RHYTHM & JAZZ December 1994 Vol. 1, No. 6
Copyright (c) 1994 Dan Margules. All rights reserved.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to our 6th issue of RHYTHM & JAZZ. In business a whole half
a
year! We've decided celebrate by making this an extra special issue with
our year-end ten-best list and a special bonus section on our favorite
Christmas CDs. I think you'll find a LOT of new music reviewed here that
you will enjoy. And if so, please let us know. What were your favorites
this year? Send us e-mail and we'll include the results of this informal
survey in a future issue of R&J.
To make room for the special features in this month's issue, we've
skipped our regular exclusive interview feature. We've also made an
important change to our shareware policy. In the holiday spirit of giving,
100% of the registration fees collected from this issue of RHYTHM &
JAZZ
will be donated to a non-profit charity. So if you're a regular reader and
you haven't "registered" yet, now is the perfect time to do so
and help
other people at the same time. Please see the bottom of this file for
details.
And now, on with the show!
Dan Margules
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ULTRA! - THE SMOOTHEST AND THE COOLEST by Wayne Radcliffe
MICHAEL WHITE - SO FAR AWAY (Noteworthy), 59:46
If you dug the beat of Everette Harp on tour this year, you've got this
drummer to thank. White is well-versed in many diverse settings, having
adapted to a variety of styles from R&B to jazz to rock while hitting
the
skins for Whitney Houston, David Sanborn, Horace Silver, The Four Tops,
Patrice Rushen, and Stanley Clarke, to name but a few. "To me,"
says
White, "it's all just music. As a drummer, the main thing I worry about
is pulse. Everything else is just icing on the cake. Whatever the gig,
I create the foundation." Of his debut recording, White proudly
proclaims, "It's like most of the work I do in contemporary jazz, live
in
the studio, no sequencers, no overdubs or sampling, no frills, just solid
playing by great musicians."
He's not kidding about that! From Harp's sax on the pace-setting smooth-
funk opener, "Fe-Fe" to the Earth Wind & Fire Horns on the
final cut, the
grooves are tight and the players are tops. Fine keyboardist Brian
Simpson is in the spotlight on several of his pleasing compositions, such
as "Late Night", also featuring the late Eric Gale on guitar,
and the
happy "One More Time". Next check out Norman Brown on Luther Vandross'
"Any Love" and Gerald Albright's dynamic sax work on the passionate
"I
Want You". Then Everette comes back for the throw-down "Let's
Stay
Together". All in all, White has put together an extremely soulful
disc
without sacrificing accessible melodies.
ROBERTO PERERA - SEDUCTION (Heads Up International), 46:44
Spicy Latin jazz on Paraguayan harp. Sounds crazy, no? You'll forget
you're listening to a technically limited instrument -- this particular
type of harp has no pedals so it can only be tuned to one key -- because
Perera's skilled hands reach far beyond those limitations. It's easy to
forget you're even listening to a harp, especially on the Spanish-
influenced numbers. "My goal has always been to approach the harp in
an
unorthodox manner, to stylistically play ideas not normally associated
with my instrument," says the native of Montevideo, Uruguay. And don't
expect to hear anything akin to harpist Andreas Volleweider, either.
SEDUCTION is far jazzier and more exciting than even any of Perera's
previous releases.
The seductive melody of the opener, "Take You There", is just
a warm-up.
The tempos start popping on the enchanting bossa nova "Romance De
Medianoche" and the wild flamenco rumba "Spanish Dancer".
The guitar-
harp interaction on the snappy romp of "Caribbean Nights" is reminiscent
of Acoustic Alchemy. But then look out for the totally cool, edgy
closing cut, "Time Traveler". Add to all this renowned guest saxophonist
Paquito D'Rivera and Stevie Wonder's "I Am Singing" sung in Portuguese,
English, and Spanish, and you have one of the most surprising delights of
the year!
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FEATURE STORY
R&J's 1994 TEN BEST LIST! by Dan Margules
1994 has been an incredible year for Rhythm & Jazz-style music. Not
only
because it was the year this cool electronic newsletter started, but
because of the quantity of excellent R&J CDs in a wide range of styles.
From urban-edged experimenters to Brazilian scatters to former rock stars
going acoustic to orchestral new age extravaganzas, and then some! This
may be the first year this publication has existed, but those of us
involved have made an annual tradition of compiling year-end ten-best lists
for various other publications for more than 5 years. So without further
ado, we present our choices for the absolute best in contemporary
instrumental, or New Adult Contemporary, for 1994!
