A440

1. Method to My Madness

2. Flair for the Dramatic

3. Take Me to Heart

4. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

5. Curiosity

6. Don't Tell Nobody

7. Manhunt

8. Labor of Love

9. Under Pressure

10. Shannon

A440,A440,Casablanca,Club/Dance,Electronic,Ethnic Fusion,Instrumental Pop,Popular Music

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Average customer rating: Awesome OUTSTANDING A REAL bass player!!! This CD is the bomb! Wonderfully Inspiring

The Bottom Line Michael Manson Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Just Feelin' It Rollin' 360 Urban Groove Clairvoyance Let It Ride ASIN: B00006AGFM Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

1. Outer Drive
2. Keys To My Heart
3. Seven Whole Days
4. Angel's Serenade
5. Everlasting Love
6. Everlasting Love (reprise)
7. Just One Touch
8. The Bottom Line
9. Close Your Eyes
10. Goin' Home
11. The Bottom Line (reprise)

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2004-04-08

Kirk Whalum mentioned The Bottom Line in "The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter 2", so I thought I'd check this fella out, The Bottom Line. Went to his website and downloaded a couple of tracks, and knew I needed to get a hold of his record, so I searched around, but in vain.

Then I walked through the jazz section at Borders some weeks later, and to my delight I accidentally bumped into the CD, under the wrong alphabetical section. That was 8 months ago, and my biggest compliment is that, to this day, the music still sounds fresh. Definitely one of my all time favourite CD's. My favourite tracks are "Outer Drive", "Just One Touch" and "Close Your Eyes".

Quick Michael, release another one! :)

OUTSTANDING.......2003-06-18

THIS CD RANKS RIGHT UP THERE AS ONE OF THE BEST IN MY COLLECTION. MICHAEL MANSON IS THE KIND OF ARTIST THAT KEEPS YOU WANTING MORE. HIS TALENTS ARE SUPERB AS DEMONSTRATED IN THIS CD. YOU CAN'T GO "WRONG" WITH THIS ONE. IT IS TRULY OUTSTANDING.

A REAL bass player!!!.......2003-04-01

Bass players respect other players who play the bass and the bass guitar particularly when they play both well. MM is slamming on both. Most know of him because of work he does with other "big" name arists. MM's first release has several great tunes. Outer Drive has rec'd lots of airplay on Smoot Jazz formats. My favorite is Bottom Line for the slamming bass riffs and the clean horn sound of Roy Haynes. The story behind Keys To My Heart will make you cry. It was my inspiration to buy the CD when I saw MM play with Kirk Whalum. Now that I have seen him perform his own set, can't wait to go listen to it again. Get This! NOW!

This CD is the bomb!.......2002-10-07

I saw this phenomenal bassist when he was touring with Kirk Whalum. At the concert they mentioned that he had a CD out - so I bought it. I was not disappointed in the least. This is one of those CDs where you can just put it in and play it all the way through - every song on it is a jam.

This guy is going to blow up - I heard he will be opening for that new BWB group (Braun,Whalum, and Brown) when they go on tour. If you like smooth jazz - but tired of the same old sound, get this CD!!

Wonderfully Inspiring.......2002-08-13

We received a free copy of the album at the concert where the album was released. I immediately listen to it and was awe struck. The sounds range from smooth & mellow to very upbeat. You can definately tell Mr. Manson put his heart into this one.

Average customer rating: Everette's triumphant return!!!! Hell Yeah! Love it and you can too! Be honest. You thought Everette was washed up.....

All for You Everette Harp Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: In the Moment Better Days Everette Harp For the Love What's Going On ASIN: B0002IQC9I Release Date: 2004-07-20

Tracks:

1. Kisses Don't Lie
2. Back In Your Arms
3. Hey Yeh
4. Just Like Ole Times
5. When Can I See You Again
6. Time Of Our Lives
7. Can You Hear Me
8. Groove Control
9. It's Just The Way That You Love Me
10. I Like The Way
11. I Remember When
12. In The Blink Of An Eye

Customer Reviews:

Everette's triumphant return!!!!.......2005-03-15

After several years without releasing new material, this CD makes the wait worth it. Everette's 6th release is his best work yet. Although I own all his music, I enjoy this one the most. With a number of new tunes, this original work demonstrates EH's alto sax-voice. Many of EH's guest artists are quite popular (Earl Klugh, George Duke, Norman Brown, Dwight Sills, Paul Jackson Jr.), they never overshadow EH's sound. Personal favorites are Kisses Don't Lie, Back In Your Arms, Hey Yeh.. heck everything on the entire CD!!!! Enjoy!

Hell Yeah!.......2004-09-28

Once upon a time, there was a group called 101 North, ostensibly under the direction of the legendary George Duke. Their debut album gave rise to the soul classic 'So easy' which I still can't get enough of to this day. Their sophomore release was entitled 'Forever yours'. I shall always remember coming home, and hearing this awesome instrumental coming out of my brothers room. The track was 'Somewhere, sometime', and the sax belonged to one Everette Harp. Such grace, such power, wow, I was literally blown away. Everette has become a true original in the world of Jazz, his signature sound self evident whenever he picks up his horn to assist one of his numerous musical cohorts (see Stanley Clarke's 'Anna', as well as several tracks on the latest release by Regina Belle, although my all-time favourite Everette guest solo was for the Perri Sisters on 'Its been you' (far too brief though). Anyway, back to current affairs and straight out of the blocks, your treated to an uptempo killer called 'Kisses don't lie' with a resonating alto that could only come from Everette. I must admit, having received delivery of this CD some 2 weeks ago, I'm only just getting the time to listen to the tracks individually, and they really are straight out of the top drawer. I sent Everette an email not so long ago, asking why it takes so long between releases.....now I know why. This kind of music takes time to create. I also remember in one of my communicaes to him asking for another vocal outing, and he has duly obliged on the wonderful 'Time of our lives'. This guys talent really is god given. Earl Klugh is featured on yet another stormer entitled 'I remember when'. This track in particular just seeped into my brain one morning whilst I was getting ready for work. Two minutes into the track and I found myself standing next to my bedside CD player and marvelling at how I'd been lured in from afar! There are several other great tracks worthy of mention, particularly his collaboration with Norman Brown. Everette has gone from strength to strength since his incredible self-titled debut set from 1992, and its a great testament to his originality that over the last few years, he has created a truly unique sound that encompasses his love of the Akai EWI Wind Synthesiser. It works so well...just have a listen to 'Back in your arms' and you'll see exactly what I mean. A great effort Everette. Your comittment to the music is clear for all to see. If you keep making it, I'll keep on buying it. Hell Yeah!

