RHYTHM & JAZZ May 1995 Vol. 2, No. 5



Copyright (c) 1995 Dan Margules. All rights reserved.




LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hello, contemporary jazz fans! Spring releases are here in big
numbers -- lots of great stuff at the record stores to choose from -- and
the concert season is kicking off to an early start. A recent Kilauea gig
in Temecula, California brought us a lot of exciting news about BrainChild
Records. First, even if you've seen Kilauea before, go check them out
again this year if you get the chance. They've updated their live sound,
bringing in more of the spontaneity that makes jazz a unique entertainment.
Absent from their stage, however, was saxophonist Greg Vail, who's busy
preparing the launch of his solo career. We sampled a two-track single
from his upcoming CD, E-MOTION, featuring a gorgeous ballad composed by
Tony Guerrero, and we can tell he'll be off to a sensational start with it.

A week later, at a surprise birthday party for jazz fan Barbara
Mutterspaw thrown by her husband Gary, attended by the entire RHYTHM & JAZZ
staff, the surprise included a live, living-room performance by the
couple's favorite band, BrainChild's Pocket Change. Unfortunately, it
would be their farewell performance as they have decided to disband. Dave
Patt, the group's leader, says he continues to write with their
keyboardist, Peggy Duquesnel, and they promised to title one of their new
songs after me, to be called "Watch Out For Dan"! I'll be watching for
whatever record that might come out on.

Finally, BrainChild also introduced us to their latest find, a
personable young keyboardist from Chicago named J Michael Verta. We
haven't heard him play, but BrainChild hasn't let us down yet. And until
those anticipated releases from Vail and Verta reach our ears, enjoy the
May reviews...

Dan Margules


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ULTRA! - THE SMOOTHEST AND THE COOLEST by Wayne Radcliffe

CHIELI MINUCCI - JEWELS (JVC), 59:42
The multi-faceted guitar half of the phenomenal contemporary jazz duo
Special EFX shines as a solo artist on this versatile debut CD. "My
concept was to put all of the kinds of music that I like on one record...
and I like a lot of different styles of music," says Minucci. "I named
the album JEWELS because each piece is a different facet of who I am."
As a producer, he has added his polish to records by harpist Deborah
Henson-Conant, keyboardist Kim Pensyl, and folk singer Heather Mullen.
As a performer, he plays hard, he plays soft, and he experiments with new
styles, his composer/arranger side always keeping the music accessible.
Whether his groove is funky or smoothly poppin', he pours heart into each
note.

Chieli hits the bright notes on EFX'er Christoph Spendel's ultra-melodic
gem "Phat City", which, like many of the tracks, carries an urban dance
beat beneath its surface. "Only You" is a silky, EFX-like ballad with
biting electric guitar interludes. The guitarist then gives his rock
chops more of a workout on the electric cooker "Dig The Dirt", with extra
getting-down help from bassist Gerald Veasley. The CD's most unique cut,
a cinematic new age epic called "Mountains", was composed by Minucci's
father, Ulpio. It's a brave venture for the artist that makes for an
exhilarating listening experience. It's immediately followed by the
soaring beauty of "Realm Of The Senses", beautifully capturing (again)
Chieli's ability to shift gears within a single song, going from strong
melodic punches to quietudes, then to free solos and, finally, an
orgiastic climax!

The dynamic, four-part suite, "Jewels", which closes the disc traverses
through several more styles Chieli has mastered. "By the time the
record's over, you've heard many different types of music," he mentions.
"Hopefully, the person who likes the first tune will also find something
beautiful in the last one." Absolutely fans of Special EFX will love
this disc!

PRODUCED BY: Chieli Minucci


BRIAN CULBERTSON - MODERN LIFE (Bluemoon), 52:11
The young Chicago keyboardist matures with strong, focused follow-up to
his promising, acclaimed debut of last year, LONG NIGHT OUT. That effort
got the 22-year-old DePaul University student nominated for Best New
Artist in KEYBOARD MAGAZINE's 1995 readers' poll. MODERN LIFE is "more
intimate, but also funkier," as Culbertson puts it, "raunchy underneath
and smooth on top." While his playing remains first-rate, his producing
and arranging has become more fleshed out. That's understandable
considering his first record was primarily a solo project, programmed and
recorded in an apartment he shared with three college buddies. This time
out he has a crack band behind him and such impeccable guest artists as
Gerald Albright, Fareed Haque, and the Pat Metheny Group's bassist Steve
Rodby.

