Barzakh

This starkly beautiful collection of 13 tracks by Tunisian composer Anouar Brahem is his debut release for the ECM label. The album spotlights Brahem's solo oud pieces, which range from the meditative ("Sadir") to the propulsive ("Ronda"). This solo work is nicely augmented by stellar contributions from violinist Bechir Selmi and percussionist Lassad Hosni; Selmi is featured on the transcendent "Barzakh", while Hosni figures prominently on "Souga" and "Bou Naouara". The three musicians come together for the joyous dance number "Parfum de Gitane". Throughout Barzakh, Brahem and the others forge an appealing mix of Middle Eastern sonorities and jazz phrasing, an intimate sound perfectly suited to the clean and spacious ECM recording style. This is a great title for fans of both international music and jazz.

~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide

Artist: Anouar Brahem

Album: Barzakh

Year: 1990

Label: ECM

Personnel:

Anouar Brahem: oud

Bechir Selmi: violin

Lassad Hosni: percussion

Tracks:

1. Raf Raf
2. Barzakh
3. Sadir
4. Ronda
5. Hou
6. Sarandib
7. Souga
8. Parfum De Gitane
9. Bou Naouara
10. Kerkenah
11. La Nuit Des Yeux
12. La Belvedére Assiége
13. Qaf

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The Widow In The Window

One of the first works I listened to by Kenny Wheeler. 19 years have passed and I still love it. A BIG thank you to my friend Vangelis Moutsatsos for this eye opener. :o)

Artist: Kenny Wheeler
Album: The Widow In The Window
Year: 1990
Label: ECM

Personnel:

Kenny Wheeler: Fluegelhorn, Trumpet
John Abercrombie: Guitar
John Taylor: Piano
Dave Holand: Bass
Peter Erskine: Drums

Track List:

1. Aspire
   
2. Ma Belle Helene
   
3. The Widow In The Window
   
4. Ana
   
5. Hotel Le Hot
   
6. Now And Now Again
   

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Roots Revisited

Maceo Parker has spent most of his career in R&B/funk bands, most notably those led by James Brown, George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. This CD gave him a chance to stretch out as a leader and his soulful horn immediately brings to mind Hank Crawford and (to a lesser extent) Lou Donaldson. With a strong backup group that includes Pee Wee Ellis on tenor, trombonist Fred Wesley and Don Pullen on organ, Parker enthusiastically plays over infectious grooves with just one funky departure ("In Time"). Roots Revisited is a throwback to the 1960s soul jazz style and Maceo Parker gives one the impression that, if called upon, he could hold his own on a bebop date. ~ Scott Yano

Artist: Maceo Parker
Album: Roots Revisited
Year: 1990
Label: Verve Digital

Personnel:

Maceo Parker: Alto Saxophone (piano. organ "In Time")
Fred Wesley: Trombone
Pee Wee Ellis: Tenor Saxophone
Vince Henry: Alto Saxophone ("Them That Got")
Don Pullen: Organ (except "In Time")
Rodney Jones: Guitar
Bootsy Collins: Bass Guitars (guitar "In Time")
Bill Stewart: Drums

Track List:

1. Them That Got (Ray Charles)
   
2. Children's World (Maceo Parker)
   
3. Better Get Hit In Yo' Soul (Charles Mingus)
   
4. People Get Ready (Curtis Mayfield)
   
5. Up And Down East Street (For Ulysee Hardy) (Maceo Parker)
   
6. Over The Rainbow (Harold Arlen)
   
7. Jumpin' The Blues (Jay McShann/Charlie Parker)
   
8. In Time (Sly Stone)
   

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