best section, is tight and funky; the audio concert performance at the Rock & one I have seen. is very good with a choice of stereo, Roll Hall of Fame. A must have for anyone who is Dolby 5.1 surround or DTS 5.1 sur- Throughout the movie Honeyboy into the blues. Bill Wahl round, and the video is quite good for PAGE SIX December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 the time, especially on closeups, but suffers at times due NORMAN GRANZ to the inherent problems with stage lighting. A good one indeed for followers of Benson as a vocal- JAZZ AT MONTREUX SERIES ist, with enough guitar work to satisfy some of those who EAGLE DVD want to hear him in that mode. Michael Braxton About a year ago, Eagle Rock Entertainment issued a series of DVDs featuring concert recordings from Montruex Jazz Festival performances from back in the ’70s. While I have only seen some of these, I’d like to relay the info that they are available should any of the artists in the series be of interest to you or someone you may be buying a gift for. I can vouch for the fact that the ones I have seen all offered very good sets of music and the au- dio and video were quite good, especially considering the TOMMY fact that they were done 30 years ago. CASTRO They were typical of Norman Granz’ first class pro- ductions, and I would presume they are all in keeping with Whole Lotta Soul the Granz tradition. The ones in the series I am have seen BLIND PIG DVD and can vouch for are: Benny Carter ‘77, with Carter joined by Ray Bryant/ ROD PIAZZA piano, Niels Pedersen/bass and Jimmie Smith/drums for & THE MIGHTY seven cuts, including “Body & Soul” “On Green Dolphin Street,” Wave,” “In A Mellow Tone” and “Three Little FLYERS Words.” Big Blues Party Count Basie Jam ‘75, with the Count on piano, Niels BLIND PIG DVD Pedersen/bass and Louis Bellson/drums being the rhythm section for Roy Eldridge/trumpet, Johnny Griffin/tenor sax and Milt Jackson/vibes. Four songs are the jam fare - California’s Sierra Nevada Brewery has extended its “Billie’s Bounce,” “Montreux Blues I,” “Lester Leaps In” enterprise beyond its excellent beer. The owners- avid and Montreux Blues II.” blues fans- added a concert hall (bka The Big Room) onto Roy Eldridge ‘77, with trumpeter Eldridge joined by the brewery proper and have since featured some of the hottest West Coast blues and roots artists onstage. These performances have provided the first content for a fledg- ling TV series, Sierra Center Stage. Two of these are hope- fully just the leadoff pair of a long line of quality DVD concert titles as well. The format is straightforward and the perfor- mances are top-notch on both discs. Castro’s traveling four-piece is augmented by studio pals Jimmy Pugh (keys), Tom Poole (trumpet) and Kevin Brown (second guitar). The meat of the set is his recent CD Soul Shaker and vocalist and labelmate Renee Austin does a nifty cameo on that disc’s “Let’s Give Love A Try”. The ex- panded Castro band is a treat in this “live” context, at times evoking a presence not unlike another hot Bay Area outfit of yore- The legendary Electric Flag. Piazza on DVD would be worth it just for the fine threads he sports but his harp work is also his typical classy fare. Honey and the rest of the crew are in fine form and Mrs. P is a splendid show-stealer, brandishing both her foxy locks and her phenomenal two-fisted boogie piano work. For those who couldn’t make the shows, pick up a couple six-packs of Sierra Nevada pale ale & pop in either of these high-powered sets. Duane Verh
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December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 PAGE SEVEN Oscar Peterson/piano, Niels BUDDY RICH Pedersen/bass and Bobby Durham/ B.B. KING BOOKS drums. The set includes “Between the & HIS BAND One looking for a holiday present Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” “I Sur- The Lost Tapes for a blues lover could do far worse render Dear,” “Dale’s Wail,” ‘Bye Bye LOBITOS CREEK/LIGHTYEAR DVD than purchasing an absolutely won- Blackbird” and “Perdido.” Dating to 1985, this DVD presents derful new coffee table book plus Oscar Peterson Trio ‘77 is a performance footage from Buddy more devoted to the King of the blues. rather different type of trio, as the Rich’s last recorded concert before his The B. B. King Treasures: Pho- great pianist is joined by two bassists, death two years later. tos, Mementos & Music from B. B. Ray Brown and Niels Pedersen. These tapes were recovered from King’s Collection is by King, Dick Among the nine songs are “Old a fire and the original surround sound Waterman and Charles Sawyer Folks,” “Indiana,” “There Is No audio was completely restored. An- (Bulfinch). Sawyer, who wrote the first Greater Love,” “Teach Me Tonight” other concert recorded on the same book-length biography of King, The and “Sweet Georgia Brown.” night, the Channel One Suite, is also Arrival of B.B. King, contributes a con- Mary Lou Williams ‘78 is a solo available on the same label. cise biography from King’s days grow- piano concert, featuring Williams on Rich was around 68 at the time of ing up in Mississippi to his days as an eight songs, including the opening this concert, and was still in good ambassador for the music. medley “The Lord Is Heavy/ form. The band swings and screams The remainder of the book is filled Fandangle/N.G. Blues/For The Figs/ and Rich gets plenty of solo space, with King’s recollections as given to Baby Bear Boogie/Roll ‘Em,” plus which is what the fans generally want Dick Waterman, who supplements “Over The Rainbow,” “Offertory Medi- to hear when they go to a concert per- these recollections of growing up, tation,” “The Man I Love,” “Tea For formed by a drummer-led unit. working on the farm, moving to Mem- Two,” “What’s Your Story Morning Although the materials accompa- Glory” and “Honeysuckle Rose.” nying this CD seem to suggest that The others in the series are Ray this is a new release, I believe it was Bryant ‘77, Milt Jackson & Ray previously available as The Lost West Brown ‘77 and Ella & Basie (The Per- Side Tapes – that titled derived from fect Match) ‘79. the fact that the set closes with the Then, in March of this year some “West Side Story Medley.” more titles were issued in the series, Since I’ve not seen that issue, it is including Jazz at the Philharmonic possible that audio and video im- ‘77, Dizzy Gillespie Sextet ‘77, Clark provements may have been made for Terry Sextet ‘77, Eddie Lockjaw this new one. Both are very good, es- Davis ‘77, Tommy Flanagan Trio ‘77 pecially considering that it was 20 and Oscar Peterson Solo ‘75. From years ago, and the audio certainly pre- what I have seen these all come with sents a natural big band sound, which choices of stereo, DTS Surround can be heard in either DTS or Dolby Sound or Dolby 5.1. Digital 4. Some of the other songs For more information on the se- head are “Mexicali Rose,” “Cotton ries, you can go to Tail,” and “Round Midnight.” Among www.eaglerockent.com, and some- the members of his band at the time how from there you need to try to land were pianist Bill Cunliffe and tenor on Norman Granz Jazz at the Philhar- saxophonist Steve Marcus, who is a monic. standout throughout. If no luck, try Amazon. Bill Wahl Among the extras on the DVD is a Solos section, where you can choose just the solos from Rich throughout the Cleveland Fats concert, or those of Cunliffe, or Marcus, or any of four others. The Schwartz Brothers There is also a Commentaries sec- DC and the tion offering words from Buddy, his wife Marie, daughter Cathy, drummer Continentals Dave Weckl and others. A very well presented set of Buddy For Bookings Contact Rich’s brand of big band jazz. Bill Wahl HONEYBEE ENTERTAINMENT 4786 Dressler Rd #145 Over 2,500 CD & DVD Reviews Canton, OH 44718 330-904-0454 At Your Fingertips! [email protected] www.jazz-blues.com
PAGE EIGHT December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 phis, touring and crossing over. There is now in its sixth decade. John Lee ‘Sonny Boy’ Williamson but are not only some terrific photographs This is more than simply a survey the song goes back to Lucille Bogan). (many are very rare), but also some of King’s extensive recordings, as There are a few other examples and reproductions of memorabilia, includ- McGee has interviewed numerous par- also King’s first three albums for ABC ing his sharecropping account from ticipants in many of these recordings Paramount are inadequately covered. 1940, tickets, programs and posters – ranging from first sessions with the The first album’Mr. Blues is dis- for his shows, along with sheets show- Nashville Bullitt label and Calvin New- cussed but not given its own subchap- ing how much he was earning prior to born, who was on that session with ter like most recordings, but Sid Seidenberg taking over his man- other members of his family, to his neither’Confessin’ the Blues nor Pay- agement in the late sixties. recent collaborations with various ing the Cost to be the Boss are men- You can see him from his WDIA blues and pop superstars. tioned nor analyzed even briefly. Also days to receiving the musical equiva- He also provides extensive com- King’s guest appearance with U2 is lent of the Nobel Prize in Sweden with mentary on the recordings them- discussed at length (deservedly so), King Carl Gustav handing him the selves, which can be somewhat ex- King’s guest appearances on CDs by award. hausting reading at times although blues legends and associates like In addition there is a CD with worthwhile as he traces the develop- Arthur Adams, Robert Lockwood Jr King’s recollections and some unis- ment and maturation of King’s style. and Koko Taylor are not mentioned. sued tracks. This is a multi-media Unfortunately, some of the major play- This is not as serious as the omission feast for fans of one of the true leg- ers, especially in King’s earlier days of the ABC albums, but still these re- ends of world music. Compiled in part like Maxwell Davis, are no longer with cordings still say a lot about King, to celebrate his 80th birthday, The us. especially Lockwood who played such B.B. King Treasures, is indeed a trea- He presents his opinions intelli- an important role in helping shape sure. gently and fervently, but not afraid to King’s career at the beginning. While it has a $40.00 list price and critique some recordings. He gener- These points detract a little from is in local stores, it can be obtained ally notes the sources of King’s re- the book, but are relatively minor. I from amazon.com and other places for cordings, although their are gaffes a should point out that I found this under $30.00. Hopefully places will he fails to correct the source of slower reading than The B.B. King have it on sale for the holidays. Gambler’s Blues that King originally Treasures, but that is in the very na- A different approach to King and recorded on his Blues is King disc (it ture of what McGee is attempting. It his life is B.B. King, There is Always was a top ten hit for Dinah Washing- is not something for a very casual fan One More Time by David McGee ton as You Satisfy and then redone as of the blues, or even King, but rather (Backbeat Books). Part of the Lives Gambler’s Blues by Washington who for the serious enthusiast of Kings in Music series, McGee provides some added a verse from Billie Holiday’s music. One will fine much to provoke biographical overview of King’s mu- Fine and Mellow), nor correctly at- thought and perhaps lead one to lis- sic and life, but this is really a survey tribute Sloppy Drunk (he attributes it ten again or anew to King’s music. of King’s lengthy recording career that to Jimmy Rogers who likely got it from Ron Weinstock
SUNDAYS BROWNS GAMES NOV 27 & DEC 4 RON HOWARD & CRUISIN’ 5PM
MONDAYS EDDIE & THE EDSELS TUESDAYS NOVEMBER DECEMBER 1BILLY & THE BULLETS 6BILLY & THE BULLETS 8KENTUCKY THUNDER 13 KENTUCKY THUNDER 15 TBA 20 AND 27 It’s More Than Just a Club 22 ERNIE KRIVDA BIG BAND ERNIE KRIVDA BIG BAND WEDNESDAYS NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2READY OR NOT 7BASICALLY BLUE 9WYNG IT W/KRISTINE JACKSON December 16 MY THREE SONS 14 GEEZE CATS 23 E.T. KING & DETERMINATION 21 MY THREE SONS FRI 2 ...... RENDEZVOUS (DANCE, PARTY, ROCK) 30 BLUESTONES 28 DON BAKER BAND SAT 3...... COLIN DUSSAULT’S BLUES PROJECT FRI 9 ...... SAM GETZ BAND THURSDAYS THE SAVANNAH JAM WITH BAD BOYS OF BLUES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING SAT 10.....WALLACE COLEMAN BAND FRI 16 .....CITY HEAT SAT 17.....KG BLUES FRI 23 .....SWAMP BOOGIE BAND