Love it and you can too!.......2004-08-10

What does Everette Harp, Norman Brown, George Duke, Howard Hewitt, Paul Jackson Jr., Earl Klugh, Larry Kimpel, Rex Rideout, "Lil" Jon Roberts, Dwight Sills & Shaun Labelle all have in common? A funky little sumthin' sumthin' called All For You. Everette's star studded debut on A440 Music is filled with smooth, sensual grooves from start to finish. An amazing talent in his own right, his decision to bring a few friends along for the ride was simply an added amenity to an already incredible project.

Word On The Street in association with A440 Music Group would like to invite you to participate in our Everette Harp "All For You" Give-A-Way contest. 10 lucky winners will receive an autographed photograph of Everette along with a copy of his latest CD All For You, which will be autographed as well.

To enter into this contest, Forward this message to people that you know (or don't) between the dates of August 7, 2004 and August 14, 2004. The person who forwards to the most people receives the prize. You must Carbon Copy (CC) the email address wordonthestreet@earthlink.net into the message as well.

The numbers will be tracked by Word On The Street and the winners will be announced no later than August 15, 2004. Prizes will be sent directly from the label. The only recipients of the email that will be counted are the ones listed in the "To" line of the email. Recipients listed as blind CC's (BCC) will not be visible. Send as many emails out as you like, there are not limits. Good Luck!

Be honest. You thought Everette was washed up............2004-08-05

like Najee and yes David Sanborn (there I said it!), that Bob Baldwin "Brazil Chill" thing, George Benson trying to be Joe, and whatever happened to Branford Marsalis. All For You throws down right out of the gate with Kisses Don't Lie, Harp exhibits excellent musicianship and it's a great tune. Other highlights are Norman Brown's playing on a couple of tracks, the track Can You Hear Me (okay Harp sounds like Kirk Whalum on this but what's wrong with that?). Speaking of washed up, he digs up Howard Hewitt for the bumpin' Groove Control and must have put out an A.P.B. for Earl Klugh and George Duke to play on I Remember When. It's Just the Way That You Love Me rounds out a set of strong playing, well written music and thoughtful production. By the way, this is NOT one of those CD BABY productions where the guy works at UPS during the day and makes a whole cd at night using the synthesized horn and "jazz drums" button on the Yamaha Keyboard he bought at Target. All For You brightens up a sorry 2004 for jazz releases-SNorah Jones releases a country cd and somehow it hits number one on the Jazz Charts and messes everything up for a couple of years....

Average customer rating: Another good smooth jazz guitarist Smooth Jazz Grooves The way pop jazz ought to be played Very good cd. Another great CD from Brian

Along the Way Brian Hughes Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shakin', Not Stirred Straight to You Between Dusk...And Dreaming Pacific Coast Highway Under One Sky ASIN: B00009Y3QA Release Date: 2003-07-08

Tracks:

1. Along The Way
2. Picture This
3. Cruisin' Route 66
4. Omaha Unbound
5. Son Y Lola
6. Brighter Day
7. Thinkin' Of You
8. Wherever You Are
9. Endless Road

Customer Reviews:

Another good smooth jazz guitarist.......2007-03-30

Brain has been playing for years, went more towards Jazz style about 10
years ago or so. This is one of his best, especially with guest Chris Botti plugging in some great horn.
GCH

Smooth Jazz Grooves.......2006-07-15

Poppy Jazz beats infuse this album with playful spontaneity and exciting flourishes. Brian Hughes has a sexy sophisticated style that still retains a playful effervescence.

~The Rebecca Review

The way pop jazz ought to be played.......2005-06-19

Pop, or lite jazz is one of the hardest forms to do because too often it can sound like Muzak, aka formulaic and uninspired. Miles Davis and Wes Montgomery were able to play pop/lite jazz in a superb manner.

There is a bit of Wes, plus George Benson in Brian's playing, with a bit of Pat Methany world beat theme. Quality stuff.

By the way, why does Amazon include a 'NO' in 'was this review helpful to you?'. People are only human and don't like opinions that differ from themselves, thus the 'NO' makes it too easy express such displeasure.

Are they trying to discourage negative reviews, hence not purchase the CD. Such reviews only help a person in not being dissatisfied a product that received positive reviews

Very good cd........2005-03-02

Light and moving jazz which really emphasises Brian's moving guitar.This cd beats "Shakin not stirred" and "One 2 one".I would consider this Brians Hughes best effort.Trumpeter extraordinaire Chris Botti accompanies Hughes on Cruisin Route 66.Son y Lola, quickens the pace with Latin flavored and Cuban inspired rhythms. Well versed in world music, Hughes shines. Brian HUghes slows it down a bit on Omaha Unbound where the song is performed on acoustic guitar in a country style, this number is mesmerizing and reflective. It's an easy listen for the ears! Joining Brian Hughes on this record are: Les Portelli (piano and synthesizers), Tim Landers (electric and acoustic bass), Neil Wilkinson (drums) and Jason Hann (percussion). Each musician is exceptional in their own right and together they are an outstanding ensemble!

In conclusion, this cd is very good and it is worth the wait.I am happy I purchased it.

Another great CD from Brian.......2003-07-27

The newest Brian Hughes CD is really great. You can hear it from the first tunes. Most of tracks has some latin traces and his guitar is easily recognizable (in some solos he sounds just like Pat Metheny). There are also great guests on the CD including Eric Marienthal and Chris Botti. The music on CD is very optimistic and uplifting. Another MUST HAVE from Brian.

