CD Music Reviews by Hidden Tracks

2009-11-13T08:07:00.007+10:30

Q MAGAZINE COLLECTION FOR SALE

20 years of music history in these 244 issues of Q Magazine. From issue no. 28 through to issue no. 272
No.105 is missing. Also included are 26 Q CD’s

Q Magazine is one of the UK’s leading and most influential music magazines. Filled with interviews, articles and music reviews these copies are an insight to the personalities, trends and highlights of the past two decades.
PRICE $240 O.N.O. for 244 issues of Q Magazine

Condition of magazines = good.

Payment by PayPal or C.O.D.

Pick up from Adelaide South Australia only as shipping costs will be prohibitive.

To make an offer or for further information please use the comments facility.
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

2008-06-29T10:16:00.009+09:30

Retrofit by Tim Anthony

CD review

Tim Anthony the New York based master of the consummate pop song has released a compilation CD of his earliest recordings. Starting in 1982 Retrofit charts his first songwriting and recording experiences. The classic pop song is often misunderstood, even the Wikipedia dictionary describes it as ‘music charted by the number of sales’ and then states that ‘it is not a particular style or genre’. The pop song genre has entertained audiences since the early recordings by Ricky Nelson and Buddy Holly then through The Beatles and the British invasion up to the work of Neil and Tim Finn. The style of Pop music differs from R&B or soul music having a catchy melody and frequently includes vocal harmony and double tracking, with themes often built around love, which has either been lost or found.

Retrofit opens with Don't Forget Me Tim’s only single with his band The Agents, other tracks feature Tommy Allen & Gary Frenay of Flashcubes fame. Two timeless pop tracks, which cover girlfriends Traciann and Maryellen are standouts. Maryellen reappears as a highly polished version on Tim’s 2005 CD Happy Door. On both Don't Look In Her Eyes and Mystery Tim’s guitar soars while the solid drumming by David O Chase anchors the tracks together, strong interests was shown in both tracks by David Geffen sadly without positive results. Retrofit shows Tim’s growth as an artist, examples of sparse tracks through to later 1989 recordings such as the layered and uplifting Happy Ending which was subsequently updated and included on Tim’s band The Brambles 2001 CD The Next Big Thing.

Perhaps fate decides which artists should find international recognition and be rewarded with both the fame, and adulation they deserve. Over 15 major A&R agents have shown a serious interest in Tim’s work over the years without him grasping his big global break. Listen and enjoy Tim’s early recordings on Retrofit and follow his journey up to his most recent releases.

Listen to Retrofit samples and buy from:

http://www.jealousy-records.com/ta_retrofit.htm

http://cdbaby.com/cd/timanthony3

Or from iTunes.

2007-12-20T10:14:00.000+10:30

The Phil Spector Collection

CD REVIEW

Flawed genius, temperamental artist and record producer Phil Spector has appeared in newspaper headlines worldwide for his innovative music and unfortunately recently for an alleged murder charge. Like Michelangelo before him Spector created a perfect image in his mind of how his musical creations would sound, neither time or cost would inhibit his quest for the perfect sound. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s multitrack recording was unknown, using only a couple of tracks Spector would overdub layers of sound, eventually building up what became known as his famous ‘wall of sound’. Using multiple instruments, six guitarists, three drummers a couple of pianos plus strings, brass, tambourines with liberal doses of echo he would craft his unique sound onto vinyl. Previously the only way to own a Spector retrospective collection was to import his four CD box set Back To Mono, however The Phil Spector Collection a two CD set consisting of a greatest hits CD together with the all time best Christmas CD A Christmas Gift from Phil Spector has recently been released.
All the Spector classic hits are included, Da Doo Ron Ron and Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals, The Ronettes Be My Baby, and Do I Love You?, while Darlene Love contributes (Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry and Wait Til My Bobby Gets Home. The all time smash hits You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' and Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers are included as well as Ike & Tina Turner’s River Deep Mountain High.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/music

http://www.umtv.co.uk/

2007-10-05T11:16:00.000+09:30

A Tale Of Two Cities by Mr Hudson And The Library

CD Review

Mr Hudson And The Library
Mr (Ben) Hudson, the Oxford literature graduate and his band Mr Hudson And The Library have recently released their aptly titled CD A Tale Of Two Cities. This blend of cocktail jazz meets hip-hop and R’n’B will take you on a musical journey through styles as diverse as The Police and Madness into The Divine Comedy. "I don't set out to be different. It's just that I don't want to limit myself to any one style or any one sound" says Mr Hudson who chose as the opening track a keyboard laden cover of the My Fair Lady number The Street Where You Live. The infectious Too Late Too Late has a reggae styled vibe, some added audio tricks and an infectious brain invading hook of the words “Why must I always play the clown.” The Chet Baker standard Everything Happens To Me is given updated lyrics with references to 4 by4’s and text messages with the addition of a pouring rain backing track. Cover Girl is a gentle love song, while Ask The DJ is classic pop glowing with Mr Hudson’s perceptive lyrics. Standout track and a band favourite is the gentle Picture Of You which is enhanced by dreamy harmonies and outstanding piano played by Torville Jones
Mr Hudson And The Library are a group of youthful Britons who in a similar fashion to the songs of The Kinks in the 60’s are documenting their lives through intelligent and interesting songs. As Mr Hudson says “A tale of two cites, apart from being a classic book and a book I love, is a fitting album title because it sums up my life so far.” Bonus track on UK editions is A Tale Of Two Cities which perfectly sums up their expert blending of the English language with well crafted melodies.
www.mrhudsonandthelibrary.com

2007-10-05T10:55:00.000+09:30

One Year by Colin Blunstone
CD Review

Colin Blunstone

The Zombies enjoyed international fame in 1964 with their massive hit She's Not There which was followed in 1965 with another Tell Her No and then sometime after the band called it quits came their last hit Time of the Season. Perhaps it was the unusual key structures used in the band’s songs or their slightly aloof and intellectual image which hampered chances of permanent success; they are still regarded as having influenced many of today’s recording artists and songwriters. Lead singer Colin Blunstone, whose breathy voice is considered one of best and most distinctive in popular music, went on to record his first solo album with help from his former Zombies band mates. Called One Year, because it took one year to record, these 10 tracks of carefully crafted baroque pop was released in 1971. Rod Argent provided classical and jazz influenced keyboards while Chris White played bass guitar, both shared production duties, while Chris Gunning was brought in to augment some tracks with his subtle orchestral arrangements. One Year opens with the straight rock song She Loves The Way They Love Her which uses piano, drums, electric guitar. Following track is an outstanding cover of the Tim Hardin evergreen Misty Roses which starts simply with Blunstone’s vocals and a solo calypso guitar accompaniment by Alan Crosthwaite, then builds strength with a string quartet which emphasises the songs beautiful emotion. Caroline, Goodbye, has strong touches of Nick Drake's phrasing style with its moody autobiographical lyrics where Blunstone tells about his break up with long-time girlfriend actress Caroline Munro when she found fame in movies; the outstanding arrangement is by future star producer Tony Visconti. The albums final track is a high light, Say You Don’t Mind written by Denny Lane ex Moody Blues and was originally performed by The Zombies during their final months, this version has a simple string quartet backing which perfectly portrays the songs catchy-bouncy atmosphere. One Year is timeless and is available on CD in its original form without any additional tracks or song versions.
http://www.colinblunstone.co.uk/

2007-09-06T09:57:00.000+09:30

Feeling Good by Randy Crawford & Joe Sample
CD REVIEW

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample

When local music identity Michael Bonython of Blue Beat records in Hindley Street, Adelaide recommends Randy Crawford & Joe Sample’s Feeling Good as his favourite CD of 2006 it is a recommendation which should be taken seriously. Crawford first collaborated with Sample and his jazz funk band The Crusaders over 30 years ago on Street Life their world wide hit. They have perfected musical chemistry again on Feeling Good an eclectic mix of 13 standout tracks where Crawford’s raw-silk vocals perfectly enhance Samples understated acoustic piano. Sample and his band leave Crawford to hold the spotlight with her sublime phrasing and crystal clear voice which ranges from steely emotion to tender seduction; all tracks were co-produced by the legendary Tommy LiPuma and Sample. First track is the Newley-Bricusse Broadway standard Feeling Good, first made popular by Nina Simone and recently recorded by Michael Buble; also by Simone is the steamy See Line Woman. Another song by a strong woman is their powerful rendition of Billie Holiday’s blues filled Tell Me More and More and Then Some. Also included are Fred Neil’s classic Everybody's Talking, Leo Sayer’s hit When I Need You plus the moody Lovetown from the movie Philadelphia written by Peter Gabriel. The re-worked versions of their previous hit recordings the Latin tinged Rio De Janeiro Blue and Last Night at Danceland complete this magnificent CD which will remain on your regular play list for years to come.

http://bluebeat.com.au/store/

2007-09-06T09:47:00.000+09:30

Yesterday by Mingo Fishtrap
CD REVIEW

Mingo Fishtrap

Roger Blevins, Jr. was searching for a service station near a town called Denton in northern Texas and arrived at an intersection where Mingo Road meets Fishtrap Road, this is where he found the name for his band Mingo Fishtrap. The original line up of this octet had met as students in 1992 at the University of North Texas College of Music and have been thrilling live audiences ever since with their high energy mix of R&B, blues, soul, salsa, funk, and rock. Their recently released CD Yesterday finds them at the peak of their talents with 15 original tracks starting with Dirty Gritty which is pure vintage 1960’s deep fried soul. The next track Sunday Afternoon is steeped in Stevie Wonder magic, while powerhouse ballads Superman and Not The Same remember the late Sam Cooke. The horn-fuelled On Our Way has a Latin flavour and leads into the Afro-swamp instrumental Fred's Slacks, while Happy Song is where the band shine and prove that they are worthy of a worldwide audience. The tracks Off The Shed and Laid It Down have a more contemporary feel delving into the world of house music and rapid fire hip-hop. Every track on Yesterday is pure gold;listen to samples of this award winning band at:

http://www.mingofishtrap.com/

2007-08-02T09:37:00.000+09:30

Hello Mademoiselle by Stéphane Pompougnac
CD REVIEW

Stéphane Pompougnac

Stéphane Pompougnac is a French House DJ, a master producer, as well as a gifted composer and musician with impeccable taste. He became globally famous with his Hôtel Costes collections which recently reached its ninth volume, becoming the yardstick against which all other “in crowd destination collections” are measured. Melding a combination of French songs, electro sounds, house tracks and his ever present lounge music, Pompougnac has released Hello Mademoiselle, his second CD under his own name. The first track on the CD and also its first single is Ghosts & Roses featuring super smooth Noémi, vocalist from the band Zimpala. Various stars of the international music scene were recruited for this project such as French singing legend Alain Chamfort on Ingrate a catchy track which will keep replaying in your head. Anthony Bambury gives a funky Isaac Hayes style vocal on the dazzling soul filled title track. Pompougnac has included updated versions of two classics, Canned Heat’s On The Road Again and Joan Baez’s Here’s To You, an acoustic ballad blending violins, cello and the remarkable voice of Linda Lee Hopkins. While the reggae influenced Sunday Drive is filled with memories of sunshine and summer, Which features Zaire born and well known DJ Charles Schillings. This Euro-chic CD ends with a homage to the 90’s R&B vocalists called Just to Love U which stars Marabunta on lead vocal.

http://www.cvibes.com/ and http://www.pschent.fr/

2007-08-02T09:25:00.000+09:30

The Sea by Rod McKuen and Anita Kerr
CD REVIEW

Rod McKuen and Anita Kerr

You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time. That’s a phrase which was later adapted by both Abraham Lincoln and Bob Dylan. This review may only please a few people for part of the time as it covers music which has been variously described as maudlin, romantic, corny, saccharine and resembling greeting-card poetry. The artist in question is Rod McKuen, who has recorded more than 200 albums, of which 63 reached gold and platinum status. His three dozen poetry books have sold 65 million copies making him the most widely read poet of his time. He wrote If You Go Away for Jacques Brel which was named Song of the Millennium in France.
In 1967 McKuen recorded his timeless album The Sea with composer Anita Kerr and The San Sebastian Strings. He melded his poetic words with Kerr’s lush orchestrations and a mellow background of recorded of sounds of the sea. Popular worldwide, The Sea mirrored those simpler times with its vibe of romance, peace and relaxation. Standout tracks are the tender Gifts From The Sea and Pushing The Clouds Away with the very smooth Do You Like The Rain?, while The Days Of Dancing and the Spanish themed The Gypsy Camp are also excellent. The voice of the unnamed narrator blends perfectly with the lush orchestration and the hypnotic sounds of the ocean creating a most original CD.

http://www.mckuen.com

2007-07-05T13:42:00.000+09:30

Bossa Nova Is Not A Crime by The Juju Orchestra
CD review

The Juju Orchestra
The word Juju originates from West Africa where it refers to objects such as a charm or amulet which have supernatural powers, it is also a style of Nigerian popular music featuring electric guitars and traditional drums. In 2004 Juju was discovered in Braunschweig Germany where DJ Sammy Kilic, producer Oliver Belz and Ralf Zitzman formed The Juju Orchestra. Their new release Bossa Nova Is Not A Crime has been gathering international praise and recognition, The Juju Orchestra are influenced by artists Miles Davis, Steely Dan, Stan Getz and Charlie Parker all preferably on vinyl format. Their very cool jazz merges into dance floor sounds, strong measure of funk and Latin with memories of early British acid jazz. Stand out tracks are What Is Hip featuring Terry Callier and Leonhart Carolyn, a former backing singer with Steely Dan, who also excels on the excellent cover of Steely Dan’s hit Do It Again, this time sharing vocals with Robert Smith. The big band sound of Kind Of Latin Rhythm and Take Four are packed with smokey late night brass and percussion. The final track Funky Nassau is already a winner on the dance floor where everything comes together with blistering vocals and driving Latin rhythms.
Also discover the excellent Brazilectro series which has now reached Vol.8 the bands record label agogo-records.com.

http://www.juju-orchestra.com/

2007-07-05T13:33:00.000+09:30

Hoagy Sings Carmichael by Hoagy Carmichael
CD review

Hoagy Carmichael
“They don't write songs like that anymore” is constantly repeated when discussing songwriters from the golden decades of the first half of the 20th century. George Gershwin, Cole Porter plus Rogers and Heart’s compositions will be played and sung regularly over the next millennium. Hoagland Howard Carmichael was born in Bloomington, Indiana in 1899 and was quickly nicknamed Hoagy. After training as a lawyer, he went on to become one of the all time great songwriters. Hoagy Carmichael’s songbook is littered with classic titles, Georgia On My Mind, Skylark, Two Sleepy People, Stardust, Lazy River and Memphis in June. These tracks are all included on the newly remastered CD from his 1956 Hoagy Sings Carmichael LP which has been packaged with an additional Carmichael CD The Stardust Road, one of the very first 10 inch 33 rpm LP’s released in the late 1940’s. Hoagy Sings Carmichael was recorded in California, brilliantly arranged by Johnny Mandel using top West Coast jazz artists including Art Pepper on alto sax. The recording has a strong jazz influence and was recorded live onto a simple two track machine. Carmichael plays piano and sings in his distinctive broken down bluesy voice which strangely adds atmosphere to his songs strong melodies. Carmichael’s laid back style is well balanced with the jazz backing capturing the essence of a long gone age. Listen to Hoagy Sings Carmichael to discover magical music from the last century.