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December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 PAGE NINE to realize that the music here was much Remember when Cyndi Lauper Different more involved than the paired down came on the scene in the early eight- style of the earlier album I’d heard. But ies as kind of a ditsy little blonde? Well as infectious as the White Ladder al- she sure showed everyone that she was Genres bum was, I believe this one has taken not only a unique and powerful singer, that quality to an even higher level. but a marvelous songwriter. Not only Here are some CDs and DVDs that may This is one disc you could probably has she had a slew of hits, but songs have little to do with jazz, blues, funk, soul lay on anyone who is into the singer/ she’s written, or first recorded, have or R&B, but they are all good choices for songwriter side of things and be quite been covered by such diverse artists those nostalgic trips, or for people who en- sure they will love it. This album is also as Miles Davis (“Time After Time”) and joy a variety of music styles. They are also available as a DualDisc (one side -CD Phil Collins (“True Colors”). Her latest some ideas for people on your shopping side - is the audio, and the other - DVD CD, The Body Acoustic on Epic list who just aren’t exactly into either jazz side - generally has the audio in en- Records, is just what the title might or blues. The emails responding to our in- hanced stereo or 5.1 surround sound suggest - a collection of many of her clusion of such items has been so great, plus some videos, though each DD has best known songs performed acousti- that we will be including some reviews different types of DVD content.) Check cally. While some, such as “Time Af- such as these in our issues throughout the it out and sample some tracks at ter Time” are done similarly to the year. www.davidgray.com. originals, others are given a whole new Now, how about Tracy Chapman twist, whether it be infused with blue- SINGER SONGWRITERS herself! Cleveland-born Chapman has grass, reggae, ska, blues or whatever. been releasing excellent albums since Some of the other songs included are DAVID GRAY around 1988. Her latest, Where You “All Through The Night,” “True Col- TRACY CHAPMAN Live, was just released on Elektra/At- ors,” “She Bop,” “Sisters of Avalon,” lantic Records. Like Gray, Chapman “Money Changes Everything” and , oh CYNDI LAUPER writes serious songs rather than the yes, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” FIONA APPLE lightweight fluff so many others come She also has some guests on most of NATASHA BEDINGFIELD up with. Chapman has so many great the tracks, including Sarah McLachlan, songs under her belt, it is tough to start Ani DiFranco, Vivian Green, Shaggy NIKI ANDRE naming them for fear of running on and and Jeff Beck. Three new songs are If your musical tastes go beyond on. Those who are real fans know what heard here, including “Above The the realms of jazz and blues into the I mean. Unfortunately too many people Clouds,” an scorchingly beautiful bal- singer/songwriter arena, or someone have only heard the two or so songs that lad she co-wrote with Beck who is on your gift list fits that bill, there are keep playing over and over on the Wave heard on guitar, and another original several recent releases worthy of men- and Light Rock radio stations – and they ballad, “I’ll Be Your River,” on which tion. aren’t even her better songs. But the she is joined by Green. Lauper’s voice I first heard David Gray while ex- Satellite listeners know better. This al- is not only a powerhouse, but she has periencing a two-hour Thai Yoga Mas- bum features a more paired down, in- an impressive range to boot. While sage a couple of years ago. The mas- formal kind of band and performance evident on her albums, I recently saw seuse generally played new age/meta- than heard on some of her previous her in a concert promoting this album. physical instrumental music to zone work and it works to good effect. It I left the joint with no doubts as to the out by. This time she said she’d try might grow on you at just a bit slower singing abilities of Cyndi Lauper. No something different - describing him as pace than some earlier ones, but grow wonder Miles liked her. This album is a cross between Bob Dylan and Tracy on you it does nonetheless. Chapman also available as a DualDisc which is Chapman (a good analogy as it turned has a real knack for staying in that said to include some live performance out). The massage began and I became medium tempo groove almost con- videos. Since seeing her in concert, I’d so engrossed in the music I did some- stantly without it ever getting even close be interested to see that one as I have thing I rarely do - totally absorbed ev- to being monotonous. I’d often won- the CD version. Check this one out at ery bit of both the lyrics and the mu- dered why I’d never heard of Tracy www.epicrecords.com, or even more at sic. The album was White Ladder (re- Chapman since I’ve been involved in the www.cyndilauper.com. leased in 2000) and I had to have it - Cleveland music scene since 1978. As When Fiona Apple burst onto the immediately. As luck would have it, she it turns out, she got out of town as soon scene in 1996 at the age of 18 she gar- had two copies and laid one on me. It as she could due to some really bad nered quite a lot of critical acclaim, was rather minimalistic music, but ex- experiences. I’d have to think that this though many admitted she had some tremely well written with deep lyrics album’s “3,000 Miles” was written about room to grow. She’s had one album and rich, melodies. Gray, who is from Cleveland. I’d be quite