QUALIFICATIONS: To be eligible, CDs must have been received in the R&J
offices during the eligibility year. Due to press deadlines, the
eligibility year is from October 1 to September 30. This year, 227 CDs
were eligible.
1. MARK JOHNSON (JVC) 50:07
This is a first. A debut artist has so knocked our socks off that
he's landed in the top spot with his FIRST outing! But when you hear
it, you'll understand why. This urban baby oozes coolness and soul
and funk in a way that no one else has come close to matching. Can't
wait for the saxophonist's follow-up, due out on Feb. 21.
2. NANDO LAURIA - POINTS OF VIEW (Narada Equinox) 49:15
Another newcomer, this Brazilian guitarist has a way with lighter-than-
air melodies propelled by his soaring, Metheny-like wordless vocals.
It was so refreshing to discover the beautiful sounds on this
unexpected gem.
3. JOE SAMPLE & THE SOUL COMMITTEE - DID YOU FEEL THAT? (Warner Bros)
53:03
And here's another unexpected surprise! An old favorite who had begun
to grow stale has totally revitalized his sound, ironically by going
back to the styles he created in the 70s with the Crusaders. Expect
funky electric piano and soulful sax and trumpet charts.
4. YANNI - LIVE AT THE ACROPOLIS (Private) 68:58
A multi-platinum mega-hit! Even if previous outings from the new age
pianist put you to sleep, you will change your mind about Yanni after
hearing this sensational, ultra-romantic, spiritually uplifting live
set with The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
5. SHADOWFAX - MAGIC THEATER (Earthbeat!) 48:58
Are you noticing the pattern of diversity yet? This Grammy-winning
New Age outfit from Chicago has reinvented themselves again, going to
even more of a world-beat sound than ever before. From what world, we
don't know. We just love dancing to the odd rhythms, humming along
with the evocative melodies, and marveling at the unique sound of the
instrumentation. Improvisationally, this is also their jazziest
recording to date, but it would be easy to fool a hardcore jazz
purist, which is what classifies it contemporary.
6. CRAIG CHAQUICO - ACOUSTIC PLANET (Higher Octave) 50:38
Even rock stars are entitled to mellow out and listen to (and play)
smooth, melodic, acoustic-based instrumental music. The former
guitarist of Jefferson Starship (1974-90) proves that he's serious
about it, too, by delivering this superb follow-up to last year's
ACOUSTIC HIGHWAY. I met Chaquico last month and asked him what makes
his sound SO damn unique? He told me, "There's no emotion knob in the
studio you can turn up. That's the main ingredient I try to put in."
Makes perfect sense, listening to this prize.
7. ALEXANDER ZONJIC - PASSION (Reprise) 40:44
An early entry from late last year we haven't forgotten. Produced
with pizzazz by saxman Kirk Whalum (who, himself, is no stranger to
our ten best lists), this is the premiere flutist's smoothest release
yet. Gorgeous textures, with guests Bob James, Earl Klugh, and a
gospel chorus on Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready". Brilliant!
8. NELSON RANGELL - YES, THEN YES (GRP) 57:40
For straightforward, totally hot contempojazz alto sax licks, Nelson's
the man to beat! Powerful blowing and powerful hooks. Superb
supporting musicians. Plus, Nelson shines on piccolo and flute, too!
A winner!
9. TANGERINE DREAM - TURN OF THE TIDES (Miramar) 51:48
A longtime personal favorite, the synthesizer ensemble moves away from
the rock direction of their previous releases and adds engaging sax by
Linda Spa and guitar by Zlatko Perica to this concept album. Like
early TD, this material allows the listener to get lost on a wild ride
through layers and layers of techno-atmosphere. Cool!
10. JIM CHAPPELL & HEARSAY - MANILA NIGHTS (Real) 61:57
Another leopard-changing-his-spots surprise. Chappell used to be
known for his Windham Hill-style solo piano work. Lovely, but nothing
outstanding. Now he's applied his gift for melodocism to a band
format and the results are electrifying! Some of the most memorable
tunes of the year are on this disc!
RUNNERS-UP
==========
ANCIENT FUTURE - ASIAN FUSION (Narada Equinox) 53:48
Exotic world instrumentation and engaging textures. Very flavorful.
BILLY TAYLOR - IT'S A MATTER OF PRIDE (GRP) 60:15
Who are we kidding? This is straight-ahead acoustic jazz. But we
found it so accessible, we're confident R&J enthusiasts will enjoy
this swinging pianist.