http://www.hoagy.com/index.htm

2007-06-07T10:36:00.000+09:30

Tomorrow I Might Go by Tommy
CD review

Tommy

New Zealand band Tommy recorded their second and final CD, the aptly named Tomorrow I Might Go, in their makeshift studios at Bethell’s Beach west of Auckland. Tommy was led by the complex guitarist and vocalist Tommy Benfield who was the major songwriter in the band. His songs are highly influenced by a troubled childhood and a career as a councillor which he managed to juggle with his musical vocation. He has described the bands evolution and fragmentation as “Every band is like a song; boundless in its impact and fleeting in its duration.” The first half of Tomorrow I Must Go has a dub and reggae vibe, while the second consists mostly of folk roots tracks. The sounds of children playing in the background of the first track, the instrumental Children, sets the scene for the album’s themes which range from love and peace through to war and poverty. Other notable tracks are Angels which has a Midnight Oil feeling with an added rap element, while the catchy reggae filled Dancehall tells how you can lose all your troubles at a dancehall. Though there is sadness in discovering a band at the moment of their separation, perhaps the graceful final track Holding On, a ten minute opus, with its close harmonies and flowing guitars is a perfect epitaph for this significant band.
http://tommy.bz/ and http://www.myspace.com/tommy4000

2007-06-07T10:29:00.000+09:30

Play With The Changes by 4hero
CD review

4hero

Innovators in dance music since the early 1990’s London band 4hero have waited six years for their highly anticipated new release, Play With The Changes. Their career has been littered with awards including a Dance album of the year and a Mercury Music award in 1998. 4hero are back better than ever with 14 tracks crammed with superior guest vocalists, delicate beats, lush orchestrations, drums and sampled sounds. The opening track, Morning Child, is fresh, lively and soul filled with airy stings and brass, while regular vocalist Carina Anderson excels over the Curtis Mayfield styled groves. The mellow Sink Or Swim features vocals from Lady Alda over a superb Fender Rhodes and a shuffling drum track. The title track has sunny vocals and excellent piano and bass with an interesting change of direction midway, it also features Larry Mizell who has written and produced for Marvin Gaye and the Jackson 5. Other notable tracks are Why Don’t You Talk which is jazz rock filled with improvisation and touches of Be-bop, the Stevie Wonder classic Superwoman is a remix which works well even though this version does not add any new dimensions to the original. While Look Inside is pure funk returning to the original 4heros House Music style, Play With The Changes proves their importance as artists and innovators in contemporary music.
http://www.4hero.co.uk/ and http://inertia-music.com/

2007-05-06T12:26:00.000+09:30

THE FAMILIAR by Roger Eno & Kate St. John

and SECOND SIGHT by Kate St. John

CD review

Roger Eno & Kate St. John

The world of recorded music is similar to an iceberg where only a few artists receive wide recognition, while most others glide unnoticed below the surface. A prime example is The Familiar CD which is a richly textured collaboration between Roger Eno, brother of Brian, the ambient composer and pianist with Kate St. John the multi-instrumentalist and singer. A former member of the group, Dream Academy, St. John played in Van Morrison’s band and has worked with many international artists including Nigel Kennedy and Tom Waits. Memorable tracks are the haunting chamber piece The Wonderful Year which contains a superb cello solo, while the final track The Blue Sea is reminiscent of Julee Cruise’s Twin Peaks soundtrack. The Familiar was an especially personal project for Eno, the music’s style is sparse and perhaps bleak though this magical recording is enormously rewarding and is a perfect companion to their previous collaboration St. Johns neo-classical solo CD Second Sight. Her unmistakable Francoise Hardy chanson style caresses the sounds of piano, oboe, accordion and strings ranging across the 11 mellow tracks which travel between classical, jazz and folk influences. Stand out tracks are the accordion laced and Parisian styled A Flicker Of Gold which features Russian group Aquarium while A Foolish Dance is up tempo with a Cajun influence. These two CD’s have an intoxicating magic and are highly recommended.

http://www.rogereno.co.uk/

http://www.katestjohn.co.uk/

2007-05-06T12:15:00.000+09:30

Un Homme Et Une Femme Soundtrack by Francis Lai
CD review

Un Homme Et Une Femme Soundtrack
Two single parents, one a racing driver played by Jean-Louis Trintignant the other a script girl played by Anouk Aimée meet on a Sunday evening as they return their children to boarding school. This atmospheric love story set during a French winter is told in the landmark 1966 film Un Homme Et Une Femme which follows their developing relationship. The films documentary style lets the story unfold while the lush photography, which often dissolves from colour into black and white during flashbacks, adds to the films sensual atmosphere. Directed by Claude Lelouch this multi award-winning film drew world attention through its unforgettable soundtrack. Composed by Francis Lai the emotive score follows a French pop, jazz and Brazilian bossa nova theme with moody instrumental tracks sitting beside stylish vocal numbers. Vocalist Pierre Barouh has a gentle voice reminiscent of João Gilberto’s while Nicole Croisille adds a sultry edge to the tracks especially the evergreen title track with its well-known cha-ba-da-ba-da vocals. Perhaps the film and its soundtrack are quantum kitsch and maybe the fact that there are three variations of the title track on the soundtrack could be disappointing but for others this is a blast from the past with superb atmosphere from the 1960’s. Sadly this CD, which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide, is presently only available on import from Japan and is priced accordingly.

2007-04-08T10:06:00.000+09:30

Make Believe Ballroom by Marc Jordan
CD review

Marc Jordan
Well known as a hit maker to the stars, Canadian Marc Jordan co-wrote Rod Stewart’s international hit Rhythm Of My Heart. During a recording career which began in 1978, his own solo recordings have not been given great exposure in Australia, a situation which should change with his latest CD Make Believe Ballroom. These sensitive songs will take you by the heart into Jordan’s world of cool contemporary jazz, proving that his vocal and musical talents deserve a larger international audience. Stand out tracks are numerous: Lets Waste Some Time is a graceful samba sung as a duet with Molly Johnson, while the Ricky Nelson hit Lonesome Town is given Jordan’s characteristic slow stripped back jazz treatment. Elegant piano is played by Dave Restivo on two songs, When Rita Takes The A Train and on the haunting From A Late Night Train. Jordan firmly puts his stamp on Cole Porter’s evergreen Every Time We say Goodbye with a smoulderingly, stylish treatment. Two moving tracks are Tears Of Hercules and The Best Part Of My Life in which the emotion is carried by a string led orchestra while the accordion laced ballad I Must Have Said Your Name should become a future standard. Jordan’s music may become addictive; the search for his back catalogue could begin with Make Believe Ballroom.
http://www.marcjordan.com/

2007-04-08T09:57:00.000+09:30

El Perro Del Mar by El Perro Del Mar
CD review

El Perro Del Mar
While El Perro Del Mar could be the title of the latest Chill Out album, it is in fact the stage name of singer Sarah Assbring from Gothenburg, Sweden, and is the title of her first full length CD. In classic pop tradition, most of Assbring’s songs relate to true love gone wrong or to broken romances. Her little- girl- lost voice croons through the tracks with a tearful, melancholic yet angelic style. There is something bewitching about this Swedish indie music which successfully incorporates Brill Building style songs with 1950’s doo-wop, yet this is clearly a 2007 production. I Can’t Talk About It has obvious inspiration from The Ronettes or The Crystal’s with driving hand claps and lush echoes, while Coming Down The Hill is reminiscent of the early Kate Bush. Assbring includes a cheerful track with It’s All Good which is stacked with joyful la-la-la’s and ooh-ooh-ooh’s, she then returns to her broken hearted mood with her saxophone filled version of Brenda Lee’s classic, Here Comes The Feeling. Sarah Assbring has produced a bewitching listening experience in El Perro Del Mar, also of note is that the Australian edition contains 4 extra tracks.
http://www.elperrodelmar.com/

http://www.inertia-music.com/

2007-03-08T09:40:00.000+10:30

Garageband by Andy White
CD review

Andy White

The reviewers hand book, if such a publication were to exist, would require journalists to be objective, selective and unbiased. These rules are difficult to follow when writing about an artist whom you have known personally since his childhood. Andy White, the Belfast raised socially political and poetic songwriter had his first hit Religious Persuasion, released on Stiff records, in 1985, a decade later Andy was the A in the band ALT with Tim Finn and Liam O Maonlai. Now living outside Melbourne his 12th CD was composed on an Apple Mac computer in only 14 days, recorded in various studios world wide and mixed by the legendary John Leckie (Pink Floyd and Radiohead) in Correggio Italy. Garageband is a combination of Andy’s Apple Mac, singing and diverse musical talents, together with special help from singer Monique Brumby plus various other gifted musicians along the way. Garageband was a journey which has taken Andy in some unexpected directions and to new musical heights.
There is a New Orleans feel to I Got A Number Off You with its boogie woogie piano and gospel backing vocals while No Way Out also rocks with his distorted Lou Reed style vocals. Someone is a protest song which starts with talking lyrics and skilfully builds into a multi layered orchestral/electronic track while the very original Letter From T blends moody music with a girl called Torri reading a letter to Andy who then sings Don't Choose The Wrong Way as his reply. The Capital Of Now is new territory for Andy with its infectious electronic beat set to lyrics describing past memories, Garageband will be a landmark in Andy’s career.
http://www.andywhite.com

2007-03-08T09:20:00.000+10:30

Belle by Paul Tiernan
CD review

PAUL TIERNAN
Music weaves its magic web into most aspects of our daily lives though it is hard to determine why some music leaves us cold yet other melodies can touch us deeply. Could it be that any music which is in sympathy with our personality and current mood will please us best?
Paul Tiernan is relatively unknown in Australia, his new CD Belle will please many as it demonstrates the essence of the songwriter’s art with his superbly crafted confessional songs. Words flow over memorable guitar lines and understated arrangements, ranging in style from a laconic solo guitar to jazz influences and Gallic accordion playing.
Hot Press describes Tiernan as “The master of the poignant love song” think of Tim Buckley meets Donovan. Stand out tracks are the very personal title track with its line “mistakes are accidents we choose”, while the poignant Little Hands starts gently and builds into strings with voices echoing the chorus. The accordion laced Stones has a dream like quality while Mr Smile starts gently with voice and guitar building into a string laden climax, then comes the childlike Little Hands which is pure magic. While the mysterious girl on the CD cover is Tiernan’s Bell, the title could certainly be a description of his music.
http://www.paultiernan.com

2007-02-07T11:10:00.000+10:30

Koop Islands by KOOP
CD review

KOOP
Magnus Zingmark and Oscar Simmonson are a visually exotic and musically exhilarating duo who hail from the Stockholm archipelago and record under the name Koop. Their latest release Koop Islands, is like a mythical musical island which exists somewhere in the Caribbean where cruise ships glide to the glamorous sounds of 1930’s and 40’s swing orchestras. Koop have cleverly combined retro jazz with cool dance floor rhythms and warm acoustic instrumentation. Additional help on Koop Islands is provided by long-time collaborator and vocalist Yukimi Nagano plus outstanding guests including the well known Norwegian singer-songwriter Ane Brun together with Earl Zinger, and Mikael Sundin. This nostalgic jazz with its modern slant is strongly influenced by the big band era with added calypso vibes, Koop Islands has many stand out tracks including the opening number Koop Island Blues where Ane Brun’s vocals shine. Forces….Darling is filled with marimbas, seductive brass and frenetic drumming. Other memorable tracks are Come To Me with its memorable hook set amongst hand claps and seductive vocals; the breezy instrumental The Moonbounce and the quirky Beyond The Sea with its spoken lyrics by Earl Zinger.
Koop are visually similar to the flamboyant Anthony and the Johnsons, musically placed somewhere between Europe’s Saint Privat and America’s Pink Martini.
http://www.dieselmusic.se/koop/

http://www.inertia-music.com/

2007-02-07T11:01:00.000+10:30

Scale by MATTHEW HERBERT
CD review

MATTHEW HERBERT
The son of a B.B.C. sound engineer Matthew Herbert has been obsessed by music and collecting sounds since childhood. Trained as a classical pianist, he has built a solid reputation as a producer and remix maestro for artists such as R.E.M. Björk, John Cale, Roisin Murphy and Yoko Ono. Herbert’s own recordings have been recognised for over a decade for their originality and intelligence. His recent C.D. Scale is an ingenious blend of jazz, house rhythms, disco and orchestras with the subtle addition of exactly 723 samples of assorted sounds which have been skilfully incorporated into the 11 tracks. The sounds sampled were made by items such as cars, breakfast cereals, coffins, petrol pumps, golf swings, meteorites, and an RAF Tornado bomber, a miniature illustration of each object is also shown on the C.D. liner notes.
The track Something Isn't Right has a straight dance beat with male and female vocals over staccato rhythms, and jazz guitar, Herbert then brings in multiple brass and strings below vocals for its explosive tech house finale. The Movers And The Shakers is club friendly with a straight infectious dance beat mixed into electronic samples and multiple vocals. Moving Like A Train is high energy funk groove in the style of Prince, while Just Once manages to incorporate 177 messages left on Herbert’s answer phone machine. Scale is original and highly polished so that the multiple layers and textures produce an extremely satisfying CD, his 1996 CD 100lbs has recently been re-released.
http://www.matthewherbert.net http://matthewherbert.com/
http://www.inertia-music.com/

2006-12-06T17:06:00.000+10:30

He Was Fab A Loving Tribute to George Harrison
Created by Tim Anthony
CD review

He Was Fab A Loving Tribute to George Harrison
Tribute albums can be the sincerest form of flattery, though many prove to be sadly disappointing, failing to add to the magic of the original recordings. The death of George Harrison ‘The quiet Beatle’ shocked many in the pop world and it is no surprise that a Harrison tribute CD is now available. He Was Fab A Loving Tribute to George Harrison is musically refreshing as it is not the expected collection of big name artists imposing their slant on Harrison’s well loved back catalogue. Tim Anthony, the New York musician and producer, carefully selected young Indie pop artists to give their personal interpretations of 19 classic Harrison songs. Anthony’s love and affection for this music shows in these fresh versions of old songs seen through young eyes.
Every artist and track on He Was Fab is exceptional. Harrison’s musical career is fully documented with such numbers as My Sweet Lord, the first track by any of the former Beatles to reach the top of the charts, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something, Here Comes The Sun, plus I Need You and You Like Me Too Much from the album Help. This collection was created with great devotion and respect for these songs which have been given refreshingly new treatments without losing the famous Rickenbacker guitars or the original spirit of the songs. They deserve to be heard by a wide audience.
http://www.jealousy-records.com/

See also march 2006 archive for review of The Happy Door CD By Tim Anthony.

http://cd-music-reviews.blogspot.com/2006/03/happy-door-by-tim-anthony-cd-review_29.html