Average customer rating: The voice of an angel from South Africa Orna, Astrud-esk Very Nice Thought. Great debut album ORNA- The Very Thought of You A good start

The Very Thought of You Orna Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Samba | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Men in My Life Your Eyes Angel Eyes Satin Doll There's Something About You I Don't Know ASIN: B000089YB1 Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

1. Ntyilo Ntyilo
2. Nature Boy
3. My Ship
4. The Very Thought Of You
5. That's All
6. My Favorite Things
7. Alice In Wonderland
8. My One And Only Love
9. Ornithology
10. Every Flower

Customer Reviews:

The voice of an angel from South Africa.......2007-03-08

I first encountered Orna Shiffren and her music several years ago on, beleive it or not, a cruise ship! Amidst the usual bored musicians and hacks trying to earn a buck playing tired versions of "Yellowbird" there was Orna and her trio. A classically trained singer, Orna brings a precision and clarity to her interpretations of standards and her own compositions that is seen by some other reviewers here as mechanical. I disagree. Listen once or twice and what you'll hear is a singer so in control of her instrument and so comfortable with it that, like Sinatra, she seems to be inventing the song as she sings it. Check out the lovely "Nytillo, Nytillo", an african lullaby, or the brilliant choice of "Alice In Wonderland". Backed up by Bassist & Producer Brian Bromberg, Pianist Tom Zink, and Drummer Chris Wabitch, Orna shines like a diamond against minimal but beautiful arrangements. This album is available in two versions. The A440 version, apparently made for American Airlines, and a slightly different version for Carnival Cruises. I've waited several years for a followup to this collection and for the life of me can't understand why no one has offered Orna a major jazz label deal. Incidentally, having spoken to her several times during the cruise, she's an unaffected, intelligent, knowledgeable, open and friendly woman.

Orna, Astrud-esk Very Nice Thought........2006-10-11

Great job on this CD. Vocals are getting stronger and clear in the high notes. Orna's relaxing vocals remind me of Astud/Basia mixed with a relaxing beat. The bassist is superb. I would like more of the muted trumpet. I'm not big on some of the other electronic strings but whatever. Alice in wonderland will take you away. Great job on that.

Great debut album.......2006-05-08

Has become one of my favorites...the person who wrote the "Forget about it" review is way off base in making the assertion that Orna can't sing. That's laughable: it's cruel and plainly incorrect. She's a wonderful singer. Excellent album production by bassist Brian Bromberg.

ORNA- The Very Thought of You.......2005-02-08

Excellent album...has quickly become one of my favorites out of my extensive collection. I highly recommend it to all of my friends.

A good start.......2004-07-06

Orna is a good, if young sounding, singer. Listen to some of the samples Amazon has placed here and you'll hear the talent. The overall quality of recording is good, however, I have found that on track 1, for some reason, the sound engineer made the treble very bright. Pity, since it is a good song.
One of the best aspects of the album is Brian Brombergs playing on upright bass. Love the way the bass growls! Alles van die beste Orna!

Average customer rating: very nice effort Simply The Best Wonderful! The road less traveled...by Nelson, that is Emotionally, charged sax..............

Look Again Nelson Rangell Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Always Far Away Day My American Songbook, Vol. 1 Turning Night into Day Soul to Souls ASIN: B00008IAJC Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

1. Look Again
2. Dedication
3. Good Morning Love
4. Off The Hook
5. Saturday Night
6. Long Walk
7. Steppin'
8. Whisper
9. Somethin's Goin' On
10. With All My Heart
11. Scenario

Customer Reviews:

very nice effort.......2007-05-20

Not as strong an album as i was expecting but some lovely tracks.Jill scott cover is the highlight for me.

Simply The Best.......2006-02-09

I don't usually write these, but I felt this is long overdue. I have been collecting Jazz for almost 30 years now and my first love is the saxophone. Many people know about David Sanborn, Kenny G., Branford Marsalis, Najee, Paul Taylor, Candy Dulfer and I could name so many others. Many are some of my favorite artists. But in my humble opinion, Nelson Rangell is the best sax player around! Many people know very little about him, but he has been around and works with top notch side men and producers. Most sax players ar virtuoso's on one instrument, Nelson is a virtuoso on tenor, alto and soprano sax as well as the flute. His layered horn solos (like chord progressions) are mind blowing. And he is equally adept as a writer and arranger. This guy is the SECRET WEAPON! Pick up anything you can get your hands on by Rangell. You can't go wrong.

Wonderful!.......2004-02-03

What a wonderful C.D. I love it, what more can I say? I am not a musician; but the sax playing is beautiful and each song is uplifting. I love to listen to this while working in my home. My kids 3 and 5 love it, my daughter said, "its just beautiful, this song". I can't say how much I enjoy this purchase.

The road less traveled...by Nelson, that is.......2003-07-09

This release, long awaited by this reviewer, is a departure from Nelson Rangell's previous offerings. What would be most noticeable to those familiar with Rangell's earlier work is an emphasis on tenor sax as the lead voice, a decrease in alto sax and an absence of flute on this disc. The result is some of the most smoldering and soulful sax music ever recorded by Nelson. He really recorded something different on this album.

The tunes that appeal to me most on this CD are those produced by Chris Davis. These include Good Morning Love, Long Walk and Scenario. In fact, I found myself digging Scenario so much that it became my favorite song on this recording after only a few listenings; it reminded me of one of my all time favorite tunes, Rangell's "Grace" from the Destiny album.

This album has so much to offer because Nelson Rangell clearly plays for his audience. His genuine talent always shines through in his playing. Nelson's music is truly in a class with that vacation spot or fine restaurant no one else but you seems to know about, and the music, like that best-ever vacation experience or gourmet food, never disappoints. "With All My Heart"...I wish you all the best.

Emotionally, charged sax.....................2003-03-27

Sandy McGrail, Colorado Springs, CO.

I saw Nelson Live Feb. 14, 2003 and he played for nearly 3 hours. The emotion, heart and natural feeling he poured into his sax, and thus his music pulled me and the entire audience into the music along with him. He played a few songs from his new CD, Look Again, and the tune Scenario was absolutely hypnotic. Look Again is a masterpiece waiting to be found!