DI BLASIO - PIANO DE AMERICA 2 (BMG/Ariola) 50:14
Luscious melodies from South American keyboardist, with the London
Symphony Orchestra.
DR. BOMBAY - TEMPERATE ZONE (Indio) 48:39
Local Arizona band we predict will soon be the talk of the
contemporary jazz town. Rippingtons-like sound courtesy of producer
Steve Reid.
ARTURO SANDOVAL - DANZON (GRP) 53:58
Cuban trumpet dynamo explodes on this thrilling ethnic outing, with
guests Gloria Estefan, Vikki Carr, and Bill Cosby (!) among others.
Hey, hey, hey!
Honorable mention to: NADA SHAKTI/BRUCE BECVAR - JIVA MUKTI (Shining Star).
A personal favorite. I keep this one nearby at all times for spiritual
healing. Shakti's soothing Sanskrit chanting accompanied by BecVar on
instruments invented specifically for this recording! Beautiful!
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NEW RELEASES by Bethany Springs
WARREN HILL - TRUTH (RCA), 57:31
GROOVE: Perfect date music. Saxist's third is his most passionate, with
upbeat cookers in first half followed by seductive sizzlers.
HIGHLIGHTS: Midtempo heat in opener to get things going; breezy,
suggestive hook of "Do You Feel What I'm Feeling?"; soulful wailer
"Time For A Change"; balls-to-the-walls cooker "Knockin'
Down The
Walls"; contemplative but smooth "It's Always Been You";
sultry closer
"Naked".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Hill's DEVOTION (RCA); Kenny G; Boney James' TRUST
(Spindletop/Warner Bros.); Andy Snitzer's TIES THAT BIND (Reprise)
JAN HAMMER - DRIVE (Miramar), 45:24
GROOVE: Splashy nouveau art deco for the ears from "Miami Vice"
synthesist. Mood is brooding but bouncy. Mind-numbing production and
sharp performances by Hammer and special guests.
HIGHLIGHTS: Hummable "Underground" with wailing guitar solo by
former
partner Jeff Beck; killer drum programs and synth sounds on title cut,
also with Beck; Kenny G-like "Lucky Jane" (Stan Harrison on sax);
dangerous-sounding "Curiosity Kills" featuring Michael Brecker
wailing
on sax and EWI; flute-like melody of "Don't You Know"; somber
closer
"Nightglow" with trumpet-like cadence.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Hammer's CD and video BEYOND THE MIND'S EYE (Miramar);
Michael Colina's SHADOW OF URBANO (Private); Cusco's 2000 (Higher
Octave); Tangerine Dream's TURN OF THE TIDES (Miramar)
JONN SERRIE - PLANETARY CHRONICLES, VOL. II (Miramar), 47:19
GROOVE: Ambient space music from renowned planetarium musician (after
several more melodic, pop-like outings). Five long excursions into
deep space with deep, speaker-shaking, window-rattling, planetquake
bass sounds and flying saucer sound effects. Hypnotic, tranquil, and
spooky.
HIGHLIGHTS: Trance-inducing opener "First Night Out"; ominous
"Aftervisions"; "On A Frontier Of Fables", a 21-minute
excerpt from a
larger work, "Aniara", created for the Bishop Planetarium in Florida.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Serrie's PC-VOL I, TINGRI, and MIDSUMMER CENTURY
(Miramar); Christopher Franke's THE LONDON CONCERT (Varese Sarabande);
Geodesium's ANASAZI (Loch Ness); ALEX NORTH'S 2001 (Varese Sarabande)
KEN DAVIS - INSPIRATION (Inspired), 45:31
GROOVE: Ambient relaxation music by Aussie new-ager with horny synth
sounds, acoustic piano, and ocean sounds. Very soothing. Great
stress reliever. For catalog, write to: POBox 8267/Scottsdale, AZ
85252 (USA), or POBox 391/Dee Why, Australia 2099.
HIGHLIGHTS: Haunting piano melody of "In Anticipation"; longing
theme of
"Loving You"; airy, flute-like synth textures on somber "Natural
Wonders".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Davis' PAN FLUTES BY THE OCEAN, MODERN WORLD, and
ATMOSPHERES; Kitaro's SILK ROAD (Canyon/Gramavision); Jessie Allen
Cooper's SOFT WAVE (Sona Gaia); Wim Mertens' CLOSE COVER (Windham
Hill)
ANDY SNITZER - TIES THAT BIND (Reprise), 52:12
GROOVE: Saxman from current Rolling Stones tour on sizzling R&J debut
loaded with names familiar to Bob James liner notes readers (Michael
Colina, Max Risenhoover, Nick Moroch, Ray Bardini, et al). Slick
production and Sanbornesque blowing make a passionate splash.