2006-12-06T16:57:00.000+10:30

The Beauty Room by THE BEAUTY ROOM
CD review

The Beauty Room
The music of the late 1960’s and early 70’s was highly infused with soft rock, Crosby Stills and Nash, 10CC, Chicago and Steely Dan dominated the airwaves with their close harmonies and infectious rhythms. Soft rock has returned in a brand new form, renamed sunshine pop by English duo The Beauty Room who are causing musical waves with their new self titled CD. The driving forces behind The Beauty Room are producer Kirk Degiorgio and vocalist Jinadu who manage to combine the smooth laid back vibes of the past with today’s electronic technology. Their sound is created using 20 musicians featuring the sounds of a Fender Rhodes keyboard which is blended with acoustic guitars, funky drums and layers of four-part vocal harmonies. Opening track Soul Horizon sets the scene with its perfect layers of vocals, which leads into the Steely Dan influenced Burn My Bridges. Tracks 3 and 4 are the CD’s highlights, Holding On with its soaring orchestra and unforgettable hook followed by the laid back Visions Of Joy which is pure digital sunshine. Further information can be found at:

http://www.thebeautyroom.mu/

2006-11-03T13:21:00.000+10:30

As The Sun Sets by NIGHTHAWKS
CD review

NIGHTHAWKS
Not be confused with hard rocking American band The Nighthawks this Cologne based band called Nighthawks comprises bassist Dal Martino and trumpeter Reiner Winterschladen. Named after Edward Hopper’s famous 1941 painting of the same name, their very cool jazz and club/lounge music has been building up a cult reputation in Europe. Following a theme of travel and change their CD, As The Sun Sets is augmented by four additional musicians and the wondrous voice of Pat Appleton from the band DePhazz. This jazzy lounge music has an extra quality; the bewitching sound of a trumpet played a la Miles Davis by Reiner Winterschladen whose style has a haunting emotion. To describe As The Sun Sets think Miles Davis and St. Germain via Massive Attack, Winterschladen’s trumpet is the prominent sound of the CD though it is seamlessly blended with the vocals, other musicians and hip samples. The title track is the stand out and most commercial with its salsa groove, while Receptions In Brazil is extra smooth with a sexy chorus sung in French. Cape Town Unvisited is sultry like the city, and Farewell has a vocal reminiscent of Kurt Wagner of Lambchop fame. Nighthawks play outstanding NuJazz, listen at:
http://www.nighthawks.eu/
http://www.warnerclassics.de/

2006-11-03T13:14:00.000+10:30

Le Disque Français By The Café Accordion Orchestra
CD review

The Café Accordion Orchestra
Vive la France, the land of culture, Armagnac and accordion music, a true taste of French music is now available from The Café Accordion Orchestra (CAO). This quintet, led by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals, epitomises French music, even though they all hail from Minneapolis Missouri in the United States. The CAO have the ability to transport you back to a Parisian pavement café where this passing group of "Bal Musette" musicians will entertain you with the gypsy-influenced dance music which became so popular in France from the 1920’s through to the 1950’s. The CAO sound is an eclectic blend of accordion, mandolin, fiddle, bass, percussion and atmospheric vocals, ranging through a diverse mix of gypsy, Latin, and European dance music. Le Disque Français is filled with superbly presented Gallic morsels which include the elegant lounge standards C’est Si Bon and Charles Trenet’s La Mere while the graceful bolero Jardin D’Hiveris is also a stand out track. Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt is remembered in Swing 42 and a rumba treatment of Nuages, even enfant terrible Serge Gainsbourg is represented with versions of his Elaeudanla Téïtéïa and a frantic adaptation of Chez les Yé Yé. Let the CAO take you on a trip to Paris, listen to samples of Le Disque Français at:

www.cafeaccordion.com

2006-10-04T14:54:00.000+09:30

The Things We Do by Angela McCluskey
CD review October 2006

Angela McCluskey left her hometown of Glasgow for the Californian sun where she formed The Wild Colonials band. She has recently released The Things We Do her first solo recording. McCluskey’s distinctive bittersweet vocals are reminiscent of the grit of Macy Gray through to Marianne Faithfull and Cerys Matthews; her voice is both eclectic and original. The track It’s Been Done is filled with melancholy and builds to a crashing finale, while Somebody Got Lucky, about a one night stand, is slower with a country feel. Catchy radio friendly tracks include Know It All and Perfect Girl Eleven whereas Dirty Pearl is Shelby Lynne in style with a country soul vibe. The Things We Do covers a wide range of atmospheric songs and is a quality production using first rate musicians backing the exquisite Ms McCluskey.
http://www.angelamccluskey.com/

2006-10-04T14:44:00.000+09:30

Two Way Monologue and Duper Sessions by Sondre Lerche
CD review October 2006

Sondre Lerche
John and Paul once asked in their song A Day In The Life how many holes it took to fill the Albert Hall, the answer could be as many as there are singer songwriters waiting to be discovered. Norwegian Sondre Lerche (pronounced SAHN-druh lur-KAY) is racing ahead of the pack destined to join the ranks of Ron Sexsmith and Rufus Wainwright. Still in his early twenties Lerche’s two most recent recordings range from his jazz influenced pop CD, Two Way Monologue through to his latest release, Duper Sessions, which is pop influenced jazz. He performs his compositions competently with a relaxed vocal style portrayed with a charming broken English innocence and a voice which ranges through sweet tenor to smooth falsetto. Two Way Monologue is filled with warm catchy melodies, outstanding tracks are the title track which starts gently with a solo guitar then builds into a high energy pop classic. The smooth Steely Dan influenced Days That Are Over is loaded with strings and horns while Track You Down is a sparse ballad with a catchy hook which leads to a string filled ending.

The romantic jazz influenced Duper Sessions CD has a retro Blue Note styled cover and was recorded with his long time band The Faces Down trio and outstanding pianist Erik Halvorsen. Lerche uses a Chet Baker vocal style croon on songs which recalls the golden era of songwriters. Notable tracks are the beautiful Minor Detail which is Brazilian in style while (I Wanna) Call It Love could be a show tune with touches of Harry Connick Jr. Tracks not written by Lerche include his version of Cole Porter’s Night And Day, Elvis Costello’s Human Hands which has been cleverly converted into a jazz shuffle and Prefab Sprout’s tender ballad Nightingales.
http://www.sondrelerche.com/

2006-09-14T16:04:00.000+09:30

Nilsson’s Greatest Hits by Harry Nilsson
CD review

Harry Nilsson
Few artists deserve the title a ‘true original’ or to be called a ‘flawed genius’ more than the late Harry Nilsson. His career took off in 1968 when The Beatles named him at a press conference as their favourite American singer, his success had come despite his reluctance to perform live or to give more than a handful of interviews during his career. Nilsson was an outstanding songwriter, though 2 of his biggest hits Everybody’s Talkin’ and Without You were written by other songwriters, both are included on the 21 track Nilsson’s Greatest Hits CD. Everybody’s Talkin’ from the film Midnight Cowboy was written by Fred Neil while 1971’s world wide hit Without You was written by 2 members of the band Badfinger. Also included is his hit One previously a success by Three Dog Night, as well as I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City, and his treatment of the evergreen classic As Time Goes By. Nilsson was adept at many different styles ranging from the novelty song Coconut through to the hard rocking Jump Into The Fire. The gift of a 3½ octave voice gave his witty and melodic songs an unmistakeable character. Sadly the later stages of his career were marred by his self destructive streak in which he washed away his vocal talents with an ocean of alcohol and cigarettes until his premature death at the age of 53 in 1994.
http://www.harrynilsson.com/

2006-09-14T14:52:00.000+09:30

Time Line by Ralph Towner
CD review

Ralph Towner
Architect Ludwig Miles van der Rohe is famous for both his minimalist architecture and his dictum ‘less is more’, the musical equivalent is Ralph Towner’s recent bare-bones CD Time Line. Towner has, for 35 years, been leader of ‘Oregon’ the ground breaking ensemble which merges jazz with classical and world music. Time Line is a solo recording using only classical and 12 string guitars, recorded within the serene monastery Propstei St. Gerold, high in the Austrian mountains. The atmosphere of the recording is both stark and spacious where Towner’s outstanding phrasing and fluidity are allowed to shine with the monastery’s acoustics. Towner has described his style as ‘The idea is to use the articulation and different durations of notes, to avoid uniformity—very much as if you were speaking. It’s part of the normal classical guitar training, but I often hear very capable classical guitarists that play too uniformly, so that you don’t get the sense of breath in their phrasing’. Notable tracks are the freely improvised mini suite called Five Glimpses, the languid beauty of Turning of the Leaves and the exquisite Always By Your Side. Two standards are included Gershwin’s My Man’s Gone Now which uses a 12 string guitar and Harold Arlen’s Come Rain Or Come Shine both have been transformed by Towner’s unique use of harmonies.
http://www.ralphtowner.com/

2006-08-03T15:57:00.000+09:30

This Is The by Chris Robley
CD review

Chris Robley
Some topics are considered unsuitable for polite conversation, singer/songwriter Chris Robley manages to cover many of them in his latest solo CD This Is The. Though his acid wit and precarious song writing is compared with John Lennon, Robley is no Lennon pastiche; his songs are born from similar attitudes and are perhaps what Lennon would write about today. Subjects range from addiction, death, amputees, ruthless dictators, prostitution to the political situation in the United States. His songs are seldom depressing, though sometimes dark, and constructed with an intimate honesty. Having worked with producer Adam Selzer to lay down a three track demo, the session went so well the record quickly grew to an EP and then a full length album. Robley played acoustic guitar, electric bass, drums, piano, vocals, keys and accordion, with most tracks being completed in one or two takes giving This Is The a spontaneous feel. Highlights include Little Miss Masochist a song about both the highs and lows of either love or addiction which starts with synthesizer and bell chimes then moves into acoustic guitar. Wondrous Withering Of Days is the only love song, deals with deception and truth using the line "Just like happy photos fade in an album hid far away, the wondrous withering of days will keep me honest." Isabelle is a song written on the death of a young family member which uses layers of sound sometimes sounding as if 2 different CD’s are playing at the same time, it is filled with emotion and works perfectly. Rainy Day Amputee is about the loss of a limb or perhaps a severed relationship and has a Badly Drawn Boy feel which morphs into a Weezer/Kinks style ending. Discover the considerable talent of Chris Robley and listen to samples at http://chrisrobley.com/

2006-08-03T15:47:00.000+09:30

What A Difference… by ELDISSA

CD review

ELDISSA
Take some well known disco hits and cleverly transform them into cool Bossa Nova Lounge sounds, that is what producer Rio (Adrian Zerbini) together with Brazilian guitarist Ecio Parreira have achieved in their CD What A Difference. Whilst working together on an acoustic Bossa Nova album they discovered that it could be possible to blend their favourite disco tracks with stylish Bossa Nova music and so a 2 year musical project began. Working under the name Eldissa they selected songs, set up arrangements and created ambient backgrounds to combine with an acoustic guitar. Finally from a shortlist of 120 possible female vocalists the final 3 were found in New York, London and The Caribbean, their voices are smooth and sophisticated blending perfectly with the music. Most tracks will be instantly recognisable such as the Bee Gees memorable hit Stayin' Alive, Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Boys Town Gang, The Village People and The Pet Shop Boy’s Go West plus Ester Phillip’s What A Difference A Day Made. Well known hits by Donna Summer, Michael Jackson and Abba are also included on the15 tracks 3 of which are original creations by Eldissa.
http://www.dreyfusrecords.com/

2006-07-12T14:31:00.000+09:30

Unearthed by E.S. Posthumus
CD Review

E.S. Posthumus
Brothers Helmut and Franz Vonlichten from Los Angles composed their self financed C.D. of cinematic music, entitled Unearthed, using the concept of a soundtrack without a movie. They mysteriously call themselves E.S. Posthumus, E.S. stands for "Experimental Sounds" while "Posthumus" represents "all things past". Their music is inspired by the Pythagorean philosophy which states that "music is the harmonization of opposites; the conciliation of warring elements." E.S. Posthumus blend classical, electronica, world music and hard beats into a sound that should appeal to fans of Deep Forest, Vangelis, Enigma even Enya. The 13 tracks all named after ancient or long-standing cities have been used by nearly every major film studio in movies such as The Matrix Reloaded, Planet Of The Apes, Pirates Of The Caribbean, Lord Of The Rings, Spiderman 2, Ali and Minority Report.
Unearthed covers the spectrum of emotions from dark and coral with a Latin/Gregorian feel to sunshine filled South American, Middle Eastern and Irish moods. Layers of sound build up from a full orchestra, the Seattle Choir Company, drum beats, samples, loops and synthesizers. Standout tracks are Ulaid where Davy Spillane's Uillean pipe and Irish whistle soar above sweeping Celtic melodies and Elba which has driving rock stadium drum beats behind an epic choir with electronic rhythms. Nara, used as the theme for TV’s Cold Case is moving and emotionally charged while Estremoz is a romantic expedition which combines Spanish guitar, flute, and a spiritual choir over lush strings. The gentle and calm Isfahan closes the album like a melodious sunset.
http://www.esposthumus.com/

2006-07-12T14:24:00.000+09:30

The Very Best Of by Julie London
CD Review

Julie London
The most famous torch singers of the 1950’s are Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney and Peggy Lee, one name which has slipped into partial obscurity is former actress Julie London. Despite a 13 year recording career her star only burned brightly from 1955 to 1958. Her best known song 1955’s Cry Me A River sold three million copies and remained in the American charts for 13 weeks, it has since been recorded by countless contemporary artists. Julie used a sultry ‘come hither’ style which epitomised the cool cocktail singer. Perhaps her training as an actress helped create interpretations of songs which were restrained and subtle yet filled with breathy emotion. The singer herself told Life magazine in 1957 "It's only a thimbleful of a voice, and I have to use it close to the microphone, but it is a kind of over smoked voice and it automatically sounds intimate."
The recently released double C.D. The Very Best Of Julie London is a collection of 50 songs covering the spectrum of well known standards, Rogers and Hart’s Blue Moon, Cole Porter’s Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye and I've Got You Under My Skin. The C.D. also includes the evergreen Misty, In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, As Time Goes By and the bluesy Black Coffee. Noel Coward, Burt Bacharach, Oscar Hammerstein and George Gershwin are also represented, there is even her version of the Door’s anthem Light My Fire. Discover Julie London the original torch singer, compare her to today’s recreations.

2006-07-03T12:40:00.000+09:30

Water and Bones by Ted Lennon
CD review

TED LENNON
A star has begun to burn brightly in the East since Ted Lennon signed a deal with Universal Music in Japan where his recently released ‘Best Of’ CD Water And Bones has been creating great interest. The tracks chosen come from his US released Ted Lennon CD and Over Time EP which were then packaged in a smart 6 panel digipack with a lime green cover photograph and a 20 page insert booklet. The presentation in true Japanese tradition is excellent, granted that 3 layers of packaging on an apple can be slight overkill, their mastery in the art of CD packaging makes this a must buy product.
In the early 1980’s when the cassette tape and Sony Walkmans were threatening the future of vinyl L.P.’s a world famous album cover designer was asked about the growing popularity of cassettes and was quoted as saying “ A vinyl record will always be a possession where as a cassette tape will never be more than a thing’. This still holds true in this age of digital downloads which could be considered the ‘fast food of music’. There will always be an important place for downloads, where as a CD will always remain a well loved possession, because the artist is offering us a total package in which they have carefully chosen a track list and then decided on the style of presentation. Those who already own Ted’s 2 previous releases should consider importing Water & Bones as this elegantly presented package will become an important part of their CD collection.
Outstanding tracks include Here Comes Heaven with Ted’s beautiful Donovanesque (that is Leitch not Frankenrieter) honesty, also included is Face Up plus the well known title track. Other notable tracks are I’m Selfish with its dream like quality and Still Waiting and Nothin’s Changed with Ted’s distinctive ukulele. The CD ends with the innocent ballad Jesus Underwater and a live version of Face Up with Jack Johnson.
http://www.amazon.co.jp or http://www.hmv.co.jp/ click on search, type in Ted Lennon, click display in English.
This review is for web only and was not published in SA Life Magazine.