surprised if it was and a whole lot controversies between Wales and is a unique blend of folk, not. It’s been three years in coming, but her debut album and this new one, Ex- rock and soul, had another album since Where You Live is another very wel- traordinary Machine on Epic Records. that one, but I’d not heard any of it. come addition to Tracy Chapman’s dis- She’s now come back with her stron- Then came this new one, Slow Motion, cography. Check out more on this al- gest effort yet. Her lyrics have defi- released in September on TKO/BMG bum at www.atlanticrecords.com, scroll nitely matured, and the music has as Records. Opening with the orchestral down to the artists list and click on well. Described by almost everyone sounds on “Alibi,” it did not take long Tracy Chapman. since the beginning as a smokey PAGE TEN December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 voiced alto, the singer/songwriter/pia- the recent Cream reunion (see our nist delivers a dozen songs that defi- November ‘05 issue), and perhaps nitely don’t have “pop hit” written on even more so for those who were any on them, but they have that qual- heavily into Traffic. ity that steadily grows on you, and thus While the songs are heard in full, will probably have a longer lasting ap- sometimes the video shifts to crowd peal. This is due in no small part to scenes from the concert, or from the the clever piano-based arrangements ‘60s, or people laying in a puddle of and the diverse nature of the songs mud, or sometimes psychedelic pat- themselves. Some of them are quite terns, black and white closeups, bus jazzy. This is a surprisingly good al- scenes or other assorted odd things. bum from Fiona Apple. This one also It is not bothersome at all, as it could is available as a DualDisc with videos have been if not done right. The only and live performances. Check out fault I can find is that as Winwood Fiona at www.epicrecords.com. If you builds on his piano solo on “Glad,” and like this one, there is another singer in he is well into it, the song just stops the same vein who recently piqued my and segues to a dressing room scene. attention when watching the Austin TRAFFIC Since the same thing happens on the City Limits Festival video - Rachael The Last Great Traffic Jam audio CD side of the DualDisc version Yamagata - also a smokey and husky EPIC RECORDS DVD (except that on the DD the piano solo voiced alto who sings, writes and plays This one is a baby boomer’s de- is faded-out), I’d have to think some piano. She has an album titled light. I first became a fan of Stevie kind of technical problem caused Hapenstance on BMG Records. Winwood through his work with the them to make the cut. Although I do If you have a younger someone on Spencer Davis Group (remember believe that footage from several dif- your gift list who listens to the pop fluff “Gimme Some Lovin’”?) and contin- ferent concerts were used here, per- put out by Britney Spears and the like, ued to be from the first Traffic album haps that was the best footage of the you might want to have them move up in ‘67 until their jazzy “Low Spark of song...who knows? But, Winwood gets a step or two with Unwritten by one of High Heal Boys” era. Unfortunately, into more great solos, such as on the England’s new young pop stars, Winwood’s post-Traffic work did little rock-turns-to-jazz “Low Spark of High Natasha Bedingfield. She’s been very for me, but the 1994 Traffic reunion Heel Boys” One extra treat is the ap- successful overseas with her blend of tour again sparked my interest. Since pearance of Gerry Garcia on guitar hip hop, pop, ballads and R&B, and her I was not able to see them in a con- when the played “Dear Mr. Fantasy” album has just been released in the US, cert on that tour, this recent release at the San Francisco concert. Another so chances are your gift target won’t of the DVD from the tour grabbed my treat is the comic antics of Capaldi already have it. She’s accomplished attention once again. scattered throughout. Sadly, He quite a bit in a short time, in fact At the time of this tour, Chris Wood passed away in January of this year Bedingfield became just the third UK (saxes, flute and keyboards) had before he could see the worldwide re- woman to debut at number one with a passed away. Dave Mason was long lease of this video. first album. You might want to choose gone as he left the band early on to Some of the other songs heard are the DualDisc version which includes pursue a solo career. But two of the “Pearly Queen,” “Medicated Goo,” some music videos, recording studio original members, Winwood and “Mozambique” (a jazzy/Santana-ish footage and an interview. Check it out drummer Jim Capaldi, were on hand; excursion), “Light Up Or Leave Me at www.epicrecords.com. and although Wood is missed, Randall Alone,” “40,000 Headmen.” and While we don’t usually cover EPs, Bramlett does a fine job on saxes, “John Barleycorn (Must Die),” which one came through that deserves some flutes and keyboards, and the band is is a trio with Winwood on acoustic attention in the R&B/hip hop vein. Niki rounded out by guitarist Mike McEvoy guitar, Bramlett on flute and Capaldi Andre has a 3-song debut on her own and drummer/percussionist Walfredo on tambourine/second vocals. The label titled First Light. The 28-year old Reyes Jr. Winwood plays Hammond closing song is the above-mentioned Canadian singer/songwriter, who is the B3 organ, Yamaha grand piano, gui- “Gimme Some Lovin.” Both the audio daughter of a jazz musician, has a tar, and sings lead on all but “Light and video is fantastic, with sound silky-smooth angelic voice. All three Up Or Leave Me Alone,” which is sung choices in stereo or Dolby 5.1 sur- songs are done in a laid back style by Capaldi. The bottom line here round. You also get a 3-song CD re- which fits her like a glove. In her own is....they sound fantastic. Often when corded in 1994 which sounds like a words, she refers to her music as “a you see reunions like this, the result practice session with only Winwood lyrical fusion of urban hip hop and sul- is disappointing, or