HIGHLIGHTS: Colina sound and feel on wailing opener "Last Kiss";
midtempo tenor beauty "You've Changed" with flute, trombone, and
trumpet section; longing alto ballad "The Shelter Of Your Arms";
Tower
of Power-like funk groove on "One Regret"; melodic crooner "Whenever
I'm With Her".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Bob James' RESTLESS (Warner Bros.); David Sanborn's A
CHANGE OF HEART (Warner Bros.); Kirk Whalum's CACHE (Columbia)
ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY - AGAINST THE GRAIN (GRP), 53:26
GROOVE: Original spark of mystery returns to English acoustic
nylon/steel string guitar duo on 7th release (not counting EARLY
ALCHEMY). Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael play better than ever and re-
join co-composer John Parsons for new batch of memorable hooks.
HIGHLIGHTS: Energetic opener after dramatic intro; rolling melody of
"Road Dogs"; nice adaptation of AA's style to new electronic
soundscape on "Shoot The Loop"; simple but effective "Silent
Partner";
dynamic closer "Noveau Tango"; liner notes penned by Carmichael.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Alchemy's NATURAL ELEMENTS (MCA Master Series) and
REFERENCE POINT (GRP); Strunz & Farah, Shahin & Sepehr
METRO (Lipstick), 59:55
GROOVE: Forceful fusion quartet headed by gifted keyboardist Mitchel
Forman and versatile guitarist Chuck Loeb, with Anthony Jackson on
bass and Wolfgang Haffner (of Klaus Doldinger's Passport) on drums.
Introspective and experimental in spots, then turns around to kick
butt. Samples available on CompuServe; contact Alex Merck at
73233.557@compuserve.com for more info.
HIGHLIGHTS: "Snow Song": happy jazz melody without being schmaltzy;
understated "Nimbus"; bright middle section of "Jazzy Move";
funkified
horn synths on kickin' "Grand Slam".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Loeb's BALANCE (DMP); Wayne Johnson Trio; Wishful
Thinking
EVERETTE HARP - COMMON GROUND (Blue Note Contemporary), 68:47
GROOVE: Explosive sophomore effort from urban saxman. Hot blowing over
dance rhythms with ample warmth coming from romantic ballads.
HIGHLIGHTS: Tough, danceable opener "Strutt"; gorgeous "Jeri's
Song" for
Harp's wife, featuring vocalist Jeffrey Osborne; smooth cover tune
"You Make Me Feel Brand New" with remarkable Marcus Miller bass
solo
and Perri sisters in background; old-fashioned tenor ballad "Love You
To The Letter"; sweet EWI-driven "Perfect Day"; happening
duet with
Branford Marsalis on killer title cut.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Harp's self-titled debut (Manhattan); Kirk Whalum,
Richard Elliot, Dave Koz
OTHER NEW STUFF...
AVENUE BLUE (Bluemoon)
Smooth Benson-like guitar picking from Rod Stewart's Jeff Golub.
THE TEODROSS AVERY QUARTET - IN OTHER WORDS (GRP)
Straight-ahead tenor and soprano sax from 21-year-old prodigy.
VINNIE COLAIUTA (Stretch)
Weird, "out there" fusion on veteran drummer's solo debut.
DROP SQUAD - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK (MCA/GRP)
Former Special EFX keysman Michael Bearden drives Spike Lee pic.
BILL EVANS - PUSH (Lipstick)
Hip contempo-sax with hoppin' grooves and some raps, too.
DAVE GRUSIN - THE ORCHESTRAL ALBUM (GRP)
Compilation of previously released orchestral works from Oscar winner.
HOOP DREAMS - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK (MCA/GRP)
Ben Sidran produces various hip jazzers for documentary soundtrack.
GEORGE HOWARD - A HOME FAR AWAY (GRP)
Sweet, R&B-based soprano sax.
JAZZ AT THE MOVIES BAND - REEL ROMANCE (Discovery)
3-disc box set: Body Heat, Sax At The Movies, White Heat-Film Noir!
KITARO - MANDALA (Domo)
Spaceman adds guitar, ethnic percussion; very dramatic, energetic.