See archive March 2006 for reviews of Ted's OVER TIME E.P. and TED LENNON C.D. http://cd-music-reviews.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_archive.html

2006-06-10T12:02:00.000+09:30

HOAGY 'N ME by Janis Carnes

CD review

Janis Carnes
Cool and smooth as a Mint Julep, Janis Carnes serves up a jazz cocktail, the recipe is two thirds Hoagy Carmichael songs and one third her own, mix well and the result is both relaxing and refreshing.
Nashville based Janis has written countless hits for country artists from Trisha Yearwood, Reba McYntire, Alabama to The Whites, recently she was encouraged to return to her life long love of writing and performing jazz. Hoagy 'N Me contains selections from the Hoagy Carmichael songbook including his best known standards Georgia On My Mind, Skylark and I Get Along Without You Very Well. A long lost Carmichael song Someday Soon was also added, discovered in a trunk during research for a biography, this is the song’s first commercial release. Carnes’ style ranges from soft and sensual to exhilarating and uplifting; it melds perfectly with Hoagy’s natural and debonair song writing style. Carnes’ own 4 compositions blend seamlessly with Carmichael’s, not an easy task when side by side with an American song writing icon. Carmichael was one of the first singer-songwriters in the age of mass media, his eloquent, lyrical songs with their striking melodies were influenced by his mentor Bix Beiderbecke. The stand out track is Carnes’ Irresistible an elegant ballad which would be at home in any great American songbook collection. There are no weak areas in this recording, the song arrangements were a labour of love for David Hungate through to the musicians and producer, this is a quality product waiting to be discovered.
http://www.janiscarnes.com/index.html

2006-06-10T11:33:00.000+09:30

Prozak For Lovers Vol. 1 & 2 By Bruce Lash
CD Review

Bruce Lash
Prozac © a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed as an antidepressant now comes in a C.D. prescription which is recommended for use at dinner and cocktail parties. Place a copy of Prozak For Lovers, either volume 1 or 2 by Bruce Lash on you player and watch the pennies drop as the music permeates the room. Lash has taken a selection of rock music’s classic recordings and turned them into seductive lounge music. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 hit Proud Mary, Pump It Up by Elvis Costello, and Joy Division’s anthem Love Will Tear Us Apart are all given Lash’s easy listening treatment. Bossa novas, congas, haunting flutes and smooth jazz treatments have transformed, London Calling by The Clash, and the Ramone’s I Wanna Be Sedated into cool cocktail music.
Lash whose day job is mixing T.V. commercials produced volume 1 of his soothing, sultry, yet sincere renditions of landmark rock songs in 1998. Volume 2 followed in 2005 which changed beyond recognition Kurt Cobain’s classic Nirvana track Lithium, Blondie’s Heart Of Glass, and even Led Zeppelin’s Misty Mountain Hop. Lash teamed up with singer Maura Corey to create a dreamlike half singing and half-speaking, party-perfect style. This music is original, doubted some may sneer, become outraged or call it muzak others will put away their pharmaceuticals, smile and play it again and again.
http://www.brucelash.org/

2006-06-02T00:00:00.000+09:30

Speak For Yourself by IMOGEN HEAP

CD review

IMOGEN HEAP
Frou Frou first came to international attention when the cult film Garden State used their song Let’s Go on its soundtrack. One half of the duo Imogen Heap decided to risk all, including her London flat, by going solo to work on a totally self funded, recorded, and produced electro-pop album called Speak For Yourself. Imogen uses her classical training and consummate skills at electronic programming to construct multi layers of sounds and samples which she seamlessly wraps around her silky voice. Speak For Yourself was a labour of love and is filled with her meticulous multitracking to create a journey through trip-hop beats, hook laden pop into intricate and luscious soundscapes. Classical arrangement techniques have been used to create an orchestra sized sound of electronic samples flawlessly blended with her often computer compressed or harmonised vocals. The standout track is Hide And Seek which was used in the hit T.V. show ‘The O.C.’ in which Imogen has created countless layers of her a-cappella voice cleverly distorted using a Vocoder to give the track a unique vibe. Goodnight And Go is a bitter sweet ballad about a secret forbidden love for a neighbour featuring 60’s legend Jeff Beck on guitar, while Loose Ends which is a catchy electro pop track with a retro Human League feel. Speak For Yourself is indie pop excellence from the song writing through the production process and right down to the C.D.’s stylish packaging and book of liner notes.
http://www.imogenheap.co.uk/

2006-06-01T23:51:00.000+09:30

Field Of Crows by DARDEN SMITH

CD review

DARDEN SMITH
Texas singer-songwriter Darden Smith is in the 20th year of his career during which he has released 10 albums. The most recent is Field Of Crows, which was recorded mostly live in the studio over a short 3 week period with a group of long time musical collaborators, giving his songs a spontaneous and organic feel. These very personal and reflective songs were created at a time of his approaching middle age and were influenced by song writing storytellers Neil Young, James Taylor and Jackson Brown. Field Of Crows was Darden’s reaction to a number of world tragedies and while it was born from our troubled times, with the atmospheric songs having a dark edge, the end result is hopeful and moving. Golden Age was tsunami inspired and was played on a nylon-string guitar to give the song a distinctive texture, written in an Elvis Costello style where dark painful lyrics are hidden in a catchy tune. The title track Field Of Crows has a captivating hook and asks ‘What’s the point?’ using the example of a scarecrow standing in a field hopelessly watching the approaching crows. Wide Open is filled with strings, harmonica and piano, it has a lush David Gray feel, whereas the folksy All That I Wanted could have been a Nick Drake composition. While Darden Smith is not well known in Australia, listen to Field Of Crows and discover a highly talented artist.
http://www.dardensmith.com/

2006-04-11T14:55:00.000+09:30

Real Street by MARK SHOLTEZ

CD review

MARK SHOLTEZ
Jamie Cullum kicked off his Australian tour in Adelaide on 6 April, his talent and personality lit up the city, at the end of two hours of high energy magic Jamie had the entire audience on their feet stamping and cheering. Supporting artist Brisbane born Mark Sholtez, the first Australian to be signed to the legendary Verve record label, showed his substantial song writing and performing skills and proved that he is a star in the making about to explode on to the world’s major stages.
Less than a year ago a phone call from multi award winning producer Tommy LiPuma offered Mark a recording contract with Verve, which took him from playing piano in a hotel lobby bar straight into to New York's prestigious Avatar studio. Surrounded by ‘A’ list musicians whose names have graced the covers of numerous classic recordings, Christian McBride on bass, Rob Mounsey on keyboards, Geoffrey Keezer on Piano, Bob Mann on guitar, Chris Potter on sax and Lewis Nash on drums, the recording of Real Street began to take shape. In Mark's own words "It was really amazing to be in the studio with guys who played on some of my all time favourite records, as a songwriter, it's an incredible feeling to finally hear your songs the way you've always heard them in your head."
All but one of the 12 tracks on Real Street were composed by Mark, on 2 songs he shares credits with Peter Walters. His cover of U2’s renowned All I Want Is You was included as a tribute to the music which has shaped him as a songwriter, 'I’d done a million different versions of that song at gigs and thought if we pulled it apart and put in back together, inside of all of these other influences, that it would give people a backdoor to the other music I’m about as well.’ Standout tracks include Love Me For The Cool a potential single, with its snappy lyrics and Hammond B3 organ, while If You Were A Song is a smooth ballad with great piano by Geoffrey Keezer. Tommy LiPuma’s request for something fun and up tempo on the album was composed on the spot with Not What I’ll Be Missin’ a rocking ‘Big Easy’ style number. The ultra cool Home By Now with its smooth tenor sax by Chris Potter is perfect late night music, the catchy Melita is perhaps a song written for a special friend as someone called Melita is mentioned in Mark’s liner notes ‘thanks list’. Complicated Woman has a vibe which is pure New Orleans via Cuba, while the ballad Falling is smooth and polished. Touches of Cuba are also found in One More Kiss with its driving percussion and brass section.
Mark Sholtez has learnt his craft well and is proving that the time is right for him to tour the world and at the same time sell a ton of downloads and C.D.’s. Remember his name - it will soon be up in lights.
(This review is for web only and was not published in SA Life Magazine)
http://www.marksholtez.com/

2006-04-05T15:10:00.000+09:30

Music Makes Me Happy by OKA
CD review APRIL 2006

OKA
A trio of musicians based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are combining the musical soundscape of the traditional didgeridoo with pumping electronic beats, percussion, and exotic woodwinds. The result is some of today’s most original chill out lounge and dance groove music. They are called Oka, and their latest release Music Makes Me Happy follows on from their two previous recordings drawing together the spiritual and timeless qualities of Aboriginal music with today’s electronica. Oka comprises Stu (Didgeri Stu) Fergie from the Torres Straight / Cape York area on didgeridoo, other indigenous instruments and turntables, Chris Lane on sax, numerous woodwind instruments and slide guitar and Matt Aitchison on vocals, various percussions, keyboards and programming. Their previous C.D.’s the calming and peaceful Onetalk and Elements included Asian and Indian influences. Music Makes Me Happy moves closer to dance music using lush synth pad sounds though still managing to combine both ancient and modern atmospheres. Stand out tracks include the interestingly structured title track which starts with a dance beat and ends with a soothing flute and keyboard vibe and Don’t Fight The Feeling with its hypnotic chorus and flute playing, closing with an electronic bird call. While the dreamlike Chihuly is named after the man who created Stu’s all glass 'yadaki' didgeridoo.
To quote the Oka philosophy ’We are a group of Australian musicians committed to playing the most exciting and inspirational live music, embracing our indigenous and cultural diversity, and sharing it with the world.’

http://www.okamusic.com.au/

2006-04-05T15:05:00.000+09:30

Greatest Hits by Ricky Nelson
CD review APRIL 2006

RICKY NELSON
America’s original ‘teen idol’ who had his first smash hit in 1957 is now barely remembered and is unlikely to be carved in stone for a Rock’ n ‘Roll Mount Rushmore. Ricky Nelson started acting at the age of 10 in his family’s hit T.V. show "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet". During the 5 year period from 1957 to 1961 he had 16 top ten singles, Elvis was the only artist to sell more records. Ricky’s songs were often performed on the T.V. show and his hit Travelin’ Man was said to be the first concept rock video in music history. He had the ability to choose hit songs and brilliant musicians, his backing band included the gifted young guitarist James Burton who later played lead for Elvis. By 1962 Ricky had been washed aside by the British invasion and became one of the pioneers of country-rock, he died in a plane crash in 1985.
This collection of 25 of Ricky’s greatest rockabilly and ballad hits includes the 6 million selling Travelin' Man, Hello Mary Lou, Fools Rush In, A Wonder Like You, and the moody ballad Lonesome Town. Plus his only hit from the 1970’s Garden Party. Though underrated he influenced many of today’s stars, Bob Dylan wrote ‘He sang his songs calm and steady, like he was in the middle of a storm, men hurtling past him. His voice was sort of mysterious and made you fall into a certain mood.’
http://www.rickynelson.com/indexold.html

2006-03-29T23:23:00.000+10:30

Brasileirinho by Maria Bethânia
CD review MARCH 2006

Maria Bethânia
Most serious music lovers will admit to having been enticed by a beautiful or unusual C.D. cover and then on impulse having bought a totally unknown C.D. A striking cover with printed Portuguese lyrics and captivating yet undecipherable illustrations was discovered in a pre hurricane Katrina New Orleans record store. Listening to Brazilian Maria Bethânia’s Brasileirinho in a hot and noisy hotel room Maria’s songs became irresistible, filling the room with audible perfume. She was the 1st Brazilian singer to sell 1 million records in 1978 with her recording Alibi, and has released over 30 C.D.’s. Brasileirinho was a labour of love, collaborating with Miúcha mother of Bebel Gilberto, Nana Caymmi, and classically trained group Uakti, the 12 tracks return to the roots of Brazilian cultural diversity. The C.D. crosses many genres from traditional African influenced ballads to songs enhanced by poetry spoken by Ferreira Guillar. Standout tracks are Salve As Folhas which describes the birth of the samba in the dark holds of slave ships travelling from Africa and Santo Antonio, a radio hit, which honours the famous saint who in Brazil is known as the wedding saint. Padroeiro Do Brasil mentions St. George and also Ogum and Oxossi African gods, while Boiadeiro a song from the countryside about happiness is summed up in the line ‘Happiness is found in carefree moments’. The simple ballad Sussuarana completes this remarkable recording by a Brazilian superstar who immodestly describes herself as ‘I’m just a boring housewife, my voice is nothing but a divine spark lit within me.’
http://www.mariabethania.com.br

2006-03-29T23:20:00.000+10:30

The Happy Door by Tim Anthony
CD review MARCH 2006

Tim Anthony
Discovering a singer songwriter who has the talent to produce near perfect power pop songs and then perform them with consummate vocal and guitar talent is refreshing. Tim Anthony from Central New York toured internationally in a band called The Brambles, he is now working solo and runs his own label Jealousy Records. Anthony whose writing and performing styles could be compared to Neil Finn with added dashes of George Harrison’s minimalist sweet guitar sounds, has teamed up with pop multi instrumentalist Ed James on his latest release, The Happy Door. This collection of well crafted songs of lost love and heartache is filled with tight vocal harmonies and hook filled melodies. Standout tracks are the classic pop Maryellen and Baby I’m Back with its flowing guitar solo, while the thoughtful ballad More features Ed James on French horn. No Words combines superb guitar with catchy harmonies, while the moving string laden Disappear was written for Anthony’s late father. Each track’s origins are fully described in the liner notes on the C.D. cover.
http://jealousy-records.com/

Also see December 2006 review of Tim Anthony's George Harrison tribute CD 'He Was Fab'.

http://cd-music-reviews.blogspot.com/2006/12/he-was-fab-loving-tribute-to-george.html

2006-03-29T23:12:00.000+10:30

Ted Lennon by TED LENNON
CD review FEBRUARY 2006

TED LENNON
Today’s music industry often relies on layers of digital sounds, complex samples and musical tricks which are then mixed to within an inch of their lives by highly trained technicians. An exception to this trend is recently discovered Californian musician/surfer Ted Lennon who by using only his voice, guitar and the simplest methods available has created some outstanding music. His newly released self titled C.D. was recorded on an old analogue four track recorder in his 1950’s home near Ventura where the Douglas fir floors, pine walls and redwood ceilings of the living room have given his recording a warm, stripped back, yet intimate sound. Ted is influenced and motivated by his local environment of mountains, coastline and the Pacific Ocean which gives his music a gentle and timeless quality. He surfs and does small shows with his friend, the well known singer, Jack Johnson who is quoted as saying "I’ve seen Ted play music in front of 1000 people and I’ve seen him play in front of five friends on the beach and the experience is always pure". Stand out tracks are the catchy love song Water And Bones, while the memorable I’m Selfish has a Nick Drake quality.
At the time of writing Ted’s C.D. are only available from his web site or out of the glove compartment of his trusty Volvo station wagon. Fans of Jack Johnson and Donavon Frankenreiter should log onto Ted’s web site and listen to, or buy his gentle and captivating sounds including his newly released E.P. called Over Time on which he is backed by bass and drums.

