DVD of the Day - "João Gilberto: São Paulo, Brazil 97"

DVD of the Day
João Gilberto: "São Paulo, Brazil, '97" (Monotone) 2009

Rickie Lee Jones live @ Berklee tonite!

ARE YOU IN THE BOSTON AREA and A RICKIE LEE JONES FAN? She's in concert at the Berklee Performance Center tonight, Sunday, December 6 at 7:00pm. Regularly priced tickets are $33 and $38. (800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/) BUT.. YOU CAN GET HALF PRICE TICKETS (don't make me do the math) if you go in person to Bostix - at their two locations: Faneuil Hall and Copley Square between 11:00am - 4:00pm (must be same day of show). So take that extra money you save and grab a bite to eat before the show and have a great night out!

Rickie Lee Jones has been making the headlines this week!
SPIN Magazine published a Q&A that quoted ‘Twilight’ Star Nikki Reed saying she would like to play Rickie Lee Jones if there is ever a film made about the star.

Who would you like to portray in a rock biopic?
“Rickie Lee Jones. Last year I went to see her at the Largo [in L.A.] on Valentine's Day by myself. She seems eccentric. She started telling stories about her childhood, and I was thinking, ‘Oh, maybe this is the night when she wants to make this a personal experience.’ But it turns out she does that all the time.”

On Monday, Joan Anderman of The Boston Globe in a review of Jones’ new CD "Balm In Gilead" wrote: “this music has healing properties: the beauty of its melodies and the wisdom of its words soothe the soul and remind us what a peculiar treasure Jones is, a fact too easily forgotten in the rush of passing fashions and the wake of the artist’s own pocked path.”

On Tuesday, Rickie Lee performed on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and O’Brien personally plugged the Boston show.

On Thursday, Ted Drozdowski of The Boston Phoenix reviewed her new CD, writing: “ . . . this beautiful disc needs only her sweet muted-trumpet voice and optimistic viewpoint to sail gracefully through its 10 songs, which range from the ’40s-style guitar chamber jazz of “The Moon Is Made of Gold” to the moaning, feedback-dappled hymn to transcendence that’s “His Jeweled Floor.”

On Friday, Milva DiDomizio of The Boston Globe noted: “Can it really be 30 years since singer-songwriter extraordinaire Rickie Lee Jones burst on the scene with an astonishing self-titled debut record and a top 10 hit? Decades may have passed, but “Chuck E’s In Love’’ is still fresh, and so is Jones.”

In addition she has received RAVE reviews of the new CD from The Los Angeles Times, Paste Magazine, The Guardian, Financial Times and many other publications.

Tonight’s show at Berklee Performance Center and $38 and $33 tickets are available today at half price [$19.00 & $16.50] at Bostix.
It’s a bonanza for those wanting a great show for an amazing deal.

Head down to Bostix today and then to the show is at 7 pm!!!
Bostix is located in the kiosks at Copley Square and at Faneuil Hall
11 AM – 4 PM
An Evening with Rickie Lee Jones
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of “Chuck E’s In Love”
Sunday, December 6
Berklee Performance Center, 7:00 pm

HT Productions presents “An Evening With Rickie Lee Jones” Sunday, December 6 at 7:00 P.M. at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. Tickets at $50 [golden circle], $38 and $33 [including Berklee Performance Center $1.00 restoration fee] are on sale now at the Berklee Performance Center box office, at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 800-745-3000. For more information, call: 617-747-2261. Berklee Performance Center is wheelchair accessible.

2009 marks the 30th anniversary of the dawn of Jones' storied recording career, which exploded in 1979 with her self-titled debut album and its top 10 hit, “Chuck E.'s in Love.”

Jones had an immediate impact on pop culture, enjoying the massive buzz of an indelible SNL appearance and an instantaneous Rolling Stone cover, all while winning a Grammy® for Best New Artist. Three decades' worth of acclaimed creative detours have ensued with both her singing and writing “voice” remaining, despite her pervasive and incalculable influence on two or three entire generations of singer/songwriters, among the most distinctive and instantly recognizable in music.

November 3, 2009 is also the release date of Jones’ newest CD: "Balm in Gilead," a collection of emotionally powerful, texturally rich and endearing songs, many of which have been 'incubating' with Jones over the last several decades.

"This record is unique because most of it was written over the last 20 years," she says. "All the other records, I've written in a year or two or three after finishing the previous one. This one has threads from many, many years. Some were just written recently, most were finished recently but started a long time ago. 'Wild girl', for example, which ended up being about my daughter, was started before "Flying Cowboys," and it was waiting all these years to finish. For me, the album feels close to a debut, because the only time you ever have to spend all these years writing a song is your first record, right?"

The songs flow easily through its roots and soul fabric; it reflects the lifetime work of a woman, whose very name is a genre. She's joined on the record by Ben Harper, Jon Brion, Vic Chesnutt, Bill Frisell, Victoria Williams and Alison Krauss among other highly talented friends.

While speaking with her friend David Tibet (Television) the two were waxing on the healing properties of the journey of music that she was finishing up. “It is like a balm,” she said, "even when the songs go to the darkest places. The feeling is: if there is a sun, I will watch it rise.” The inherent sorrow that leads to courage is left unspoken. The record is upbeat; the songs are accessible in a way Jones' recent work may not have been to everyone. While certainly each record is very different from the one before, they all share a raw emotion and powerful vocal identity. Jones' voice is better than it has been, maybe than it has ever been.

Jones intricately weaves a thread of disarming vulnerability through "Balm in Gilead"'s exquisite story-songs. The album's charms include the R&B flavored opener “Wild girl” which harkens back to the old Rickie Lee, with a mother's love--older and wiser, "The Gospel of Carlos, Norman and Smith (lololo)" which artfully widens the lens on society's racial injustice and its bottomless human ramifications; “Old Enough” (a duet with Ben Harper) is also classic Rickie Lee Jones, with its irresistible punchy horns that somehow miraculously transform pain to joy and the stunning “The Moon Is Made of Gold,” a star-dusted acoustic jazz gem, written by her father decades ago. The tune, with its gorgeously simple lyric and magical melody will be undoubtedly be covered and sung a hundred years from now. Other highlights include the emotionally raw and heartbreaking "Bonfires," the gorgeous ambient “His Jeweled Floor” on which she plays all the instruments except bass and accordion and the wild-dog howl of “Blue Ghazel.”

CD of the Day - "Anders Bergcrantz Quartet"

CD of the Day
"Anders Bergcrantz Quartet" (Dragon) 1997

Anders himself says that "In This Together," a studio date from 1995, remains as his personal favorite album in his discography. But I still prefer this electrifying acoustic CD, recorded live during a Swedish tour between October 3-11, 1996, for the Stockholm-based label Dragon.
It's interesting to note that Bergcrantz plays cornet in most of the album, except for two tracks on trumpet and one on flugelhorn (the haunting ballad "I Won Her Heart").
Besides creative originals like "C" and "Renfield," the quartet -- Richie Beirach (piano), Ron McClure (bass) & Adam Nussbaum (drums) -- offers adventurous readings of the standards "Stella By Starlight" (Victor Young) and "Footprints," the Miles Davis classic.
Bergcrantz is such a great musician that he is able to add new colors even to "Footprints." This man, one of the world's top 5 trumpeters in the contemporary jazz scene, does musical miracles!

Sunday Parties and House Scene Update

Today I would like to present you couple worthy Sunday parties and congratulate LA's favorite brothers The EC Twins and LA based and world famous house music DJ/Producer Dave Aude. Separate events united by massive success!

First things first, watch out for Paul Harris of Dirty Vegas @ MI-6 (West Hollywood) tonight. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=203467999617&ref=ts

Martin Sky had the pleasure to jam with the master, the twins, and Mike at HYDE this Thursday after the opening set for EC Twins that I did alongside with Mike Newman.

Check out the energy and expect it at MI-6)))

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?comments&v=225720518905

Another quality event is at Green Door (1429 Ivar Ave., next to Cabana Club, just below Sunset Blvd, CA 90028).

Proper sound, stunning ambiance, no door drama (VERY important thing!), and great DJ's always make one of the best parties in town. Steve Prior is headlining tonight. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189468513347

Martin Sky will be spinning there next week.)))