Average customer rating: gorgeous music, heretical in some eyes Rich and Gorgeous Clark Terry's Take on Porgy & Bess Stunning Breath of Fresh Air

George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess Clark Terry , and Jeff Lindberg & the Chicago Jazz Orchestra Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: One on One In Orbit Complete Studio Recordings Oscar Peterson & Clark Terry Memories of Duke ASIN: B0002T2QG0 Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. Buzzard Song
2. Bess, You Is My Woman Now
3. Gone
4. Gone, Gone, Gone
5. Summertime
6. Bess, Oh Where's My Bess?
7. Prayer (Oh, Doctor Jesus)
8. Fisherman, Strawberry And Devil Crab
9. My Man's Gone Now
10. It Ain't Necessarily So
11. Here Come De Honey Man
12. I Loves You, Porgy
13. There's A Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York

Customer Reviews:

gorgeous music, heretical in some eyes.......2006-07-23

I don't often like remakes better than the original (12 Angry Men, for a movie example). I don't know that I would call this a remake as much as it is a variation on a theme. To explain, this album takes the Gil Evans arrangements that Miles made famous, even immortal forty-plus years ago, and takes them in a subtly different direction. For one, the solo instrument is a fluglehorn and not a trumpet and the richer, more sonorous sound changes the feel significantly.
And for another, Clark Terry isn't Miles Davis. I have to say that for myself, I LIKE Terry's playing better than Miles's in absolute terms, while acknowledging that Miles is the more important and innovative musician. (My favorite jazz genre is the swing-era small group. so there's a bias.)But the emotional content that Terry injects is, in my opinion, gentler and more varied, if less intense, that what Miles gave us. More nostalgic perhaps.
I also feel the connection more in this rendition to the lyrics of Gershwin's original songs, to the heartbreak and resilience of spirit that the opera celebrates.

Rich and Gorgeous.......2005-05-15

Wow.A fantastic CD with a rich and gorgeous orchestra backing a great soloist. Hard to believe Gershwin wrote these songs in the thirties, Gil Evans originally did the orchestrations for Miles so long ago and now Jeff Lindberg leads the Chicago Jazz Orchestra to back Terry in this terrific collection from Porgy and Bess. The depth of the brasses alone make it worth the price. Deep, lush, sensous and mellow but it can swing. Get this one.

Clark Terry's Take on Porgy & Bess.......2005-04-01

This recording shows that Clark Terry can and does hold his own with cats like Dizzy & Miles. Don't get me wrong, I love Diz and Miles a lot, but Clark just took a different path and for some reason is only now getting his due.
Featured, as usual, is Clark's muted trumpet and gorgeous flugelhorn sound and man for anyone at any age he is definitely SMOKIN'! Do yourself a favor and grab this one!
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra is a perfect blend to Clark's genius.
What I'd really like to see is Miles' and Gil Evans' reactions!
You are gonna love this!

Stunning.......2004-09-24

I heard a long selection from this CD on my local Baltimore NPR station-WYPR-the week it was released. The Porgy and Bess suite was absolutely stunning, evocative and for lack of a better word, beautiful. I'm online now to buy the CD...

Breath of Fresh Air.......2004-09-15

A classic piece of music re-done usuly has nothing but poor results, not on this record. From track one to done this record is non-stop entertainment. Framiler songs done in a way that will make you smile, and turn it up a notch on each track. A must have for anyone interested in Jazz.

Average customer rating: Get a grip side effects may include nausea, headaches A Worthy Tribute To The Late Great Jaco Brian Bromberg 'Jaco' Echoes of Jaco

Jaco Brian Bromberg Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wood Choices You Know That Feeling Metal It's About Time: The Acoustic Project ASIN: B00006LHYJ Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

1. Come On, Come Over
2. Continuum
3. Teen Town
4. A Remark You Made
5. Portrait Of Tracy
6. Three Viwes Of A Secret
7. The Chicken
8. Tears
9. Slang
10. Come On, Come Over (Instr.)
11. Teen Town (Piccolo Bass)

Amazon.com

If you look closely at this CD's cover photo of acoustic and electric bassist Brian Bromberg, you'll see that it's styled exactly like that of legendary bass player Jaco Pastorius's first solo recording from 1976. For Bromberg, who played with Stan Getz, Horace Silver, and Lee Ritenour, the magical and mercurial Pastorius was to the electric bass what Jimi Hendrix was to the guitar. On this tribute, with keyboardist Jeff Lorber, saxophonists Bob Mintzer and Eric Marienthal, and percussionist and (ex-Jaco bandmate) Alex Acuna, Bromberg extends and elaborates on Pastorius's unique blend of jazz fusion, world, and soul influences. Bromberg skillfully reinterprets Pastorius's brilliant bass lines on the acoustic and electric bass and changes up the groove on a number of his compositions. "Continuum" and "Three Views of a Secret" are redone with Afro-Caribbean tinges and a funky big-band feel. The two versions of "Teen Town" rock with hip-hop-friendly backbeats, while "The Chicken" and "Come On, Come Over" recall Pastorius's love for the rhythm & blues stars Sam & Dave. The tour de force of the CD is "Slang(ish)," a solo spotlight where Bromberg shows off advanced string-tapping skills that would have made his idol proud. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Get a grip.......2006-07-21

For all those whining about 'desecration' and 'an insult to Jaco'... for pity's sake, stop being so precious & sanctimonious. Jaco was a one-off, a true great, but he's dead. His music was for the most part superb -- some of it visionary, but some of it frankly awful. What Bromberg has done is to put great new light through those wonderful old windows. His aren't exact duplicates of Jaco's tunes, and all the better for it -- carbon copy remakes are far more of a slight than novel interpretations. His slow & grooving acoustic 'Teen Town' is a masterpiece, and I am sure Jaco would have loved it. Jaco may have been an ego monster at times, but I am sure that his response to all you purist whiners would be along the lines of "get a grip!". Probably with more profanity though. :-)

