CD Review: Chloe Jean: "Fairy Tale Fail"

                

Jazz Vocalist and Songwriter Chole Jean has just released her new CD, "Fairy Tale Fail".  The CD playlist is very interesting because it combines five original compositions, covers of four classic standards and a latin arrangement of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy".  The playlist illustrates Chloe Jean's ability to perform across many music styles with the same high level of vocal skills.  Chloe lyrics are very personal and give us insight into her own life and experiences. Success in the music business environment today is beyond hard for artist. It's brutal and Chloe's title song, "Fairy Tale Fail" warns us that life does not have Disney endings.  "Prince charming may "pick you up, but eventually lets you down."Musicans performing today need unbelievable strength to keep pursuing their musical dreams.  Chloe like all musicians  experienced times when she questioned her motives about pursing music as a career.  Fortunately for us, she has worked through these dark periods and now has published proof of her skills as a Vocialist and Composer.  Her voice is strong and clear with a sort of bluesy quality to it.  Her phrasing is at times R & B inspired, but in her CD she proves without a doubt that she can handle time honored standards also with no problem.

Guitarist Ray Oviedo did a wonderful job producing and arranging this CD.   The supporting cast of musicians contributing to this CD are all seasoned musicians and performed at the highest level.  All and all, I found this CD very enjoyable and accessible.  I love Chloe's music and lyrics and thought she handled the standards perfectly.  If you are a fan of exceptionally good Jazz vocals make sure you buy this CD, and I am positive Chloe Jean will quickly become one of your favorites.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to that will present Chloe's talents clearly to you. The first is a cover of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy" that I found interesting. The second is an original titled "Crazy" that speaks to the insane behavior that one echibits when in love. 

                                                                    "Bad Guy"

                                                                        "Crazy"

PLAYLIST:

1. Black Sheep

2. Cry Me A River

3. Fairy Tale Fail

4. I Left My Heart in San Francisco

5. Don't Know Why

6. Bad Guy

7. Free

8. Where Love Began

9. Crazy

10 First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

11. Blue Skies

PLAYERS:

Chloe Jean-Vocals, Compositions

David K. Mathews-Keyboard

Marc Van Wageningen-Bass

Peter Michael Escovedo-Percussion

Peter Horvath-Piano

Dan Feiszli-Bass

Billy Johnson-Drums

Jason Lewis-Drums

Mike Olmos-Trumpet

Norbert Stachel-Tenor Sax

Charles McNeal-Tenor Sax

CD Review: Chet Baker, "Blue Room"

Well do I have a surprise for all our Chet Baker fans, and who isn't?  You are in for a real musical treat.  The Archival Label, Jazz Detective has just released a two-CD set of previously unreleased studio performances from Chet Baker that were recorded in Holland in 1979.  The CD package is titled "Blue Room: The 1979 VARA Studio Sessions in Holland".  The first group of songs that were recorded in April 1979 included Pianist Phil Markowitz, Bassist Jean-Louis Rassinfosse and Drummer Charles Rice.  A second session on November 9th, 1979 feature Pianist Frans Elsen, Bassist Victor Kaihatu, and Drummer Eric Ineke.  

The quality of Baker's playing and singing on this two-CD set is at the highest level.  Honestly, I think it's some of his very best work.  The CD includes a booklet loaded with "Must Know" information about Chet Baker.  The booklet includes an overview by Dutch journalist Jeroen de Vale, Essays by Producer Zev Feldman, Frank Jochemsen and Edwin Rutten.  There are also interviews with sidemen Markowitz, Rassinfosse, and Ineke.  Trumpeters Randy Brecker and Enrico Rava and Pianist Enrico Pieranunzi have personal tributes included.  

What a miracle that these studio performances were found and recovered in excellent condition.  Pianist Markowitz who supplied masterful support and solos says "I'm grateful for the lessons I learned with him back then...This recording is really great.  Chet Baker's fans are going to be absolutely thrilled because he sounds unbelievable on this recording."

Randy Brecker one of the most highly respected Jazz Trumpet players performing today had some very interesting comments about Baker's Trumpet skills, "Boy, he got to the heart of the instrument like nobody else.  You hear him and you want to take everything from his playing, his whole conception, his sound, his melodic content.  He was really an improviser.  He played off the melody and he played what he heard.  To this day, I try to use all those elements.  I especially concentrate on playing less, rather than more."