And another reason for this update is a massive success of The EC Twins remix of Andy Caldwell "Scream". LA's favorite brothers rushed to top 100 sales on Traxsource after just one day after the release. Current position is 69!)

http://www.traxsource.com/index.php?act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=43514&alias=upfront

Good job friends! If you like the song, please put it in your crate. DJ's.., this track has been tried and tested and really works the dancefloor!

Another name to mention is LA's own Dave Aude, this veteran of house music was nominated for Grammy's 2010 for his remix of "I Want You" by Dean Coleman Feat. Dcla. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIvMcrXUpMg

Congrats! LA is becoming a major city for house music with the effort of our talented DJs/Producers. Keep on rocking fellas.

"Do It Again" in Korea

YES24 - [음반]Deodato - Do It Again [Verve Jazz Club - Trends]
Deodato - Do It Again [Verve Jazz Club - Trends]. 정가: 14500원; 판매가: 9600원( 33% 할인); YES포인트: 100원 (1% 적립) + 마니아추가적립 안내 ...
Eumir Deodato's "Do It Again" compilation, produced by Arnaldo DeSouteiro for Verve Music Group, can be purchased by Korean fans through the above link.

HB, LM!

Happy Birthday, Lisa Marie!
And thx 4 "everything"...
It's easy to be a friend when everything's OK, but you have been there for me ALWAYS!

Luv u 4 ever,

Arnie

Single of the Day - "Tony Vestane: Romance e Balanço"

Single of the Day
Tony Vestane: "Romance e Balanço" (Musidisc)

Featuring the original recording of Luiz Claudio's hit "Deixa A Nega Gingar" (aka "Sandália Dela"), later covered by Flora Purim with Duke Pearson ("How Insensitive") and Stan Getz ("Major Generale").
Also includes "Depois do Carnaval," "Toma Lá, Dá Cá" and "Nós e o Mar."

Get the holiday spirit: DK's "Christmas Songs" today only for $2.99

Diana Krall Promo Campaign:
Get into the holiday spirit! Today only (December 4), DK's holiday album for Verve, "Christmas Songs", is available as a download at Amazon for $2.99. Get it here!

Jim Hershman, Jeff Hamilton & Bill Cunliffe live @ Steamers, Dec 4 & 5

TONITE & TOMORROW, DEC 4 & 5, 8:30P-1A $10
CALL 714-871-8800 TO RSVP!
JIM HERSHMAN/JEFF HAMILTON/BILL CUNLIFFE
"PARTNERS IN CRIME"

Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-871-8800

Jim Hershman's text about this project:

"Welcome! I am very excited about this project because I get to share the bill with two of my favorite musicians, Bill Cunliffe and Jeff Hamilton. For over ten years I had the honor of s.haring rhythm section duties with these fine gentlemen as part of the acclaimed Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Over the years the fun and joy of music making only got better, and we got to know each other's styles of playing on an intimate level.

Some years ago, Bill mentioned his interest in the Hammond B-3 organ and after a few initial performances the idea for this project began to germinate. It was hard to coordinate everyone in one city for rehearsals, however fax machines were always available for swapping tune ideas and arrangements back and forth. We decided that the bulk of the material should be our own compositions and added several standard tunes that we love to play on to the mix.

After much calendar consultation we found a block of days where we would all be in Los Angeles at the same time. Rehearsals were short, easy and full of laughter. Bill and I came in with arrangements and tunes. Jeff immediately put his personal stamp on the project with a lot of great ideas and in no time at all we had fifteen tunes ready to go.

We recorded this project in one day with all of us in one room for optimal listening and communication. Most of the tunes were done in one or two takes with no overdubbing or "fixing." There was little need to discuss the music. We simply played and let the interaction of the moment dictate the direction for us.

After much listening and discussion of various takes over several months, we settled on what we felt were the best twelve tunes we had. Kudos goes to our good friend Maurice Gainen for his great ears and fantastic work in the mastering process. He truly brought the sound quality up to an outstanding level.

Bill Cunliffe's mastery of the organ is apparent from the very first note and Jeff Hamilton proves yet again why he is one of the most sought after drummers working today. Rather than talk about the music itself, I'll simply invite you to take a listen and join us on our journey through this set."

JIM HERSHMAN'S "DECEMBER IN CALIFORNIA" GIGS

Dec 4th and 5th, 8pm and 10pm
"Partners in Crime" Organ Trio w/
Bill Cunliffe-organ and Jeff Hamilton-drums
Steamers Jazz Club, Fullerton

Dec. 6th, 2pm
"Partners in Crime" Organ Trio w/
Bill Cunliffe-organ and Jeff Hamilton-drums
Jazz at the "A" Frame SOLD OUT!

Dec. 7th, 8pm
Guitar-Piano Duo w/ Bill Cunliffe
South Pasadena Music Center

Dec. 8th, 8pm to 12pm
Trio w/ Chistoph Luty-bass and Dean Koba-drums
Spazio Restaurant in Sherman Oaks
**********
UPCOMING @ STEAMERS!
DEC 5 JIM HERSHMAN/JEFF HAMILTON/BILL CUNLIFFE
DEC 6-KEVIN KANNER'S STEAMERS JAZZ JAM
DEC 7- THE CHUCK TUMLINSON BIG BAND
DEC 8- THE CAL STATE FULLERTON JAZZ BANDS
DEC 9-AMI MOLINELLI AND THE BRAZILIAN JAZZ COLLECTIVE
DEC 10- HART AND SOUL W LLEW MATTHEWS/JENNIFER HART
DEC 11- THE TAMIR HENDELMAN TRIO
DEC 12- THE FRANK CANO LATIN JAZZ BAND
DEC 13- THE GRAMMY AWARD WINNING PONCHO SANCHEZ!
DEC 14- BILL STROUT'S BIG BAND 2000
DEC 15-THE CHRIS WILLIAMS SEXTET W/ EDMUND VELASCO
DEC 16- BRUCE BABAD AND FULLERTON COLLEGE JAZZ BANDS
DEC 17-EVAN STONE & THE TRANSLUCENT HAM SANDWICH BAND
DEC 18- BARBARA MORRISON
DEC 19- THE FRANCISCO AGUABELLA LATIN JAZZ BAND
DEC 20- THE GERALD CLAYTON TRIO
DEC 21- ROGER WOOD'S BIG NOYZ BIG BAND
DEC 22- PETER BUCK AND " BUCK'S VIBE"
DEC 23- ELAINE MILES
DEC 24- NO JAZZ - OPEN FOR FOOD UNTIL 6P
DEC 25- NO JAZZ- MERRY CHRISTMAS!
DEC 26- THE JENNIFER YORK QUARTET
DEC 27-KEVIN KANNER'S STEAMERS JAZZ JAM
DEC 28-THE MARK HIX BIG BAND
DEC 29- DEWEY ERNEY WITH THE RON ESCHETE TRIO
DEC 30-THE ANDY WADDELL QUINTET
DEC 31- LITTLE CHRIS AND THE NIGHTCRAWLERS

R.I.P.: Torrie Zito

(born October 12, 1933, Utica, NY, USA;
died December 3, 2009, NYC, NY)
If you would be allowed to evaluate Torrie Zito only based on a single arrangement, please give a listen to his fabulous, lush & ultrasophisticated score written in 1984 to Frank Sinatra's take of Gene DePaul/Sammy Cahn's masterpiece "Teach Me Tonight" for the "L.A. Is My Lady", a controversial label I adore. Btw, the filming of this recording can be watched on the fabulous video "Portrait of an Album," a behind-the-scenes documentary released on LaserDisc by MGM but, unfortunately, not yet reissued on DVD.
The sensational collaboration between Sinatra and Quincy Jones, who produced and conducted the "L.A. Is My Lady" sessions, also included superlative performances by such jazzmen as Lew Soloff, The Brecker Bros., Steve Gadd, Bob James, George Benson, Joe Newman, George Young, Ronnie Cuber, Sam Nestico, Joe Newman, Urbie Green, Lionel Hampton, Frank Foster and many other studio aces. Torrie Zito also co-wrote (with Quincy, David Matthews and Jerry Hey) the arrangement of the delightful pop-oriented title track.

Many years earlier, I had been introduced to Torrie Zito's artistry through my dear friend Richard Templar, who gave me a vinyl copy of Tony Bennett's "Life is Beautiful" album in the late 70s. That LP, arranged & conducted by Torrie (who, btw, was the brother of drummer Ronnie Zito), included Tony's versions of Francis Hime's "Minha" (All Mine) and Milton Nascimento's "Travessia" (Bridges).

