I Remember Miles

There are a few remarkable recreations on tenor-saxophonist Benny Golson's tribute to Miles Davis, particularly "'Round Midnight" and parts of "So What" and "Bye Bye Blackbird." Trumpeter Eddie Henderson (especially when muted) comes very close to duplicating not only the sound but the spirit of Davis while Golson sometimes discards his own strong musical personality to do close impressions of John Coltrane. Trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Tony Reedus are also in fine form on a program that not only has five songs associated with 1950s Miles Davis but three Golson originals including "One Day, Forever (I Remember Miles)" which (although worthy) is not in the same league as his earlier classic "I Remember Clifford." This heartfelt tribute album has enough unique moments to make it easily recommended.

~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Artist: Benny Golson

Album: I Remember Miles

Year: 1992

Label: Evidence

Personnel:

Benny Golson: tenor sax

Eddie Henderson: trumpet

Curtis Fuller: trombone

Ray Drummond: bass

Tony Reedus: drums

Mulgrew Miller: piano

Track List:

1. Four
2. Heartstrings
3. 'Round Midnight
4. Bye Bye Blackbird
5. One Day, Forever
6. Autumn Leaves
7. So What
8. Uptown Afterburn

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Soulshine

While DJ Vadim -- another European hip-hop mixer whose career began on the same trajectory -- pursued breakbeat hip-hop into the realm of heavily American/underground rap, the production work of Frenchman DJ Cam has become much smoother and closer in sound and execution to the British acid jazz scene. Soulshine is his smoothest record yet, opening with a breezy jazz dancer ("Summer in Paris") with a live band sporting a crossover groove while vocalist Anggun enthuses about the unique Parisian vibes. Cam also cultivates his American R&B connection, drafting Cameo's Larry Blackmon and Nathan Leftenant for a serviceable Roy Ayers impression, while "Condor (Espionage)" features Guru (aka Baldhead Slick) relaxing over a live cut. For DJ Cam, musical maturity seems to mean arrangements utilizing a live band, and though Soulshine has them throughout, there's much less of innovation happening here than on his early work. Two tracks that work are the pair of realhip-hop tracks: "Bounce" and "Voodoo Child," the latter a tough remix by DJ Premier with Afu Ra on vocals.

~ John Bush, All Music Guide.

Artist: DJ Cam

Album: Soulshine

Year: 1992

Label: Inflamable Records

Track List:

1. Summer In Paris Starring Anggun
2. Welcome To Soulshine
3. Love Junkee Starring Cameo
4. For Aaliyah
5. Condor (Espionage) Starring Baldhead Slick
6. To Be Continued
7. Child's Play Strring Filet Of Soul
8. The Show
9. Bounce
10. Soulshine Starring Inlove
11. 3/4 Interlude
12. He's Gone Starring China
13. Afu Ra Interlude
14. Voodoo Child Starring Afu Ra (DJ Premier Remix)
15. Elevation Starring Donnie
16. He's Gone Kid Loco Remix (Japan Bonus Track)

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Jazz 'Round Midnight

Joining her equally stunning Compact Jazz entry, Sarah Vaughan's Jazz 'Round Midnight disc makes for a very fine introduction to the singer's extensive catalog. As is the case with the entire 'Round Midnight series, the emphasis here is on the ballad-heavy, after-hours end of the spectrum, which Vaughan handled with the utmost class and skill. The 15 tracks mostly cover her prime '50s and '60s sessions, including combo, strings, and big band dates featuring Clifford Brown, Cannonball Adderley, J.J. Johnson, and top-notch arrangers like Ernie Wilkins and Thad Jones. So, turn down the lights, pour the Remy Martin, and enjoy.

~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide.

Artist: Sarah Vaughan

Album: Jazz 'Round Midnight

Year: 1992

Label: Verve

Personnel:

Since this is a compilation the personnel differs in each song. If you want that info perhaps you should buy the CD. :o)

Track List:

1. April In Paris
2. Lover Man (1954 Version)
3. I Won't Say I Will But I Won't Say I Won't
4. I'm Glad There Is You
5. Prelude To A Kiss
6. Jim
7. My Man (Mon Homme)
8. I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over
9. It's Easy To Remember
10. But Not For Me
11. Darn That Dream
12. I'll Never Smile Again
13. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
14. September Song
15. Over The Rainbow

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TCHAIKOVSKY Complete Piano Works Vol. VII

I am trying really hard to remember how this album ended up in my hands but I can't...was it a shot in the dark? Did I even notice the "Vol. VII" when I picked it? Questions, questions, questions which don't matter in the end anyway, do they?All I know is that I enjoy listening to parts of this every now and then...I remember parts of it playing during a few mornings and a few sunsets at Πελαγινοί...enjoy.

