CD Review: Five Plus Six "Such Sweet Thunder"

Jazz is alive and well in all parts of the USA.  Most of the new Jazz CDs I am asked to review, especially big bands are either the West Coast or the East Coast.  However, Vance Thompson's new Jazz band, Five Plus Six direct from Knoxville, Tennessee proves that great Jazz is being creative all over the USA.  Vance Thompson is an outstanding Jazz Trumpet player, and he has provided some  sensational arrangements of classic Jazz composition from the masters of Jazz: Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington.  And believe it or not Vance has arranged a gem from the musical pen of Dolly Parton that would knock Dolly off her chair, "Little Sparrow".

The heart of this new eleven-piece band combines Vance Thompson's core quintet with six additional horns.  The additional horn players while younger musicians, play with seasoned musicianship and add a noticeable excitement to the overall big band sound.  Five Plus Six has produced a terrific Jazz product and would thrill anyone who loves the big band Jazz sound.

As a side-note, this CD was made possible through a fund raising project done in coordination with the site, "Pledgemusic.com".  Its great that we have so many sites now where musicians can get financial support to record new CDs that benefit all music lovers.  The world is a better place because musicians like Vance Thompson can share their creative talents with us.

        The Lineup:
       
        "The Five"
Vance Thompson- Trumpet & Flugel and all arrangement except "Four in One".
Michael Wyatt-Trumpet
Joe Jordan-Trumpet
Tylar Bullion-Trombone
Sean Copeland-Tenor & Bass Trombone

         "The Six"
Keith Brown-Piano & Fender Rhodes
Jamel Mitchell-Alto & Soprano Sax
Taylor Coker-Bass
Greg Tardy-Tenor Sax & Bass Clarinet
Nolan Nevels-Drums
David King-Baritone and Soprano Sax

"Four and One" arrangement by Donald Brown and Keith Brown
Executive Producers: Barbara and Jeffrey Crist
Associate Producers: Bill and Elisabeth Rukeyser

Playlist:
"Pannonia"-Thelonious Monk
"Isfahan"-Billy Strayhorn
"Little Sparrow-Dolly Parton
"Ugly Beauty"-Thelonious Monk
"Such Sweet Thunder"-Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn
"Prelude To A Kiss"-Duke Ellington
"Rocklin In Rhythm"-Duke Ellington
"Four In One"-Thelonious Monk
"He's Gone Away"-Traditional Appalachian Folk Song

I found a "YouTube" of Five Plus Six playing "Rockin In Rhythm" that is guaranteed to make you feel good!

CD Review: Barbara Rose "Christmas CD"

The talented and beautiful Barbara Rose has produced a new "Christmas" CD,  and it's what you expect from Barbara.  It's amazingly good! Barbara Rose's talent is hard to properly describe.  She began her musical life at age 3, attended Julliard and graduated at the age of 10.  By the time she was 17, she was playing and singing in the top night spots in New York City, like The St. Regis Hotel, The Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel, Peacock Alley at TheWaldorf-Astoria Hotel and Tavern on the Green.  Currently, Barbara entertains a large following of fans at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, NJ usually on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for brunch.  Barbara is very much in demand, so if you want to see her, be sure to call ahead to make sure she is appearing. Barbara plays and sings all styles of music from Classic to American Jazz. She is also a fine composer and does all her own arrangements which are always unique and beautiful. Her "Christmas" CD must be heard by everyone who loves the historical music of Christmas.

    Playlist:

1. Winter Wonderland                          2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3. Santa Claus is coming To Town      4. Silent Night, Drummer Boy
5. We Need A Little Christmas            6. O Holy Night
7. Carol of Bells, Christmas Medley   8. Blue, White, Toy Land, All is Fair in Love
9. Hark                                                 10. I'll Be Home For Christmas

I have attached two YouTube videos I found I am sure you will love.  The first is Barbara's arrangement of "Carol of the Bells of Christmas Medley" and the second, "Dear Santa" is a tribute to our troops that Barbara wrote, arranged and performed.  Barbara says "I was inspired in 2001 by her prayers for peace and especially in tribute to our troops during the holidays, who continue to fight for freedom in the world.

                               Barbara Rose Playing "Carol of the Bells, Christmas Medley"

                                                Barbara Rose Playing Her Own Composition
                                                                      "Dear Santa'

Keith Jarrett Still the King of Jazz Piano

                                  Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette and Gary Peacock 

On Sunday November 30, I received my first Christmas present.  I got tickets to see Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette perform live at NJPAC in Newark, NJ.  I never saw Keith in person, and I had very high expectations.  I can only say that my high expectations were exceeded with not only Keith but also the performance of Keith's partners of over 30 years, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette.  NJPAC had advertised the concert as "Jazz Geniuses in Concert", and they captured the happening perfectly!

The audience consisted of a mix of ages, from early 20's to some who were in their 80's. What I found as remarkable was the absolute respect the entire audience held for Keith and his remarkable side men.  Every time Keith approached the piano, there was total silence in a room packed with an overflow of Jazz lovers. I have never experience this respectful tribute to any other Jazz musician I have heard live.

