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    Raves

    Archive for February, 2010

    Friday, Feb. 26th 2010

    Gerald Clayton

    Two-Shade
    (Emarcy Records)

    The word “inventiveness” comes to mind when you hear pianist Gerald Clayton’s work on Two-Shade, his debut recording as a leader. Clayton applies creative voicing and effects to create a different kind of jazz piano experience. Whether on uptempo numbers or more laidback tunes, Clayton’s playing has a syncopated, percussive rhythm that is fascinating to the ear. The result is an engaging blend of moods that moves from solo settings to kinetic trio work with drummer Justin Brown and bassist Joe Sanders.  Having played for years with the likes of Roy Hargrove, Hank Jones, and the Clayton Brothers (led by his father and uncle), Two-Shade, which earned Clayton a Grammy nomination this year, is a striking emergence for this 25-year old talent.     Click here to listen to a clip of “Two Heads One Pillow”.

    Tracks: Boogablues, Trapped In A Dream, Two Heads One Pillow,  Peace For A Moment, All of You, Interlude – Love All Around, Casiotone Pothole, One Two You, Sunny Day Go, Scrimmage, Interlude – You’re Out, Con Alma .

    Saturday, Feb. 20th 2010

    Babatunde Lea

    Umbo Weti
    (Motema Music)

    Legendary vocalist and composer Leon Thomas, perhaps best known for his collaborations with the great Pharoah Sanders on ”The Creator Has A Masterplan”, is the inspiration for percussionist and drummer Babatunde Lea’s latest musical effort. Lea’s connection to Thomas goes back to attending the same church while growing up in Englewood, New Jersey. For this beautiful tribute to the spirit and music of Thomas, Lea chose an ensemble of Ernie Watts on saxophone, Gary Brown on bass, Patrice Rushen on piano, and the powerful vocals of Dwight Tribles more than captures the mesmerizing essence of Thomas. Recorded live at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California, this 2-CD set is not only a wonderful tribute to a great artist, but a tremendous work in its own right.

    Click here to listen to a clip of “Prince of Peace”.

    Tracks: Disc 1: Invocation, Boom Boom, Cousin Mary, Price of Peace, Let The Rain Fall on Me, Reaching Up, Creator Has A Master Plan.

    Disc 2: Umbo Weti, Colors, Sun Song, African Tapestry, Song For My Father.

    Friday, Feb. 12th 2010

    Tineke Postma

    The Traveller
    (Etcetera)

    Besides being an engaging collection of music,The Traveller is an incredible showcase for saxophonist Tineke Postma. The 31-year old Dutch artist composed all but one of the songs on the album (Adagio), while arranging all of the compositions. Postma and a stellar lineup of talent which includes pianist Geri Allen, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington bring a chemistry and respect for each other that comes through in the wonderful performances of this recording, Postma’s fourth as a leader. Vocalist Anne Chris adds a contemporary flair to several tracks with her accompaniment of the music. Tineke Postma’s award-winning talents as a composer and performer on this project places her in the vanguard of today’s great jazz saxophonists.

    Click here to listen to a clip of “Song For F”.

    Tracks: Song For F, The Eye of The Mind, Crazy Stuff, Thin Line, Adagio 13 — Heitor Villa Lobos, Cabbonal, Motivation, Searching and Finding, YWC.

    Friday, Feb. 5th 2010

    Keith Jarrett
    Paris/London Testament
    (ECM Records)

     
    Is it possible to tire of Keith Jarrett’s incredible pianissimo? Not likely. Paris/London Testament is a 3-disc documentation of his virtuosity and genius as an improvisational composer, bringing no pre-arranged music, while exploring, and finding, beautiful, new musical ideas in front of a live audience. The Paris concert was recorded at the Salle Playel on November 26, 2008, while the London concert recorded a few days later on December 1 at Royal Festival Hall marked Jarrett’s return to London after an absence of many years. The suite of performances are truly a testament to the continuing brilliance of an incredible musical artist.  

    Click here to listen to a clip of “Part VII: Salle Pleyel, Paris”.

    Tracks: Not traditionally titled.