http://www.tedlennon.com/

SEE archive review July 2006 of Ted's WATER AND BONES C.D.

http://cd-music-reviews.blogspot.com/2006_07_01_archive.html

2006-03-29T23:09:00.000+10:30

Time Machine by Vinyl Kings
CD review FEBRUARY 2006

Vinyl Kings
Tribute bands are a growth industry, though it is rare to discover artists who can rise high above average cover band status. The Vinyl Kings are a group of seven of Nashville’s most accomplished song writers, producers, singers and session musicians who have collectively worked with a lengthy list of music celebrities.They came together to play for fun at small venues and charity functions playing the music which had originally inspired their careers, by recreating the atmosphere of the 60’s, Beatlesque, Beach Boys and Motown sounds. Time Machine, their aptly named C.D. can only be described as ‘what if the Beatles and the Beach Boys found themselves in a studio together?’ An experience where Revolver plus Abbey Road meets Pet Sounds channelled from an undamaged Brian Wilson and a still united Beatles. This is quite plausible when you discover the Vinyl Kings who have the ability to make you believe that their sounds are long lost Beatles and Beach Boys tracks, their musical and song writing abilities are totally convincing. The 4 Beatles inspired tracks include Mr. Greedyman and Your Turn To Shine with their George Harrison guitar breaks and George Martin style production. The 5 Beach Boy pastiches include the Sloop John B styled Sycamore Bay, while One Love At A Time and Just Another Day have magical harmonies, catchy riffs and a Pet Sounds structure. The standout track is the ballad Eloise which could easily be compared with the Beach Boys classic Caroline No. One Motown homage is included Pray For Peace a Marvin Gaye styled number which would be worthy of a place on his immortal recording What’s Going On.
http://vinylkings.com/

2006-03-29T23:03:00.000+10:30

HOTEL COSTES NO8 by Stéphane Pompougnac
CD review DECEMBER 2005

Stéphane Pompougnac
Hôtel Costes in the trendy Rue St-Honoré of Paris, with its elegant baroque interior sitting side by side with the latest in avant-garde hotel technology, is often the stopover point for local and visiting celebrities. Resident D.J. Stéphane Pompougnac is the epitome of French sophistication, his impeccable taste in the latest sounds from around the globe has earned his sessions an international reputation, and has seen him perform in many A list locations from The Cannes Film Festival to top fashion catwalks.
In answer to numerous requests for a C.D. of his session mixes the first Hôtel Costes collection was released in 1999. Stephanie’s success just keeps rolling with the recently released Hôtel Costes Vol. 8, his collection of the coolest sounds from over 10 different countries. Notable tracks include, Love Is The Queen by Zuco 103, from The Netherlands, featuring the all time great Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry the originator of Reggae and Dub music. Hird from Sweden’s track Getting Closer has a mellow electronic vibe with catchy harmonies, while Austria provides the sounds of Tosca whose lush classical dance music is chill out at its best. Just Dance by Mr V from New York is a hypnotic jazz dance track with a smooth rap vocal. Germany is represented by Michael Myer whose Love Food has whispered vocals over heavy bass and dubby flourishes. Soulstice give an American slant to sultry Brazilian beats, while Floating Pops feature house rhythms with jazzy bass and sun drenched sampled vocals. Try this seamless collection of sounds assembled by a master D.J.
http://www.pschent.fr/

2006-03-29T23:00:00.000+10:30

King Britt presents Sister Gertrude Morgan
CD review DECEMBER 2005

KING BRITT
Hypnotic, riveting and unforgettable, King Britt Presents Sister Gertrude Morgan is the most memorable record release of 2005. Born in 1900 Sister Morgan spent many of her 80 years as a street corner evangelist in New Orleans, singing the gospel through a megaphone, while keeping time with a tambourine. Her sole musical recording ‘Let’s Make A Record’ was made by the owners of the famous Preservation Hall in 1969, it made little impact, selling only a few hundred copies. Better known as a primitive painter her reputation has spread through out the U.S.A. with The Smithsonian and The American Folk Art Museum adding her works to their collections, her paintings are used on both C.D. covers.
Many years after her death one of the worlds most renowned remix DJ’s Philadelphia’s King Britt was asked to re-interpret Let’s Make A Record by adding his range of deep percussive beats, funk, hip-hop, nu-jazz, and afro-tech sounds. Britt assembled a cast of musicians who were blended with his samples and beats then overlaid with Sister Morgan’s simple unaccompanied tracks. King Britt Presents Sister Gertrude Morgan sympathetically introduces her songs to this generation’s new audiences, having many notable tracks including Living Bread, Precious Lord Lead Me On, and the most memorable Power with its driving tambourine, harp and slide guitar.
http://ropeadope.com/sistergertrudemorgan/

2006-03-29T22:45:00.000+10:30

HUNKYDORY by DAVID BOWIE
CD review November 2005

DAVID BOWIE
Bowie’s landmark 1971 recording Hunky Dory gave him world recognition and became the launching point for his chameleon like ability to reinvent himself as Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane and later The Thin White Duke. Bowie is perhaps rock music’s first post-modernist star, on Hunkydory he combined with Glam Rock guitarist Mick Ronson and future Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman to create a timeless recording. Notable tracks are the vampy 60’s anthem Oh! You Pretty Things. While Changes starts with Wakeman’s piano followed by Bowie’s stuttering chorus Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes, into Ronson’s elegant string arrangements and closes with a haunting Bowie sax solo. The ballad Life On Mars?, with its soaring orchestra and Ronson’s driving guitar was composed after an incident when Bowie who had been asked to write the English lyrics for a then unknown French song, was disappointed when Paul Anka’s lyrics were chosen for the song, renamed ‘My Way’ which became the Frank Sinatra standard. Kooks a Kinks style song was written for newly born son Zowie, giving him tips for later life, using lines such as "And if you ever have to go to school don't pick any fights with the bullies or the cads, Cause I'm not much cop at punching other people's dads.” Quicksand starts gently and builds with acoustic guitar into cascading strings and piano, the lyrics are deep with references to loosing direction in life. The last track Bewlay Brothers about his schizophrenic half brother Terry Burns contains the words 'He's Chameleon, Comedian, Corinthian and Caricature' which could easily be a self description for Bowie’s over 35 year career.
http://www.davidbowie.com/

2006-03-29T22:28:00.000+10:30

AMOROSA by ROSA PASSOS
CD review NOVEMBER 2005

ROSA PASSOS
As a child growing up in the former Brazilian capital of Salvador in the state of Bahia, Rosa Passos was inspired and influenced by bossa nova masters João Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Born with a love of music and the gift of perfect pitch Rosa’s talents have recently become admired by a world wide audience. Her latest recording Amorosa, named after a combination of her name and the verb ‘amo’ meaning ‘love’, is a tribute to João Gilberto’s 1977 album Amoroso. Rosa plays guitar and sings in both English and her native Portuguese, a language which perfectly suits the mood of the bossa nova. Backed by her consummate quartet plus additional musicians, Amorosa’s outstanding tracks are the piano driven Besame Mucho, the jazzy string filled Gershwin standard S’ Wonderful. Her duet with French octogenarian crooner Henri Salvador on Que Reste-t-il De Nos Amours known in English as I Wish You Love where Rosa’s singing in Portuguese dances with Henri’s French lyrics is a highlight.
While there are at present nearly 500 recorded versions of Wave the A.C. Jobim classic, Rosa has wisely chosen to go for a subtle approach using only acoustic bass, piano and percussion which blend seamlessly with her warm sensual voice and faultless phrasing. The only self composition on the recording is her song for João Gilberto Essa E Pr'o João. Bonus track is Chega De Saudade featuring guest star cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
http://www.rosapassosmusic.com/

2006-03-29T22:19:00.000+10:30

THE VERY BEST OF AL GREEN BY AL GREEN
CD review October 2005

AL GREEN
William Booth the Salvation Army’s founder asked in 1882
'Why should the devil have all the best tunes?' when castigated for allowing hymns to be sung to the secular tunes of the period. In recent times it is a rare event for a world famous recording artist to give up stardom for life as a church minister; two of the best known examples are Al Green and Cat Stevens.
Green the legendary soul singer whose songs were often filled with sexual innuendo, the background music for countless seductions, eventually gave up fame for the pulpit. Green spent the next quarter century at his nondenominational Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis and recorded only gospel music.
The Reverend Al Green found success after teaming up with Memphis producer Willie Mitchell in the early 1970’s, a partnership which would go on to create such hits as Tired Of Being Alone, Let's Stay Together, I'm Still in Love With You, Call Me and Here I Am. The Very Best Of Al Green includes all his hits and some interesting additional tracks, such as his versions of The Gibb brothers How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, Bacharach’s I Say A little Prayer and the evergreen standard Unchained Melody.
In 2004 Green returned to his musical soul roots, again with Willie Mitchell to record a number of albums, the most recently released is Everything’s O.K. which includes an outstanding version of Joe Cocker’s You Are So Beautiful, Green’s distinctive falsetto and tempo changes make Build Me Up a future classic. The funky jazz feel to I Want To Hold You proves that Green has lost none of his magic.

http://www.algreenmusic.com/

2006-03-29T22:00:00.000+10:30

HAL by HAL
CD review October 2005

HAL
The sounds of 60’s and 70’s Californian pop music are flourishing in Dublin City, local band The Thrills were the first to export their sunshine laden tracks back home to California, Hal are the latest Dublin band to reinvent Brian Wilson’s Pet Sounds vibe, with their sublime harmonies, soaring falsettos and multi layered sounds. These 20 year olds grew up through a childhood filled with the music of their parents vinyl record collections, the four members of Hal have obviously been highly influenced by The Beach Boys, Harry Nilsson and Motown. Their self titled album has been receiving 4 star ratings from the world’s music press, Dave Allen’s’ falsetto fits seamlessly with brother Paul’s harmonies; their songs are well crafted and filled with potent melodies. Notable tracks are What A Lovely Dance a ballad filled with longing and despair, while Play The Hits is a wonderful multi-layered homage to The 4 Seasons. Keep Love As Your Golden Rule is straight from the Neil Young songbook with Beautiful South style vocals and My Eyes Are Sore has soaring strings over layers of Beach Boys style harmonies.
It is rare for a first album release to sound like a hits collection, Hal’s combination of summery sounds overflowing with close harmonies will be the perfect background music for those lazy hazy days of summer.
http://www.halmusic.com/main.html

2006-03-29T21:56:00.000+10:30

Hang On Little Tomato by PINK MARTINI
CD review September 2005

PINK MARTINI
Pink Martini from Portland Oregon could easily be described as a one band W.O.M.A.D., an international musical cocktail which will leave you stirred but never shaken. Formed in 1994 by two Harvard graduates Thomas. M. Lauderdale a classically trained pianist and sultry vocalist China Forbes, an eclectic group of musicians were drawn from classical, jazz and pure show business sources to form this 12 piece ‘little orchestra.’ Their repertoire circles the globe with songs sung in English, Italian, Spanish, French, Japanese and Croatian. Lauderdale describes their music ‘We're kind of like musical archaeologists, bringing melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is modern, it’s like a musical travelogue.’ Their latest recording Hang On Little Tomato is named after a 1964 Life Magazine advertisement for Hunt’s Ketchup, it coves the spectrum from Cuban rumba, Parisian café tunes, Latin jazz, through to Japanese and Croatian songs. Notable tracks are the Bacharach inspired Clementine, the jazz samba theme from the 50’s film Anna (El Negro Zumbon) and the world weary Chet Baker styled Veronique. The multicultural theme continues with Japanese virtuoso Hioshi Wada recreating his original slide guitar part on Kikuchiyo To Mohshimasu which he originally performed 40 years ago. The C.D. comes in a striking digipack with numerous photographs, full lyrics and liner notes.
http://www.pinkmartini.com/

2006-03-29T21:53:00.000+10:30

The Best Of Michael Franks A Backward Glance by Michael Franks
CD review September 2005

Michael Franks
In the fickle world of popular music countless musicians have never found world-wide fame or reached the peak of million selling records, they are content to spend decades recording and touring to please a loyal band of world wide followers. One such artist is Californian born singer songwriter Michael Franks who, since 1975, has been blending soft pop with smooth jazz in his quirky observational and metaphor rich songs. Michael started out composing film music for Warner Brothers who soon became aware of his articulate songs and offered him a recording contract, he has been with them ever since. The self-produced The Best Of Michael Franks A Backward Glance, is a collection of his 15 favourite songs over the past 30 years. Many star names feature in his sultry late night music, amongst them Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, David Sanborn and Joe Sample, a founding member of the influential jazz funk combo The Crusaders,
Notable tracks are, Popsicle Toes which describes the geography of a woman’s body from her head to her frozen popsicle toes, Antonio’s Song a tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim featuring David Sanborn on faultless alto sax. Tiger In The Rain one of his best known songs was inspired by a Rousseau painting, cleverly combing vibes with soprano sax. When I Give My Love To You is a great R&B ballad sung with Brenda Russell over some adept keyboard and programming by Rob Mounsey. Soul Mate has great piano by Jeff Lorber and a backing vocal by Eric Benet.
http://www.michaelfranks.com/index.shtml

2006-03-29T21:48:00.000+10:30

HAPPENSTANCE by Rachael Yamagata
CD review August 2005

RACHAEL YAMAGATA
Rachael Yamagata is a writer of songs about the battle between chance circumstance and the belief that everything happens for a reason. Motivated by the storytelling songwriters of the 1960’s James Taylor and Carole King, her first album Happenstance is a collection of songs inspired by her obsessions, which are mostly love related. Rachael has often been hailed as the next Nora Jones or Fiona Apple, with her piano driven songs and a voice ranging from powerfully throaty through to gracefully elegant. Her anger is controlled yet all consuming, heartache is part of her music, her hurt and abandonment by past lovers are poured into her songs. She punishes her piano as if it were the men in her life who had let her down. Stand out tracks are Worn Me Down which is solid inde-rock and the contrasting ballad I’ll Find A Way with its rich strings and gentle vocals, both are reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan. 1963 is pure pop with a great hook and breathless vocals a la Nora Jones. I Want You is a jazzy music hall number which includes the line ‘You simplified me down to slogans on the wall / I took offence, but you were right about them all’. Listen to Happenstance with its diverse range of superbly crafted songs and observe the germination of a future world class singer-songwriter.
http://www.rachaelyamagata.com/

2006-03-29T21:45:00.000+10:30

HANDS ACRIOSS THE TABLE by Sugar Ray And The Bluetones
CD review August 2005

Sugar Ray And The Bluetones
It is sometimes said that to play blues music you take a five minute idea and stretch it out to last for over thirty, even on Beal Street in Memphis time can run slowly while listening to The Blues. On the other side of the continent in Providence Rhode Island, you will find ‘Sugar Ray And The Bluetones’ a band that will definitely hold your attention. Led by Mr. Sugar Ray Norcia whose powerhouse voice and his gift of the best harmonica playing around has carved out a solid reputation for singing The Blues and belting out classic R&B music. His latest release Hands Across The Table contains 8 self penned numbers plus some golden oldies. Backed by his 4 member band the red hot ‘Bluetones’, Sugar Ray will take you to the kind of backwoods blues club the travel guides are yet to discover. The title track Hands Across The Table and I Done Got Wise are blistering blues music, Say You Love Me and the timeless That’s My Desire are pure rocking Fats Domino. The standout tracks are the evergreen River Stay Way From My Door which has a heavy Hoagy Carmichael influence with The Providence Horns adding a dash of chilli to the rhythm section. The Last Blues Song though newly written is destined to become a blues standard with its outstanding guitar by Paul Size and piano by Anthony Geraci.
http://www.severnrecords.com/sugar_ray.html