Soon after, I became aware of Zito's personal and musical relationship with singer Helen Merrill, with whom he recorded a string of albums as a pianist, arranger and/or producer. Among them, my personal favorite is "Casa Forte," cut in 1980 in NY with Dom Um Romão on drums, George Mraz on bass, Rubens Bassini & Steve Kroon on percussion, Bucky Pizzarelli & Joe Beck on guitar, and Urbie Green on trombone, amongs others.
A very Brazilian-oriented project, "Casa Forte" includes Edu Lobo's wordless title track (which Merrill decided to record after having heard Flora Purim's take on "Stories To Tell"), Sergio Mendes' "So Many Stars," Dori Caymmi's "O Cantador" (Like A Lover, with the English lyrics penned by Marilyn & Alan Bergman), Milton Nascimento's "Vera Cruz", two songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim - "Wave" and "How Insensitive" - plus Michael Frank's tribute to Jobim, "Antonio's Song." It is NOT a coincidence that three songs ("Casa Forte", "Vera Cruz" and "O Cantador" had been recorded on Flora's "Stories To Tell" album for Milestone, one of the most influential vocal jazz albums ever, much to the dismay and despair of the disgusting "Brazilian music press." Argh...

Obituary: New York Times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torrie_Zito

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Torrie Zito (born October 12th, 1933 - died December 3rd, 2009) was an American pianist, music arranger and conductor. He worked with many recording artists of note, including Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, Perry Como, Billy Eckstine, Herbie Mann, Steve Lawrence, Edie Gorme, Bobby Short, Marvin Hamlish, Roberto Carlos, Sinead O'Conner, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Bobby Darin, Morgana King, Clay Aiken, Liza Minnelli, Morgana King, O.C. Smith, and Carly Simon.
Zito, however, is most widely known for his hugely popular work with John Lennon on the classic album Imagine, as string arranger.
A New York City resident, Torrie Zito was married to singer Helen Merrill, with whom he recorded several albums.
He has one daughter, Lisa Zito, from his first marriage.
External links
Interview on JazzProfessional.com
Torrie Zito - All Music Guide entry
Torrie Zito interview

R.I.P.: José Santa Roza

Regarded as one of the best bass player in Rio de Janeiro's crowded music scene, José Santa Roza died yesterday, December 3, 2009.
Also active as producer and arranger, he recorded and/or played with such artists as Marcio Montarroyos, Ricardo Silveira, Victor Biglione, Idriss Boudrioua, João Nogueira, Paulo César Pinheiro, Silvio César, Leo Jaime, Amy Duncan and many others.
In the early 2000s, he took part of J.T. Meirelles' Copa 5 group, which had been reformed by the saxophonist and performed at the "TIM Festival 2003" released on DVD by the Som Livre label. Santa Roza also recorded many soundtracks for Brazil's Globo TV network.
Currently, besides active as co-leader of the JANS quartet (alongside Jorge Roberto, Nilton Valle and Anderson Moraes), he was a member of the groups led by trumpeter Guilherme Dias Gomes, pianists Philippe Baden Powell and Charles Rio, and guitarist Ary Piassarollo.

Xiayin Wang in concert @ Jordan Hall, Jan 15

Palomino Entertainment Group will present the brilliant young pianist Xiayin Wang in Concert on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 8:00 PM at Boston’s esteemed Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory of Music, 290 Huntington Avenue. Tickets priced at $25, $20 and $15 go on sale on Friday, December 4 at the Jordan Hall Box Office [30 Gainsborough Street, Boston], on line at www.tix.com or by calling 800-595-4849 [800-595-4TIX]. Student and seniors with identification may purchase tickets for $10 at the Jordan Hall Box Office only. For more information and box office hours, call Jordan Hall Box office at 617-585-1260. Jordan Hall is wheelchair accessible.

Steinway Artist Xiayin Wang is an impressively young and brilliant pianist who has played herself all the way from China to New York City. She has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, rallying raving reviews as she goes.

Ms. Wang has released three recordings. Her latest CD released in May 2009 is a solo album for the Naxos label, Scriabin: Piano Music, Poems, Waltzes, Dances. The release features the great Russian composer Alexander Scriabin in a range of works from his early Chopinesque period to such later compositions as “Vers la Flamme,” Op. 72 and Deux Danses, Op. 73.

With each performance, the flawless marriage of her passion and technical skill takes audiences to another world. She instills within them a redefined appreciation for the beauty of music by inviting them to take an adventure with her through classical compositions.

27-year-old Xiayin Wang [pronounced Sha-een Wong] is from Shanghai, China, the daughter of a traditional Chinese doctor [her mother] and a well-known musician father. Wang’s father plays the erhu, a two-stringed Chinese violin which can be traced back to instruments introduced in China more than a thousand years ago. Her father has performed widely and Xiayin considers him a role model, drawing inspiration from his elegance of performing. She started playing the piano at age 5 after taking an interest in the instrument during a kindergarten music class.

“After the class was over I would always go to the piano and try to imitate what the teacher played,” Xiayin states. Her teacher suggested that Wang’s parents enroll the girl in piano classes and from then on, her musicianship developed quickly.

By the time Wang had completed studies at the Shanghai Conservatory, she’d garnered an enviable record of first prize awards and special honors for her performances throughout China. Soon she was performing with many of China’s leading orchestras and in the country’s most prestigious concert halls.

Subsequently, Wang went to New York in 1997 and in 2000 was awarded the “Certificate of Achievement” by the Associated Music Teacher League of New York, winning an opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall. She also pursued studies at the Manhattan School of Music and won the school’s Eisenberg Concerto Competition in 2002, as well as the Roy M. Rubinstein Award. Xiayin now holds Bachelor of Music, Master of Music and Professional Studies degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and is also a doctoral candidate.

This past May, Ms. Wang presented a concert at the new Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. Included in her program was the world premiere of “Enchanted Garden,” Preludes Book II by noted composer, Richard Danielpour. (Book I was premiered by Christopher O'Riley on July 4, 1992 at the Aspen Music Festival). In December 2009, Ms. Wang will record both Preludes Book I & II for Naxos. She has been invited back to the Smithsonian Institution where she will also present the Washington D.C. premiere of the work in March 2010, as part of their Meyer Concert Series.

Other highlights include Ms. Wang’s performance of the Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major with the Manhattan Chamber Players in New York under the direction of the estimable conductor Eduard Zilberkant.

Ms. Wang has also performed previously in recital and as soloist in California, Washington, New Mexico, New Jersey and Florida, notably at the Naples Philharmonic Hall in Florida and as featured soloist with the Miami Pops Orchestra.

The 2009-2010 season is highlighted by engagements with Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic, as well as performances in Connecticut, Virginia and Michigan, tours of North and South Carolina and the Hawaiian Islands, her January Boston debut at Jordan Hall and a performance at Nichols Hall at the Music Institute of Chicago.

Last summer, Ms Wang was heard in recital at Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts where she presented a formidable program featuring Prokofiev’s Sarcasms, Op. 17, three sonatas by Scarlatti, Scriabin’s Fantaisie in B minor, Op. 28, Piazolla’s Adios Nonino; the Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor and Ravel’s La Valse.

She also appeared at the Caramoor Festival in Katonah, New York. Reviewing her recital at the Freer Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. in June 2008, David Ginsberg wrote in The Washington Post, “The five steely movements of Prokofiev’s Sarcasms, Op. 4, were unfailingly incisive and vital. Scriabin’s Fantasie in B Minor, Op. 28, was a luscious wash of color, infused with big swirls of sound. Her soon-to-be-released recording of the composer’s music on the Naxos label should be a dandy.”

In New York, Ms. Wang was presented in recital as part of the Prestige Series at the International Keyboard Institute and Festival at Mannes College of Music in New York. In April 2007, she made her orchestral debut at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium performing the Schumann Piano Concerto and Ravel’s Concerto in G Major with the City Symphony under conductor George Manahan. Reviewing her May 2006 recital at Alice Tully Hall, longtime music critic Fred Kirshnit of The New York Sun praised Ms. Wang for her “robust, confident performance.”