Keith Jarrett is universally recognized as one of the most creative improvisers of Jazz Piano. His brilliance is aided by his Classical educational which brings improvised Jazz to wonderful heights that elevate his listeners to Jazz heaven.  The word genius is overused at lot especially in the music world, but there is no better word that describes the music Keith creates!

Performing tonight with Keith were two other musical giants, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette.  Gary Peacock is still playing world-class Bass at the highest level at 79 years of age and still supports Keith's improvisations like he was his twin brother.  Supporting a genius Jazz piano player like Keith is, in my opinion,  one of the most difficult assignments for even the most talented high-level professional musician.  Keith travels his own path through some of the greatest standards ever written; and, therefore, nothing for Gary or Jack is on automatic pilot. Gary's solos were a perfect compliment for Keith's emotional renditions of classic songs, like "I Fall In Love Too Easily".

Jack DeJohnette is a remarkable drummer.  He is one of the greatest drummers in Jazz history and hearing him support Keith and Jack leaves the listener with no doubt of his brilliance.  Jack proves that there is so much more to playing Drums that simply loudly keeping time. He is a student of sounds and uses his percussion instruments like a scientist working in a lab constantly looking for even the slightest variations of sounds to support the construction of this trio's wonderful music.

The trio is touring and I recommend that you make every effort to see them if they get close to where you live. To hear this group live is a Jazz experience of a lifetime!

I found a "YouTube" that I have attached below to remind you of the brilliance of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette. This "YouTube" was recorded live in 1993.

                       Keith Jarret, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette "I Fall In Love Too Easily"

Music Man Blog Celebrates Its 5th Birthday

The Music Man Blog celebrated its 5th birthday and it's time to review its progress.  Over the past 12 months, I have met some of the finest musicians in the world, and have been exposed to great talents by way of the CDs that I have reviewed. The best part of writing this blog is the exposure to brilliant musicians who continue the American tradition of leading the world in the creation of exciting and creative music. You may have noticed that there has never been a bad review of a live performance or a CD posted on this blog. The reason for this is I don't see my role as a critic but more as a supporter of music. If I don't really care for a CD or a live performance, I just don't post a review. I will leave that job to the professional music critics. Everyone knows that the music business is in flux today. It has to find the correct path that will provide musicians with the public forum they need for exposure  and the generation of income to support their families. I believe it will come sooner rather than later because life without music, both live and recorded, would be a terrible place to live! So I will continue to do my part to get the word out to music lovers all over the globe.

Over the past 12 months, the Music Man Blog had a total of 67,925 page views by unknown music lovers in over 20 countries throughout the world.  After 5 years of publication, we have had total page views of 264,840. It was a very busy year with 56 new blogs published.

Our International audience of Jazz lovers continues to expand also. China joined the top-10 list for the first time last year in position 9 and the Ukraine moved from 7th place last year up 4th place. I listed below the top-10 countries that follow our blog based on page views:

1. United States                   6. Philippines
2. Canada                             7. Russia
3. United Kingdom              8. Australia
4. Ukraine                            9. China
5. Germany                          10. France

I want to personally thank all the supporters of great American music and the "Music Man Blog" for their strong support over the years. Our blog has a proven track record increasing the support of live music and also helping to give exposure and sales to musicians and their newly published CDs.

Warmest Regards, Bob Nicosia, publisher of the "Music Man Blog".

CD Review: Carol McCartney "Be Cool"

Carol McCartney was born and raised in North Toronto, Canada and she has just released her second CD, "Be Cool".  Normally when I do a review of a new Jazz singer, I have to play the CD several times to feel the emotions of the vocalist, the musical arrangements and the quality of the supporting musicians. This was not the case for "Be Cool". Carol McCartney has a pure, strong voice and sings lyrics like she is telling her own life story.  She projects a comfortable, relaxed attitude which when combined with her perfect pitch, captures the listener who becomes totally spellbound with the lyrics and melodies. Sometimes when you listen to a Jazz singer, the recording clearly projects a singer singing with a Jazz band.  When you listen to Carol singing, her voice and the band merge and become one. The results are spectacular for any Jazz lover!

Carol is very well known throughout Canada and Internationally.  She has performed at many Canadian and International Jazz festivals.  She is also a noted Jazz educator, teaching Vocal Jazz at the University level in Canada. She is multi-talented, helped mix the songs  and was the Producer for this wonderful CD.  The songs selected for this CD are a great blend of standards, some of which you don't hear very often and yet, all the songs flow together perfectly.

I must mention the arrangers of the songs on this CD because each arrangement is outstanding. Pianist Brian Dickinson arranged the title track, "Be Cool" and also "I'm Old Fashioned", "For Heaven Sake", "West Coast Blues", "Almost Twelve" and "More Than You Know".  Rick Wilkins the multi-talented composer, arranger and Sax player did the arrangements for "Tulip or Turnip", "Ev'rything I've Got (Belongs to You)" and "Solitary Moon".  Paul Keller did "Just You, Just Me". Brian Wray did the arrangement for "S'Wonderful" and Carol McCartney wrote a wonderful arrangement for "Yesterdays".