2006-03-29T21:41:00.000+10:30

THE BIG PICTURE by BAP KENNEDY
CD review July 2005

BAP KENNEDY
Take some country sounds, add Celtic soul plus a touch of Van Morrison and you will find Belfast’s Bap Kennedy, an artist who has been turning out great music for over a decade. The Big Picture, his latest Australian release, is the one which will introduce his talents to a world wide audience, his skilful song writing and guitar playing are backed up by a great band featuring pedal steel guitar with the addition of strings, sax, accordion and flute. Most of the C.D. was recorded at Van Morrison’s ‘Somerset Studios’, with the track Milky Way co-written with Van. The Big Picture is Bap’s most radio-friendly release, his songs are filled with the uniquely Irish quality of being uplifting yet filled with melancholy, matching Van Morrison’s famous description of Ireland as having ‘a beautiful sadness.’ Autobiographical tracks The Truth Is Painful and The Sweet Smell Of Success cover Bap’s hopes for the future and his journey down the rough side of the road of life, while Too Old For Fairy Tales takes him back to his Hank Williams roots. On The Mighty Ocean Alcohol is a duet with a slurred Shane MacGowan recorded in the back room of a seedy London drinking den, while the unusual Moriarty’s Blues has Carolyn Cassidy, widow of beat poet Neal Cassidy, the central character in Kerouac’s ‘On The Road’, reading from her memoirs. The moving tribute to his homeland The Beautiful Country has a gentle strength while the standout track on the album is the perfectly crafted ballad Loverman which is perfect top 20 material.
http://www.bapkennedy.com/

2006-03-29T21:36:00.000+10:30

WHO’S GOT TROUBLE by SHIVAREE
CD review July 2005

SHIVAREE
When you real name is Ambrosia Parsley destiny must lead you to either a career in cooking or show business, when your first album release is called ‘I Oughtta Give You A Shot In The Head For Making Me Live In This Dump’ you should be assured to attract attention. Her trio ‘Shivaree’ is named after the word ‘Charivari’ used by French traders, meaning a noisy mock serenade for newlyweds which later became part of the lingo along the Mississippi River. Ambrosia was first noticed when her song ‘Good Night Moon’ was chosen for the film ‘Kill Bill 2’. Her latest release the retro styled Who’s Got Trouble made the world sit up and notice her talents. This outstanding recording combines Ambrosia’s little girl lost voice with her observant Brecht/Weill lyrics with fellow ‘Shivaree’ musicians Duke McVinne, (ex Tom Waits band), on guitar and Danny McGough on keyboards. Notable tracks are her cover version of Brian Eno’s The Fat Lady Of Limbourg lifting his wrist slitting gloom by clever use of organ, guitar and drums. The slow burning ballad with weeping guitars Mexican Boyfriend is a story of lost love. I Will Go Quietly has touches of ‘The Waifs’, the rockabilly I Close My Eyes is a nocturnal journey into the world of Nick Cave. Ambrosia’s baby doll vamp voice sums up the album with the line on Little Black Mess, 'I should try to be good, forever and ever amen, so I’ll touch wood and hope I don’t get caught again’.
http://www.shivaree.com/

2006-03-28T23:34:00.000+10:30

The Only Doo-Wop Collection You’ll Ever Need
CD review June 2005

In the days before Rock and Roll there was Doo-Wop a style of music originating in the U.S.A during the early 1940’s, with its roots in Gospel, Jazz ‘scat’ singing and R’n’B, Doo-Wop was born in the inner cities by mostly African American and Italian teenagers singing on porches and street corners. The a cappella style mimicked musical instruments by combining 3 or 4 part vocal harmonies, tenor, bass and falsetto, with simple moon/June lyrics. In the recording studio backing music was added though occasionally a symphony orchestra was added as in The Skylines ever green hit Since I Don't Have You. The genre was continued by well known artists including the early Beach Boys; the musical torch was then handed to ‘Boys II Men’ and most of today’s Boy Bands.
Many collections of Doo-Wop music exist including Rhino records 4 C.D. box set, Sony U.S.A. recently released a double C.D. (import only at present) The Only Doo-Wop Collection You’ll Ever Need comprising 37 of Americas best loved Doo-Wop songs. Here are a few of the classic tracks; Why Do Fools Fall in Love, I Wonder Why , In the Still of the Night the first song to use the words Doo-Wop, The Great Pretender,16 Candles, Earth Angel the first pure Doo-Wop record, Goodnight Sweetheart, A Teenager in Love , There's a Moon Out Tonight, I Only Have Eyes for You , Unchained Melody, Life Could Be A Dream and Blue Moon. Remember it’s never too late to go back to Doo-Wop.
http://www.amazon.com/

2006-03-28T23:13:00.000+10:30

TWO SHOTS by Matt Dusk
CD review June 2005

MATT DUSK
Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack days produced some of musics most magical times, many of todays young crooners try to emulate ‘The Chairman of The Board’. Names such as Buble, Cullum and Cincotti spring to mind, they are now joined by a 24 year old classically trained Canadian Matt Dusk. His smooth sexy late night vocals can be heard on the recently released C.D. Two Shots. Bono and the Edge of U2 fame wrote the title track for Mr. Sinatra’s 80th birthday, a song he sadly did not live long enough to record, leaving the honour to Matt Dusk. Other stand out tracks are Fly Me To The Moon, Cold As Ice and Lonely Road. The songs are complimented by superb big band arrangements and the use of a 42-piece string section from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as well as the London Session Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Dusk’s slowed down lounge interpretation of The Beatles Please Please Me and his moving autumnal version of Precious Years prove his ability to carve a place for himself as an outstanding crooner.
http://www.mattdusk.com/

2006-03-28T22:35:00.000+10:30

THE DREAM OF THE BLUE TURTLES &
BRING ON THE NIGHT by Sting

STING

The Police self destructed in 1984 with an explosion of ego’s leaving Sting to pursue a solo career and to release his jazz influenced The Dream Of The Blue Turtles plus a double live CD, Bring On The Night recorded during his subsequent world tour. The musicians he chose to work with were 3 highly respected New York jazz figures Kenny Kirkland, Omar Hakim and Branford Marsalis, who were recruited from Wynton Marsalis’ band. Completing the line up was Darryl Jones the Rolling Stones’ current bass player. Sting was free to create a fusion of jazz, reggae and pop in his socially aware compositions. Tracks such as Russians covered the Cold War; the message in Children’s Crusade is the exploitation of youth, while the plight of the British coal miners moved Sting to compose We Work The Black Seam. The book ‘Interview With A Vampire’ was the inspiration for Moon Over Bourbon Sreet with Sting on stand-up bass and some outstanding sax from Marsalis. These songs contrast with poppier numbers If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free and Love Is The Second Wave. These two recently remastered CD’s are well worth revisiting after 20 years. Blue Turtle is a quality studio recording while Bring On The Night shows the germination of the songs after a heavy year of touring and also includes a number of reworked Police numbers.

http://www.sting.com/main.html

2006-03-28T22:32:00.000+10:30

ARIELS by Bent
CD review May 2005

BENT
Collecting samples from music found in junk and second hand shops was how Simon Mills and Nail Tolliday, recording as Bent built their reputation by creating two successful albums on their thrift store beats. Ariels is different and contains only pure sounds, Bent have now become a band, as Nail explained ‘We wanted to create our own samples, instead of taking samples from records we used real recorded sounds’. The result was the blending of four rotating guest vocalists, over multi layered acoustic instruments, gentle synths, electronic beats and melodies. Their music is uplifting stylish pop songs, the moods and textures are superb. Standout tracks are the dazzlingly beautiful As You Fall and Sunday Boy, while the catchy Silent Life is an upbeat pop classic. The single from the album Comin’ Back has a disco samba feel, Sunday 29th is gently acoustic like Portishead in sunshine, the deep and broody vocal of I Can’t Believe It’s Over has waves of emotion in the style of Massive Attack. Ariels is gentle chill-out music where all 12 tracks work seamlessly together; if you like your sounds delicate and magical let Bent show you the way.
http://www.bent-world.com/

2006-03-28T22:28:00.000+10:30

PIN YOUR SPIN by John Cleary
CD review April 2005

JOHN CLEARY
New Orleans music is as unique as its food, spicy and colourful like Jambalaya, Gumbo Shrimp and Crawfish Etouffée all existing side by side with Jelly Roll, Fats, Dr. John, Professor Longhair and the Neville Brothers. ‘The Big Easy’ has been home for nearly a quarter of a century to Kent born virtuoso keyboardist Jon Cleary who is backed by one of the tightest funk bands around The Absolute Monster Gentlemen band. There are no filler tracks here only Cleary’s intelligent lyrics and solid melodies, unafraid to mix earthquake Funk with Cuban Jazz and other Latin touches. Pin Your Spin gives listeners a glimpse into his reputation for outstanding live performances and Cleary’s part time job as keyboard player in Bonnie Raitt's touring band. Ain't Nuttin Nice is an instrumental which remembers ‘The Meters’ band with driving bass and drums behind a gospel piano building to a crashing finale. Best Ain't Good Enough is some of the finest a cappella, street-corner doo-wop heard on record. On Is It Any Wonder Cleary’s husky voice, reminiscent of a young Robert Palmer or Gregg Allman, has a Jazz feel creating a subtle mood on this breaking up end of romance song. Oh No No No has a Cuban vibe with Cleary’s piano straight out of The Buena Vista Social Club. Caught Red Handed is pure Stevie Wonder with a dash of the 1970’s Miami Soul sound. Pin Your Spin is released on Basin Street Records.
http://www.joncleary.com/

2006-03-28T22:22:00.000+10:30

A GIRL CALLED EDDY by A Girl Called Eddy
CD review April 2005

A GIRL CALLED EDDY
Erin Moran records under the stage name A Girl Called Eddy, a combination of her nickname and the title of a classic Dusty Springfield album. This New Jersey born singer songwriter teamed up with former Pulp guitarist Richard Hawley for a recording session in a Sheffield studio during a typical English winter. Eddy/Erin wrote all the tracks on this self titled album which was one of last years most highly acclaimed debut recordings. The album is awash with moody and melancholy adult pop, Erin’s voice ranging from the purity of Karen Carpenter to the power of Chrissie Hynde. The songs are formed by her life experiences expressed with literacy and confidence surpassing many current songwriters whose lyrics are limited to teenage scribbles in a school journal style.
Each of the 11 tracks is outstanding, especially Kathleen written in memory of Erin’s late mother, where guitars are layered over a chamber string section complimenting her immaculate lyrics and phrasing. Notable Jazz influences are found on Life Through The Same Lens, and the achingly beautiful 1940’s style of Heartache. Somebody Hurt You has lush orchestration and the emotive lyric You're Lonely Like Only The Broken Can Know. Tears All Over Town is blue-eyed soul with Rickenbacker guitars, swirling strings and Erin’s rich piano playing. The last track is Golden starting with piano and ending with driving rock and roll. The C.D digipack is unusual, looking like an aged L.P. with the outline of well played vinyl and a picture of the sultry Eddy.
http://www.agirlcallededdy.com/eddy.html

2006-03-28T14:28:00.000+10:30

WHAT’s GOING ON by Marvin Gaye
CD review March 2005

MARVIN GAYE
Marvin’s groundbreaking 1971 album What’s Going On will appear near the top of any list of the most influential recordings of the last 50 years. Produced at a time when Motown was one of the worlds leading hit factories, they were initially unwilling to release this socially conscious collection of songs. Marvin had addressed a range of issues head on which included the Vietnam war, artistic and spiritual belief, drug addiction, and environmental destruction. He had total artistic control over the recordings using jazz soul and blues influences to produce a sophisticated conceptual masterpiece. The vocals were often multi-tracked giving a full sound which matches exactly the tight but relaxed backing band flowing seamlessly from one perfect track to the next. The Motown session men The Funk Brothers combine wind and reed instruments with flowing strings to compliment the driving bass and drums, Marvin’s voice soaring above with deeply inspired sincerity. The title song of the album became a top ten single as did Mercy Mercy Me and Inner City Blues.
The deluxe edition of What’s Going On comprises two C.D.’s and a 20 page booklet with lyrics and photographs. Disc one contains the original recording and the later Detroit mix with disc two having a live recording of the Kennedy Center concert. It has been said that this recording was ‘Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece, the most perfect expression of an artists hope anger and concern ever recorded’.
http://classic.motown.com/

2006-03-28T14:23:00.000+10:30

RIVERA by Saint Privat
CD review March 2005

SAINT PRIVAT
‘Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be’ though in the case of this debut recording Riviera by Saint Privat nostalgia is brought right up to date. Klaus Waldeck from Vienna's Spray Records, produced and also wrote many of the tracks, blending his subtle electronic magic with singer Valerie Sajdik’s intimate French and English vocals. Memories of Francoise Hardy and classic French and Italian cinema abound, soft Bossa–Nova sounds and Rococo jazz transport you to the French Riviera circa the1960’s. Standout tracks are Pan Am 009 which is borrowed from Francis Lai’s A Man And A Woman with its unforgettable daba daba dab…chorus. The Swingle Singers are honoured in the J.S.Bach inspired Bach En Dub, while the track The Girl From Ventimiglia remembers Astrud Gilberto. Other notable tracks are Kurt Weill’s September Song and Henry Mancini’s Nothing To Loose from the film The Party. Sajdik’s superb scat singing adding to the dream like mood of the album, which was recorded live in the studio by musicians of the Dope Noir Jazz Division, well known for their delicate and intimate music. These are perfect sounds for a lazy Sunday afternoon or those sultry autumn days. Do not miss the hidden video file where you can see Sajdik perform three of the tracks.
www.saintprivat.com or www.cvibes.com

2006-03-28T11:11:00.000+10:30

DREAMLAND by Joni Mitchell
CD review Feb. 2005

JONI MITCHELL
Compressing a career spanning four decades into a single 17 track C.D. was a daunting task; Dreamland is the definitive collection by the free spirited icon Joni Mitchell, enclosed in a superb digipack, richly illustrated with Joni’s distinctive paintings and also including a 36 page booklet with full lyrics.
Dreamland is a warm reintroduction to an old musical friend, included on the recording are her hits Both Sides Now, Big Yellow Taxi, The Circle Game and Help Me her only top 10 single. Also covered are the jazz influenced Free Man In Paris and In France They kiss On Main St. her tribute to a Memphis blues legend Furry Sings The Blues and her 80’s collaboration with Tom Petty and Billy Idol Dancin’ Clown. Joni Mitchell is a trailblazer who started as a folkie in the 60’s, then moved into jazz and avant-garde influence in the 70’s through World Music and then into her recent orchestral explorations. Her song writing also touched the young Bill Clinton whose daughter Chelsea was named after Joni’s classic song Chelsea Morning. She is recognised as being one of the most influential songwriters and performers in contemporary music, with an imaginative guitar style which uses up to 50 distinctive guitar tunings. She has never been afraid to experiment or take risks with her music; her philosophy for life could be summed up in a line from one of her songs ‘You know, happiness is the best facelift’.
http://www.jonimitchell.com/