Xchange Winter Party featuring Live Music Showcase

(Liz Ottinger)

Xchange Winter Party Featuring Live Music Showcase
Saturday, December 5, at 7pm
@ Artist Space L.A,. 650 S Clarence St,
Los Angeles,CA US

Emese Simon International, Bushido Entertainment, Robert Jay Merrill Productions, GK Entertainment and DNA Brothers Ent. will be hosting the hottest winter party and showcase in Southern California. This is the place where filmmakers and musicians meet.

Special Guest performances by Interscope recording artists.

Ticket Information:
General Admission: $20.00
VIP Admission: $100.00 ( includes priority seating, exclusive bar access, concierge, and event gift bag)

Tix are available at the door and in advance. For information email xchange@emesesimon.com or call 323-475-2279.

Hosts: Gena Vazquez, Gabi Kochlani, Emese Simon, Rob Merrill, Dustin "DTox" Martin, and Darryl "dsherm" Sherman.

Spiritual Events this next week in the LA area

S.F.V./GLENDALE/BURBANK
https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Glendale_Burbank.html

* Loves to Dance!
* Handmade for All Gift Boutique
* Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) Training with Lauren Serna
* Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) Advanced Training with Lauren Serna
* Introduction to Hypnosis with Aimee Shea
* Reiki Share with Lauren Serna
* Introduction to Hypnosis for Weight Loss with Aimee Shea
* Meditation with the Angels
* Meditation with the Angels
____________________________________
HOLLYWOOD
https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Hollywood.html

* Free to Love, Free to Heal
__________________________________
LOS ANGELES
https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Los_Angeles.html

* Mediumship Development Circle Open Night
* Jewlery Wrapping Class
* Council of 12 Channeling with Selacia
* Kirtan in the Canyon
* Reiki Clinic
* An Introduction To Super Foods
* Passion. Purpose. Profit. Reinvent Yourself: Turn Your Passion into Profit.
* Crystal Healing 1A
* Qigong with Dao Yin and Taoist Stretching : 3 Levels per this 15 Week Series
* Theta Manifestation Meditation
* The Work of Byron Katie C/o Byron Katie Certified Facilitator Hanna Levinson
* "Code of the King" Book Signing & "Writing the Mystical Thriller" Workshop w/ Jeri Castronova
* Free to Love, Free to Heal
* Victorian Glass Seance
___________________________________
PASADENA
https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Pasadena.html

* Seance / Communication Circle
* Wellness Boutique Holiday Open House
__________________________________
SANTA CLARITA
https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Santa_Clarita.html

* Level One Reiki Class
* Usui Reiki Master Class
__________________________________________________________
OUTSIDE LA
https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Outside_LA.html

* Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio
* Book Signing w/ Ruth Gould-Goodman
* Workshop & Book Signing w/ Linda Mcnabb
* Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio
* Workshop w/ Brian Schulman "Four Agreements"
* Book Signing/Workshop w/ Ling Bundgaard & Ho Wing "Lateral Approach" Book Series
* Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio
* Free Workshop/Lecture w/ Ronnie Kovach 'The Resilience of the Human Heart'
* workshop about The Faerie Realm

DVD of the Month - "Diana Krall: Live in Rio Special Edition"

DVD of the Month
Diana Krall: "Live in Rio" Special Edition (2-Disc Set, Eagle Vision/ST2)
This special edition of "Live in Rio" (with 207 minutes) includes features not only the complete material from the standard DVD, as well as a second disc with extra live tracks filmed in Canada, Spain and Portugal, plus the "Rooftop Sessions" (filmed at the Fasano Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, featuring Brazilian bossa nova master Carlos Lyra singing "Corcovado" and "Garota de Ipanema", with legendary producer Tommy LiPuma in the "audience") which were previously available only on the Blu-ray release and on the Japanese issue of the standard DVD. The promotional film for the "Quiet Nights" song completes the second disc.

(Anthony Wilson, Jeff Hamilton, DK & Carlos Lyra during "The Rooftop Sessions")

Arranged by Claus Ogerman, Conducted by Ruriá Duprat
Featuring: John Clayton (acoustic bass), Jeff Hamilton (drums), Paulinho da Costa (congas & percussion) and Anthony Wilson (acoustic & electric guitars).

For the first time ever, here's the complete list of the musicians (all of them uncredited in the DVD booklet, unfortunately, because they did a great job) who took part of the orchestra magnificently conducted by Ruriá Duprat:

First Violins
Ana de Oliveira
Carla Rincón
Daniel Albuquerque
Dhyan Tóffolo
Felipe Prazeres (concertmaster)
Fernando Pereira
Gustavo Menezes
Vinicius Amaral

Second Violins

Carlos Mendes
Flávio Gomes
Her Agapito
Marcus Rodrigues
Ricardo Amado
Ricardo Menezes
Rodrigo Rosa

Violas

Daniel Prazeres
Fernando Thebaldi
Ivan Zandonade
José Taboada

Cellos

Diana Lacerda
Hugo Pilger
Marcio Malard
Marcus Ribeiro

Arco Bass
Tony Botelho
Voila Marques

Flutes

Marcelo Bonfim
Murilo Barquette
Luis Cuevas
Sammy Fuks

French Horns

Philip Doyle
Francisco Soares
Josué Silva
Ismael Oliveira

Vibraphone

Rodolfo Cardoso

Tuba

Fernando Zanetti

Track Listing:
Disc 1:
1.) I Love Being Here With You
2.) Let's Fall In Love
3.) Where Or When
4.) Too Marvelous For Words
5.) I've Grown Accustomed To His Face
6.) Walk On By
7.) Frim Fram Sauce
8.) Cheek To Cheek
9.) You're My Thrill
10.) Let's Face The Music And Dance
11.) Every Time We Say Goodbye
12.) So Nice
13.) Quiet Nights
14.) Este Seu Olhar
15.) The Boy From Ipanema
16.) I Don't Know Enough About You
17.) S'Wonderful
18.) Exactly Like You

Extras:

Conversations (interviews with the musicians about the "Quiet Nights" sessions)

Promotional clip for "The Boy from Ipanema"

Disc 2:
Canada - Solo Concert @ Toronto Becel Benefit Performance
1.) Where Or When
2.) Exactly Like You
3.) Walk On By
4.) Deed I Do
5.) Quiet Nights
6.) Frim Fram Sauce (a delightful version!)
7.) A Case Of You
8.) I Don't Know Enough About You

Madrid, Spain (quartet performances with Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins & Anthony Wilson)
1.) Deed I Do (with a nice solo by Riggins)
2.) So Nice
3.) P.S. I Love You (a haunting solo version of the 1934 tune co-written by Gordon Jenkins & Johnny Mercer; oh Diana, please record Jenkins' "Goodbye" someday!)

Lisbon, Portugal (filmed at the Pestana Palace Hotel)
1.) Walk On By
2.) Este Seu Olhar

The Rooftop Sessions (filmed in Rio at the Fasano Hotel)
1.) The Boy From Ipanema
2.) Too Marvelous For Words
3.) Cheek To Cheek
4.) Quiet Nights

Promotional Film for the "Quiet Nights" song, filmed in Rio's Botanic Garden

Reissue of the Month - Gary Bartz: "The Shadow Do!"

CD Reissue of the Month
Gary Bartz: "The Shadow Do!" (Prestige) 1975/2009

Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men?... The Shadow Do!
First ever CD reissue of one of Gary's best sessions for Prestige in the mid 70s, now available in Japan by Universal on the "Prestige Sixtieth Anniversary" series.
Featuring: Hubert Eaves, Reggie Lucas, the incredibly underrated bassist Michael Henderson (fresh from his stint with Miles Davis), Mtume, Howard King and the Mizell Brothers.
Bartz, himself a former Miles sideman, is heard on alto & soprano saxophones, synthesizers and lead & background vocals.
Produced by Larry and Fonce Mizell, who also worked in one of my favorite Johnny Hammond albums, "Gambler's Life," released on CTI's subsidiary Salvation label.

Here in the USA the CD can be ordered through DustyGroove:
http://www.dustygroove.com/browse.php?kwfilter=%22Shadow+Do%22&incl_oos=1&incl_cs=1

That's what they say about "The Shadow Do!":
"A key early pairing of saxophonist Gary Bartz and producer Larry Mizell -- working here together before their more famous collaboration on Capitol Records, in a sound that's even more freewheeling and open-ended! Bartz still has a bit of an edge in his horn here -- the style laid down heavily on his NTU Troop records from a few years before -- and Mizell takes that edge and runs with it nicely, helping Gary to focus his rhythms a bit more, and reach out with some really wonderful electric sounds. Hubert Eaves plays keyboards here -- and Mizell brings in a bit too -- and the blend of keys and reeds is really great, with that double-edged depth that makes Gary Bartz so great on his best albums! A bunch of the cuts have that airy Mizell feel to them we totally love, including "Love Tones", "Gentle Smiles (Saxy)", "Sea Gypsy", and "Winding Roads"."

