"Universal Language"
Marc Antoine
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The acoustic guitar has always been a traveling instrument,
originating in Spain, then gradually adopting (and
eventually linking to) the idioms of Africa, India, Europe,
and America. On "Universal Language," guitarist Marc Antoine
picks up on that theme, drawing on his varied musical
influences to create an elegant smooth-jazz cocktail with
African, Latin American, and European flavors.
"Nick at Night"
Nicholas Payton
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Trumpeter Nicholas Payton has a tough line of influence
preceding him. His New Orleans roots--not to mention his
stellar self-titled CD of duets with Doc Cheatham--recall
the great Louis Armstrong, even if Payton's style is less
aligned with any single horn voice. His band can be a
rollicking one, sharper on "Nick at Night" than they've ever
been.
"Duke Elegant"
Dr. John
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Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack playing songs from the canon of
Duke Ellington is as natural as the break of day. But the
gris-gris king interprets Ellington unlike anyone else. His
lighthearted nonchalance epitomizes the worthiest New
Orleans performers, and his piano is luminous in the Calypso
fashion of Professor Longhair.
"Soul on Soul"
Dave Douglas
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Trumpeter Dave Douglas's "Soul on Soul" extends his string
of tribute albums from Booker Little and Wayne Shorter to
the late composer and pianist Mary Lou Williams. He invokes
numerous jazz styles, as Williams always did, and plays with
both moving lyricism and soulful grit.
BIG BANDS TODAY
***************
"Far East Suite"
Anthony Brown's Asian American Orchestra
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Tributes to Duke Ellington have come fast and furious since
the beginning of his centenary year. But Anthony Brown's
Asian American Orchestra offers up one of the finest
tributes to the Duke in recent years. Of all the
compositions Duke Ellington rolled out during his 1960s
tenure on the U.S. State Department international touring
circuit, "Far East Suite" was clearly the jewel in 1966 and
has remained so since. The Ellington orchestra's famed
recording of the work is cited as the best of his '60s
material. Here, it's updated and touched up with Chinese and
other Asian instruments and sonorities, making a classic
even more so.
"Live in Swing City--Swingin' with Duke"
Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra
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Of course early Ellington is in a class all by itself,
robust and jumping. This nod to the early Duke canon by the
Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra might be almost a year old,
but it's still a hot pick. As with most of Ellington's
sessions, multiple soloists get to sound off in a
three-minute span, creating an atmosphere where economy in
individual expression is a must. Powerfully rendered and
enthusiastically received by the crowd at New York's Supper
Club, this collection of Duke Ellington favorites is buoyant
both in spirit and execution.
"Serendipity 18"
Bob Florence's Limited Edition
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"Serendipity 18" is a mesmerizing display, lit from the
opening with big solos that charge ahead and inspire this
band to rise up, throwing off peals of brass. Florence's
piano is a strong voice, especially on the balladic opening
to "Tres Palabras" and virtually all over the more uptempo,
large-scale swingers, of which there are many.
More of Today's Big Bands:
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RECOMMENDED REISSUE
*******************
"Live At Carnegie Hall 1938"
Benny Goodman
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Yes, this is the classic 1938 Benny Goodman concert, once
again reissued--this time with a couple of added tracks and
some additional stage chat. It's timeless, perfectly suited
for any music fan. Goodman swings like mad and makes the
whole band shine brightly.
"Complete Communion"
Don Cherry
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"Complete Communion," from 1964, was Don Cherry's first
session as a leader (after brilliant sideman contributions
with Ornette Coleman and Sonny Rollins) and is one of the
landmark records of the era. The music consists of two long
suites of interlocking Cherry compositions. The players
perform with telepathic precision and explosive energy in
great quartet comprising Gato Barbieri on tenor saxophone,
bassist Henry Grimes, and Cherry's long-term collaborator Ed
Blackwell on drums.