2006-03-28T11:06:00.000+10:30

FURTHER DOWN THE OLD PLANK ROAD by The Chieftains
CD review Feb. 2005

The Chieftains
‘Talking about music is like dancing about architecture’ said Laurie Anderson, who reportedly borrowed the quote from comedian Steve Martin.The Irish nation has produced many great talkers and musicians, one of its best known traditional music groups are ‘The Chieftains’ who for over 40 years have enchanted audiences around the world. They have collaborated with a wide collection of world class talents notably James Galway and Van Morrison in their constant search for musical diversity. This search led them to examine the close connection between traditional Irish music and America’s Appalachian folk and Bluegrass music, resulting in a series of recording sessions in Nashville. The Chieftains gathered for these sessions many top American Country Music recording artists. The resulting C.D.’s Down The Old Plank Road and the superior follow up Further Down The Old Plank Road both clearly proved the similarities between traditional Irish and American music. The stand out tracks are, Allison Moorer's haunting vocal on Hick's Farewell while Emmylou Harris croons the traditional Ulster ballad Lambs In The Greenfield. Don Williams' soothing baritone treatment of an old Scottish ballad, Wild Mountain Thyme and Chief O'Neil's Hornpipe where Paddy Maloney's piping effortlessly blendes with Chet Atkins guitar picking are also notable.
Sadly these would be Derek Bell’s last recordings, one of the worlds’ premier Irish harpist and multi-instrumentalist a long time Chieftains member died only a few weeks after these recording sessions ended.
http://www.irish.com/chieftains.html

2006-03-28T10:43:00.000+10:30

CHRISTMAS by Chris Isaak
CD review December 2004

CHRIS ISAAK
Chris Isaak's Christmas includes all the ingredients in a recipe for great Christmas music - happiness, religion, family, gift giving and missing absent friends. Chris Isaak was born in California only 3 years after Elvis Presley’s first recording sessions at ‘Sun Studios’ in Memphis. Chris’ reverb filled rockabilly and country style is highly influenced by these early Elvis recordings which were to change the course of music history. His soulful crooner’s voice is often compared to another Sun Studio artist Roy Orbison. Chris’ album includes 4 tracks, which were also covered on the classic 1957 Elvis Christmas Album. Blue Christmas and the two Australian exclusive tracks I’ll Be Home For Christmas and Santa Bring My Baby Back stand up well to the ‘Kings’ versions. No Christmas album is complete without Irving Berlins’s White Christmas and Mel Torme’s The Christmas Song with its chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Guest Stevie Nicks duets on Santa Claus Is Coming To Town while Van Morrison’s’ long time backing musician Mark Isham also makes an appearance. Chris Isaak’s own compositions include the ballad Washington Squar, the rocking Hey Santa with its mariachi trumpets, Brighest Star where his Roy Orbison tones soar and Gotta Be Good with its New Orleans piano. The solid backing by Chris’ long time band ‘The Silvertones’ together with a fine choice of songs will place this C.D. on many Christmas shopping lists.
http://www.repriserec.com/chrisisaak/

2006-03-28T10:38:00.000+10:30

A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOU by Phil Spector
CD review December 2004

PHIL SPECTOR
Bing Crosby’s White Christmas is the best selling Christmas recording of all time, the greatest Rock and Roll Christmas recording is A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector. The wunderkind’s first album length production was a conceptual project; his intention was to capture the essence of Christmas and to produce a pop masterpiece at the same time.
Spector, aged only 22, used his now world famous ‘wall of sound’ technique which involved blending multiple layers of sound, piano, percussion, sleigh bells, strings, horns, and voices with liberal use of echo to produce the soundtrack for future decades of Christmas holidays. Using guest musicians Nino Tempo, Leon Russell, Sonny Bono, and Barney Kessel the record was released to a shocked and stunned American nation the day after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963. Spector’s stable of stars featured on the recording included The Crystals on Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus, and the Ronettes on Frosty The Snowman and Sleigh Ride. Darlene Love lead singer of the Crystals sang solo on Winter Wonderland and Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) which was specially written for the album. The classic White Christmas is updated with its references to Los Angeles and palm trees. So turn it up loud and have a happy Christmas.
http://www.abkco.com/home.asp

2006-03-28T10:28:00.000+10:30

RENEE OLSTEAD by Renee Olstead
CD review Nov. 2004

Renee Olstead
The Great American Songbook has been recorded by artists ranging from aging rocker Rod Stewart to the newly established Dina Krall and Michael Buble. The latest edition is by Texas born actress Renee Olstead, child star of ‘The Insider’ staring Russell Crowe and the successful C.B.S. show ‘Still Standing’. David Foster the multi Grammy award winning record producer who had previously worked with Celine Dion and Michael Buble was recently introduced to Renee Olstead’s considerable vocal talents. The choice of songs on her resulting self titled recording required a maturity rarely found in an artist young as Renee’s tender fourteen years of age. Backed by a big-band and consummate guest performers she uses her four octave range with confidence, though at times it is difficult for an artist of tender years to live up to the maturity required on standards like Summertime and Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby. Her Duet with Peter Cincotti on the Neil Sedaka’s Breaking Up Is Hard To Do is superb, Maria Muldaur’s classic Midnight At The Oasis is given a refreshing interpretation. Guest trumpeter Chris Botti shines on Sunday Kind Of Love and Someone To watch Over Me. The stand out track is the Norah Jones styled A Love That Will Last which gives us a look into the future showing Renee Olstead’s enormous potential which only requires a few years of touring and recording to turn her into a major international star.
http://www.reneeolstead.com/

AW C’MON & NO YOU C’MON by Lambchop

2006-03-28T10:24:00.000+10:30

AW C’MON & NO YOU C’MON by Lambchop
CD review Nov. 2004

LAMBCHOP
Kurt Wagner gave up his job laying floors in Nashville setting himself the goal of writing one complete song every day. Kurt was the leader of Lambchop a band whose style combines country, soul and jazz music. While older Americans may think Lambchop is a sock puppet, when they are actually one of America’s most original alternative country bands. Wagner’s cryptic lyrics range through dark to witty and the absurd, punctuated by his unique phrasing. His voice laced with nicotine and aged bourbon, sounding somewhere between Lou Reed and Leonard Cohen. This twin album called Aw C’mon and No You C’mon, contains a collective of 16 musicians, with an additional string section to give a full sound reminiscent of a movie soundtrack, Their music ranges from love to anger sometimes in the same song. Wagner’s witty lyrics cover details of everyday living as in Steve McQueen a gentle song laced with strings and piano, while Something's Going On is his reply to the Marvin Gaye’s classic What’s going On. Wagner uses random lyrics in his song Nothing But A Blur From A Bullet Train as if mirroring the images flashing past a speeding train window. Instrumental track Sunrise has soulful strings rising over a pedal steel guitar. Wagner duets with Deanna Varagon on Low Ambition which has a smooth jazz feel using piano and bass. In total contrast is Nothing Adventurous Please which moves the tempo up to pure punk energy, using distorted guitars over a driving piano. The Gusher is classic Wagner starting with the riff from Black Sabbath’s ‘Paranoid’ then melding into a Brazilian shuffle to complete this unique musical journey.
http://www.lambchop.net/

2006-03-28T10:18:00.000+10:30

DUSTY IN MEMPHIS by Dusty Springfield
C.D. review Oct. 2004

Dusty SPRINGFIELD
Dusty is considered to be the U.K.’s greatest ever white soul singer. Her signing to Atlantic records led to her recording of the legendary Dusty in Memphis in 1968. Jerry Wexler had previously produced leading soul artist Aretha Franklin and was aware of Dusty’s reputation as a difficult perfectionist. The songs chosen for the session included works by Dusty’s most respected songwriters, Goffin/King, Bacharach/David and the newly discovered Randy Newman. The Memphis studio was the birthplace of so much of the music which had been fundamental to her career, its session musicians having become internationally known as known as ‘The Memphis Sound’. Dusty found the studio intimidating, producing magic in the footsteps of her heroes was not an easy task; progress was slow with part of the recording having to be completed later in New York. Despite these problems Dusty In Memphis has become a classic soul recording best known for the hit Son Of A Preacher Man a song that Aretha Franklin had turned down. Other stand out tracks include So Much Love, Breakfast in Bed, Just One Smile, I Don't Want to Hear About It Anymore, and Just a Little Lovin. Dusty’s marvellous delivery and technique together with Wexler’s superb production created one of the finest recordings of the 1960’s which sadly only reached no 99 in the U.S. charts.
http://www.dustyspringfield.co.uk/

2006-03-28T10:08:00.000+10:30

ONE FROM THE HEART by Tom Waits
C.D. review Sept. 2004

Francis Ford Coppola’s film studio Zoetrope was brought to bankruptcy by his 1982 film ‘One From The Heart’ the music for the film was written and performed by Tom Waits.

TOM WAITS
Coppola had chosen Tom Waits to write the music for his new film an experimental musical set in Las Vegas. ‘Make an album called One From The Heart and then I’ll make a film that goes with it’ were Coppola’s instructions. The film is his most misunderstood, about an unhappy couple breaking up on their fifth wedding anniversary, the setting Las Vegas was recreated at enormous cost on a number of soundstages giving the film a ‘dreaming when you are awake quality’. The soundtrack was to be a dialog between a male and female voice. Countering Waits gravel smoked rasp were Crystal Gayle’s clear velvet tones, if ever there was a case of opposites attracting this is it! Waits song writing had become famous for his amazing wordplay, only Groucho Marx or Dorothy Parker could top ‘I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy’. The songs are mostly late night jazzy torch songs played by a small combo with occasional orchestral augmentation. Trumpeter Jack Sheldon’s solos help to emphasise the soundtrack’s broken hearted and breaking up theme. Standout tracks are Picking Up after You, Old Boyfriends, Broken Bicycles and the haunting This Ones From The Heart. Mojo magazine has included this recording in its list of 100 coolest movie soundtracks of all time.
http://www.onefromtheheartmovie.com/

www.tomwaitslibrary.com

2006-03-28T10:03:00.000+10:30

THE SWINGING MISS D by Dinah Washington
C.D. review Sept. 2004

Ruth Lee Jones is one of the most beloved and controversial singers of the 20th century, born in Alabama in 1924 her gritty high pitched voice had perfect clarity of diction and bluesy phrasing, she could make every song her own. She was well known as a gospel singer before 1943 when she started singing with the Lionel Hampton Band and was renamed Dinah Washington.

DINAH WASHINGTON
One of the most versatile singers in American music history who moved effortlessly between jazz, blues, R&B and light pop, Dinah Washington filled every song with emotion. She had many top ten hits on the R&B charts between 1948 and 1955 then moved on to big band productions. This recording The Swinging Miss D made in 1956 was arranged by the 23 year old Quincy Jones, who conducted an orchestra made up of many top jazz musicians. The time was right for ‘swing albums’ Sinatra has been successful with his Billy May and Nelson Riddle collaborations and now it was Dinah’s turn. The tracks chosen were from the great American songbook, They Didn’t Believe Me by Jerome Kern, Cole Porter’s Every Time We Say Goodbye, But Not For Me by the Gershwins and Duke Ellington’s Caravan are a few of the 18 tracks on this recording. Dinah Washington takes total control of the songs and the band follows her every move though still keeping a loose and upbeat feel. She had the ability to make every song sound new, a later recording made in 1958 What A Difference A Day Makes contains some memorable tracks. It is also recommended though the orchestrations are rather overdone with a heavy strings led backing. This was a time when her record company was trying to turn Dinah into a pop chart singer. She enjoyed her success spending money often before she earned it, married 7 times and died aged 39 in 1963.
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/

2006-03-28T09:58:00.000+10:30

Charango by Morcheeba
C.D. review Sept. 2004

Sitting in Irish singer songwriter Andy White’s kitchen outside Melbourne, enjoying good food and company on a summers evening, the background music was interesting delicate layered melodies perfect chill out sounds by British band Morcheeba.

MORCHEEBA
The Godfrey brothers Paul on beats/scratches, and Ross on guitar/keyboards together with former fashion designer vocalist Skye Edwards formed Morcheeba in 1995. This diverse mixture of funky electronic sounds, trip hop, fusion, funk and blues is sometimes compared with bands Massive Attack and Portishead thought Morcheeba’s music is more optimistic and brighter. Their influences are 30’s blues and 90’s hip hop which they turn into multi layer instrumentation with mellow jazz vocals. Their album Charango, named after a small guitar traditionally made from an armadillo shell, opens with the track Slow Down which has sensual sounds setting the mood for the album. Skye’s smooth vocal rises over a Pink Floyd type guitar, perfect to unwind to after a hard day’s night. Sao Paulo combines lazy tropical samba melodies over melancholy lyrics, combined with percussion, harmonica and slide guitar. Way Beyond is a pop track, a ballad with influences by Burt Bacharach. Undress Me Now is exotic and summery having beautiful orchestrations over Skye’s sensual lyrics. Aqualung is light and gentle, a psychedelic interpretation with flute and cello setting the mood. What New York Couples Fight About is an hypnotic trip hop track, guest artist Kurt Wagner’s unusual vocals style in a duet with a breathy Skye. Also available is a ‘Best Of’ Morcheeba recording called Parts Of The Process.
http://www.morcheeba.net/

2006-03-28T09:51:00.000+10:30

IMPERIAL BEDROOM by Elvis Costello
C.D. review August 2004

Declan MacManus the son of bandleader Ross MacManus was signed by Jake Rivera to his Stiff Records at the crest of the explosion of punk and new wave music in 1977. Declan had changed his name by this time to Elvis Costello.

ELVIS COSTELLO
Imperial Bedroom was released in 1982, produced by Geoff Emerich who had previously produced a number of important Beatles recordings. Elvis had progressed from his punk garage band recordings Watching The Detectives Oliver’s Army and the sublime Alison to this his first serious stab at full orchestrations. Themes of adultery, betrayal and emotional blackmail fill these richly textured songs. His lyrics are still as acidic and brutal as ever, words tumble into his songs as if he has too many to use and too little time available, though still keeping them sophisticated and mature. The first track Beyond Belief shows his progression to intricate musical construction, a layered song with added studio effects helping build the tension. Almost Blue has become a jazz classic, reminiscent of Sinatra’s mid 50’s recordings or the Miles Davis recording Kind Of Blue. This was the track which first compared Elvis’s song writing talent to the Gershwin’s and Cole Porter. Man Out Of Time makes full use of an orchestral backing, while And In Every Home contains lush arrangements reminiscent to the ones used on the Beatles Sergeant Pepper. On the classic Costello tracks Shabby Doll, Kid About It and Little Savage the backing is left to the Attractions Elvis’s regular band. The final stand out track Town Crier is a lush full orchestra Elvis ballad about broken love. Also listen to the 1983 follow up album Punch The Clock which contains the tracks Everyday I Write The Book and the immortal anti war song Shipbuilding with Chet Baker’s remarkable trumpet solo.
http://www.elviscostello.com/

2006-03-28T09:46:00.000+10:30

STRANGER ON EARTH by Lina
C.D. review August 2004

Take Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday with the sounds of 30s and 40s jazz orchestrations add to this modern R&B and hip hop, some Macy Gray, Portishead and Moloko and you will have found LINA.