Vinyl of the Month - Diana Krall: "Christmas Songs"

Vinyl LP of the Month
Diana Krall: "Christmas Songs" (Verve/Classic)

Remastered 150 Gram "white color" vinyl LP with 12 tracks.
Extremely limited edition, manufactured by Classic Records.
Mastered from the original half-inch analog masters by Bernie Grundman.
Diana Krall sings like she truly loves the holidays and holiday songs. On this beautiful production by Tommy LiPuma and Al Schmitt, Diana is accompanied by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on such holiday standards as "Jingle Bells," "Let It Snow," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland" (oh boy, how I love Hank Crawford's version!) and Mel Tormé's "The Christmas Song" (also beautifully recorded by another sax giant, Roland Kirk).
Krall swings like nobody's business on what will likely be the best holiday jazz record of the season. What makes this album (recorded in 2005) truly special is the fact that it holds up as both a Christmas album and as a jazz record. It's perfect for chestnut-roasting weather, but you could also see spinning it in mid-July just for kicks. It's not mere hyperbole to say that this record sounded like an instant classic.

SHM-CD of the Month: "Deodato: Prelude"

SHM-CD of the Month
Eumir Deodato: "Prelude" (CTI) 2009

Produced by Creed Taylor
Recorded, Mixed & Remastered by Rudy Van Gelder
Liner Notes: Arnaldo DeSouteiro
Cover Photo: Pete Turner
Liner Photo: Duane Michals
Album Design: Bob Ciano

For more details, please check:
http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2009/11/cti-rvg-shm-cd-series-out-today.html
***********
Arnaldo DeSouteiro's notes:

Richard Strauss never achieved greater heights spiritually in music than he did in “Also Sprach Zarathustra.” He began this work in February 1896 and finished it six months later. In this magnificent work, Strauss, at the age of 32, took his inspiration from the book of a great philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900). However, Strauss once declared that he never had the intention to write “philosophical music,” trying only to convey musically “the idea of the development of the human race, from its origin, through the various phases of evolution, religious as well as scientific, up to Nietzsche’s idea of the superman.”

Well, it took over 80 years to transform “Also Sprach Zarathustra” in a mega pop-hit, thanks to the brilliant adaptation of Eumir Deodato. Acting as a true “superman,” the great Brazilian arranger, then 31 years old, made Strauss’ symphonic poem famous all over the world. Actually, in the Spring of 1973, Deodato instantly became a household name with his unique version of the Strauss theme used as the main theme from Stanley Kubrick’s 1969 film “2001: A Space Odissey.”

“Prelude,” Deodato’s debut album as a leader in the USA, followed the worldwide success of the “2001” single (which reached #2 in the Billboard pop chart, below Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly”), climbed to the top of the jazz and pop charts, and became a million seller in America. Deodato got rave reviews and by the end of 1973 his awards for “Prelude” and “2001” included: Top Instrumental Album, Top Jazz Album and Top Instrumental Single in “Billboard”; Top Instrumentalist for Albums in “Cashbox”; Top New Instrumentalist and Top Singles Instrumentalist in “Record World”; and Top Orchestra Album in “Playboy”. The following year, a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental, for “2001”, plus a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, confirmed the monumental acclaim.

“Actually, when Creed Taylor convinced me to record my own version of “2001”, I had already listen to at least over ten pop adaptations of Strauss’ theme,” Deodato explains. “But for me they were all very boring, with no creativity at all. It had always intrigued me how Strauss had developed the melody. I remembered of a tune I had written a long time ago, actually when I was 15, it was a “baião” in C Major that worked against Strauss’ melody pretty well. I took my old tune as a countermelody and, as soon as I put both of them together, I found that I had something interesting to work with.”

Interviewed by Leonard Feather for the April 16, 1973 issue of DownBeat, Deodato provided more details: “That was Creed Taylor’s suggestion, among other tunes he had suggested – “Prelude” and some others – I knew the piece already for quite a while. The melody always intrigued me... I had the score of the original Strauss version, and I restructured it. The way he put the chords together it always sounded weak. It doesn’t have the depth, because he was following that traditional orchestra distribution at that time; they didn’t have the facilities – they also didn’t have Rudy Van Gelder! He made the whole difference.”

CTI’s producer Creed Taylor always liked to include classical pieces in his albums, since his days at Verve and at A&M. “Creed also suggested me to include Holst’s “Planets” as well as one of the movements from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”, but both ideas seemed very complicated. However, the idea to adapt Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” worked pretty well, and Creed liked it to the point he decided to use it as the title track for the album,” explains Deodato.

Although unknown to the pop world at the time “2001” exploded in the airwaves, Deodato was far from being a newcomer. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 22, 1942, he started his career during the bossa nova era. The opportunity to move to the USA came in 1967, through master guitarist Luiz Bonfá, who not only paid Deodato’s ticket to NY, as well as he provided him with enough work so as to allow him a minimum income in his first year in the New York City. In June 1967, during a session for Astrud Gilberto’s “Beach Samba” album, Deodato completed and recorded five arrangements in six hours, something which attracted the attention of the album’s producer, Creed Taylor.

Some months later, Creed invited Deodato to score some tracks on Wes Montgomery’s album, “Down Here on the Ground”. After that, the eclectic Brazilian arranger/keyboardist/composer worked several times for Creed Taylor, on albums led by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Walter Wanderley, Milton Nascimento, Paul Desmond (on whose “Summertime” album Deodato did a rare studio date playing acoustic guitar!), Stanley Turrentine, and as a member of the CTI All Stars group.

Between 1969 and 1972, Deodato also arranged for such industry heavyweights as Frank Sinatra, Roberta Flack and Aretha Franklin. So, by the time Creed Taylor offered him the chance to cut his first solo album for CTI, Deodato was already a mature artist. Plus: it was all this diverse experience in varied musical fields that gave him a unique ability to fuse his Brazilian roots with jazz, pop, rock and classical elements. It was the key formula to the “2001” success and what you hear throughout “Prelude”.

“Also Sprach Zarathustra” (2001) – “When I started working on this piece, I found it was in the key of C. That old melody I had written when I was 15 years old, and that I used as a counterpoint, was by coincidence in C too. Then, I asked Ron Carter to bring to the session that bass which has the extra string in C,” tells Deodato. “Everything seemed to fit perfectly and we did a good first take. I insisted to do a second take, but we didn’t achieve the spontaneous feeling of the first one. When releasing the single, Creed shortened the track from nine to five minutes, and boom!”

“Spirit of Summer” – This very beautiful ballad was written by Deodato in 1968 to take part in a Song Contest named the Third International Song Festival, which took place in Rio de Janeiro. Deodato’s first recording appeared on an album he recorded in early 1972 for the London/Odeon label in Brazil, “Percepção”. This studio version for CTI features solos by Jay Berliner (on a Spanish-tinged acoustic guitar phrasing) and Hubert Laws on flute, with Deodato playing acoustic piano and making sumptuous use of the two French horns to introduce the haunting melody. Later on, Deodato did a live version included on the “Deodato/Airto In Concert” album, and the tune was covered by the vocal group The Emotions on their “Sunbeam” album. Since 2005, “Spirit of Summer” has been performed all over the world by Brazilian singer Ithamara Koorax in all her concerts with symphony orchestras.

“Carly & Carole” – Titled in homage to Carly Simon & Carole King, this song had been previously recorded by Deodato on the “Os Catedráticos 73” album, the last one he recorded in Brazil before signing with CTI, but released only after the big success of “2001.” This version recorded at Van Gelder’s studio only with the rhythm section (Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Ray Barretto) plus Hubert Laws on flute, was also a first-take, featuring one of Deodato’s best solos ever on a Fender Rhodes electric piano.