The tasty opener, "Tomorrow's World", begins moody but quickly ends the
tease with a funky breakdown, a delightful melody, and a strong hook.
Culbertson's father, Jim Culbertson, sets up the mystery tone of "Toi Et
Moi (You And Me)" on trumpet. The tune unravels into hypnotic, light
urban coolness. "Come To Me" features more of that intoxicating dark
side, featuring Harry Mura on guitar and Culbertson taking care of
everything else: sharp keyboarding, danceable drum programming, and
subdued background vocal work. His romantic side comes through loud and
clear on a gorgeous David Foster-ish cover of Vanessa Williams' "Save The
Best For Last". Albright infuses "Take Me Home To You" with a sinful
scoop of soul before the disc closes with the hip-hop flavored "Midnight
Sun".

Brian collaborated with band members on four of the compositions for the
first time. "I really enjoyed working with another writer," he notes.
"Everything seems to happen so much quicker when you're bouncing ideas
off each other instead of just mulling over a section for hours and
hours." The improvement is noticeable. This already remarkable talent
has delivered a sophomore recording that is one of the best R&J discs of
the year!

PRODUCED BY: Brian Culbertson


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R&J Q&A

Q: Whatever happened to the late-70's group Seawind? Any chance we'll be
hearing more from them one day? - H. Wippeltry, New Jersey
A: Sorry, but the defunct Hawaiian band has no current plans to reunite.
However, Noteworthy Records has just released a best-of CD called
REMEMBER featuring ten tracks from their first two CDs, from 1977 and
1978, plus five previously unreleased tracks recorded in 1981. Lead
singer Pauline Wilson also has a brand new release out on Noteworthy,
titled INTUITION. Recommended for all hungry Seawind fans.

Q: Could you please tell me all of the records Pat Kelley has made and what
he's up to now? He's one of my favorite guitarists! - N. Thornton,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
A: Sure thing. Pat began his solo career with two very well-received
compact discs on the now defunct Nova Records. The first was called
VIEWS OF THE FUTURE (1987), co-produced by Pat and Jeff Weber. It
contains his timeless composition "San Marcos Pass". I'LL STAND UP
(1989), his second effort, included the unforgettable melody of "Harvest
Dance", which was simultaneously recorded by saxophonist Eric Marienthal
on his debut album, VOICES OF THE HEART, produced by Chick Corea. Both
versions are wonderful and Pat plays on the Marienthal album, which also
includes another Kelley cut, the fun "Walk Like An Emu". Kelley's next
release, HIGH HEELS, came out on Denon in 1989. After taking time off
from recording to play in Tom Scott's band on the Pat Sajak show and,
later, touring with jazz superstar George Benson, he finally gave us last
year's THE ROAD HOME (Positive). The busy guitarist is currently working
on a follow-up and is also touring as part of David Benoit's band.

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NEW RELEASES by Bethany Springs

MARK JOHNSON - DAYDREAM (JVC), 51:15
PRODUCED BY: Paul Wickliffe and George Jinda
GROOVE: Saxmaster returns with funk-hop style that landed his debut
outing in the #1 position on R&J's Ten Best list last year. "I didn't
want to make the same record again. I wanted to go for more of a pop
feel, and adding vocals helped to do that," says the horn blower of 2
full vocals and four tracks with what he calls "vocal hooks." 2 cover
tunes have fresh interpretations: Prince's "When You Were Mine" is
slowed down to a silky ballad and Smokey Robinson's "The Way You Do
The Things You Do" is given an urban reggae Johnson overhaul.
HIGHLIGHTS: Go-for-the-jugular funk openers "On The Sly" and smokin'
"Blue Smoke", the latter featuring a cool electric piano solo by
George Laks; mellifluous soprano ballad "Dim The Lights" with
constant, heavy percussion undercurrent from Jinda; dancefest "Gotta
Do It Good"; hopper "Island Lullaby" with Johnson at the congas;
lighter closer "The Long Goodbye".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Johnson's MARK JOHNSON (JVC); Special EFX's CATWALK
(JVC); Najee's TOKYO BLUE (EMI)

