top ad goes here...
Live at Jazz Standard
 |
Russell Malone is one of the most commanding and versatile guitarists performing today. He can move from jazz to blues to gospel to pop and R&B without hesitation, a rare facility that has prompted some of the highest profile artists in the world to call upon him: Shirley Horn, Diana Krall, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Christina Aguilera, B.B. King, David Sanborn, Harry Connick, Jr. to name a few. On his new MAXJAZZ release, Live at Jazz Standard (Volume One), Malone captivates from the opener and displays why he is one of the most in-demand guitarists today.Live at Jazz Standard features his working band of Martin Bejerano, piano; Tassili Bond, bass; and Johnathan Blake, drums. All arrangements are by Malone, who also produced the CD and wrote five of the seven tracks.Malone's crisp original and opener, He Said What?, begins with a driving groove by Bejerano and shows Malone's clean tone and dazzling guitar work. The group follows with another Malone original titled I Saw You Do It. With Bejerano sitting this one out, Bond and Blake keep driving the rhythm while Malone displays his ability to fuse distinct musical elements into an instantly appealing tune. On the smooth original Flirt, Malone showcases the fluid and lyrical movement that has distinguished him from his peers. The Frank Rosolino standard, Blue Daniel, swings with great energy. Bejerano's piano and Blake's drums push the rhythm before Bond lays down a nice solo. Mean Streak is a blistering track written by Malone that features impressive solos by Malone, Bejerano and Blake. The pace slows with a hauntingly powerful version of the Milt Jackson ballad Heartstrings. Malone was further compelled to dig a little deeper that night by the presence of Jackson's widow, Sandy, and daughter Chyrise. Malone and crew close with a bang on his blues-infused original Malone Blues. The composition clearly showcases Malone's extraordinary versatility. Only $11.98 - Click here to buy now! |
Live At Jazz Standard
 |
Idiosyncratic jazz vocalist Rene Marie makes her presence unequivocally apparent on her second MaxJazz release, Live at Jazz Standard. Recorded over three nights in 2003 at the New York City club, the album features Marie's usual mix of standards and originals. Stylistically resting comfortably somewhere between Betty Carter and Shirley Horn, Marie digs into such classics as 'Where or When,' 'Nature Boy,' and 'A Foggy Day,' making each song different from the next and utterly unforgettable. You may never hear another version of 'It Might as Well Be Spring' sang as spritely as the one that appears early on, and her take of 'I Loves You Porgy' is as heartbreaking as her a cappella turn on 'How Can I Keep From Singing?' is dramatic. Backed sensitively by pianist John Toomey, bassist Elias Bailey, and drummer T. Howard Curtis III, Marie just gets better with each solo release. - All Music Guide Only $11.98 - Click here to buy now! |
Live At Jazz Standard
 |
The story behind Nancy King's LIVE AT JAZZ STANDARD WITH FRED HERSCH is almost as amazing as the music on the album. Jazz vocalist King had never met pianist Hersch before the night of the performance, and the extraordinary music they made together was performed without planning, rehearsal, or even a set list. The resulting music belies the facts of the story, however: King and Hersch sound like they've been playing together for years on classic tunes such as I Fall in Love Too Easily, Ain't Misbehavin', and Autumn in New York. The performances, the chemistry, and the caliber of musicianship are remarkable throughout. Only $11.98 - Click here to buy now! |