ERIC MARIENTHAL - STREET DANCE (GRP)
Heartfelt, saxy pop-funk-jazz with Eric and producer Jeff Lorber.
MARCUS MILLER - THE SUN DON'T LIE (PRA)
Truly bitchin' funk bass record (from 1993) with stellar sidemen.
TADAMITSU SAITO - IT'S ABOUT TIME (Access)
Floatworthy new age piano in SURROUND, with Teja Bell, Jon Anderson.
TOOTS THIELEMANS - EAST COAST WEST COAST (Private)
Vet harmonicat does jazz standards with 2 all-star casts.
VARIOUS ARTISTS - RED HOT ON IMPULSE! (Impulse!)
Heady 60s jazz sampler with Coltrane, Mingus, Roach, Sanders, etc.
PAULINE WILSON - INTUITION (Noteworthy)
Solo debut for former Seawind vocalist, produced by Yutaka.
ZAZEN - ENLIGHTENMENT (Miramar)
Light, refreshing, spiritual new age trio; keyboard/guitar/bass.
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BONUS: CHRISTMAS REVIEWS! by Bethany Springs
'Tis the season, so let's get jazzy! R&J regularly celebrates music
in a
wide variety of styles, so you can bet we've got a pretty diverse batch
of
Christmas selections to recommend: solo piano, solo guitar, all-electric,
traditional jazz, flamenco, trumpet, gospel and more! So here's our list
of some of our favorite holiday CDs and a few new ones for 1994. In
addition to these, Narada and GRP each have 3 volumes of all-star
compilations of holiday treats that make great gifts. Happy shopping!
TINGSTAD & RUMBEL - STAR OF WONDER (Narada Lotus), 44:30
GROOVE: [NEW THIS YEAR!] Eric Tingstad's guitars and Nancy Rumbel's
English horn, oboe, and delightful ocarinas, plus synthesizers,
electric bass, and drums, make the classics soothing and, sometimes,
downright enchantingly upbeat, as on the "God Rest Ye Merry
Gentlemen/Carol Of The Bells" medley and the fascinating, lesser-known
"Riu Riu Chiu".
DAVID LANZ - CHRISTMAS EVE (Narada Lotus), 55:33
GROOVE: [NEW THIS YEAR!] Reverential solo piano arrangements of classics
with original interludes inspired by angels. Long-time fans will love
incorporation of Lanz's older themes, such as "Faces Of The Forest"
as
a counter-melody to "O Come All Ye Faithful".
RICK BRAUN - CHRISTMAS PRESENT (Mesa), 54:38
GROOVE: [NEW THIS YEAR!] Musical Christmas cards recorded over
Christmases past by the up-and-coming trumpeter for his friends and
family. Winning seasonal originals like "Bell, Book, And Candle"
and
"It's Christmas" (featuring the "Woodland Hills Elves Guild
Choir")
mixed in with warm traditions like "The Little Drummer Boy" and
the
swingin' "Jingle Blues".
PETE LEVIN/DANNY GOTTLIEB - MASTERS IN THIS HALL (Gramavision), 56:33
GROOVE: Subtitled "The New Age Of Christmas Too" (a sequel), this
is our
personal favorite. Such a frisky twist to the arrangements, it can
actually be listened to all year round! Jazzy syncopations and a very
contemporary sound. Check out the cool "Chanaukah Dance" as a
bonus!
LORIE LINE- SHARING THE SEASON VOLUME II (Time Line Productions), 63:15
GROOVE: Fresh arrangements for unusual instrumentation. Crumhorns,
cellos, mandolins, and harmonicas, among other surprises, accompany
Line's acoustic grand piano on this spirited independent release.
"The Holly And The Ivy" is the standout. Makes me want to hear
more
from this artist. Contact Time Line at P.O. Box 251/Excelsior, MN
55331; (612) 474-1000 for more information.
THE SINATRA CHRISTMAS ALBUM (Reprise), 41:27
GROOVE: [NEW THIS YEAR!] Compilation of every Christmas song Frank
recorded for Warner Bros./Reprise from 1963 to 1975, all available on
CD for the first time. With guests Bing Crosby and the Sinatra family
(Tina, Nancy, and Frank, Jr.).
THE NARADA NUTCRACKER (Narada), 52:49
GROOVE: Stars of the new age label, including David Arkenstone, Doug
Cameron, Michael Jones, David Lanz, Brian Mann, Tingstad & Rumbel, and
Kostia band together for a traditional-sounding interpretation of the
Tchaikovsky holiday classic. Although they used computers to perfect
the arrangement, this is not a spaced-out version, but rather it is
true to the spirit of the original.