"The Commodore Master Takes"
Billie Holiday
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"The Commodore Master Takes," recorded for Milt Gabler's
small independent label, were a step towards Billie
Holiday's eventual infamy, thanks notably to the 1939
recording of "Strange Fruit," a controversial song about
lynching. Recording with several small bands that seemed to
understand the nuances of her voice perfectly, Holiday is in
full command of her faculties, bearing all the bittersweet
conviction of the best blues stylists while staying firmly
jazzy.
More Recommended Reissues:
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LOST SESSIONS
*************
"Smooth Operator"
Dorothy Dandridge
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Early in her career, Dorothy Dandridge was a genuine
renaissance woman, performing exceedingly well as a dancer,
actress, and singer. She executed each performance with a
theatricality that hinted at vast talents, and her
acceptance into the annals of the beautiful and luxurious in
the 1940s and '50s was hailed by major media players. This
set of recordings matches Dandridge the nightclub singer
with pianist Oscar Peterson and his group--which is sleek
enough to highlight the singer's coarse overtones, recalling
late Billie Holiday recordings--and an unnamed large
orchestra that pushes the vocalist to shine brilliantly on
the title track. Hearing the bulk of these songs for the
first time in 1999, it's clear they should've hit the
airwaves decades ago.
"Live at the Circle Room"
Nat "King" Cole
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In addition to being one of the most important American
vocalists, Nat "King" Cole was one of the most influential
jazz pianists of all time, as this unearthed session
broadcast from a 1944 Milwaukee club date so brilliantly
demonstrates. Cole and his trio's svelte simplicity dances
as well as trances and reveals the vocal and instrumental
roots of many jazz artists, including Diana Krall, Ahmad
Jamal, and Monty Alexander.
"Linger Awhile"
Sarah Vaughan
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"Linger Awhile" balances eight previously unreleased tracks
from Vaughan's performance at the legendary 1957 Newport
Jazz Festival with eight alternate takes from her late '70s
and early '80s albums for the Pablo label. Vaughan was at
the peak of her popular success during the earlier
recordings, and the contrast between the youthful Sassy and
the mature diva heard over 20 years later is startling;
Vaughan's voice deepens into an almost androgynous baritone,
and each song displays an earthy majesty and effortless
virtuosity.
More Lost Sessions:
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MORE MISSED BOATS 1999
**********************
"A New Standard"
Steve Tyrell
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In contrast to so many neoswing wannabes, Steve Tyrell--who
won accolades for his work on the "Father of the Bride"
soundtracks--approaches these timeless tunes with the
R&B-bred soul of a gray-haired baby boomer who's just
discovered his parents' record collection. In the jazzbo
tradition of Louis Armstrong and Jack Sheldon, he doesn't
try to blow anyone away with his chops. He just sings the
songs with an infectious enthusiasm and easy swing that's
impossible to dislike.
"Preacherman"
Rod McGaha
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Trumpeter Rod McGaha plays the way Lee Morgan used to: with
an excitement that knows no bounds and a technical facility
that leaps over all apparent obstacles. "Preacherman" is a
winner for its unvarnished, soulful strut and its stunning
impression of 1960s hard bop. A Nashville studio musician,
McGaha is also a talent to watch on the jazz scene.
"Caliente con Soul!"
Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers
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Henry "Pucho" Brown is strong, quick, and intense on the
timbales, which he pounds on as his band creates a mix of
styles so well thought out it'll score with both the Cuban
music scene and '90s dance culture. He tackles Lou Donaldson
and Barry Manilow tunes with flair and explosive
energy. What more could you ask for in a Latin jazz CD?
This year's Grammy Awards in Jazz acknowledged the longevity and persistence of artists like Chick Corea, David Sanborn, and Poncho Sanchez, as well as the magnetic flash of Diana Krall. From AcoustiCDigest/newCDnews.com, associates of Amazon.com...
Jazz Vocal Performance
**********************
Winner:
"When I Look in Your Eyes"
Diana Krall
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Diana Krall is a winner for Jazz Vocal Performance because
she has rocketed to the top of many charts, including the
Amazon.com Hot 100, where she's been planted as long as
we've been selling music. Her music is vibrant in the way
Nat "King" Cole's was, warm and sensual then playful and
sleek. "When I Look in Your Eyes" is a breakthrough, and it
portends even greater successes.