Trust me,  this CD is Chet Baker at the top of his game.  If you are a Chet Baker fan, you have to buy this CD,  If you are new to Chet Baker this CD will make you a fan for life. 

I have attached two cuts from the album.  The first one is the opening tune on CD#1, "Beautiful Black Eyes".  It's a Wayne Shorter tune that features Baker playing as good as I have ever heard him.  It's a great piece of music.  The second tune has Chet Baker singing the song made famous by the Four Freshmen, "Candy".  It's clasic Chet Baker.

 Playlist:

CD#1

1. Beautiful Black Eyes

2. Oh, You Crasy Moon

3. The Best Thing For You

4. Blue Room

5. Down

CD#2

1. Blue Gilles

2. Nardis

3. Candy

4. Luscious Lou

5. My Ideal

6. Old Devil Moon

                                                            "Beautiful Black Eyes"

                                                                        "Candy"

CD Review: Mary Foster Conklin."These Precious Days"

 

Jazz Vocalist and radio host Mary Foster Conklin has released her fifth album, "These Precious Days" in February of this year.  The  theme of this CD features mostly outstanding women composers plus a mix of lessor-known but terrific Jazz and Pop tunes.  

Conklin has been playing music that celebrates women composers and lyricists on her radio show, called "A Broad Spectrum-the Ladies of Jazz", since 2016.  The program streams online every Sunday on WFDU.FM's HD2 channel at http://www.wfdu.fm which is broadcast from Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Mary Foster Conklin has a strong, clear voice and she has a real focus on the lyrics in the songs she selects. Her phrasing and understanding of the meaning of the lyric of every song she sings makes listening to her a real pleasure.  Master oil painters have often said that you need to have a connection to any painting you work on or it will project no emotional message.  The same is true for singing,  the very best Vocalists have an emotional connection with the the lyric.  Mary Foster Conklin not only sings songs that have lyrics she can relate too, she also chooses melodies that inspire her.  Both of these personal requirements show up on her new CD, "These Precious Days".  The collection of songs is wonderful and satisfiying to the listener.

I selected two songs on the album to attach for your listening pleasure that really appealed to me.  The first is "Summertime" but it's not the Gershwin classic.  This song was written by the great poet, Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson.  Conklin sings this song like she is telling her own story.   The second one is a relatively unknown song written by Dory Previn and her x-husband Andre Previn set to a samba tempo.  

Conklin has invited some very high-level musicians to join her on this CD.  John Di Martino is on Piano and wrote all the arrangements.  Sara Caswell plays violin and will be heard on the first cut, "Summertime".  Ed Howard on Bass, Vince Cherico on Drums, Guilherme Monteiro on Guitar and Samuel Torres on Percussion.

PLAYLIST:

1. Summertime

2. Some Cats Know

3. Just A Little Lovin

4. Come in From the Rain

5. Scars

6. Just For Now

7. A Little White Ship

8. Heart's Desire

9. Rainbow

10. Until It's time for You to Go

11. September Song   

 

   "Summertime"

                                                          

                                                                     "Just For Now"

CD Review: Doug MacDonald, "Big Band Extravaganza"

Guitarist, Composer and Arranger Doug MacDonald has recently released his first CD by the Doug MacDonald Big Band.  Doug leads the 17-piece Jazz Orchestra performing 9 original compositions and one Gershwin standard, "But Not For Me".  Doug has done recordings with almost every configuration but this is his first try at leading a Big Swinging Band.  Lovers of the big band sound will love this CD and this is another milestone Doug can add to his rich resume.  Doug is one of the premier, in demand Guitarists performing today.  He has recorded with Buddy Rich, Ray Charles, Bill Holman and Jack Sheldon, just to name a few.  He also has published several terrific new CDs over the past couple of years that I have reviewed.  

Considering the fact that Doug performs live almost every night in the Southern California area, I have no idea how he finds time to compose and arrange beautiful music, MC a Jazz radio show and release two or three new CDs every year.   Doug is a dedicated Jazz musician who is committed to keeping Jazz alive and well!  