worse. Winwood and Capaldi. It says on the back that try diva jazz. I call it Dirty Jazz.” I’ll go seems to be having a great time re- you can use the CD to unlock bonus along with that. Hopefully she will be turning to the roots, so to speak, after video footage by going to releasing a full length album, as I found too many years in a more pop vein www.stevewinwood.com. I’m not sure myself listening to these three cuts over where his musical talents as an instru- what they are talking about, but if you and over again. You might want to kook mentalist were all but lost. He and go there you can view a few clips from into her for yourself. Check her out at Capaldi spark the new members and the video if you want to check it out. www.sheilluminatesit.com. Bill Wahl the result is every bit as satisfying as Look for them in the news section to December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 PAGE ELEVEN the left. yearning for. He built this album on the This DVD has been dedicated to foundation of an organ trio - Hammond Chris Wood, Gerry Garcia, former B3 with guitar and drums. There is no Traffic percussionist Reebop Kwaku bass player - he “kicks bass” like the Baah and, in Winwood’s words, “To old organ masters such as Jimmy the man without whom Traffic could Smith, Jack McDuff and others (or he never be: my lifelong friend Jim may be doing the bass with his left Capaldi.” hand), who were obviously his early In closing...if you are over 50 or influences. Applying this kind of trio to so, I’d advise against the possible the styles and rhythms mentioned temptation to track down a tab of acid above results in some outstanding mu- or whatever to enjoy the experience. sic. Speaking of kicking, I’m kicking The occasional psychedelic patterns myself for missing his recent House of and things swirling about might make Blues concert. But since I had no idea you toss your cookies. Actually, that this album existed, I presumed he was would probably be the least of your going to be doing his pop stuff. Oh well, problems. Trust me, this is thoroughly hindsight is still always 20/20. enjoyable without any outside help He’s joined here by guitarist Jose whatsoever. Bill Wahl Pires de Almeida Neto and drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr., who also plays JOE COCKER Traffic: additional percussion on some tracks. If his name sounds familiar, you just Live at Montreux 1987 DualDisc Version read it in the review of the Traffic con- EAGLE ROCK DVD Epic Records has also issued a cert DVD above. There is also a conga Joe Cocker may be one of the DualDisc of the music from the Traf- player on 6 of the 11 tracks, a tim- most under-rated singers of our time. fic video if you only care about the bale player on the same 6, and a saxo- He can take a song like “With A Little audio. It is a two disc set - Disc 1, a phonist/flautist who plays on 4. All the Help From My Friend,” one of the CD, contains the first 6 songs from the songs were written or co-written by Beatles most hokey recordings, and video; Disc 2 - the 2-sided DualDisc, Winwood, except for Timmy Thomas’ turn it into a virtual masterpiece. That contains the remaining 5 on the CD R&B gem “Why Can’t We Live To- song, which launched his career into side. The DVD side of the DualDisc gether,” which was also done by Sade. the big time with his album and contains all 11 songs in enhanced ste- There is no question that those into Woodstock appearance in ‘69, is heard reo, a traffic interview with Winwood the “real” Stevie Winwood would love on this 1987 live Montreux Jazz Festi- and Capaldi and rare archival footage this album, as well as Santana fans val performance. and photos. The DVD video reviewed and a host of others into rhythmically Cocker pretty much transforms above does not contain the interview, creative music. any song he wishes to tackle into a photos or archival footage - it is just This DualDisc version contains unique, standout rendition. He does the concert. –BW the original 11 songs on Disc 1 (a CD) just that to 12 more songs here, such of the 2-disc set. The second disc, the as Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues,” STEVE WINWOOD DualDisc, contains 3 bonus tracks - Bob Dylan’s “Dear Landlord” and About Time live versions of his band playing “Watching The River Flow” and Dave EPIC RECORDS DUALDISC Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” “Why Mason’s “Feelin Alright.” some of the Steve Winwood’s 1993 CD About Can’t We Live Together” and Jimi other songs he does here are “You Can Time, which was released on his own Hendrix’ “Voodo Chile” on the CD side. Leave Your Hat On,” “Seven Days,” label Wincraft Records, has been re- The DVD side contains the entire al- “You are So Beautiful,” “Guilty” and a leased by Epic Records as a 2-disc bum and the bonus tracks in enhanced song he did with Jennifer Warnes, “Up CD/Dualdisc set. I had no idea this stereo, plus live concert videos of the Where We Belong,” on which he is album ever existed until I came across band - one at the Austin City Limits joined by one of his background sing- this DD version last month. The mu- Festival in Austin Texas and two at the ers, Maxine Green. His six-piece band sic here is primo Winwood - the kind Sanoma Jazz Festival in California. is tight and solid and Cocker is in good of stuff he was known for with Spen- Great stuff here, and for a list price of form throughout the show. On “Watch- cer Davis and Traffic, but better. Here 18.99 you sure get a lot of bang for ing The River Flow” he is joined by he covers jazz, rock, funk, R&B and your buck. The DualDisc is in fact only Brian Auger on Hammond B3 organ latin, as well as Afro, Jamaican and 2 bucks and a penny more than the and James Cotton on harp and sec- Caribbean Island styles and rhythms. original straight CD version. You can ond vocal. There is absolutely nothing pop about sample it at www.stevewinwood.com. A fine Cocker show with good au- any of the music here. What a treat! Navigate yourself to the solo albums dio and video quality, offering sound Apparently after his 