side effects may include nausea, headaches.......2006-04-14

An earlier reviewer used the word "chutzpah". That cover takes a lot of chutzpah. And really, it's indicative of the whole attitude of this recording. Why produce these weak LA fuzak arrangements of such beautiful songs? Trying to make a buck, apparently. Trying to get onto those adult-contemporary playlists. Jaco's original music just wasn't vapid enough; it needed to be dumbed down. Then there's Bromberg's bass playing. It has none of Jaco's soulfulness. He can play really fast, and he knows a buncha licks, but he utterly lacks the kind of strong voice and vision that Jaco possessed. Plus, a lot of his technique and bag of tricks & licks obviously come from upright bass, and don't sound totally at home on the electric. It just doesn't sound right, when he's trying do a Jaco imitation/tribute (and presenting himself, with that cover, as the "second coming" of Jaco). This CD misses the mark, and misses the point of the original music that it's imitating. It's like every element of what made Jaco great has been squeezed out. Anything that might challenge the listener has been carefully removed. FWIW, I don't like writing such negative reviews, but this stuff made me queasy.
To hear a well-done Jaco tribute, check out "The Word Is Out", or "Word of Mouth Revisited" by the Jaco Pastorius Big Band. Or any Marcus Miller version of a Jaco tune. On the Jaco Pastorius Big Band tribute CDs, you get to hear Richard Bona, Victor Wooten, Jimmy Haslip, Marcus Miller and others play Jaco's music. Marcus is really the only one who's able to go beyond bass licks and play this stuff with a voice, and a level of musical sophistication rivaling Jaco's. Of course, he creates that opportunity for himself by arranging and producing his own tracks.

A Worthy Tribute To The Late Great Jaco .......2005-11-14

Commerically, Brian Bromberg is one of the most underrated jazz bassists though very well respected in the musician circles as a versatile bassist capable of playing anything jazz, fusion and funk. He is one of the few bassists to master the tapping technique made famous by Stanley Jordan.

When I saw this CD captured instantly with the portrait photo cover cleverly similar to the style, layout and colors of the great Jaco Pastorius' 1976 debut solo album and then proceeded to check out the songs covered and the guest musicians on it, I knew this was one worth checking out.

Jaco in his relatively short but absolutely brilliant career (he sadly died in 1987)revolutionized the role of the electric bass guitar and took it up a huge notch as a liberated, up-front melodic "voice" giving it a uninhibited, imaginative passion, heart and soul rather then what was a low-end time keeper basically at the time.

On "Jaco", the great Weather Report of whom Jaco spent 6 successful, groundbreaking years, is represented with three absolute classics. Bromberg slows down the great "Teen Town" in 1/2-time and provides a very accessible and infectious funky, hip-hop groove solidifying his masterful talent. The great Bob Mintzer provides beautiful sax on the smooth, gorgeous "A Remark You Made" as well as the suite-like "Three Views Of A Secret" which Bromberg successfully upbeats the tempo from the original. Jaco's own funkified "Come On, Come Over" is refreshed with Bill Champlain and Bobby Kimball (of Toto fame) on vocals and Eric Marienthal on sax with Bromberg cleaning up on a 5-string bass. Jaco's beautiful and pervading "Continuum" and simply gorgeous "Portrait Of Tracy" continue the wonderful arrangement and musicianship of Bromberg and company. Jaco's first ever recorded song, funky "The Chicken" is superbly represented here as well. Bromberg adds some personal touches on his own-penned ballad "Tears". Perhaps the showcase of Bromberg's extraordinary musicianship is displayed on "Slang" as he taps and slaps with reckless abandon between fretted and fretless basses.

Jaco is looking down and is smiling on a job well done.....

Brian Bromberg 'Jaco'.......2005-09-12

The Cd Was Brandnew! And Was In Excellent Shape? The Music Is Great A Must Have Cd For All Jaco Pastorius Fan!

Echoes of Jaco.......2004-03-01

I loved Jaco. Probably more than any other musician of my time. But he's definitely long gone. And he sadly lefy only a certain amount of (admitttedly devastating) music to groove to. So it's nice now to hear him rephrased, emulated and replayed by others who also loved him. Bromberg was clearly a discipile. Although he's not Jaco I can hear the groove and the love of Jaco coming through on parts on this record...like the guys on the recent (excellent) Jaco Pastorius Big Band album, Bromberg loves Jaco too. I can't help but groove when he lays down those Jaco riffs on Teen Town and Slang.

Average customer rating: Decidedly Dorian the afternoon starts sunny, then gets dark It's not jazz; but it's really good One of Best Jazz Singers You Never Heard Of A Concept Album with Emotional Impact

Love Is Blue Jackie Allen Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Men in My Life Tangled Yours Nightcap The Very Thought of You ASIN: B00025ET82 Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

1. Lazy Afternoon
2. Go
3. The Performer
4. Love Is Blue
5. Moon of Deception
6. Pavement Cracks
7. Here Today
8. Turnin' Round
9. Taste of Honey
10. You Become my Song
11. I'll Be Around

Customer Reviews:

Decidedly Dorian.......2005-10-23

Jackie Allen's is one of the most distinctive, inimitable voices on the scene today, as musicianly and versatile as it is intimate and sexy. If a program and instrumentation such as this wins her the larger audience she richly deserves, I'm all for it.

As for the program, it's of a decidedly monochromatic blue hue--owing much to the influence of Joni Mitchell, Melissa Manchester, Tori Amos, Carly Simon, and singers in that eclectic area outside of the "Great American Songbook." Nothing necessarily wrong with that. Sinatra could put out albums made up exclusively of "suicide songs" ("Only the Lonely," "In the Wee Small Hours," "No One Cares," "September of My Years") and transform them into breathtaking elegy. But he was also served by the ingenious harmonic ambivalence of Cole Porter and Harold Arlen, the lyric poetry of Lorenz Hart and John Mercer, the orchestral expressiveness of Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins. Consequently, the mood did not begin to wear on me as I confess it does on the present collection, where modality replaces shifting harmonies and recitative supplants verse.

In all fairness, Jackie does include a couple of genuine standards ("Lazy Afternoon" and "I'll Be Around") and a couple that probably don't deserve to be ("Love Is Blue" and "Taste of Honey"). But the arrangements, orchestrations, and approach tend to minimize differences, contrasts and tensions in the material.

There's a jazz sensibility about her approach to all of the songs, as rightly recognized by those reviewers familiar with her previous work. But perhaps in the interest of catching the attention of new and younger ears, it's best not to tell.

the afternoon starts sunny, then gets dark.......2004-09-09

The afternoon starts sunny, then gets dark.