One of the major characteristics of all great Jazz singers is they understand the value of singing with a great cast of supporting musicians. Gathering great musicians to support a singer is only half the job; the other half ,which is just as important, is to have supporting musicians that fit the singers style, voice and material.  Carol has mastered this requirement perfectly.  The musicians playing alongside Carol on this CD are nothing short of outstanding.  Each musician is a seasoned pro, and the result has produced what I believe should be a "Grammy" nominated Jazz CD. I especially want to mention the brilliant contribution from Brian Dickinson's Piano playing!

The Players:
   Brian Dickinson, Piano
   Lorne Lofsky, Guitar
   Kieran Overs, Bass
   Terry Clarke, Drums
   Chris Robinson, Tenor & Alto Sax
   Mike Malone, Flugel Horn

The Playlist:
   "Be Cool", Joni Mitchell
   "I'm Old Fashioned", Kern and Mercer
   "For Heaven Sake", Bretton, Edwards and Meyer
   "Tulip or Turnip", Ellington
   "Yesterdays", Kern
   "Ev'rything I've Got (Belongs to You)", Rogers and Hart
   "Solitary Moon", The Bergmans and Mandel
   "Just You Just Me", Greer and Klages
   "S'Wonderful", Gershwin
   "West Coast Blues" Montgomery
   "Almost Twelve", Wilson
   "More Than You Know", Youmans, Rose and Eliscu

I found a Youtube of Carol singing "These Foolish Things" that I know you will enjoy.

                                           Carol McCartney Singing "These Foolish Things"

CD Review: Cat Conner "Cat House"

Jazz Vocalist Cat Conner has released a new CD that all lovers of Jazz singing need to acquire.  I was not familiar with Cat Conner until I received the new new CD with a request to review it.  The first thing that got my attention was the playlist of songs Cat had picked for this CD.  She includes an in-depth explanation of why each song was chosen which also explains why she sings with such a great understanding of the lyrics.  Each song links to a part of Cat's life experience both from the past to present day.  A lot of serious thinking was done by Cat to develop this playlist and the results will please anyone that loves a singer who understands how to transform words into an emotional experience for the listener. Cat has a wonderful voice and performs perfectly whether a swing song, ballad, blues or Latin groove. She is simply a seasoned and skilled professional Jazz singer!

Being the seasoned Jazz singer that she is, Cat has selected an outstanding cast of supporting musicians:

John Chiodini- Guitar and did most of the arrangements
Gene Cipriano- Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Tenor and Bass Oboe
Tom Ranier- Piano
Chuck Berghofer- Bass
Joe LaBarbera- Drums
Ron Stout- Trumpet
Dick Nash- Trombone
Stephanie O'Keefe- French Horn
Bob Carr- Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Alto Flute

               Playlist
  1.   "Everything I Love/Everything I Desire"       2.   "Handsome Man"
  3.   "Sans Souci"                                                       4.   "Giant Steps"
  5.   "Throw Me Away"                                             6.   "Remind Me"
  7.   "Baltimore Oriole"                                             8.   "Heart's Desire"
  9.   "Wishing On The Moon"                                   10. "You're Driving Me Crazy"
  11. "Come On Strong"                                              11. " Come On Strong"
  12. "What a Little Moonlight Can Do"                   13. "People Say"

I also want to add that I was delighted to find that Palm Springs resident, Michael Dees, has one of his great songs on this CD, "Throw Me Away".  Michael is a wonderful singer and even better songwriter whose lyrics are always new, clever and deliver an emotional message.

You can hear the songs on this new CD by going to Cap's Website: www.catconner.com.

Ben Webster: Remembering The Jazz Greats: Chapter 12

                                                        Ben Webster and Art Tatum

Ben Webster was one of the most influential American Jazz Tenor Sax players and a member of the most important "Swing Tenors" group that included Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young.  His tone was considered tough and raspy, but I always loved the way he played with warmth on ballads. He really made his mark playing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra starting in 1935 and lasting until 1943. After leaving the Ellington band because of a bitter run-in with Duke, Ben played gigs in New York City for several years.  Then in 1953, he recorded "The King of Tenors" with the great Oscar Peterson which solidified his Jazz status as one of the Great American Jazz giants. In the 1950's Ben formed a quintet with Gerry Mulligan and frequently played in the LA area at a club called "Renaissance".

In 1964, he moved to Europe permanently to join other American Jazz musicians and continued to perform there until his death in 1973.

For your listening enjoyment, I have attached three terrific "Youtube" videos highlighting the great talents of Ben Webster especially on ballads.

                            "When I Fall In Love" from the album "Ben Webster For Lovers"

                                  "Blue Moon" From Album "Ben Webster With Strings"

                                             "My One And Only Love" with Art Tatum