“Baubles, Bangles and Beads” – Another fantastic track by the legendary team of “operetta” composers Robert Whright & George Forrest, who adapted the melody from a classical piece by Russian composer Alexander Borodin. Frank Sinatra made it a pop standard on the “Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim” album in 1967. Deodato’s arrangement doesn’t make use of the bossa nova beat adopted by Claus Ogerman’s score for Sinatra, opting for a funky-rock-pop treatment based on an infectious beat propelled by Ron Carter (his only track on this album playing electric bass!) and Billy Cobham. The mellifluous solos are by Deodato and John Tropea.

“Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun” – Inspired by a Malarmé poem, Claude Debussy, the great master of the French Impressionism, wrote this landmark work. Deodato adapted it in a very sophisticated way, mixing acoustic and electric pianos, giving the solo spot to his old friends Marvin Stamm on trumpet and Hubert Laws on flute, as well as featuring Ron Carter’s gorgeous and warm sound on the acoustic bass. The writing for the strings section is also noteworthy, very subtle and effective.

“September 13” – “Well, during the break Billy Cobham was sitting at the drums, doing this nice beat…I told him, “This sounds nice, why don’t we play something to it?” Then I told the bass player and John Tropea the guitarist, “Let’s do something in A Minor…” So I told Rudy to go ahead and record it. I took the tape home and listened to it carefully, the drum breaks, number of bars etc. and came up with the melody. So when you hear it, the drums cue the melody every time. And since we couldn’t come up with any other title, I suggested September 13, the date of the session,” Deodato told DownBeat during that 1973 interview.

Deodato’s version of “2001” has recently found its way into the repertoire of the rock band Phish. For sure, Deodato’s take on Strauss’ will continue to be heard loud and clear across all lands during the new millenium.
- Arnaldo DeSouteiro, 2009
**************
発売元：キングレコード　規格番号：ＫＩＣＪ－９８５０４　新品未開封

●高音質SHM-CD仕様

発送はヤマト運輸のメール便￥１６０を予定しています。

●ジャズ、クラシック、ロックが渾然一体となった究極の快感サウンド。ＣＴＩの代名詞とも言えるこの一枚が天才プロデューサー、クリード・テイラーとルディ・ヴァン・ゲルダーが37年の時を経て命を吹き込む。

【収録曲】
①ツァラトゥストラはかく語りき
②スピリット・オブ・サマー
③カーリーとキャロル
④輝く腕輪とビーズ玉
⑤牧神の午後への前奏曲
⑥セプテンバー13

[参加メンバー]
デオダート (p, el-p)、ジョン・トロペイ(g)、ジェイ・バーリナー(g)、ヒューバート・ロウズ(fl)、マービン・スタン(tp)、ロン・カーター(b)、スタンリー・クラーク(el-b)、ビリー・コブハム(ds)、アイアート・モレイラ(perc)、レイ・バレット(perc)他 ホーン＆ストリングス・セッション 編曲、指揮：テオダート
＜1972年9月ヴァン・ゲルダー・スタジオ録音＞
■プロデュース：クリード・テイラー　■エンジニア：ルディ・ヴァン・ゲルダー
＜2009年リマスタリング＞
■プロデュース：クリード・テイラー　■エンジニア：ルディ・ヴァン・ゲルダー

★SHM-CDの品質・音質特性
●通常のCD素材とは別種のポリカーボネート樹脂系で透明性を向上、さらに優れた信号特性を兼ね備えております。
●高流動性、高転写性により、ピットが正確で精密に形成されます。
●従来のCDに比べ、歪度の少ない、透明感の高い音質。
●解像度が大幅に向上したことにより、よりバランスのとれた音質を実現。
●従来ありがちだった、低域の量感不足も解消。

Vocal CD of the Month - "Anna Mjoll: Shadow of Your Smile"

Vocal CD of the Month

Anna Mjöll: "Shadow of Your Smile" (Tónaljón Records) 2009

Someone recently referred to Anna's new CD, recorded in California and mixed in Reykjavik, as "a must have by the sweetest woman and singer this side of Iceland!"
I must add: a must have by the sweetest voice in the current jazz scene. Period.

"Shadow..." features the LA-based Icelandic jazz diva surrounded by an all-star band led by her lucky arranger/producer/guitarist Ólafur Gaukur: drummers Vinnie Colaiuta (the current drummer's drummer all over the world) & John "JR" Robinson (Quincy Jones' favorite drummer ever, with Michael Jackson's "Thriller" on his impressive discography), bassists Dave Carpenter & Neil Stubenhaus, keyboardist Don Grusin and percussionist Luis Conte, whom I first met when he was playing on Madonna's "Blond Ambition" tour. In some tracks - "I Get A Kick Out of You", "C'est Si Bon" and "Fever" -, such dream-team is joined by a horn section comprised of Gary Grant (trumpet), Ray Herman (saxophones) and Arturo Velasco (trombone).

After repeated listenings, "Shadow..." evokes me memories of Peggy Lee, Astrud Gilberto and specially Blossom Dearie. Actually, sometimes, Anna sounds like the missing link between Bjork and the late Dearie. Of course I'm not talking (nor I wasn't thinking) about Bjork's screams in the heavy techno aesthetic, but referring to her gentle and creative reading of "Like Someone In Love" from her "Debut" album. Anyway, despite all these mentioned references echoing on my mind, Anna Mjoll sounds like her own woman, capable to enchant and fascinate the listener with highly personal interpretations of top-class songs. Because there's a "cry" on her voice. Like on Hendrix's guitar or Parker's alto. A "cry" that makes the whole difference between her and dozens of other "traditional" jazz female singers with silky voices but no creativity.

The first test is the dazzling opening track, a groovy take on Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out of You." Propelled by Stubbenhaus's pumping electric bass and Robinson's infallible drums, Anna performs the miracle of making the great (but too much often recorded in predictable ways) standard sound fresh and with a new glamour, perpetuating the best performance I've heard since Helen Merrill's version. The rhythm section changes on Johnny Mandel's classic "The Shadow of Your Smile," but once again Anna's approach is unique and amazing, intertwined with Ólafur Gaukur's 12-string acoustic guitar a la Luiz Bonfa.

She knows how to caress a melody and seduce the listener, like happens throughout the album. Another highlight, "Fever," firstly made famous by Peggy Lee and later revived by Madonna, is a singing lesson in the sense of how to make each and every word sound with the proper impact and feeling. Dave Carpenter is on the acoustic bass, reminding me of Bebeto Castilho's recording with Norma Bengell that became a dancefloor hit in Europe in the acid-jazz scene of the 90s.

Don Grusin's piano floats in perfect empathy with Anna's milky vocals on Burt Bacharach's "The Look of Love." Don't lose your time trying to compare her with Dionne Warwick or Diana Krall. Mjoll's once again sounds ultra-peculiar.

A latin-tinged arrangement of the French classic "C'est Si Bon" follows, featuring the horn section and Conte on percussion. Anna's sounds, to use French words, "coquette et sensuel." A beautiful original by Gaukur, "Saman Bú Og Ég" (the composer solos on the electric guitar while backing himself on the 12-string acoustic guitar), and two Antonio Carlos Jobim tunes complete the repertoire. Instead of treating "How Insensitive" ("Insensatez" with Norman Gimbel's English lyrics) as a slow bossa-ballad, as everybody usually does, Anna makes it more danceable, adding a new latin spice accentuated by Conte's bongos. The arangements includes a lovely guitar-wordless vocal solo section. Her phrasing would make Jobim proud.

A surprising mood also envolves "Água de Beber," sung in Portuguese, with keyboard and guitar solos. Both Jobim songs, plus the title track, also appear as bonus tracks on Icelandic versions written by the multi-talented Gaukur.

"Shadow of Your Smile" is by far one of the best vocal jazz releases of 2009. Gifted with an abysmal potential, no one can accuse Anna Mjoll's of musical compliance. This gorgeous girl (all the great booklet pics were shot on location in Iceland by Ess) knows how to take chances.