Our Pick:
While it would have been fantastic to see a relative
newcomer like Carla Cook or a longtime veteran like Etta
James win, Diana Krall indeed deserves this award for her
music's immediate impact and extended reach.
Contemporary Jazz Performance
*****************************
Winner:
"Inside"
David Sanborn
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More than any of his colleagues, David Sanborn has shaped
smooth jazz into a pop friendly genre that listeners simply
love. He has ties to the more adventuresome world of
musicians like Tim Berne but has been largely content to
make slick albums that offend no one and command lots of
attention. "Inside" does feature Cassandra Wilson on an
Aretha Franklin cover tune, but whether the album is a
definitive contemporary-jazz statement is debatable.
Our Pick:
"Animation/Imagination"
Tim Hagans
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Trumpeter Tim Hagans made a bold statement with his
"Animation/Imagination," a hybrid of quick-stepping
electronic dance music and burning trumpet. His work is
commendable for taking fans of contemporary jazz into a
world where improvisation is vital and energetic.
Large Jazz Ensemble Performance
*******************************
Winner:
"Serendipity 18"
The Bob Florence Limited Edition
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Bob Florence makes a routine out of hair-raising, creative
big-band extravaganzas, as "Serendipity 18" shows. The album
is a galloping display of big brass, side-winding reeds,
elaborate orchestrations, and strong solos. Florence, like
fellow nominee Sam Rivers, uses his big band to reach
different plateaus than some of his more swing-oriented
colleagues. The Limited Edition plays with the verve of
excited conversation and urgent point making.
Our Picks:
This was a tough category in 1999, with Anthony Brown's
Asian American Orchestra offering a stellar take on Duke
Ellington's "Far East Suite," the redoubtable Sam Rivers
fielding his fascinating RivBea All Star Orchestra on
"Inspiration," and Florence belting it out on "Serendipity
18." Given the terrain, any of the above would've been a
fine choice, and we're happy Florence is taking the Grammy
home.
"Far East Suite"
Anthony Brown's Asian American Orchestra,
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"Inspiration"
Sam Rivers
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Jazz Instrumental Individual/Group
**********************************
Winner:
"Like Minds"
Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Roy Haynes, and Dave Holland
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This was a tough category, peopled by true greats: Branford
Marsalis, the celebrated Brad Mehldau, Gonzalo Rubalcaba,
and Chick Corea's new band, Origin. While clearly a
superstar session, "Like Minds" is more than a mere one-off
summit meeting. Metheny, Burton, and Corea supply the lion's
share of tunes, all playing off Holland and Haynes's
penchant for getting inside rhythms and Burton's love of the
vibraphone's metallic colors.
Our Pick:
"Like Minds"
Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Roy Haynes, and Dave Holland
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All-star, but far more, too: a picturesque jazz excursion
lit with vibes, piano, and guitar on the frontline.
Jazz Instrumental Solo
**********************
Winner:
"In Walked Wayne" (from J.J. Johnson's "Heroes")
Wayne Shorter
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The undeniable highlight of J.J. Johnson's "Heroes" is Wayne
Shorter's tenor solo on "In Walked Wayne." That Johnson paid
homage to Shorter with the tune is testament to the latter's
durability and creative inventions.
Our Pick:
"In Walked Wayne"
Wayne Shorter
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Shorter is one of the all-time jazz greats and he deserves
ever more accolades.
Latin Jazz Performance
**********************
Winner:
"Latin Soul"
Poncho Sanchez
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Poncho Sanchez can boast one of Latin jazz's longest-lasting
bands, a constantly touring nine-piece that cooks at every
performance. "Latin Soul" is his 19th album for Concord
Records and it's every bit as strong as its predecessors.
Sanchez takes on Mongo Santamaria, Eddie Harris, and Tito
Rodriguez, notching the horns higher, the drums harder, and
the heat more intense.
Our Picks:
If we could have a two-way tie, it would be shared between
Sanchez's "Latin Soul" and Chucho Valdes's "Briyumba Palo
Congo." Valdes's music is far more enmeshed in traditional
Afro-Cuban religious and ritual traditions and shows off the
pianist's explosive talents, which weave with beds of
percussion.