The "Big Band Extravaganza" showcases the big band's swinging sound thanks to Doug's excellent compositions and brilliant arrangements.  Doug has brought together some of the finest musicians in the country to perform his songs on this CD.   The results will be satisfying to every Jazz fan and especially to the lovers of the historical big band sound.

I have attached two "YouTubes" for your listening pleasure.  The first one is the MacDonald original, "Ya Know Bill".   This performance contains solos from Trumpeter Carl Saunders who sadly recently died.  Those of you who are familiar with Carl Saunders work,  know what a big loss this is for the Jazz world; RIP Carl!

The second cut I have attached is the Gershwin classic, "But Not For Me" with a great solo from Rickey Woodard on Tenor Sax.

PLAYLIST:

1.  Toluca Lake Jazz

2. Rashomon

3. Luces Azules

4. Aventura En Triadas

5. Desert Jazz

6. Luz De Amour

7. De Ha

8. But Not For Me

9. Minor Mess

10. Ya Know Bill

PLAYERS:

Doug MacDonald- Guitar, Leader, Composer, Arranger

Kim Richmond, Alex Budman- Alto Sax

Rickey Woodard, Glen Berger- Tenor Sax

Tim McKay- Baritone Jazz

Ira Nepus, Les Benedict, Ivan Malespin, Rich Bullock- Trombones

Mike Campagna, Dan Fornero, Aaron Janik, Carl Saunders- Trumpets

Bill Cunlifffe- Piano (Day 1)

Andy Langham- Piano (Day 2)

Chuck Berghofer- Bass

Paul Kreibich- Drums

                                                                "Ya Know Bill"

                                                                   "But Not For Me"

                      

DC Review: Martin Wind Quartet, "My Astorian Queen- 25 Years On The New York Jazz Scene"

Bassist, Composer and quartet leader Martin Wind has released a new CD, "My Astorian Queen- 25 years on the New York Jazz Scene" featuring the Martin Wind Quartet.  The CD is essentially a thank you to the New York Jazz scene and a remembrance of Martin Wind's  25 years of musical adventures in New York.  He arrived in NY from Lensburg Germany to try to establish himself in the New York Jazz scene.  The quartet consists of Martin on Bass and 3 other very skilled and seasoned musicians.  Every one in the group has been friends and musical partners from almost the day when Martin arrived in New York City.  Their friendship and experience together shines through on all of the songs in this CD.  The liner notes are enlighting because Martin lists the reasons why each of the 9 songs were chosen.  I found the Martin Wind Quartet and all the songs on this CD very accessible.  The CD is a perfect example of what outstanding music from a Jazz quartet can be.  

The first song I have attached from the CD is thhe Jazz standard, "Broadway" and it features the wonderful sound of Scott Robinson's Bass Saxophone.  The Bass Saxophone is not frequently heard but after hearing Scott play it, you have to ask yourself why?  The sound is warm and rich and I would also say smooth.  Martin offers his explanation for choosing this tune.  "Shortly after arriving in New York, I started subbing on a couple of Broadway shows. "Phantom of the Opera" which is still going strong in its 3rd decade, and a fabulous production of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate".  I've always loved this tune and the way Scott sounds on his "mighty" bass Saxophone".  I couldn't resist adding the second tune, "New York, New York" because I love when a Bass player solos on a strong melody.  Martin adds "I usually close the set with this inevitable anthem.  Matt, of course, jumped right into the sandbox with me on this one."

                                                                        

                                                                    "Broadway"

                                                             

                                                                            

                                                            " New York, New York"

PLAYLIST:

1.  Mean What You Say

2. Solitude

3. Broadway

4. Peace Waltz

5. E Preciso Perduar

6. Out In P.A.

7. My Astorian Queen

8. There's A Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York

9. New York, New York

PLAYERS:

Martin Wind- Bass, Composing, Arranging, Leader

Scott Robinson- Tenor and Bass Sax, Clarinet, Trumpet

Bill Mays- Piano

Matt Wilson- Drums and Percussion

CD Review: Domi Edson, "Stories From Solitude"

Bassist and Composer Domi Edson has recently released her second album featuring her talented Jazz trio.  The Album titled "Stories From Solitude" was created by Domi as a result of the inspiration she finds from being alone with her thoughts in picturesque natural places.   "Stories From Solitude" contains an entertaining mixture of great Domi Edson arrangements of Jazz standards along with six original Jazz compositions.  

