RHYTHM & JAZZ January 1995 Vol. 2, No. 1
Copyright (c) 1995 Dan Margules. All rights reserved.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Happy New Year, Rhythm & Jazz fans! 1995 promises to have a lot of
cool new platters in store for us. To begin with, Positive Music in
Maryland has announced some exciting new signings, beginning with one of
my
favorite saxophonists, Brandon Fields (one of the original Rippingtons)!
We'll be watching for his self-titled release on April 11. Chuck
Mangione's guitarist Grant Geissman will also be joining the Marylanders
with an untitled album scheduled for August 29. Next month, Positive
debuts a new artist, Phil Klein, with THE HOUR OF SHADOWS AND WHISPERS.
Pat Kelley and label president Ken Navarro have new releases scheduled for
July 18 and May 23, respectively.
If you picked up and enjoyed a CD called EROTIQUES, which we reviewed
last year, you'll be happy to hear about the forthcoming follow-ups from
the folks at Playfull Records. DINNER PARTY and ELEMENTS OF DESIRE are
scheduled to be released at the end of February, followed by a similar
project by a new artist, to be labeled ACOUSTIC HEART. And Playfull is
also readying the release of a new recording from keyboardist Dan Siegel
that will feature guest artists Ottmar Liebert and others!
Our friends at JVC will be bringing us PURE HEART from contemporary
jazz pianist Hiroko Kokubu later this month, re-mastered from its original
1992 Japanese release. 30 CDs from their World Sounds Series will also be
released in January. Album #2 from Mark Johnson is slated for February 21,
to be followed by the solo debut of Special EFX guitarist Chieli Minucci,
JEWELS, on March 21! Coming from Mesa/Bluemoon later this month is
guitarist Peppino D'Agotstino's sophomore effort, VENUS OVER VENICE. So
there's lots to look forward to in the near future and throughout 1995.
Beginning with this issue, you'll notice we've changed the file naming
scheme to RJyymm.TXT. This issue is RJ9501.TXT instead of RJ0195.TXT.
We're putting the year before the month so that all issues will list
chronologically in alphabetic file listings. You may also notice the
interview section has been eliminated. It was becoming too time-consuming
and, frankly, we haven't gotten enough feedback to know if it was worth
continuing. We don't mind providing R&J to interested parties for no
compensation, but at least let us know if you appreciate it, okay? Enough
bitching. On with the show...
Dan Margules
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ULTRA! - THE SMOOTHEST AND THE COOLEST by Wayne Radcliffe
BILL EVANS - PUSH (Lipstick), 60:59
This hard-hitting, saxual funk disc is the first in eight years for the
former Miles Davis sideman. "I was writing and listening to so much
music over the past few years," says Evans. "I was trying to come
up
with something new, fooling with rhythm and time, but I wanted to make
sure that the music grooved for everyone." His sax definitely covers
a
wide range of extremes here, going from a rap tune in one breath to a
simple piano-soprano sax duet with Bruce Hornsby in the next. "The
messages in the rap tracks are gritty but positive and K.C. Flyte is a
master of the message," says Bill, who believes Flyte outdid himself
on
the CD's standout track, "Stand Up And Do Something".
A heavy, urban beat PUSHes the disc off to a thumpin' start with the
title track and "Road To Ruin". "If Only In Your Dreams"
has a Hornsby
feel to it, along with his piano contribution. "London House",
featuring
Bob James and Marcus Miller, has a quirky wildness that sounds like the
"Star Wars" cantina band on acid! Later, the disc cools down with
the
smooth, dapper "U R What U Hear" and closes with the midnight
melody of
"Matter Of Time". A very hot release! Samples available in the
jazz
library of the Music/Arts forum on CompuServe.
AVENUE BLUE (Bluemoon), 52:00
Avenue Blue is the latest project from versatile guitarist Jeff Golub,
who has toured or recorded with such luminaries as Billy Squire, Tina
Turner, and, most recently, Rod Stewart. The CD brings a rich, 90s
update to a smooth 70s funk mentality. "I've always liked blues and
jazz, and I've always thought, 'I would _love_ to play the guitar just
like Al Green sings, with all that smoothness and all that passion,"
Golub explains. "That moves me more than listening to someone run a
lot
of notes." His fluid guitar lines glide over a modern, midtempo dance
beat for an accessible groove.
"I'm so happy to see the music trends today moving back toward soul
and
funk," Jeff confides. "When you're on the road half the year,
like I am,
you spend a lot of time in discos because those are the only places open
late at night after the show. And I've always _hated_ those pounding,
repetitive tunes they play! It's a relief to see that syncopation is
finally back in style!"