Now here is a Pop Jazz Vocal that draws me in. Sensual. Sexy. I think it's Jazz! Now why did she say that?

Really a concept album, but it's hard to say what the concept is - relationships gone wrong? Love the first track, about love in the afternoon, it's warm and sunny like brandy. The mood seems to get darker throughout. "Moon of Deception" is moody, By "Turnin Round" she sounds obsessive, almost like Patricia Barber. A slowed down "Taste of Honey", miles from the Beatles. Ends with a torchy rendition of the ultimate torch song, "I'll be Around".

For the life of me I can't understand why this album isn't more popular. I guess people haven't heard it and it doesn't get airplay. So it's a vicious circle.

Contrary to what's said below, this CD is a much more energy, more involving and captivating album than Diana Krall's listless "Girl in the Other Room". In fact, it has everything DK's new album is missing. Slowed, without dropping off. Has a lot more heart!

4 1/2 to 5 stars performance, on my tough grading system. well recorded. Would get 5 stars, if it were more popular. One of the best of the year. It grows on you. A find! See my recommended list!

It's not jazz; but it's really good.......2004-08-12

Sometimes the line between jazz and progressive rock is really thin. Consider, for example, Ginger Baker's album, ca. 1994, with Bill Frisell and Charlie Haden ("Goin' Back Home"): jazz or rock? Or consider Joni Mitchell's "Night Ride Home" and "Turbulent Indigo" albums from the early '90's: jazz or rock?

This album straddles the same thin line. But I'm no purist: I really like the Ginger Baker and Joni Mitchell albums; and I really like this one, too.

Jackie Allen is a singer who usually sounds like Sheryl Crow, but when in her upper register, sounds purer than that. Her performance is enhanced by her band, a group of superb musicians. In "Men in My Life", John Moulder (g), Hans Sturm (b) and Dane Richeson (per) proved themselves to be very proficient jazz musicians. Here, they prove themselves to be very proficient rock musicians. Let's just say they are very proficient.

And whereas the pianist in "Men" was the wonderful Ben Lewis, here the pianist is the wonderful Laurence Hobgood, ordinarily Kurt Elling's accompanist. He provides the highlight of the album, an arrangement of the title track complete with his wispy solo. The original popular version was that soupy thing done by the Paul Mariat Orchestra, ca. 1968. This version is so dark that it takes awhile to figure out the song; but the darkness fits the words to a tee. To say the least, it is a vast improvement over the popular original.

Other highlights: a similar treatment of "A Taste of Honey", which is likewise a quantum improvement over the familiar version done in the '60's by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass; Hans Sturm's "Turnin' Round," a Wallace Stephens type of poem with variations on the word and syllable "turn" in just about every imaginable concept to a heavy bass backbeat in A minor; the one jazz standard, Alec Wilder's wonderful "I'll Be Around," complete with some very tasteful guitar licks from Moulder; and a terrific original, Jackie Allen's "Moon of Deception." The more I listen to this album, the more I may be convinced that this is actually its highlight: it ought to be a "standard in the making."

Truthfully, this whole album initially hit me at 4 and 1/2. But I like it the more I hear it; and until Ms. Allen becomes better known, I'll upgrade her to 5. If you liked Diana Krall's recent "The Girl in the Other Room", you'll probably like this album even more, given the similarities between the two. One thing I guarantee you: if you play this c.d. for someone who has never heard it and never heard of Jackie Allen, they'll never guess it in a million years. RC

One of Best Jazz Singers You Never Heard Of.......2004-06-28

As a Jazz DJ on community radio constantly searching to avoid the too familiar, I have my finger on the pulse of female jazz singers throughout the United States, and the current crop, most of whom are unknown to the general public, is really outstanding. I mean real jazz singers, not Nora Jones. Jackie Allen is awfully close to the top of the list. This latest album only reaffirms the emotional depth, style, inventiveness, and sophistication of this marvelous artist who, after many years honing her craft in the mid-west, is beginnng to get a little of the recognition she deserves. Highly recommended.

A Concept Album with Emotional Impact.......2004-06-26

It's been so long since I've heard a "concept album" of the kind the (...) used to produce that LOVE IS BLUE caught me completely off guard. After her success with THE MEN IN MY LIFE, which featured fresh interpretations of some very well known pop tunes, the song selections on Allen's new CD: a couple of '60s instrumentals, a new Annie Lennox song, the chestnut "I'll Be Around" and originals by Allen and members of her ensemble struck me as eccentric. But anyone who has heard Jackie Allen perform live can attest to the way she commands a room with a Largo tempo and a meditative lyric. The combination of emotional vulnerability, instinctive musicality and the sheer beauty of her voice is a potent combination. Producer Rob Mathes, who has worked with Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Sade, and a host of other pop performers has capitalized on that strength for a first person narrative of a doomed love affair told from the perspective of the woman left behind. The romance that begins with the temptations of a "Lazy Afternoon" and ends with the stiff-upper-lip farewell of "I'll Be Around" is so compelling because its protagonist is seductive ("You Become My Song"), sensual ("Taste of Honey"), independent ("Go"), optimistic ("Here Today"), playful ("The Performer", "Turnin' Round"), self-aware ("Pavement Cracks", "Love is Blue"), and incurably romantic ("Moon of Deception"). Give yourself the time to listen to this CD from start to finish and, far from blue, you will be exhilarated by its emotional impact.

Average customer rating: Sorry for the ignorance, HJ Johnson still investigating his musical roots Hammond Organ back in a swing mode The REAL Henry Johnson

Organic Henry Johnson , and Nancy Wilson Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: New Beginnings Deep Blue Bruise Never Too Much Remember: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery An Evening At Sea ASIN: B0000DD782 Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. It could happen to you
2. Know it all
3. If it's the last thing I do
4. cascavelo
5. Hello like before
6. It's about time
7. A man ain't supposed to cry
8. My foolish heart
9. The more I see you
10. Third rail
11. It's alright with me
12. Blues for James and Dave
13. The scorcher
14. If it's the last thing I do

Customer Reviews:

Sorry for the ignorance, HJ.......2007-06-28

I usually don't look at a lot reviews of Henry's recordings, but some of the younger great jazz guitarists whom I can call friends were pretty upset with this uninformed review Mr. Biringvad wrote about Mr. Johnson and this particular recording. I will start off saying to Mr. Biringvad that we get it; you don't like contemporary jazz, and that's what those recordings HJ made were, but they are not "smooth jazz" because there is a big difference between the two genres that escapes you. If you really heard the difference, you would have known this from the very beginning. HJ doesn't play "smooth jazz" and has stated the he doesn't care for it. The difference between the two is, contemporary jazz was based on the marriage of jazz improvisations on top of of contemporary grooves, and the other has no jazz improvisations. Contemporary jazz hasn't been played on the radio for over 15 years. Based on your standards, Wes' "Bumpin' On Sunset", or Stanley Turrentine's "Sanctified Sister" would be considered "smooth jazz" to you. Yet, here we have a person trying to sit in judgment of a style of music he doesn't like, or even know about.