VINCENT GREEN & SEVENTH AVENUE - TAKEOVER (Chelle), 63:05
PRODUCED BY: Gerey Johnson
GROOVE: Urban dynamite! The Chicago-based quartet may look like Boyz II
Men wannabes on the cover, but their explosive sound is a hip-hop
version of Spyro Gyra. Wailing lead saxophones by Vincent Green,
heavy electric bass by Kenery Smith, strong beats by drummer Ben
Johnson, and thriving guitars by Phillip Seed, on a batch of
melodically hooky tunes.
HIGHLIGHTS: Grooving R&B openers "Hand Me Down" and "Time To Time" with
scorching hot blowing from Green over his memorable lines; sensuous
title cut laced with soulful background vocals by Robin Smith; Rod
Temperton's steamy, mid-tempo "Star Of The Story"; heart-thumpin'
arrangement of "My Funny Valentine"; all-out wildness on closer
"Push".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Crusaders' HEALING THE WOUNDS (GRP); Gerald Albright,
Mark Johnson, Spyro Gyra

NEAL SCHON - BEYOND THE THUNDER (Higher Octave), 51:41
PRODUCED BY: Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon
GROOVE: Lead guitarist for pop group Journey pulls a Chaquico, with
equally breathtaking results! Big acoustic guitar sound, heavy rock
licks from the electric, swirled into a heavenly outpouring of
stunning, heartfelt music and wonderful floating melodies. Journey
keyboardist co-produces and co-writes with Neal. They're joined by
other Journey members as well as musicians from Schon's earlier
adventures with Santana.
HIGHLIGHTS: Radio-ready opener "Big Moon"; melodic, ethereal gem
"Bandalero"; heart melting ballad "Zanzibar"; fiery stinger "Boulevard
Of Dreams"; dynamic, showcase guitar chops soloing in middle of
"Espanique".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Craig Chaquico's ACOUSTIC PLANET (Higher Octave); Pat
Metheny Group; Ken Navarro

FOWLER & BRANCA - THREE FLIGHTS UP (Silver Wave), 48:48
PRODUCED BY: Bob Fowler and Stephen Branca
GROOVE: Breezy new age melodies that feel like a cloud swiftly blowing
past other clouds. Branca strums the guitar while Fowler solidifies
the sound on fretless and fretted electric basses and Kathy Wilson
Fowler adds breathy wordless vocal textures. Bob Quaile on soprano
sax and oboe and Jonathan Pruitt on piano turn in equally lovely guest
performances on several tracks.
HIGHLIGHTS: Heavenly opener "Jessie"; wafting soprano on "Fingers Point
At The Moon" splashed with pizzicato keyboard accents; midtempo
urgency of "On Hallowed Ground"; colorful and soothing "The First
Breath"; charmer "Belo Horizonte" with unique new age scatting.
ALSO CHECK OUT: F&B's ETCHED IN STONE (Silver Wave) (R&J 1993 Ten Best
Runner-Up!); Dan Siegel's NORTHERN NIGHTS (CBS, reviewed in this
month's Cool Classics section) and GOING HOME (Epic); Michael Gettel's
RETURN (Sona Gaia) and INTRICATE BALANCE (Miramar); Special EFX's
MODERN MANNERS (GRP); Jessie Allen Cooper's SOFT WAVE (Sona Gaia)

DAN SIEGEL - HEMISPHERES (Playfull), 44:22
PRODUCED BY: Dan Siegel
GROOVE: Refreshingly surprising change of pace for keyboardist who's
been a mainstay in contempojazz for more than 13 years. Siegel
reinvents himself with unique, marimba-like sampled percussion and
lite, dreamily romantic world music excursions. Eclectic group of
guest stars includes Rick Braun (trumpet), Charlie Bisharat (violin),
Osamu Kitajima (koto), Andy Narell (steel pan), Bela Fleck (banjo),
Peter White (accordion), Ottmar Liebert and more! Kudos to all!
HIGHLIGHTS: Lingering melody of Shadowfax-like opener "Savanna"
featuring Boney James on soprano sax; flavorful title cut balancing
violin, koto, sitar, shakuhachi, and bazookie with Abe Laboriel's
bass; serene "Sanctuary" featuring Dori Caymmi and the Rippingtons'
Jeff Kashiwa; quietly stormy "El Nino" featuring guitarists Liebert
(acoustic) and Richard Smith (electric); exotic, Uillean bagpipe-
driven "In The Mist".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Shadowfax's ESPERANTO (EarthBeat!); Grant Geissman's
RUSTIC TECHNOLOGY (Bluemoon); Pat Metheny Group's LETTER FROM HOME
(Geffen); Checkfield's DISTANT THUNDER (American Gramaphone); Osamu's
SWEET CHAOS (Mesa); Birds Of A Feather's ABOVE THE CLOUDS (BrainChild)