1997 album and via discography click on this one. in stereo, DTS Surround Sound or (Junction Seven) he got fed up with A first rate gift. Grab one for your- Dolby 5.1 Surround. These Montreux feeding into the hit parade and de- self too! If you don’t like it, you can performances just keep on coming cided to go back to the roots - some- email me and tell me I’m a moron. from Eagle. I have a feeling we can thing his longtime fans have been Bill Wahl expect many more Bill Wahl PAGE TWELVE December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 DualDisc LOVE, JANIS WHAT IS IT? Limited run at the Hanna Theatre Since many new releases are offered with the DualDisc option, which don’t cost much, if any, more than a regular is Held Over to February 12 CD, below is some facts about the format courtesy of Here is a great gift idea. Give your friends some tickets to DualDisc’s oficial website, DualDisc.com Love, Janis! The life and music of rock-n-roll icon Janis Everything you want to Joplin is exploding onto the Hanna Theatre stage in this new rock musical, which opened November 17 and was know about DualDisc scheduled to run only through January 15. It has been go- What Is A DualDisc? ing over so well that it has been extended until February 12! DualDisc has both a CD player side and a DVD side, Love, Janis goes behind the music and offers a glimpse allowing artists to create in exciting new ways using at the soul of a legend both through the letters she wrote audio, video and computer content - all on a single home and the songs she made famous. Her classic music two-sided disc. comes to life in this hauntingly intimate portrayal inspired by the bestselling book by Laura Joplin. There is the Janis What Is On A DualDisc? Joplin that most people remember - the female icon of One side is the full-length CD audio album. The 60s rock music - the singular performer whose talent and other side offers DVD content. This may include en- voice defied traditional musical definitions - the troubled hanced album audio, 5.1 surround sound, music vid- woman who died tragically young. But there was also eos, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, docu- another side to Janis, the one remembered by her family mentary films, photo galleries, lyrics, computer-ready and her friends. This sensitive, intelligent, funny person digital song files, and Web links. It all depends on the is at the heart of Love, Janis. artist. Love, Janis features all of the great music that has Do I Need New Equipment? kept the singer’s legendary status bright, even among gen- No. However, to take full advantage of DualDiscs erations who never experienced her performances first- that feature surround sound music, you’ll need a 5.1 hand. “Piece of my Heart," “Ball and Chain," “Down on channel surround system. Me," “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Mercedes Benz” are What Is Enhanced Audio And Surround Sound? just five of the nearly 20 songs included in the show. But The DVD side of the DualDisc offers superior au- dio. Many DualDiscs include surround sound mixes that have been specially created during the recording pro- cess. When listened to on a 5.1 channel surround sys- tem, the result is a rich, three-dimensional musical experience. Where Can I Play A DualDisc? We recommend using the DVD side if you have a DVD player in order to enjoy the entire album in en- hanced audio and the additional DVD features. The DVD side plays wherever a DVD plays - including many gaming consoles and computers. In a PC, the DVD side acts like a DVD-ROM on DualDiscs that include com- puter extras and Web links. The CD side plays on all but a limited number of CD and DVD models. How Can I Tell Which Side Is Which? Each side is clearly marked for play on a CD or DVD player. What If I Put A DualDisc In My Player Upside-Down? If you place the DVD side in a CD player, it will not play - just turn it over and re-insert. What DualDisc Titles Are Available? Beginning in Fall 2004, a range of DualDisc titles have become available across a variety of genres, for both new and catalog releases. Check back here (www.dualdisc.com) and at individual record label websites for specifics on titles and dates. © 2004 5.1 Label Group, L.L.C., EMI Music North America, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, UMG Re- cordings, Inc., Warner Music Group Inc. December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 PAGE THIRTEEN the musical also focuses on the let- page collection of essays and interviews ters that Janis wrote home to her fam- detailing the careers of 25 electric blues ily, letters that demonstrate a down- guitarists including Lightnin’ Hopkins, to-earth girl who missed her family, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Rogers and sought advice, yearned for approval Freddie, Albert and B.B. King. 7. Mem- and, most of all, fought to stay authen- bership in the Blues Foundation. $25 per tic and true to herself despite her year for membership gives voting rights growing celebrity. The journey is told in the annual W.C. Handy competition, in Janis’ own words: the entire text discounts on merchandise, the comes directly from her actual letters Foundation’s newsletter and other ben- and her many press, radio and televi- By Mark Smith efits. Call 1-800-861-8795. 8. A member- sion interviews. ship to your local blues society. 