Record Reviews
3 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | AL JARREAU ~ MY OLD FRIEND: CELEBRATING GEORGE DUKE
CONCORD 888072353572 (Barcode: 888072353572) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014
This is the last studio album by American Jazz vocalist / songwriter Al JarreauFind albums by this artist, dedicated to his musical friend, the great keyboardist / composer George DukeFind albums by this artist, who died tragically prematurely in 2013. Jarreau is supported by a stellar team of top American instrumentalists, which includes bassists Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist and Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Patrice RushenFind albums by this artist and many others and several guest vocalists, including Dianne ReevesFind albums by this artist and Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, nine of which have music composed by Duke and the title tracks was composed by Jarreau. Duke plays keyboards on one track.
The music is absolutely lovely, as usual in the case of Jarreau’s outings, a perfect merger of Rhythm And Blues, Soul and Jazz, brilliantly performed by the participating musicians and guest vocalists, crowned by the irresistible vocal performances by Jarreau himself. Duke was a phenomenal weaver of great melodies, which always characterized his output, regardless of the different idioms he took part in, and this album is a great reminder of his many talents.
Overall, this is a delightful vocal album, which despite its strong Pop tendencies, offers a sophisticated and elegant listening experience, which is accessible to a wide range of music loving audience. Jarreau was a unique Artist, who never made any compromises as far as his music was concerned. Sadly, this was destined to be his last recording project, which serves as a proper testament of his superb talent.
| | Updated: 24/06/2025Posted: 24/06/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WAYNE SHORTER ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979202429 (Barcode: 886979202429) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1971 - 1988 Released: 2011
There are very few Jazz musicians, who can claim being at the epicenter of the most innovative and creative music making for decades and also be called one of the greatest Jazz composers, but saxophonist / composer Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist certainly is one of them. His role as a member of the legendary second Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet and than as co-founder and co-leader of the no less legendary Weather ReportFind albums by this artist are already more significant than the achievements of most other musicians, but Shorter also has a most impressive solo career, which spans from the late 1950s to now, i.e. for over half a century.
Shorter´s recordings as a leader, which were chronologically released on the Vee-JayFind albums on this label, Blue NoteFind albums on this label, ColumbiaFind albums on this label and VerveFind albums on this label labels present a magnificent body of work both as a performer and a composer. The Blue Note recordings, eleven albums released between 1964 and 1970 and recorded while he was a member of the Miles Davis quintet, are perhaps the most impressive and pivotal as far as Jazz development is concerned, but all the others are also great showcases of his talent.
Shorter recorded four albums for Columbia; one in 1974 and the other three in the late 1980s, all of which are included in this Box Set. The first album, ("Native DancerFind albums with this title") recorded with the brilliant Brazilian musician / composer Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist is the most memorable and impressive of the Columbia recordings and a beautiful example of Jazz-World Fusion at its best. In addition to several great Brazilian musicians playing on the album, including Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, it also features Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist on piano. The other three albums are somewhat Fusion oriented and feature different lineups of first class musicians, especially keyboard players like Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Stu GoldbergFind albums by this artist, Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, Patrice RushenFind albums by this artist, Geri AllenFind albums by this artist and others and of course almost exclusively the superb compositions by Shorter.
This Box Set also includes two bonus CDs, which collect all Weather Report tracks, which were composed by Wayne Shorter and recorded during the group´s entire lifespan. Although not adding anything new, these CDs present a great historic document of Shorter´s contribution as a composer to the group´s monumental accomplishments.
This Box Set is a must to all Wayne Shorter fans, especially in view of the fact that the individual albums have been out of print for ages. The musical content is of course top notch in every respect, a part of the legacy of a great musician, which deserves to be heard and remembered!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
|