The disc opens with the first of several contemporized R&B classics,
Average White Band's "Pick Up The Pieces" (also covered in recent
years
by Candy Dulfer and Tom Scott). From there we move to the intimate,
Larry Carlton-esque "Stockholm." The bluesy "West Side Serenade"
picks
up its own pieces slowly, building to torrential hook. The Spinners'
"I'll Be Around" is another gem receiving the dignified Golub
treatment.
The sweet, acoustic guitar opening of "Atlanta Nights" soon stirs
and
cooks to a tense soprano sax moment with Bill Evans (see above).
Finally, the happy melody of "Lucy I'm Home" shows off some more
of
Golub's surprising twists and turns that are also prevalent in the
closer, a tender reading of "Moon River" that suddenly starts
to swing.
Produced by R&J rising star Rick Braun. Very enjoyable.
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NEW RELEASES by Bethany Springs
KITARO - MANDALA (Domo), 51:41
GROOVE: Kitaro is not just for meditation anymore. World-class space
musician paints bold new strokes with electric guitar and synthesized
orchestra, capturing the awesome power and imagination of his live
shows! World elements incorporated by shakuhachi, tabla, biwa, koto,
percussion, chanting, and Tibetan horns.
HIGHLIGHTS: Epic opening track "Mandala" introducing familiar
Kitaro
space sounds, then fearless guitar licks and dramatic climax; mystical
taiko drum rhythms on ethereal "Dance Of Sarasvati"; mini-concerto
"Kokoro", along the lines of his brilliant "Heaven And Earth"
movie
score.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Kitaro's LIVE IN AMERICA and TENKU (Geffen) and SILK
ROAD (Canyon/Gramavision); Yanni's LIVE AT THE ACROPOLIS (Private);
Jonn Serrie's PLANETARY CHRONICLES VOL. II (Miramar); Geodesium's
ANASAZI (Loch Ness)
ZAZEN - ENLIGHTENMENT (Miramar), 66:16
GROOVE: Trancelike qualities with spiritual melodicism, accomplished
musical performances, and just enough rhythm to keep non-meditators
awake, by guitarist Joaquin Lievano (Jean-Luc Ponty, Yanni) and
film/TV composer Steve Kaplan (Kojak, The Equalizer) on synths.
"Zazen" ("to sit and listen with complete awareness")
divides debut CD
into trilogies, one suite for each of the five elements: Water, Wind,
Thunder, Fire, and Earth. (e-mail address: ZzMusInc@aol.com)
HIGHLIGHTS: Cascading cadences on Water's "Rain"; hypnotic "Desert
Wind"; haunting trumpet sounds on "In The City", from Thunder;
amiable, playful "In The Upper Atmosphere"; progressive, Tangerine
Dream-y sparks of "Forest Fire"; rolling closer "Dragon Swallows
The
Earth".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Lanz & Speer's NATURAL STATES (Narada Equinox); Mannheim
Steamroller's FRESH AIRE III (American Gramamphone); Wind Machine's
VOICES IN THE WIND (Silver Wave); EROTIQUES (Playfull); Yanni's DARE
TO DREAM (Private)
TADAMITSU SAITO - IT'S ABOUT TIME (Access), 47:44, *Dolby Surround Sound*
GROOVE: Ambient electronics surround Japanese pianist, exotic world
instruments (Vietnamese koto, Burmese harps), and other assorted
surprise guests. Very peaceful, suitable for meditation. For label
catalog (all releases in surround), write The Access Music Label,
Dept. Ashley, 1705 Peggy Court, Suite 1, Petaluma, CA 94954; to order
call 800/306-3008; fax: 707/766-9500.
HIGHLIGHTS: Vocal title cut co-written and sung by Jon Anderson of Yes,
plus instrumental mix of same, "Time^2"; stones rubbing around
speakers on haunting "Slumber Time", with Saito's piano echoed
by
Steve Kindler's violin; slow-building percussion climax of "Dance Of
The Comet"; drifting quietude of "Kindness Space" featuring
Teja Bell
on guitar and Paul McCandless on oboe and English horn; tropical,
mystical, "Bamboo Rain".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Himekami's JOURNEY TO ZIPANGU (Higher Octave); Bob
Kindler's TIGER'S PAW (Global Pacific); Ken Davis; Kitaro; Deborah
Henson-Conant's BUDAPEST (Unity/White Cat)
OTHER SURROUND DISCS: David Arkenstone's ANOTHER STAR IN THE SKY (Narada
Mystique); Spies' BY WAY OF THE WORLD (Telarc Jazz)
GEORGE HOWARD - A HOME FAR AWAY (GRP), 48:35
GROOVE: Very strong, hip rhythms propelling Howard's frisky soprano sax.
Combines the best elements of his early sound with the always
increasingly energetic pace he has maintained over many years.