9. The Love, Janis is directed by Randal If you find yourself bewildered about Blues Highway- New Orleans to Chi- cago- Myler who earned a Tony Award nomi- what to purchase your favorite blues is a road trip through the cradle of musical innovation in America. This travel nation for It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues buddy for Christmas or if you are and music guide follows Highway 61, the and is the director and co-author of stumped about what to put on your own list so that your clueless non-blues Illinois Central railroad and the Missis- Hank Williams: Lost Highway and Fire sippi River to explore the roots of jazz, on the Mountain. Music direction is friends don’t buy you a another House of Blues T-shirt, consider a few of the blues, Cajun, zydeco, country, rock & roll, provided by Sam Andrew, founding following ideas: soul and gospel music from Congo member of Big Brother and the Hold- 1. Juke Joint- Photographs. This Square in New Orleans to down-home ing Company, whose pieces – written book explores interiors of Juke Joints Delta juke-joints and on to South Side before, during and after Janis’ tenure throughout the land. Hardcover $55, pa- Chicago clubs. Exciting features include: with the band – have been used in perback $35. Available through Univer- detailed city guides; extensive listings on numerous major motion picture sity Press of Mississippi. where to stay and where to eat; where soundtracks and documentaries. Dur- www.UPRESS.STATE.MS.US. or to find the best music clubs and bars; ing his career as a musician and com- through 1-800-737-7788. 2. A Subscrip- historic landmarks; who’s who of jazz and poser, Mr. Andrew has had three plati- tion to Blues Revue Magazine- $23.95 a blues; when and where to find music fes- num albums and two hit singles. year (6 issues). Call 1-800-258-7388. tivals and events; and the people, cul- Tickets to Love, Janis are on sale Subscribers will also receive three Blues ture and cuisine of The Blues Highway. I at the Playhouse Square Center Ticket Revue sampler discs featuring a wide can speak from personal experience- this Office; by phone at 216.241.6000 or variety of established and up and com- book took me straight to such historic 1.800.766.6048 or online at ing artists. 3. A subscription to Big City sights as the Stovall Plantation where www.playhousesquare.com. Perfor- Blues Magazine- $25 per year (six is- Muddy Waters took his first steps and mance times are Tuesday through Fri- sues), $50 for two years (12 issues) and countless other stops on a recent jour- day evenings at 7:30 pm, Saturday at $75 for three years (18 issues). Send a ney from New Orleans back to Michigan. 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Sunday check or money order to Big City Blues, A must have. 10. Escaping the Delta- at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. . P.O. Box 1805, Royal Oak, MI 48068- Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Ticket prices are $39.50 and 1805. 4. A Subscription to Living Blues- Blues. HarperCollins, 2004. Author $49.50. Groups of 16 or more, call $23.95 a year (6 issues). Call 1-800-390- Elijah Wald puts Robert Johnson’s con- group sales at 216.664.6050. 3527. 5. David Dalton’s wonderful book tribution to the blues in context and ex- Title sponsor of the Broadway Been Here and Gone- A Memoir of the plores the evolution of the blues from the Series at Playhouse Square Center is Blues (Morrow, 2000) which brings the Delta to today’s white bread for the masses. 11. Blues DVDs. Those that McDonald Financial Group. Visit key figures of blues history such as can’t make it out to see their favorite www.key.com/mfg for more informa- Charlie Patton, Lightning Hopkins, Blind blues artists or who simply weren’t tion. Lemon Jefferson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Leadbelly, Bessie Smith and around when the artist was alive can in- Ma Rainey to life. Using a fictional creasingly fill this hole in their musical bluesman, Coley Williams, who grows up life by taking a spin through the music Over 2,500 CD with the blues and meets these artists DVD section of their music store. Check and many others along the way, Dalton out some of these as stocking stuffers: & DVD Reviews adds three dimensions to the dry histori- Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers- Big cal facts about their lives and times. Blues Party; Tommy Castro- Whole At Your Fingertips! Gamblers, con artists, drunks, divas and Lotta Soul; Magic Slim & The Tear- poets all found their way into the blues drops- Anything Can Happen; Duke Plus all issues and over the course of 395 pages Dalton Robillard and Friends- A Special since October 2003 introduces us to all of them. You’ll never Evening With; . There are plenty of addi- hear these artists the same way after tional blues related DVDs available available as PDFs. they come alive for you through Coley through your local retailer. You can also William’s recollections of their times to- travel into cyberspace and grab some www.jazz-blues.com gether. An indispensable book for any- through Amazon.com- go to the DVD one with any interest in the characters section, type in the name of your favor- who created the blues. 6. Rollin’ and ite artist and see if something is avail- Tumblin’ Ðedited by Jas Obrecht- A 480 able. 12. A selection (or two!!!) from PAGE FOURTEEN December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 Smitty’s 2005 blues picks; 13. A piece of plays with highly skilled restraint. The rest tion of Roomful of Blues to back up his highly cool art for the blues lover can be of the band plays with the exuberance Big Joe Turner inspired vocals. While he scored at www.primitivekoolart.com. 14. of prisoners freed from the shackles of isn’t as quick with a phrase as he once For the big spenders, how about a cabin their storied past. Instead of longing for was, he makes up for it with the richness on the Pacific Coast edition of the Leg- the faded glory days when Fats made the slower pace adds to his hearty voice. endary Blues Cruise which is set to sail them the envy of the West Coast blues This is music aimed strictly at your feet from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas on scene they are now free to be in the and butt.. Take a listen and be transported October 3, 2006 or the Caribbean edi- moment and even create a new history. through a rich slice of blues history. tion which sails from Ft. Lauderdale on 3. Sean Costello- On this, his Tone 7. Roomful of Blues- Standing January 14, 2007? Info is available at Cool Records debut, guitarist Sean Room Only. Simply put, this 30 year old 816-753-7979. Everyone I’ve spoken Costello checks in with a terrifically band has rarely sounded better. With ev- with that has ever been on one of these crafted, soulful disc. Costello uses his erything from fast paced, horn laden cruises swears it is the best blues expe- guitar to augment rather than totally numbers, jump blues, slinky, guitar rience ever with dozens of top name acts dominate the songs. The real accom- driven mambo grooves and even the and countless jam sessions amongst the plishment of this disc is just how easily slow, emotional blues that are Bobby artists. 