LINA
Stranger On Earth is an interesting combination of R&B and 30’s Be-Bop which starts off with Playa No Mo it has sampled sounds of depression America, muted brass developing into driving beats with Lina’s voice soaring above. Don’t Say Nothing is a moody lament with a Portishead feel and echoing vocals over strings. I’m Not The Enemy from the movie High Crimes has Billie Holiday written all over it, Lina sings and hums sexily over brass, strings and drum. Bye Bye Baby is a haunting lament with a horn sample played over a hip hop beat; the vocals go from Jazz scat to full blues voice. Waiting is pure sweetness 70’s style, lush orchestral and backing singers. The title track Stranger On Earth is a bluesy night club number Etta James style. Beware that this recording does have some explicit lyrics and that there are at least 3 different versions of the recording. The first version was produced for Europe and is more sophisticated to the later U.S. version which has harder language.
http://www.lina-music.com/

2006-03-28T09:39:00.000+10:30

BRYTER LATER by Nick Drake
C.D. review August 2004

Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison all died young, well before their four score years and ten. They all found fame, success and musical fulfilment during their short lives. A young Englishman made only 3 albums none of which sold well, he seldom performed before the public and died at the age of 26. He was Nick Drake.

NICK DRAKE
Discovered by Ashley Hutchings bassist with the folk band Fairport Convention whilst still at Oxford University. Nick was introduced to the bands producer Joe Boyd who instantly recognised his talent and the unique guitar tunings he used where a high string could be tuned one or two notes lower than a low string. Bryter Layter was Nick’s second recording released in 1970. Joe Boyd and engineer John Wood claim that Bryter Layter is the only perfect album they made during their long careers. Nicks exquisitely arranged and performed songs are backed by many musicians from Fairport Convention and on two tracks by John Cale, who plays harpsichord and viola on the movingly simple love song Fly and piano and organ on Northern Sky. At The Chime Of A City Clock is jazzy with a haunting sax solo, piano and strings. Nick's beautifully melancholic voice is perfectly combined with a jazz combo and gospel choir on the richly textured track Poor Boy. Nick Drake was pathologically shy and unable to promote his music which seriously hindered his career; his inner dark forces brought his life to an end in November 1974. An original singer who lost his way, his music went unnoticed only with the passage of time has his talent been recognised. England’s Q magazine places Bryter Layter at no 23 in the 100 greatest British albums. A number of recently discovered lost recordings will be released later this year on an album called Made To Love Magic.
http://www.nickdrake.com/

2006-03-28T09:22:00.000+10:30

A SECRET HISTORY by The Divine Comedy
C.D. review July 2004

The Bishop of Clogher was working in his study while his 18 year old son was looking through the bookshelves. He took down a copy of Dante’s poem ‘The Divine Comedy’ and realised that he had found the name for his new band. He has still never read the poem, his name is Neil Hannon.

THE DIVINE COMEDY
Neil Hannon's music is hard to describe and harder to define, his work has been portrayed as, seductive, sumptuous, glorious and gleeful tunesmanship. Neil’s songs are elegantly crafted often with lush orchestral backings colouring his low baritone voice. His music is as if Noel Coward had been born in 1970, with its sophisticated, well observed and sometimes acid observations. He has collaborated with both Michael Nyman and Joby Talbot, BBC young composer of the year. A Secret History is a collection of the best of The Divine Comedy starting with his U.K. hits National Express, Something For The Weekend, The Frog Princess, and Everybody Knows. The T.V. show ‘Father Ted’ used his track Songs of Love as its theme music. Lucy is a beautifully crafted song with words from an adoption of a William Wordsworth poem. In Pursuit of Happiness shows his influence and regard for the legendary Scott Walker, while the final track Tonight We Fly is Neil’s favourite song he claims ‘It is nicely proportioned’.
http://www.thedivinecomedy.com/home.htm

2006-03-28T09:16:00.000+10:30

GROOVALICIOUS by Chris Standring
C.D. review July 2004

The London Times said of this artist ‘He is one of Britain’s most talented jazz guitarists’ an English ex public school boy now based in Los Angeles. His name is Chris Standring.

CHRIS STANDRING
This smooth recording with its fusion of pop, soul and jazz influences echoes the sounds of 70’s funk. It takes you back to the music of ‘Earth Wind and Fire’ and ‘The Average White Band’. Chris brings these sounds up to date with a solid bass and drum foundation provided by his regular band and some outstanding guest musicians. His guitar style has memories of Wes Montgomery and George Benson. The opening track I Ain’t Mad Atcha has a jamming session feel with a Hammond B3 sound. On the title tracks Groovalicious Chris uses a ‘talk box’ to give the guitar a talking quality. Come Back Home is R&B with a heavy synthesiser strings sound and the magical voice of 22 year old Ashley Ta’Mar. Miss Downtown Sugar Girl has Marvin Gaye influences, hand claps and a soul backing. Snowfall features smokey trumpet by Chris Botti and All In Good Time has an outstanding flute solo by Katisse Buckingham. Do What You Do has a slow haunting guitar over a mellow backing, and Gentle Persuasion is another smooth jazz classic. Chris told me about his recent musical background ‘I played with Rick Braun for a year and a half, he is a very successful trumpeter, and I also recorded and wrote a couple of songs on his "Body & Soul" CD. I also worked with Richard Elliot, sax player and Marc Antoine, guitarist, all big names in the jazz world.’ Groovalicious is Chris’s fifth recording; he has also contributed to nearly 20 other compilation albums.
http://www.chrisstandring.com

2006-03-28T08:57:00.000+10:30

UP WHERE WE BELONG by Buffy Sainte-Marie
C.D. review July 2004

Elvis recorded her song ‘Until It’s Time For You To Go’ Donovan ‘The Universal Soldier’ and Joe Cocker ‘Up Where We Belong’ she was born a mixed blood Cree Indian in Qu’Appelle Valley Saskatchewan. She holds a PhD in Fine Arts, spent 5 years on Sesame St. was blacklisted by Lyndon Johnson and has won an Academy Award; she is Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Buffy Sainte-Marie
There have been a number of ‘Best Of’ recordings by Buffy Sainte Marie covering both her international hits and versions of traditional American folk tunes. In 1996 she released Up Where We Belong which in her words is ‘A collection of the songs that people most often ask to hear at my concerts, I have re-recorded them in whatever way seems to suit the song best today.’ This collection gives her best loved songs from her 32 year career new life. The recording starts with a new song Darling Don’t Cry with its rousing beat and backing from American Indian singers in a style called ‘grassroots powwow music’ emphasizing her Cree heritage. Other Indian influenced songs are Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee and Starwalker. Now That The Buffalo’s Gone was on her first album, she says that ‘This song is still valid today, governments are still breaking promises and stealing indigenous land’. The folk influenced Piney Wood Hills and Cripple Creek on which she plays mouthbow the world’s oldest stringed instrument are given a pure and simple treatment. Soldier Blue which with The Universal Soldier became anthems in the 1960’s stand up well beside Until It’s Time For You To Go and Up Where We Belong. This is a beautifully crafted collection of songs by an often forgotten artist.
http://www.creative-native.com/index.htm

2006-03-27T22:10:00.000+10:30

GIFT FROM A FLOWER TO A GARDEN by Donovan
C.D. review June 2004

BOB DYLAN held centre stage and had progressed from acoustic folk to fully electronic rock music. Standing in his shadow was a young English singer sometimes harshly described as Britain’s answer to Dylan, his name was Donovan.

DONOVAN
April 1968 saw the release of a remarkable recording; it was the first double L.P. Box set with a full lyrics booklet to appear in the rock section rather than the classical section of record stores. The first disc was infectious pop for the flower power generation the second, gentle folk and blues for their children. This was Donovan’s 5th studio recording and is considered his finest hour, thanks to the supreme production by Mickie Most and fine session musicians many from jazz backgrounds. Donovan had previously worked with session musicians some of whom would soon go on to form super group Led Zeppelin! Disc one has notable tracks Ah Gosh a gentle jazz type tune with flute and organ, Little Boy In Corduroy, Wear Your Love Like Heaven, There Was A Time with its haunting harpsichord and Under The Greenwood Tree with lyrics by Shakespeare. The second disc for the children contains simpler delicate folk tunes mostly with acoustic guitar, flute or other gentle accompaniment. A beautifully constructed disc, filled with imagery and descriptions of the seaside, the charm of old friends, gypsies, starfishes and images of places visited hiding in Donovan’s memory. This is a recording worthy of another listen even if it is nearly 37 years since it was the embodiment of ‘The summer of love’.

TRIBUTE TO THE LADY by Sam Cooke

2006-03-27T21:40:00.000+10:30

TRIBUTE TO THE LADY by Sam Cooke
C.D. review June 2004

Billie Holiday’s life ended tragically early in July 1957, two years later a rising young star who had idolised ‘Lady Day’ since childhood recorded an album of her music, ‘She moved me the most, she was and still is the greatest that ever lived’ his name was Sam Cooke.

SAM COOKE
Sam Cooke was the originator of ‘Soul music’, one of the first black performers who kept a keen eye on the business side of music founding his own record label and publishing company. He appealed to both black and white audiences without loosing credibility and recorded some of the first black protest songs Chain Gang and A Change Is Going To Come. This recording used an all star band of 15 jazz musicians with additional strings and voices led by Benny Carter to cover many of Billie’s most notable numbers, including Duke Ellington’s Solitude and Gershwin’s They Can’t Take That Away From Me. Crazy She Calls Me is smooth and gentle with strings and woodwind caressing the vocals. The haunting Blue Moon, Gypsy, My Foolish Heart and When I Fall In Love are all given a smooth jazz feel. Sam Cooke had a natural talent and the ability to stamp his personality on classic Billie Holiday songs. Sadly he was also to die tragically young, shot in a Hollywood motel on 11th December 1964.
http://www.samcooke.com/
http://www.ultimatesamcooke.com/index.htm

TANTO TEMPO by Bebel Gilberto

2006-03-27T21:24:00.000+10:30

TANTO TEMPO by Bebel Gilberto
C.D. review May 2004

ASTRUD GILBERTO ‘Girl from Ipanema’, Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim will be forever linked to the sounds of the bossa nova. The daughter of Joao Gilberto and another pre-eminent Brazilian singer called Miucha is BEBEL GILBERTO.

BEBEL GILBERTO

Performing at Carnegie Hall at the age of just nine years old with her mother Miucha and legendary Stan Getz was only the start of her intensely personal cool and seductive bossa nova journey. Her summery style and mellow Portuguese and English lyrics are combined with some subtle electronic dance-club sounds. TANTO TEMPO meaning (So Long or so much time) was recorded in Brazil with noted producer Suba; it includes seven original Bebel compositions, giving a mix of Brazilian classics and new songs. Stand out tracks include Saba De Bencao a smooth mix of sax clarinet samples and drum loops. So Nice (summer samba) is wonderfully seductive and reminiscent of her step mother Astrud Gilberto. Bananeira by Gilberto Gil has the legendary Joao Donato on keyboards. Tanto Tempo has been reported as former U.S. president Bill Clinton’s favourite album, Bebel has been called Brazils answer to Sade, and she is both smooth and hot!
Also available is Tanto Tempo the Remixes.
http://www.bebelgilberto.com/home.html

2006-03-27T21:12:00.000+10:30

DUKE ELEGANT By Dr. John
C.D. review May 2004

Duke Ellington was born April 29th1899, to celebrate the centenary of his birth many of his recordings were re-released and a number of jazz tribute albums were produced. One of the most memorable was by Mack Rebenack A.K.A. Dr. John.

DR. JOHN
Dr. John is one of New Orleans best known musicians incorporating into his music, funk, Jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and a touch of R & B. The story goes that he gave up playing the guitar in the early 1960’s after a gun accident damaged his hand forcing him to play piano full time. He has always been influenced and inspired by the music of Duke Ellington and wanted to make his first recording on the prestigious Blue Note label a tribute to ‘The Duke’. They had only met once briefly in the late 1960’s when sitting across from each other in aisle seats on a flight to New Orleans. There are 12 tracks on Duke Elegant, 10 standards and 3 seldom heard ‘Duke’ Compositions. Stand Out tracks are: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore with its boogie-woogie piano and sax by Ronnie Cuber. Solitude a haunting ballad followed by the classic Satin Doll and the bluesy gospel rendition of Mood Indigo with its relaxed voice and piano. Caravan with its ultra cool Hammond B3 organ puts the ‘Doctors’ stamp on another of the ‘Dukes’ classic compositions. Flaming Sword one of the Ellington rarities has a graceful piano with a sexy funk New Orleans rhythm. Dr John has said ‘You want to know the ticket to immortality? Write a bunch of tunes that people keep on singing and playing.’
http://www.bluenote.com/

2006-03-27T21:04:00.000+10:30

LONELY STREET by Bap Kennedy
C.D. review May 2004

Van Morrison once had a backing singer called Brian Kennedy who went on to become an established recording artist in his own right. Brian’s brother has also recorded a number of successful albums and is called Bap Kennedy.

BAP KENNEDY
Bap Kennedy is a singer songwriter who has been influenced by two of his childhood heroes Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. ‘Lonely Street’ is dedicated to them and has a strong country rock feel, with all thirteen tracks written by Bap Kennedy. Solid backing from his band with the addition of well known names Herbie Flowers on bass and tuba and James Hunter on Harmonica and backing vocal produce great harmonies and add depth to the album. Do not be put off by the country label, this album fits well into the pop rock category, Bap is an excellent story teller as shown on Good Times On Franklin Road about Hank and Audrey Williams troubled marriage and Gladys And Vernon written about Elvis’s parents. Be Careful What You Wish For is a rocking warning about the pitfalls of fame and success .Other stand out tracks include Moonlight Kiss about Hank Williams last days with its haunting flute by Kieran Kiely. Almost Always Wrong has a catchy Tex Mex feel with Mariachi trumpets. Lonely Street and the gentle ballad Baby It’s Alright will remain in your head long after the music stops.
http://www.bapkennedy.com/

BEATING THE HEAT by Dan Hicks

2006-03-27T11:38:00.000+10:30

BEATING THE HEAT by Dan Hicks
C.D. review June 2004

The divine Bette Midler, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits and Rickie Lee Jones all came together to record and album with a musician from the Bay area of San Francisco called Dan Hicks.

DAN HICKS
Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks are originals; they take you on a journey through swing, jazz, folk and country with a wink and a dry sense of humour. ‘I can’t think of anyone who influenced me, except sort of subliminally or collectively, I’ve never tried to copy’ is how Dan describes his musical style. The opening track My Cello set you off on a happy journey as Dan sings ‘I’m as mellow as a cello’. Elvis Costello shares vocals and a scorching guitar on the rockabilly Meet Me On The Corner. A country feel on I’ll Tell You Why That Is when Tom Waits duets. Bettie Midler shares the stage on Strike It While It’s Hot a wonderful race down a hill with strings and a Stephane Grapelli sounding violin chasing each other. Driftin is a beautiful summery jazzy number; vocals are shared with Rickie Lee Jones and a haunting violin. This is one of those C.D.’s that you lend to a friend and never see again, it is fun, perfect for parties, try not to smile when you listen to The Piano has Been Drinking, Not Me.
http://www.danhicks.net/