Artist: Viktoria Postnikova

Album: TCHAIKOVSKY Complete Piano Works Vol. VII

Year: 1992

Label: Erato

Personnel:

Viktoria Postnikova: Piano

Track List:

1. Pieces Op.72 : Impromptu
2. Pieces Op.72 : Berceuse
3. Pieces Op.72 : Tendres reproches
4. Pieces Op.72 : Danse caracteristique
5. Pieces Op.72 : Meditation
6. Pieces Op.72 : Mazurque pour danser
7. Pieces Op.72 : Polacca de concert
8. Pieces Op.72 : Dialogue
9. Pieces Op.72 : Un poco di Schumann
10. Pieces Op.72 : Scherzo-Fantaisie
11. Pieces Op.72 : Valse bluette
12. Pieces Op.72 : L'espiègle
13. Pieces Op.72 : Echo rustique
14. Pieces Op.72 : Chanson Elegiaque
15. Pieces Op.72 : Un poco di Chopin
16. Pieces Op.72 : Valse à 5 temps
17. Pieces Op.72 : Passé lointain
18. Pieces Op.72 : Scène dansante : Invitation au Trépak
19. Impromptu (momento lirico)

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The Brasil Project

I never believed it could be done, and to top it all, it's MY record! I feel like the cherry on a Brazilizn cake made with the best ingredients. Miles Goodman had the idea and brought Oscar Castro-Neves along to co-produce. Joel Moss made us all sound right. Last but not least Ron Goldstein gave us private music's green light. I would like to call this a labor of love.

Thanks!

All I had to do is be myself and play.

What more can a musician wish for?

I know! And I have that too:

My wife Hugette to whom I dedicate this music

with a smile and a tear,

Toots

Artist: Toots Thielemans
Album: The Brasil Project
Year: 1992
Label: Private

Personnel:

Toots Thielemans: Harmonica (on all tracks), Whistle (13)
Ivan Lins: Vocal (1,13) & Keyboards(1)
Brian Bromberg: Bass (1,4,10,13)
Djavan: Guitar (2) & Vocals (2,13)
Gilson Peranzzetta: Keyboards (2,7,8,11,13)
Jamil Joanes: Bass (2,7,11)
Teo Lima: Drums (2,7,11)
Cassio Duarte: Percussion (2,3,10,11)
Mike Lang: Keyboards (2,6,7)
Lee Ritenour: Solo Guitar (3), Acoustic Guitar (13)
Oscar Castro-Neves: Rhythm Guitar (3,13), Guitar (5,6,7,10,13), Keyboard (9)
Mark Isham: Trumpet (3,13)
Dori Caymmi: Guitar (3), Vocal (3,13)
Dave Grusin: Piano (4,13)
Chico Buarque: Vocals (5,13)
Ricardo Silveira: Electric Guitar (5,13)
João Bosco: Guitar (6), Vocal (6,13)
Nico Assumpção: Bass (6)
Gilberto Gil: Guitar (7), Vocal (7,13)
Milton Nascimento: Vocal (8,13)
Caetano Veloso: Guitar (9), Vocal (9,13)
Luiz Bonfá: Solo Guitar (10)
Bira Hawai & Zero (José Roberto): Percussion (10)
Edu Lobo: Guitar (11), Vocal (11,13)
Eliane Elias: Piano (12)
Paulino Da Costa: Percussion (13)

Track List:

1. Começar de Novo
   
2. Obi
   
3. Felicia And Blanca
   
4. O Cantador
   
5. Joana Francesca
   
6. Coisa Feita
   
7. Preciso Aprender A Só Ser
   
8. Fruta Boa
   
9. Coração Vagabundo
   
10. Manhã De Carnaval
    
11. Casa Forte
    
12. Moments
    
13. Bluesette
    

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Beyond The Sky

The third collaboration between Brian Keane and Faruk Tekbilek is considered by many critics to be the best of all their collaborations. This was the first CD on which Brian and Faruk were joined by the incredibly gifted Middle Eastern musicians Arto Tuncboyaciyan (percussion), Ara Dinkjian (oud), and Hasan Isikkut (kanun). The CD is magic from start to finish, employing haunting performances of immense spiritual depth with fiery ensemble pieces of incredible virtuosity. The CD was a major hit in the Middle East, and spawned a tour that included sold out concerts at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Timeless with an exotic Middle Eastern atmosphere and impeccable musicianship, this CD is considered by many to be among Brian Keane's best releases as an artist. ~ (briankeanemusic.com)