"Briyumba Palo Congo"
Chucho Valdes
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Other Awards Earned by Jazz CDs
*******************************
Instrumental Arrangement/Vocals
Winner:
"Lonely Town" (from Charlie Haden and Quartet West's "The
Art of the Song")
Alan Broadbent
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Arranger Alan Broadbent picked up a Grammy for his work on
the lush "Lonely Town," which opens Charlie Haden and
Quartet West's "The Art of the Song." An unabashedly
romantic look at songcraft, Haden's album gained a deep glow
from vocalist Shirley Horn (and Bill Henderson), who comes
out mightily on "Lonely Town."
Instrumental Arrangement
Winner:
"Chelsea Bridge"
Don Sebesky (from his "Joyful Noise: A Tribute to Duke Ellington")
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Don Sebesky is known for his in-your-face arrangements and
orchestrations. "Joyful Noise" took Ellington into
Sebesky's world, where big, bounding sounds ruled over the
Duke's more retrained symphonic sensibilities. "Chelsea
Bridge" is indeed the gem of Sebesky's set.
Traditional Pop Vocal Performance
Winner:
"Sings Ellington--Hot & Cool"
Tony Bennett
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Tony Bennett's take on Duke Ellington is a muted, sensitive
performance. It was clearly a Grammy nominee from day one,
with the singer's voice shading Ellington's works
wonderfully.
Historical Album
Winner:
"The Duke Ellington Centennial Edition--The Complete RCA
Victor Recordings (1927-1973)"
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Compilation producers Orrin Keepnews and Steven Lasker and
mastering engineers Paul Brizzi and Dennis Ferrante deserve
several dozen awards for this splendid Ellington box
set. From the packaging to the essays to the music's depth
and sonic clarity, "The Duke Ellington Centennial Edition"
deserves a Pulitzer. Were Ellington alive, he'd not only be
very aged, he'd also be the perennial toast of the Grammy
awards.
Boxed Recording Package
Winner:
"The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions"
Miles Davis
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Art directors Ron Jaramillo and Arnold Levine made the
sprawling "Complete Bitches Brew Sessions" a highly visual
experience worthy of the revolutionary music inside the
package. With a mix of dark-hued lighting and blue metallic
binding, this set kept pace with the original album's
stunning artwork.
Album Notes
Winner:
"The Classic Quartet--Complete Impulse! Studio Recordings"
John Coltrane
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Bob Blumenthal's notes to "The Classic Quartet" capture John
Coltrane's Impulse! Records period with a mixture of great
detail and great feeling. The music is some of the most
important postbop under the sun, and the notes help explain
why.
Ron Carter "Orfeu"
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Marcus Roberts Trio "In Honor Of Duke"
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Mel Torme "California Suite"
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Benny Goodman "Live 1938 At Carnegie Hall-Com"
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Ellis Marsalis "Duke In Blue"
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Chick Corea "Corea.Concerto"
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Michael Brecker "Time Is Of The Essence"
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Dizzy Reece "Comin' On"
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Art Blakey & Jazz Messengers "Drums Around The Corner"
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Chick Corea "Corea.Concerto"
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Bobby Hutcherson "Kicker"
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Brian Hughes "Shakin' Not Stirred"
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Eric Dolphy "Illinois Concert"
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Rick Braun "Best Of Braun"
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Kombo "Big Blast"
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Arturo Sandoval "Americana"
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Brad Mehldau "Art Of The Trio 4-Back At The"
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Victor Bailey "Low Blow"
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Joyce Cooling "Keeping Cool"
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Mingus Big Band "Blues & Politics"
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Bobby Caldwell "Come Rain Or Come Shine"
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Peterson/Brown/Jackson "Very Tall Band-Live At The Blu"
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Bob James "Joy Ride"
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Wynton Marsalis "Sweet Release & Ghost Story"
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Hiroshima "Between Black & White"
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Mingus Big Band "Blues & Politics"
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Kevin Toney "Extra Sensual Perception"
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