GREGG KARUKAS - HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Nightowl), 49:44
GROOVE: Keyboardist formerly with The Rippingtons put together this
splendid acoustic jazz collection of holiday favorites last year with
vocalist Shelby Flint featured on six cuts. Call Gregg's fax/hotline
at (818) 831-9759 for more info.
DAVID BENOIT - CHRISTMASTIME (Bluemoon), 37:39
GROOVE: From before he was famous, the pianist proves his jazz chops on
this lively acoustic, straight-ahead quartet set (with Tony Morales of
the Rippingtons on drums). Benoit outdoes himself on swinging "Santa
Claus Is Coming To Town".
OTTMAR LIEBERT - POETS & ANGELS (Higher Octave), 53:39
GROOVE: Subtitled MUSIC 4 THE HOLIDAYS, the nouveau flamenco sensation
got this volume out as quickly as his star rose. Liebert's
incomparable guitar style is applied to ten holiday classics and five
original, spirited tunes penned for this release.
ESTEBAN - WHAT CHILD IS THIS? (Daystar), 73:34
GROOVE: Virtuoso classical guitar with the tunes stretched out in jazzy
improvisations. Goes well with Ottmar Liebert (see above).
A KIM PENSYL CHRISTMAS (GRP), 40:43
GROOVE: Rousing and electronic carols from keyboardist Pensyl, a one-man
band.
TUCK ANDRESS - HYMNS, CAROLS & SONGS ABOUT SNOW (Windham Hill Jazz),
42:00
GROOVE: Solo electric guitar with a nice, warm tone from the
instrumental half of Tuck & Patti. Guitar players will be truly
amazed by his skill.
TAKE 6 - HE IS CHRISTMAS (Reprise), 35:36
GROOVE: Heavenly harmonies from the a capella vocal gospel sextet. This
disc is their calling. Also features the Yellowjackets on "God Rest
Ye Merry Gentlemen".
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COOL CLASSICS by Wayne Radcliffe
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER - FRESH AIRE V (American Gramaphone), 1983, 34:43
This being our Christmas issue, let's turn our attention to a classic CD
by the group responsible for one of the most popular new age Christmas
albums ever, THE MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS ALBUM. Chip Davis formed
audiophile label American Gramaphone Records with the money he made from
his hit single "Convoy". Through AG, he introduced hi-fi enthusiasts
to
his unique neo-classical stylings through the Fresh Aire series on high-
quality vinyl eons before there was ever any such thing as "new age"
music. Each record in the 4-volume series contained music for one of the
four seasons, combining nature sounds with harpsichord synthesizers and
Davis' enchanting melodies and light rock rhythms.
For the 5th Fresh Aire entry, Davis moved the album's concept out into
space with music inspired by a 1609 treatise by Johannes Kepler on
traveling to the moon. (The full text is translated in the liner notes.)
Every Mannheim Steamroller fan has their favorite Fresh Aire record, but
this is the one I recommend to introduce new listeners to their sound.
After a brief opening chant by the Cambridge Singers choir, the
Steamroller bursts forward on "Escape From The Atmosphere", moving
freely
from motifs of excitement to enchantment and back again to an energetic
pace. Two more cookers follow: "Dancin' In The Stars" and the
spacey
workout "Z-Row Gravity". The flute melody of "Creatures Of
Levania"
easily conjures up images of strange extra-terrestrials hovering across
the landscape of an alien world. And the tour de force is the orgiastic
climax "Earthrise/Return", equal in grandeur to John Williams'
"Superman"
theme, with the majestic London Symphony! FRESH AIRE V is a fantastic
disc that played a major role in shaping my early appreciation of
instrumental music.
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ABOUT R&J
RHYTHM & JAZZ is published monthly by Dan Margules and uploaded to the
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To register this issue of RHYTHM & JAZZ:
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Even if you don't wish to register this issue of R&J, we'd love to hear
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STAFF:
Publisher/Editor: Dan Margules
Contributing Writers: Wayne Radcliffe, Bethany Springs
Special Thanks To: Margaret Simpson
RHYTHM & JAZZ ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
P.O. BOX 28788 SAN DIEGO, CA 92198-0788
CompuServe ID: 74160,3551
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RHYTHM & JAZZ, VOL. 1, NO. 6, Copyright (c) 1994 Dan Margules. All rights
reserved.