The other things that Mr. Biringvad said were totally out of ignorance and downright insulting. What does the word, "friendly" have to do with jazz? As if there's some "unfriendly" jazz. This is a statement made out of ignorance and maybe because Mr. Biringvad is from Oslo, Norway, but we don't refer to jazz in the US in that way. Then, to call a totally straight ahead jazz recording a "smooth jazz" is a true sign of idiocy. It makes no logical sense in any way, form, or fashion. Still, one of the most offensive of Mr. Biringvad's comments were, "Johnson is a guitarist with interesting jazz chops, runs and technique, but in the end of the day he lacks a personal jazz touch and quality like you find among the top league jazz guitarists today." Here we have a complete neophyte making statements about an artist who has a personal sound identifiable enough for artists like George Benson, Dizzy Gillespie, Lonnie Smith, and Joey DeFrancesco to recognize, but because he hasn't listened to HJ's music enough, he fails to hear his personal qualities. And his ignorance about this is supposed to be HJ's problem? Unbelievable.

And last, Mr. Biringvad has never seen or heard HJ in person, yet here he is telling people about HJ's roots in jazz. Mr. Biringvad, HJ's roots started in jazz over 35 years ago. He began his career by playing with Jack McDuff, Jimmy Smith, Don Patterson, Shirley Scott, Trudy Pitts, Leon Spencer, and Groove Holmes. Oh yeah, I just saw him play with Lonnie Smith last month, does that count? Those are just the organists HJ played with. There are far too many others to list here, but this is to show that you don't have the slightest clue as to what HJ's roots are and you sure don't have the credentials to judge him as an artist.

I would suggest to Mr. Biringvad that the next time he gets the urge to write a review of someone's music, at least have the common sense to limit it to what you know because what you don't know can make you look like an idiot, and an offensive jerk, which it has. How can a guy who has an organ in his living room, doesn't play for a living, and has no musical accomplishments to speak of, decide that he can sit in judgment of others who are actively contributing to an art form? This is true arrogance indeed.

Johnson still investigating his musical roots.......2007-01-20

Many years ago I bought the smooth jazz album "Missing You" by guitarist Henry Johnson, played it a couple of times since I've heard it too many times before by other smooth jazz guitarists and stored it in my collection. Reading a critics about this album in JazzTimes, the organist Chris Foreman and singer Nancy Wilson caught my attention, not guitarist Johnson. For Johnson, "Organic" represents, according to the cd insert, a back-to-my-roots album, teaming up for a basic guitar-organ-sax-drums setup adding guest vocals by legendary Nancy Wilson on four tracks and himself, serving a mix of standards and lesser known enjoyable whistling friendly middle-of-the road tunes. Johnson is a guitarist with interesting jazz chops, runs and technique, but in the end of the day he lacks a personal jazz touch and quality like you find among the top league jazz guitarists today. What positively surprises me with Johnson on this album is his mature "Johnny Hartman like" baritone voice, which suits perfect in this musical context and arrangements without or in duet with Nancy Wilson. Organist Chris Foreman, mainly seen in jazz clubs and studio with Deep Organ Trio, has unmerited little space for playing solos since being "the engine" in this group. Nevertheless, Foreman is an ideal accompanist and time-keeper together with drummer Greg Rockingham, showing steady bass lines and tasty use of Hammond B-3 registrations. "Organic" is an easy listening well-smoothed album serving gentle and friendly straight ahead smooth jazz but the problem is it's too many of the likes in the market today. "Organic" still does not answer where Johnson's musical roots are coming from. A must only for Johnson devotees.

Hammond Organ back in a swing mode.......2003-12-25

I had to review the new CD of one of my fave guitarplayers
Here Henry have used his normal working band.THE ORGAN EXPRESS

Henry Johnson Guitar
Peter Roothaan Sax
Chris Foreman Hammond B3
Greg Rockingham Drums

and it is a very tight unit that swings heavily,,there is so much wonderful music to dig into here,,,like Henrys wonderful octave runs on the bossa "Know it all" (Wes did it on one of
his last albums)or his "Bensonish" single string runs that are
allover the place and fits so well into the concept or his
comping on the old standard "The More I see you" it has
that "bounce" that makes the music so appealing
I also like the blind hammond player Chris Foremans very tasty McDuff inspired playing..he has a tremendous time.
On top of this the whole thing is spiced up with legendary
singer Nancy Wilson..she sings duets with Henry. I had no idea
that he was a singer of this caliber.
Finally to quote George Bensons ,liner notes "Henry is always
ready to swing you into bad health"
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The REAL Henry Johnson.......2003-10-31

You know that feeling of disappointment when you buy a new CD and after listening to the first two tracks you keeping hitting the "Forward" button looking for something better? I assure you that you will not have that problem with Organic! This is an instant "top ten" for your collection, especially if it is a collection long overdue for a fine B-3/jazz guitar sound. It's all good; smoking guitar lines augmentment by driving sax and Henry's best vocals ever (those years with Joe Williams really paid off.) Nancy Wilson adds that rare "touch of class" or perhaps I should say a "touch of classic" to this musical experience. Jazz does not get any better than this.