HIGHLIGHTS: Engaging "Doria"; walls caving in on intro to smooth,
R&B
"You Can Make The Story Right"; cover of Sade classic "No
Ordinary
Love" with kamikaze guitar solo by Carl Burnett; enticing closer,
"Renewal".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Howard's STEPPIN' OUT, DANCING IN THE SUN, and LOVE AND
UNDERSTANDING (GRP); Najee; MARK JOHNSON (JVC); Art Porter's POCKET
CITY (Verve Forecast)
ERIC MARIENTHAL - STREET DANCE (GRP), 44:38
GROOVE: Pulsating and mellifluous R&J from Elektric Band saxman. With
all tracks produced by Jeff Lorber, CD is more unified than last two,
on which Lorber produced half and Russ Ferrante (Yellowjackets)
produced the other half. Lorber plays, but doesn't dominate
Marienthal's style this time. Eric keeps getting cooler with every
release!
HIGHLIGHTS: Good groove and Sanbornesque licks on "Kid's Stuff";
gorgeous textures and serene soprano on exotic "Fafaru" with Tahitian
chants; hap'nin' horns on in-your-face "Nothin' But Everything";
romantic "Yosemite" with Eric's alto sounding like a tenor; soprano
and alto trading on quiet closer "Hold On My Heart" (by Genesis).
ALSO CHECK OUT: Marienthal's OASIS and ONE TOUCH (GRP); Kirk Whalum's
CACHE (Columbia); Dave Koz's LUCKY MAN (Capitol); Boney James'
BACKBONE (Warner Bros.)
OTHER NEW STUFF...
DAVID BLUEFIELD & CHRIS BANK - CLAZZUAL SAX (D'Blue)
Classical melodies transposed to sensual, sax-based contempo-jazz.
CACHAO - MASTER SESSIONS VOLUME 1 (Crescent Moon/epic)
Authentic dose of Cuban mambo by Israel Lopez and Andy Garcia.
HERBIE HANCOCK - MWANDISHI/THE COMPLETE WARNER BROS. RECORDINGS (Warner)
3 LP reissue on 2 CDs; "Fat Albert Rotunda" from 1970 flies!
BOY KATINDIG (Noteworthy)
Filipino multi-instrumentalist presents rich, melodic R&J.
THE PERSISTENCE OF MELODY - MODERN TIMES (Corona)
Happy-jazz with substance; exciting ensemble with saxer Matt Ferrante.
POCKET CHANGE - HIGHER ALTITUDE (BrainChild)
Exquisite parcel of breezy pop-jazz from guitarist David Patt.
VARIOUS ARTISTS - SIX STRING II: THE BURNIN' SESSIONS (Mesa)
Diverse guitar sampler; Di Meola, Tribal Tech, Strunz & Farah, etc.
BILLY JOE WALKER, JR. - LIFE IS GOOD (Liberty)
Easy-going, laid-back acoustic guitar plucking over slick grooves.
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COOL CLASSICS by Wayne Radcliffe
MICHAEL COLINA - SHADOW OF URBANO (Private), 1988, 40:59
He usually stays in the background, writing and producing for such R&J
heavyweights as David Sanborn, Bob James, and Kirk Whalum. But for one
brief moment in 1988, keyboardist Michael Colina stepped forward with
this unforgettable debut. Put on this CD and step into a dream world of
mysterious layers of sound accented by searing cameos from Sanborn,
Michael Brecker, and the Tower of Power horns. While Colina's follow-up
effort, RITUALS, may have forever pushed this talent back into obscurity,
SHADOW remains a perfect bridge across the plains of new age and
contemporary jazz with every ear-pleasing note.
"Joy Dancing" opens the disc with a joyous dance from Brecker's
horn
clouded in mystery from Colina's mystical textures. The dreamlike
"Shades" continues the mood, as does the romantic title cut featuring
Sanborn's trademark alto passion. The atmosphere turns just plain weird
on "Hong Kong Flew" with airplane effects from Nick Moroch's photon
guitar and synthesized geisha girls. The hypnotic "Doctor Of Desire"
is
one of my all-time favorites. Very seductive. Things get lively for a
turn with the ToP horns guesting on "Fast Break". Next is the
amiable
"Lady And The Tramp" with its nifty trick ending. Finally, the
melancholy "Drifter" closes this totally perfect, one-of-a-kind
experience.
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ABOUT R&J
RHYTHM & JAZZ is published monthly by Dan Margules and uploaded to the
jazz
library of the Music/Arts forum on CompuServe. Users are encouraged to
distribute R&J to any other online services and bulletin boards to which
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STAFF:
Publisher/Editor: Dan Margules
Contributing Writers: Wayne Radcliffe, Bethany Springs
RHYTHM & JAZZ ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
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RHYTHM & JAZZ, VOL. 2, NO. 1, Copyright (c) 1995 Dan Margules. All rights
reserved.