SPYRO GYRA - LOVE & OTHER OBSESSIONS (GRP), 56:01
PRODUCED BY: Jay Beckenstein
GROOVE: Pop-jazz founders alter their sound slightly with outside
arrangers on a couple cuts and continue sailing through breezy
melodies anchored by Beckenstein's recognizable soprano sax with
terrific, lush ensemble playing from the regular crew. Two un-Spyro
vocals included, plus a multifaceted "Group Therapy" jam.
HIGHLIGHTS: Smooth opening ballad "Lost And Found"; rhythm-oriented
"Ariana", arranged by Chieli Minucci; longtime Spyro vibesman Dave
Samuels' marching band outing "Serengeti", arranged by Russell
Ferrante and Alex Acuna; uncharacteristically R&B-ish jazz groover
"Third Street"; "Horizon's Edge", another sweet Beckenstein ballad
with growing midtempo intensity; punch from the No Sweat Horns on
slammin' "Rockin' A Heart Place", written by group's guitarist Julio
Fernandez.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Spyro's DREAMS BEYOND CONTROL and COLLECTION (GRP),
STORIES WITHOUT WORDS and MORNING DANCE (MCA); Rippingtons' SAHARA
(GRP); Dotsero's OUT OF HAND (Fahrenheit); Oceans' RIDIN' THE TIDE
(ProJazz); Seventh Avenue (reviewed above)

JOHN PATITUCCI - MISTURA FINA (GRP), 61:01
PRODUCED BY: John Patitucci
GROOVE: Melodic six-string bass exploring Brazilian rhythms and
textures, with vocals -- wordless and Portuguese -- used like
instruments. Guests include Joao Bosco, Ivan Lins, Dori Caymmi, Kevyn
Lettau, Kleber Jorge, and a number of top jazzers. Low-key jamming,
including two unaccompanied solo bass tracks.
HIGHLIGHTS: Literal "fine mixture" on title cut of Brazilian spirit and
African styles explored on John's last outing, ANOTHER WORLD; Bosco's
tribute to Brazilian singer Jackson do Pandeiro, "Bate Balaio", on
which Patitucci happily strums to Alex Acuna's quirky beat while "Joao
just starts singing syllables here, like he's got his own little
language," notes John; Jorge's upbeat roaster "Assim Nao Da"; intimate
Patitucci-Acuna-Bosco trio on Bosco's pleasant "Varadero".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Patitucci's ANOTHER WORLD (GRP) and HEART OF THE BASS
(Stretch); Caymmi's KICKING CANS (Qwest), Oscar Castro-Neves' MORE
THAN YESTERDAY (JVC), Lins' AWA YIO (Reprise); Chick Corea Akoustic
Band's ALIVE (GRP)

VALGARDENA - ON THE BRIDGE (Mercury), 50:50
PRODUCED BY: ValGardena
GROOVE: Partnership of keyboardist Christopher James and bassist Jeff
Leonard with plentiful new age assortment: from serene and ambient to
industrial and melodic, ValGardena has it all. The Oregon duo's
second album plays like a dream. "We're writing New Age textured
music in pop song form," says Leonard.
HIGHLIGHTS: Bass-heavy "Passing Through Shadow", thumpingly hypnotic;
peaceful "Black Willamette", inspired by Oregon's Willamette River at
night; reflective quietude of "Before The Rain" featuring electric
cello; flowing, modern tempo on "Watermark"; twinkling, midtempo
closer "Northern Lights".
ALSO CHECK OUT: Blue Mair's SWANS IN JULY (ITI); Richard Souther's
INNERMISSIONS (Capitol); Dream Patrol's PHONING THE CZAR (Pasha);
Patrick O'Hearn's BETWEEN TWO WORLDS (Private)


OTHER NEW STUFF...