Live CD of the Month - "The Monterey Quartet"

Live CD of the Month
The Monterey Quartet: "Live at the 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival" (MJF/Concord) 2009

"The Monterey Quartet" is a historic summit of four of today's top jazzmen together on one project for the very first time!
Their live performance on September 22, 2007 at the Monterey Jazz Festival, in a concert produced by Tim Jackson, was mesmerizing and the talk of the festival; now it is available on CD.
Highlights: "Minotaur," "Otra Mirada," "Step To It," "Veil of Tears" and "Ask Me Why."
The booklet includes excellent liner notes by The Seattle Times jazz columnist Paul de Barros, also a regular contributor to DownBeat and the hero who is writing the biography of pianist Marian McPartland for St. Martin's Press.
Dave Holland: The English bassist who came to prominence as a member of Miles Davis' group during the revolutionary "Bitches Brews" years, and now is also recognized as a great composer and band leader, often topping the DownBeat Polls.
Gonzalo Rubalcaba: One of the most important figures to emerge from modern afro-cuban jazz, with whom I had the honor to work in some recording sessions. An extraordinarily versatile pianist able to blend Cuban and American jazz traditions into a fresh, modern whole.
Chris Potter: One of today's most sophisticated and respected tenor saxophone stylists.
Eric Holland: A drummer extraordinaire who has become a first-call player; his collaborations represent a virtual who's who of modern jazz.
A CD destined to make our "best of 2009" list.

Permalink to watch the complete live performance of the opening track, Eric Harland's "Treachery":
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/mVLV0TM4VSO92

Studio CD of the Month - "Marc Copland: Alone"

CD of the Month
Marc Copland: "Alone" (Pirouet) 2009

I love Herbie Hancock. For me, he's one of the best keyboardists in jazz history. We've been friends for almost four decades, since the mid-70s. But, when I got his tribute album to Joni Mitchell, "River - The Joni Mitchell Letters", I became very disappointed. Although it got even a Grammy, I think it's one of the less interesting albums Herbie ever made. Frankly speaking, it's the most boring album Herbie did on his entire (and brilliant) recording career.

I love Marc Copland. For me, he's one of the best pianists in jazz history, an underrated artist (at least in the USA market, since he records prolifically in Europe) who's in the same creative level of Keith Jarrett and Ahmad Jamal, all with particular and peculiar musical styles. We've been friends for twenty years, since we first met in NY in 1989. But when I got his newest album, "Alone," and read both the tracklist and the press-release, and saw it included three Joni Mitchell's tunes, I felt scared to feel the same disappointement generated by Hancock's "River." I said to myself: here comes River's vol. 2...

No way. My intuition was completely wrong. Not only the album is another masterpiece on Marc's career (only Jarrett and Jamal have been also able to release so many successive wondrous albums in the last decades), as it also includes the best jazz takes on Joni Mitchell's tunes ever.

But there's much more. Copland's reading of "Soul Eyes," the opening track, alone would be enough to place him as the best pianist of the year. His 7-minute dive into Mal Waldron's gorgeously contemplative ballad is a musical lesson that seems to come from another dimension, not from an human being. I knew Mal and, for coincidence, produced the first ever recording of "Soul Eyes" with lyrics, when I was 17 yo, for Yana Purim's debut RCA album. And of course I'm very familiar with several other recordings, including some of Waldron's own versions. However, nothing compares to Copland's take on the song. It's "everything": subtle, delicate, complex, emotional deep... That's life translated into sounds. Period.

Born in Philadelphia in 1948, he began his professional career in the 60s as a saxophonist. Since the late 80s he has more and more made a name as a pianist with a totally unique aesthetic, recording an impressive body of work. Solo sessions, trio recordings, stunning collaborations with John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Greg Osby, Bill Carrothers, Kenny Wheeler, Tim Hagans, Jason Seizer, Gary Peacock. His enigmatically suspended harmonies create textural nuances which have become an unmistakeable trademark.

So... after having given repeated listenings (no less than six) to "Soul Eyes," I got the courage to move to track 2, Joni Mitchell's "I Don't Know Where I Stand." Friends, I broke into tears. Copland's expressiveness and "introverted eloquence", is beyond words, he transformed the song into a musical poem of the highest caliber. Only a genius could do this.

"Alone," Marc's solo adventure, comes out on the Munich-based Pirouet label after this pianist's extraordinary "New York Trio Recordings" series of three CDs with different sidemen, the May 2008 release "Another Place" (a quartet session with John Abercrombie, Drew Gress & Billy Hart) and, most recently, the "Insight" duo with Gary Peacock. All being superlative documents of Copland's unique tonal language and expressiveness in a variety of contexts.

And how can someone describes what he does to Axel Stordahl/Paul Weston's "I Should Care"? (btw, the press-release refers to the great Sammy Cahn as "the composer", but Sammy wrote the lyrics only) For over 9 minutes, Marc Copland investigates the tune in a way that nobody - not even another dear friend, Claus Ogerman, in a precious solo piano recording released in 2002 in the 4-CD box set "The Man Behind The Music" - had done. Could you imagine Bela Bartok playing "I Should Care"? That's all I'm able to tell you to give an idea of Marc's ultra-amazing performance, highlighted by the impeccable piano sound captured by engineer/producer Jason Seizer during the recording sessions that took place at Pirouet Studio, in Munich.

I could talk for hours about these tracks, as well as about two other Joni Mitchell songs, Wayne Shorter's "Fall" and Copland's own compositions "Night Whispers" (the sub-title of the "New York Trio Recordings Vol.3" that came out in January 2009 with Drew Gress & Bill Stewart), "Into The Silence" and "Blackboard." I could talk for days about the closing track, Bronislaw Kaper's "Hi Lili Hi Lo", another superb interpretation.

But the last two lines of the Bill Zavatsky poem that appears on the digipak CD liner cover, appropriately say: "Let's listen while we have the chance to music no one's heard." And that's what we hear when we, with Marc Copland, listen "alone" deep within ourselves.

So I prefer to give you the chance to experience by yourselves the Copland magic, which generates a suspenseful atmospheric intensity, throwing the listener back into his own feelings and thoughts. Don't miss this chance to know more about life, including your own.
- Arnaldo DeSouteiro

"AdLib" - December 2009

COVER: NORAH JONES

Plus
ADLIB PHOTO GALLERY ~BARBRA STREISAND
MASTER PIECE STORY "AT FILLMORE EAST / THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND"
DAVID T.WALKER
DIMENSION
ISSEI NORO INSPIRIT
AGA-SHIO
X'MAS ALBUMS 2009
NAMIKO WITH TOSHIKI KADOMATSU
MARIKA HIRAGA
SPOTLIGHT : DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES / YUJI OHNO / DEEN / JQ & CHILDREN / KENNY G / TAKAKO AFUSO / CTI SHM-CD SERIES
ADLIB CHART
NEW DISC
IMPORTED DISC
COMING SOON
VIP PRODUCER：GEORGE DUKE
J-CLASSICAL CROSSOVER NOW!
STAR STORY -KENNY G-
HISTORY OF JAPANESE FUSION
HERBIE HANCOCK
HOKKAIDO GROOVE CAMP 2010
MONSERAT
ADLIB CHORONICLES
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"Swing Journal" - December 2009

COVER:
Ron Carter's new album : Commemoration of the 50th anniversary since his professional debut with the release of the CD "The World of Ron Carter"

PLUS:
The Serial : The Truth Behind Masterpieces - Liner Notes Tell A Golden Era of Jazz Giants: Oscar Peterson
Art Blakey Discography
Joy of Two Prominent Female Vocalists in Japan and U.S.A : Marica Hiraga & Alexis Cole
The 50th anniversary annual Swing Journal readers poll 2009
CTI legend with RVG sounds
(Rudy Van Gelder & Creed Taylor, pictured by Takehiro Tokiwa @ Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey, during the remastering sessions for the CTI + RVG SHM-CD Series)
Launch out! Fabrizio Bosso's New Project
Individualised present Female Jazz
Here Comes New Masterpieces
New Serial : Chihiro Yamanaka's "Day by Day"
Serial : Yasukuni Terashima's Jazz Lounge
Martha Miyake
Questions For Jazz Beginners
Hot News: Overseas
New York Jazz Monthly
Topics
Hot News: Domestic
Jazz On Air
The Monthly Disc Review
Top Chart
SJ Gold Disc of This Month
Import Discs
New Discs Release Information
SJ Gold Disc Preview: "Europe / Aaron Heick & Romantic Jazz Trio"
SJ Gold Disc Preview: "Close Your Eyes / Woong San"
SJ Gold Disc Preview: "Six Pieces of Silver / Horace Silver"
JVC Jazz Festival photo essay: 1984-2007(Part2)
Jazz festival report in autumn 2009
Jazz Club lives & events information for X'mas and New Year
1968-1970 Miles Davis
Let's Dig The Re-Issued Discs
What's up now!
Readers Plaza : Jazz Spot Pilgrimage Returns / Readers / Jazz Allnighters By Tatsuo Sunaga / Jazz West Coast
Swing Street : Yozo Iwanami / Music / Movie/ Study
Q&A
Live Report
Comin' Soon!
Live & Jazz Spot Guide
Jazz Sound & Visual
Jazz Component Award 2009
The Top Jazz Component: Domestic
The Top Jazz Component: Overseas
The Best Jazz Component
The table of Votes obtained & Comment on each Award
Sound Quality Of New Discs

"DownBeat" - December 2009

COVER
Paquito D'Rivera, Clarinetist of the Year in the 74th Annual DownBeat Readers Poll.
Grammy-winning artist and instrumental virtuoso Paquito D'Rivera has made a huge impact on both jazz and classical idioms during his illustrious career. Whether bebopping at the White House, performing with the London Philharmonic or composing a specially commissioned concerto, the Cuban-born master reedman is always at the top of his game.