Average customer rating: Wonderful jazz vocalist Another terrific, underrated vocal album Sensuality, Chops, Intelligence Part Norah Jones, Part Eva Cassidy, All Jackie Allen

The Men in My Life Jackie Allen Manufacturer: A440 Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Love Is Blue Tangled The Very Thought of You Innocent of Nothing Nightcap ASIN: B000094Q1U Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

1. Still Crazy
2. Come Fly With Me
3. Dindi
4. Spain
5. You Could Be Fred
6. This Guy's In Love With You
7. The Bad And The Beautiful
8. Mexico
9. Tea In The Sahara
10. One Mint Julip
11. Fools Rush In

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful jazz vocalist.......2004-03-31

This cd is a real treat. Jackie has a wonderful voice that deserves more notice. This disk combines good arrangements musicianship and vocals to deliver music that is edgy and fun. Jackie shows that she is not afraid to take some chances and the result is very satisfying. Everytime this disk is in the player people ask me "Who is that?" I hope to hear more from Jackie soon!

Another terrific, underrated vocal album.......2004-03-12

Why are there so many fabulous woman jazz singers out there who are relatively unknown to the general population? I don't know; but here's another one, with a marvelous album. Jackie Allen has sort of a scratchy voice; but it's a pleasing scratchy. It reminds me a bit of Sheryl Crow's voice. As a result, when she delivers a song, it sounds authentic. (One exception: Bacharach's "This Guy's In Love With You" really was meant to be sung by a man) The sidemen on this album are just terrific, especially Ben Lewis (piano) and John Mulder (guitar). The guitar fills on "Come Fly With Me" and "Dindi" are wonderful, and the piano break on "Fools Rush In" is not only the highlight of this album, but also makes this rendition approach, if not top, the immortal one of Billy Eckstine. The whole thing is very tastefully done. Recommended, especially once it hits the bargain bin.

Sensuality, Chops, Intelligence.......2003-08-16

I first caught Jackie ten or more years ago when she was working a lounge in Milwaukee with keyboardist Mel Rhyne. She was obviously a "natural," as talented and hip as she was wide-eyed and innocent (a Wisconsin wholesomeness). As this album will attest, she's wiser, more seasoned, and she's definitely outgrown Milwaukee.

Jackie has a vocal quality to die for--it's warm, breathy, and sultry in the middle register, retains its lightness in the low tones but blossoms radiantly in the upper register (she must have a good 3 octaves at her disposal). The contour of her instrument is even--there are no detectable "breaks" between a chest and head voice, and there's never a sense that she's favoring a "comfort zone" of pitches. Yet she manages to impress you with her vocal strengths without seeming to try.

There's an inherently folk-like timbre to Jackie's tones. Thank God, she chooses, for the most part, to eschew that genre (which the employment of guitar could make even more tempting). Individual tunes: Bill Evans demonstrated that, separated from its original context, Paul Simon's music ("I Do It for Your Love") could be transformed into something sublime. Unfortunately, Jackie doesn't make the same case for Simon's "Still Crazy." Also, the meterless treatment of Bacharach's "This Guy's in Love with You" risks rigor mortis, especially when guitarist Moulder lays out on the fills. And Jackie's "One Mint Julep" is likely to leave a hangover with its guitar-distorted, shot-and-a-beer treatment. But the other 8 tracks are all winners: there's no better voice than Jackie's for making "Come Fly with Me" an exotic trip to the South Seas, for executing the pyrotechnical phrasing of "Spain," for scatting good-naturedly on "You Could Be Fred," or restoring a pristine pathos to Mercer's lyric for "Fools Rush In".

This is probably Jackie's best all-around album to date. Hearing her with this ensemble live, I realized what a strong stage presence she has despite occasionally shaky presentation. In these post-Ella, post-Sarah times, it must be tough to convince yourself you're the "star" and that your musicians are accompanists, not co-equals. The vocalist can afford to restrict both their solos and the mentioning of their names. And when the audio balance is off (most frequently, with overly amplified bass players), a glare or quick comment in the direction of the offending player or board operator can earn her important extra space. But in terms of this excellent CD the advantage is all in the listener's favor.

Part Norah Jones, Part Eva Cassidy, All Jackie Allen.......2003-05-23

When I first heard Jackie Allen's "Which?" several years ago I remember falling in love with the song "Daydream." I was surprised that I hadn't heard this beautiful Ellington-Strayhorn number before, until I realized that I had the Ella Fitzgerald version in my collection and had listened to it many times. One of the characteristics of a great singer is her ability to make you listen to a song as if you're hearing it for the first time. That's what Jackie Allen does time and again on "The Men in My Life."

Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Al Jarreau, Herb Alpert, James Taylor, Sting, Ray Charles, and Billy Eckstine are among the men whose music she performs on this CD. The influence of they've had on her musical style is evident as she offers up Paul Simon's melancholy, Al Jarreau's virtuosity, James Taylor's ease, Sting's intensity, Billy Eckstine's emotion, and Frank Sinatra's phrasing. But this CD is no trip down memory lane. The most important lesson she takes from all of these men is to make the songs her own.

Allen's soft, breathy purr on "Come Fly With Me" may remind some listeners of Norah Jones and her heart felt poignancy on "Fools Rush In" and the Rodrigo part of "Spain" has an Eva Cassidy feel. But just as you classify her as a torch singer she shifts from sweet to sassy on "One Mint Julep" and her own "You Could Be Fred."

She has surrounded herself with superb musicicans. John Moulder (guitar), Hans Sturm (bass), Dane Richeson (percussion), Ben Lewis (piano), Orbert Davis (trumpet), and vocalist Kurt Elling on the duet "The Bad and the Beautiful."

Meditation Music:

1. Acoustic Planet
2. Amazon Song
3. Atmosphere
4. Behind the Myth
5. Box of Dreams [Box set] [Import]
6. Ceremony
7. Chasing Grace
8. Coyote Moon
9. Dance of the Kora
10. Darkness and Light

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Chaos View

The Best Of The Great Composers, Volume II

The Complete Electrola Recordings, 1927-1942

Music: Plow to the End of the Row

The Digital Mix

Tide's Arising

Trova [Import]

War & Peace, Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc) [Explicit Lyrics]

Volo's the Best [Import]

The Organ of St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

The Worst Of Lust Control

Vina: South India

Tommy Boy's Greatest Beats, Vol. 4 [Enhanced]

Ten Million Dollars

Word of Mouth