After listening to Domi Edson's skills on the Bass and her creative and new Jazz compositions,  you will be surprised that she is only 25 years old.  She plays and composes like a seasoned andd skilled Jazz professional! Domi explains, "I gain inspiration from being alone in nature (usually skiing). Most of the songs have stories behind them/are about something very specific".  It is so satisfying that so many young and talented musicians are still committed to the traditional American Jazz. 

Domi is joined by two other highly talented young musicians who complete her trio.  Spencer Zweifel plays wonderful Piano and Bobby Wiens provides perfect rhythm support.  In my opinion this is one of the best traditional Jazz Trios performing today.

I have attached an Domi Edson original composition titled, "Crocos" that showcases her immensely talented composing skills.  The second attachment is a Freddie Hubbard composition titled "Up Jumped Spring".

PLAYLIST:

1. Shiny Stockings

2. Domi's New Blues

3. In Waltzed Minnie

4. Panoramic

5. Killarney Glen

6. You and the Night and the Music

7. Lush Life

8. Crocos

9. When You're Smiling

10. For Col Tom Blue

11. Up Jumped Spring

PLAYERS: 

Domi Edson- Bass, Compositions and Arrangements

Spencer Zweifel- Piano

Bobby Wiens- Drums 

                                                                          "Crocos"

                                                                    "Up Jumped Spring"

CD Review: Roberta Donnay, Blossom-ing!

  

Vocalist, Composer and Producer,  Roberta Donnay celebrates Blossom Dearie on her 10th album,"Blossom-ing!".  Donnay has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in the music industry and has toured through the US and Internationally.  She has received many awards including the ASCAP composer award for her song "One World".    

Donnay became a Blossom Dearie fan many years ago for Dearie's ability to produce simple but swinging  storytelling.  Roberta Donnay has exhibited the same musical characteristicss in her large body of work but adds her own sassy, bluesy interpretations that her audiences love.  She has created a wonderful sound and when combined with her superb phrasing makes anything she sings perfect for the listener.

Donnay has selected 16 songs associated with Dearie for this album that our perfect.  The song written by of the greatest and most honored composers and lyricists in America.   Some of the songs will be familiar to you and others will quickly become new favorites for you.   I honestly enjoyed every minute listening to this Album and its wonderful playlist of songs.  

The musicians that Donnay selected for this Album also greatly contributed to the high level of this musical product.  Great vocalist, great songs and great musicians is always a winning combination for any album. 

Picking two songs out of the 16 classic songs on this CD was difficult.  The songs on this album will  satisfy even the most selective Jazz vocalist fans. Want-to-be Jazz vocalists should use Roberta Donnay's "Blossom-ing!" as one of their learning master classes.  The quality of Donnay's voice is amazing and her phrasing is Sinatra-like.  The song I have attached is titled "Roberta's Blues" was written by Billie Holiday and later adapted by Blossom Dearie.  The second song, "Unless It's You" was written by Johnny Mandel and Morgan Ames.   I was not familar with this Mandel song but after hearing it the first time, it has become one of my favorite songs.  Johnny Mandel is a giant talent and yet, in my opinion, never gets the attention and adoration of the general public he truly deserves. The music and lyric for this song is superb and Donnay's storytelling phrasing is perfect! 

PLAYLIST:

1. Roberta's Blues

2. Peel Me A Grape

3. Just One Of Those Things

4. Inside A Silent Tear

5. Plus Je T'Embrasse

6. Someone To Watch Over Me

7. Moonlight Savings Time

8. A Paris

9. The Party's Over

10. If I Were A Bell

11. Spring In Manhattan

12. Unless It's You

13. You Fascinate Me

14. I Wish You Love

15. It Amazes Me

16. Put On A Happy Face

PLAYERS:

Roberta Donnay- Vocals, Producer, Co-Arranger

Mike Greensill- Piano, Arranger

Ruth Davies- Bass

Mark Lee- Drums

Jose Neto- Guitar

David Sturdevant- Harmonica on "Spring In Manhattan"

MB Gordy- Percussion on "Inside A Silent Tear"

  

 

 

                                                                      " Roberta's Blues"

                                                                       

                                                                    "Unless It's You"