FEATURES
The complete list of the 2009 Readers Poll winners, which includes Diana Krall, Kurt Elling, Béla Fleck, Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Christian McBride, Jack DeJohnette, Gary Burton, Poncho Sanchez, James Carter, Joey DeFrancesco, Robin Eubanks and many others, besides five Brazilian artists among the finalists.

Freddie Hubbard, Hall of Fame -- Hubbard's dazzling technique and musical genius made him one of the most influential trumpeters in modern jazz. DB honors Hubbard, who passed away earlier this year, by welcoming him into the prestigious DownBeat Hall of Fame.

Kenny Garrett, Alto Saxophonist of the Year -- Garrett continues to challenge himself by moving forward in multiple creative directions, embracing everything from straightahead jazz to funk to classical music.

Corey Harris -- For more than a decade, the guitarist-vocalist has dug for the deepest and truest essence of the blues, reggae, gospel and other roots music. His latest CD, blu.black, examines the history of African-American culture and connects it with the present day and future generations.
Lester Young Classic Interview -- DownBeat continues its 75th Anniversary celebration with the legendary tenor saxophonist's 100th birthday with a Classic Interview reprinted from the DB archives.

SPECIAL SECTION: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE -- DownBeat presents great gift ideas for the musician on your list. This special section features reviews of the latest holiday jazz CDs and an interview with pianist/composer Carla Bley about her latest ECM release, Carla's Christmas Carols.

PLAYERS
Melissa Walker (voice)
Jason Rigby (saxophone)
Greg Malcolm (guitar)
Mike Melito (drums)

BLINDFOLD TEST -- Charles McPherson, Live at Detroit Jazz Festival

THE BEAT
New Chicago Jazz Foundation Takes Off
Organist Sam Yahel switches to acoustic piano for new release (Posi-Tone Records)
European Scene
Caught: Angel City Jazz Festival, Los Angeles, Composers and Improvisers Festival in Berlin.

WOODSHED
Master Class: Blues Variations, by Antonio Garcia
Transcription: Tina Brooks' tenor sax solo on Good Ole Soul, from album True Blue (Blue Note)
Jazz on Campus: Chuck Owen's Brecker tribute at the University of South Florida;

REVIEWS
Hot Box
Randy Brecker, Nostalgic Journey (Summit)
Dafnis Prieto, Live At Jazz Standard (Dafnison Music)
Chris Potter Underground, Ultrahang (Artists Share)
Donny McCaslin, Declaration (Sunnyside)

CD Reviews
Nick Kepics, Rounding The Bend (NikNak)
Andrew Rathburn, Where We Are Now (SteepleChase)
Jackie Ryan, Doozy (OpenArt)
Paul Murphy/Larry Willis, Foundations (indie)
Art Pepper History Project vol. 4 (Widow's Taste)
Ben Allison, Think Free (Palmetto)
Trio 3 + Geri Allen, At This Time (Intakt)
Henry Threadgill Zooid, This Brings Us To (Pi)
Yellowjackets, New Morning the Paris Concert DVD (Heads Up)
Lisa Sokolov, A Quiet Thing (Laughing Horse Records)
One For All, Return Of The Lineup (Sharp Nine)
Josh Berman Quintet, Old Idea (Delmark)
Chuck Owen & the Jazz Surge, The Comet's Tail (MAMA)
Bobby Selvaggio, Modern Times (Arabesque)
Mark Buselli, An Old Soul (Owl Studios)
The Big Four Quintet, Sanctified (Tub Thumper)
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, One Day In Brooklyn (Kinnara/Calabro)
Bud Shank Quartet, Fascinating Rhythms (Jazzed Media)
Kevin Brady Trio, Zeitgeist (Fresh Sound)
Jacam Manricks, Labyrinth (Manricks Music)
David Friesen, Five & Three (ITM)
Ja La La, That Old Mercer Magic (Dare)
Lee Konitz/Dan Tepfer, Duos With Lee (Sunnyside)
Yaron Herman Trio, Muse (Sunnyside)
Ian Dogole & Hemispheres, Crossroads (Sunnyside)
Paul Motian, Trio 2001 and Two At Village Vanguard (Winter & Winter)
Anthony Wilson Trio, Jack Of Hearts (Groove Note)
Anthony Wilson and Chico Pinheiro (Goat Hill)
Sharel Cassity, Relentless (Jazz Legacy Productions)

Jazz
Anthony Braxton Quartet, Standards (Brussels) 2006 (Amirani)
Anthony Braxton & Italian Instabile Orchestra (bolzano) 2007 (Rai Trade)
Anthony Braxton Quartet (Moscow) 2008 (Leo)
Anthony Braxton/Kyle Benders Toronto (duets) 2007 (Barnyard Records)
Anthony Braxton Creative Orchestra (Guelph) 2007 (Spool)

Blues
Joe Louis Walker: Between a Rock (Stony Plain)
Old Jawbone (Jackalope)
Big Pete Pearson: Screamer (Modesto) and Finger in Eye (VizzTone)
Jeff Golub: Blues For You (E1)
J Hansen: Give the Drummer Some (Greaseland)
R&B Bombers: Bad Behavior (Bombers)

Beyond
Take Me to the River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977 (Kent)
Betty Davis: Nasty Gal (Light in the Attic)
The Marvelettes: Forever (Hip-O/Universal)
Little Richard: Live at the Toronto Peace Festival (Shout Factory)

Historical
Jazz Icons, Volume 4, DVDs (Reelin' In The Years)

Book Review
Steven Brower, Satchmo: The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong (Abrams)

Diana Krall live in Moscow tonight!

Tonight, November 30th, jazz diva Diana Krall, voted Best Female Singer of the Year in the 2009 DownBeat Readers Poll, brings her artistry to the Great Hall of the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory (Bolshaya Nikitskaya, 13, Moscow, RU 125009), in Russia.
Buy Tickets
It's the last concert of the triumphant "Quiet Nights World Marathon 2009." DK will be back on the road in February 2010, taking the beautiful repertoire of both the "Quiet Nights" CD (Verve) and the "Live in Rio" DVD (Eagle/ST2) to Australia and New Zealand.

Press-release:
The Great Hall of the Moscow Peter Ilitch Conservatory is one of the most famous concert venues not only in Moscow and Russia but in the world – thanks to its wonderful decoration, comfortable location and – which is the most important for the musicians – perfect acoustics.
It was opened on April 7, 1901.

The building was made under the project of architect V. Zagorsky. The Hall’s famous façade was a feature of the building previously staying there – a house of Russian princess Ekaterina Dashkova which was built on this place in the end of the 18th century.

A big part of the whole work – from the furniture and carpets to the organ of Paris «А. Cavaille-Coll» company (1899) presently staying in the Hall – was funded by Russian patrons of arts. The organ of the Hall was regarded as one of the best organ in the world during the Paris exhibition of 1900. Great Hall for Moscow is much bigger then a concert hall only. During the First World War (1915 – 1917) it was a hospital here, and in a period of 1924 – 1933 at daytime the Hall was used as a popular movie theatre.

Since 1940 the Conservatory was named after Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and in 1954 the monument to him was opened in front of the Great Hall.

The best soloists, orchestras and ensembles of the world play their concerts here. A number of international festival and competitions take place at the Great Hall, and among them there is the most famous in the world Tchaikovsky Competition. And it is considered as the most favorite hall in Moscow.

Now the Great Hall building is known as the Nikolay Rubinstein building (formerly the Fourth study building of the Moscow conservatory).
Capacity: 1737 seats.