Artist: Brian Keane & Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Album: Beyond The Sky
Year: 1992
Label: Celestial Harmonies

Personnel:

Brian Keane: Ovation acoustic nylon string, 12 string steel guitars, 6 string steel guitar, electric slide guitar, bottleneck acoustic guitar, synthesizers, sound effects, bass, all percussion on "strange little corner", additional percussion on "kolyami", and "sweet trouble", low bottles on "Siseler".
Omar Faruk Tekbilek: Ney, Kaval, Zurna, Bagiama, Darbuka, drum solo on "selemet", melody synthesizer on "your love is my cure", "selemet", "nighttime", and "al fatiha".
Ara Dinkjian: Oud
Arto Tuncboyaciyan: All percussion on "beyond the sky", "imaginary traveller", "bridge", "your love is my cure", percussion solo on "imaginary traveller", all percussion except darbuka andf tambourine on "chargah sirto", "nighttime", and "siseler", bandir and low drum on "siseler", main bottles on "siseler".
Hassan Isikkut: Kanun

Track List:

1. Beyond the Sky
   
2. Imaginary Traveler
   
3. Kolaymi
   
4. Bridge
   
5. Chargah Sirto
   
6. Your Love Is My Cure
   
7. Selemet
   
8. Nighttime
   
9. Strange Little Corner
   
10. Siseler
    
11. Sweet Trouble
    
12. Al Fatiha
    

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Groovin'

Undeniably Zachary Breaux's best album, Groovin' finds the guitarist performing live at Ronnie Scott's Club -- a London venue that many British jazz fans consider England's equivalent of New York's Village Vanguard. Some of Breaux's studio material was smothered by excessive production and didn't fully demonstrate what a talented soloist he was, but on these soul-jazz, post-bop, and pop-jazz performances, he isn't worried about fitting into oppressive commercial radio formats. So the improviser is free to stretch out and say what he needs to on material that ranges from John Coltrane's "Impressions" (which gets a funky, hip-hop-ish makeover) and Ben Tucker's "Coming Home Baby" to originals like the mellow "Lagos" and the blues number "Alice." Meanwhile, those who want to hear pop-jazz/NAC music that is soulful instead of boring, contrived, and robotic should check out Breaux's interpretation of the Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway hit "Where Is the Love." The only song on the CD that has nothing to do with jazz is "Red Black and Green," a lively funk tune that finds singer/vibist Roy Ayers joining Breaux's quartet. Groovin' falls short of being a gem, but it's satisfying and respectable -- and it's clearly the high point of Breaux's recording career. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

Artist: Zachary Breaux
Album: Groovin'
Year: 1992
Label: Jazz House Records

Personnel:

Zachary Breaux: Guitar
Dennis Davis: Drums. percussion
Donald Nicks: Bass
Rex Rideout: Keyboards

Featuring Roy Ayers: Vocals and Marimba on "Red Black And Green"

Track List:

1. Coming Home Baby
   
2. Impressions
   
3. Picadillo
   
4. Alice (Down in Parks, Louisiana - August 1906 - August 1991)
   
5. Where is the Love
   
6. Red Black and Green
   
7. Lagos
   
8. Thinking of Alexis
   

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Ragas and Sagas

No...no description. Listen to it.

Artist: Jan Garbarek / Ustad Fateh Ali Khan
Album: Ragas and Sagas
Year: 1992
Label: ECM

Personnel:

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan: Voice
Jan Garbarek: Soprano and Tenor Saxophones
Ustad Shaukat Hussain: Tabla
Ustad Nazim Ali Khan: Sarangi
Deepika Thathaal: Voice
Manu Katche: Drums (on "Saga")

Track List:

1. Raga I (Ustad Fateh Ali Khan)
   
2. Saga (Jan Garbarek)
   
3. Raga II (Ustad Fateh Ali Khan)
   
4. Raga III (Ustad Fateh Ali Khan)
   
5. Raga IV (Ustad Fateh Ali Khan)
   

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