15. Finally, at the other end of the Costello’s original numbers stand tall “Blue” Bland’s stock in trade Roomful has budget scale, how about a blues calen- against the gold standard of the covers all the bases covered. While that can be dar with such legends as Lonnie Brooks, by the likes of Al Green, Bob Dylan and a problem for less talented groups Buddy Guy, Gatemouth Brown or Hubert Robert Ward. . If Costello keeps his fo- Roomful carries off each of these styles Sumlin? Available through Alligator cus on crafting songs rather than hot shot without missing a beat. Records at Alligator.com for a mere guitar solos he will be in the disc racks 8. Tommy Castro- Soul Shaker. $13.98. Happy Holidays!! See ya next for years to come. With a sound that forges the soulful horn year. -Smitty 4. Sugar Ray and the Bluetones- vibe of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Smitty’s 2005 Year End Picks Hands Across the Table. On his fourth Jukes with Delbert McClinton style south- Here we go again with another trip disc after leaving Roomful of Blues in late ern soul and a heavy dose of stinging into controversy. No matter what discs 1996, Sugar Ray Norcia and his fellow guitar blues, Castro and his sterling band make my list I’m sure to exclude Bluetones are joined by new guitarist have crafted a disc that is consistently someone’s favorite of the year. So here’s Paul Size and two of his former Roomful engaging. Leaving the straight blues the deal. These aren’t the best in any band mates. The resulting disc is a hard shuffles to others, Castro and crew take empirical sense. They’re simply my fa- hitting slice of Chicago style blues with on funk , a bit of jazz, steamy soul, clas- vorites of the year. some swinging upbeat cuts thrown in for sic rock and even a Dixie –fried bit of 1. Renee Austin- Right About Love. good measure. Featuring plenty of Ray’s Little Feat style rump shaking with the With eleven mostly self–penned tracks adept harmonica work and rich, buttery title track. Don’t worry that all this stretch- to showcase her stunning voice Renee’ vocals the 13 cuts collected here harken ing means that Castro has left his guitar Austin’s sophomore effort on Blind Pig back to Ray’s pre-Roomful days when in the case. While there are no long is a glorious trip through road house rock, he was a band leader rather than simply winded solos (and haven’t we had gospel, western swing and Memphis a band member. It’s no stretch at all to enough of those lately??) there’s plenty style blues. What really sets Austin apart say this marks Ray’s best work since of guitar here. from virtually all her peers is the immense leaving Roomful. 9. Fabulous Thunderbirds- versatility of her voice. Her slow num- 5. Paul Oscher- Down In the Delta. Painted On. While he’s the only original bers are rich and nuanced, her gospel Playing primarily solo with a harmonica member, Kim Wilson is determined to and swing numbers are nimble and her in a neck rack and a guitar on a number keep the Fabulous Thunderbirds alive. rockers are throaty and powerful. While of tracks and with superstar support on This disc pairs him with a couple of hot any number of singers can work their the balance, Paul Oscher has crafted a shot guitarists, Nick Curran and Kirk “Eli” way through a good ballad or power their fine slice of traditional blues. The photos Fletcher who acquit themselves well in way to the front of a stomping rocker, very of Oscher that adorn the disc tell the story the spot once occupied by Jimmie few can do both as well as Austin Pick here. Rather than posing in front of a faux Vaughan. You have to go back to the pre- this up and treat yourself to a terrific vo- Roadhouse or blues shack a ‘la the en- MTV days to hear a better T-Birds re- cal showcase by an artist who clearly has try to most House of Blues facilities, lease. With hard rocking grooves, tight a bright future ahead of her. Oscher plopped himself on the porch of soul and straight out Texas style blues 2. Hollywood Blue Flames- Soul the storied Hobson’s Plantation in this one is a real keeper. Sanctuary- This disc matches the sur- Clarksdale, Mississippi, revealing the 10. Jimi Bott- Live Vol. 1, Cheap viving members of the Hollywood Fats honest, raw boned grit and weathered Thrills. Recorded live during his stints Band with hot shot guitarist Kirk “Eli” history that infuses every track. There’s as drummer for the likes of Rod Piazza Fletcher who has gone from relative ob- no party here, just the straight blues that & the Mighty Flyers, The Fabulous scurity to the top echelon of the blues exorcise the demons and call for white Thunderbirds, Mark Hummel and a host world over the past couple of years with lightning to wash away the evil taste they of others, Bott has captured some bliss- his own solo recordings and high profile leave behind. ful blues moments. None of these tracks gigs with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and 6. Jimmy “T99” Nelson- The Leg- were part of a planned recording project The Mannish Boys. While filling in for the end. Following the recipe he success- (many are board or even walkman tapes) immensely talented Fats would cause a fully used on his 2002 release, Take Your so no one was uptight and the perfor- lesser talent to overplay his parts in an Pick, 86 year old Houston blues shouter mances have the freewheeling feel of a effort to show himself worthy of the role, Jimmy “T99” Nelson has reassembled the night at your local blues bar. Fletcher avoids that trap and, instead, lion’s share of the late 80’s/early 90’s edi- See you in 2006! December 2005 – January 2006 • Holiday Special • Issue 278 PAGE FIFTEEN