Record Reviews
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  | DR. JOHN ~ AFTERGLOW
BLUE THUMB 7000 (Barcode: 011105700023) ~ USA ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995
This is a lovely and sadly little known album by iconic American singer / pianist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), recorded with a full Jazz Big Band / Orchestra. The album presents ten songs, seven of which are American Songbook standards and three are his own songs. The album was produced by the legendary producer Tommy LiPumaFind albums by this artist and the songs were arranged and conducted by John ClaytonFind albums by this artist. The instrumentalists include guitarist Phil UpchurchFind albums by this artist, bassist Ray BrownFind albums by this artist, drummer Jeff HamiltonFind albums by this artist and other renown Jazz players.
The beautiful idiosyncratic voice, piano playing and general attitude of Dr. John work absolutely perfectly with the Big Band arrangements, and the resulting music works as if it was initially created exactly for this unique setting.
Overall, this is a little hidden gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it, how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Blues, Soul and vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits!
| | Updated: 05/10/2022Posted: 05/10/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DR. JOHN ~ IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD
MUSIC ON CD 13505 (Barcode: 8718627225905) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion
Recorded: 1989 Released: 2018
This is a reissue of the 12th studio album by iconic American singer / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), recorded with an impressive cast of American Jazz musicians, including bassist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Hugh McCrackenFind albums by this artist, drummer Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist and others, and string and brass sections. The horn and string arrangements were done by the legendary Marty PaichFind albums by this artist and the album was produced by no less legendary producer Tommy LiPumaFind albums by this artist. As the album’s title suggests, it presents nine popular love songs, most of which are Jazz standards.
Dr. John is undoubtedly a superb interpreter of Jazz (and Pop) standards. His beautiful throaty voice, keyboards playing and highly aesthetic approach are absolutely perfect and his affinity to Jazz results in creating superb cross-genre albums, like this one. He has very few competitors in this particular niche, which he repeatedly proved over the years.
Overall, this is a little hidden gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it about how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits!
| | Updated: 20/10/2023Posted: 20/10/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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