BEAUTIFUL WORLD - ...IN EXISTENCE (Discovery)
Mystic textures by Phil Sawyer with serene, Swahili lyrics.
BRIAN BECVAR - ONCE IN A LIFE (Real)
Bruce's brother on soothing, romantic keyboards.
GERARD CARELLI - BEAUTIFUL DANCER (GC)
Singer, trombonist, and fellow CompuServer; very snappy.
CELESTIAL WINDS - OCEANS OF LOVE (Universal Music)
Harp and recorder duo; relaxing, even on Doors cover.
A.J. CROCE - THAT'S ME IN THE BAR (Private)
2nd, more mature outing from bluesy son of late Jim.
BRANDON FIELDS (Positive)
Ex-Ripper's long-awaited solo return, smooth and jazzy!
BELA FLECK - TALES FROM THE ACOUSTIC PLANET (Warner Bros)
Esoteric banjo jamming with the Flecktones.
WAYNE GRATZ - BLUE RIDGE (Narada Lotus)
Majestic, nature-inspired acoustic soundscapes.
AKIRA JIMBO - PANAMA MAN (Kazu/Unity)
Contempo Japanese drummer melodically produced by Kazu Matsui.
RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK - SIMMER, REDUCE, GARNISH & SERVE (Warner Bros.)
CD reissue of avant garde saxist's late 70's WB output.
CARMEN LUNDY - SELF PORTRAIT (JVC)
Traditional-style jazz singer mixing standards and originals.
KEN NAVARRO - BRIGHTER DAYS (Positive)
More perfectly melodic pop-jazz from label-owner/guitarist.
BUD POWELL - IN PARIS (Warner Bros./Reprise Archives)
CD reissue of 1964 date produced by Duke Ellington.
NELSON RANGELL - DESTINY (GRP)
Killer R&J blowing from hot Denver saxman!
LEE RITENOUR/LARRY CARLTON - LARRY & LEE (GRP)
Master guitarists team up with tons of chemistry!
TIM TIMMERMANS - LIFE AS WE KNOW IT (Higher Octave)
Windows co-founder creates luscious, exotic soundscapes.
TRIBAL TECH - REALITY CHECK (Bluemoon)
Acclaimed fusion duo up to their old tricks.
VARIOUS ARTISTS - PRECIOUS WATERS (Narada)
Arkenstone, R. Carlos Nakai, others pay tribute to water.
THE GERALD WILSON ORCHESTRA - STATE STREET SWEET (MAMA Foundation)
Low-key swingin' big band draws inspiration from Chicago.

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COOL CLASSICS by Wayne Radcliffe

DAN SIEGEL - NORTHERN NIGHTS (CBS), 1987, 41:13
Keyboardist Dan Siegel is one of the few R&J artists to have been doing
contemporary instrumental music since long before a commercial market was
found for it. NORTHERN NIGHTS is arguably his most popular release
partly because it came out at the time this genre was beginning to
explode as an offshoot of New Age marketing fluke that spawned WAVE-like
radio stations across the country, but also because it has a sensual
sound and ten completely ear-pleasing melodies. Moody and lush
electronic textures and colorings augmented by jazzy piano playing and
superb supporting musicians such as Carl Verheyen on guitars, Gary Herbig
and Brandon Fields on sax, Abe Laboriel on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta on
drums.

The opening cut, "Feelin' Happy", is the quintessential happy-jazz tune;
it will be as fresh and friendly on the thousandth playing in fifty years
as it still is today. "On The Road" continues the positive feelings,
while Siegel adds a classical touch to the emotional "Rhapsody". The
haunting "Distant Thoughts" also plays like a hit, followed by some
frisky piano phrasing on the title cut. Next to the opener, the epic
"Love Is The Powerful" is the hookiest track, full of intense drama built
right into the notes. After the shiny synth brass of "Take A Chance",
Siegel wisely turns the tide to a romantic mode with the elegant and
quiet "Just For The Moment". "Falling Angel" has a beautiful, far-off
quality to it before the disc closes like a sunset with "When It's Over".

Many of Siegel's other records, before and since, are just as good, but
NORTHERN NIGHTS somehow stands out. And even though it is refreshing to
hear him explore new styles on this month's HEMISPHERES (Playfull,
reviewed above), it in no way diminishes the joy that went into these
compositions and the joy that comes from listening to them again.

PRODUCED BY: Dan Siegel


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ABOUT R&J

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Publisher/Editor: Dan Margules
Contributing Writers: Wayne Radcliffe, Bethany Springs

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RHYTHM & JAZZ, VOL. 2, NO. 5, Copyright (c) 1995 Dan Margules. All rights
reserved.