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Danilo Perez - Providencia
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominated for:
-Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group
Danilo Pérez composes and plays a wide style of mainstream jazz, all highly inventive with classical, global, and especially Latin influences but unique to his own. The musicians of this album are of diverse ethnic or national background, Indian and Lebanese, Colombian and Portuguese, and American. Consider also the instruments of his ensemble -- bass, drums and steelpan, congas, alto saxophone, flute, oboe, French horn, bassoon, clarinet, and Pérez's piano, percussion, and Fender Rhodes. Thus, this very modern jazz album has a classical chamber music or suite quality to it. Each track is an adventure, sometimes cruising, sometimes frantic, some with passion, some with deep intellect. From romance to hard bop, they produce various moods. Even some Ethiopian dissonance appears in Galactic Panama, perhaps because both nations share the same latitude. The more accessible tracks are Daniela's [his daughter's] Chronicles; the joyous Bridge of Life, Part I; and the somewhat avant-garde classical Bridge of Life, Part II. All tracks, however, are striking. They capture our curiosity and interest.
Direct order link:
http://cart.mackavenue.com/cgi-bin/sc/order.cgi (via MackAvenue.com store)
Updated Jan 4, 2011
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Kirk Whalum: Everything Is Everything: The Music Of Donny Hathaway
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
- Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
Donny Hathaway would have been 65 years old on October 1,2010. Although the passing of this visionary and multi-talented artist left a significant void, his pervasive influence leaves an indelible mark on popular music. Donny's genius as a vocalist, pianist, composer and arranger was evident in his ability to combine his unparalleled musical gifts with a deep spirituality that permeated all of his endeavors.
There could be no better standard bearer for Hathaway's work than tenor saxophonist Kirk whalum, whose work has similarly crossed the boundaries between R&B, gospel and jazz with an emotional immediacy that is beyond compare. Everything is Everything consummates the chart-topping For You and The Babyface Songbook to create a trilogy that brilliantly exhibit Kirk's singular interpretive skills, and further advances the career of this 8-time Grammy nominee.
Highlights include "You Had To Know," featuring a headelt perfomance by Donny's daughter, Lalah, and neo-soul crooner Musiq Soulchild's retro take on "We're Still Friends." Wonderful arrangements by Gil Goldstein and John Stoddart, with contributions from contemporary jazz masters Rick Braun, Jeff Golub and Christian McBride, as well as pedal steel scorcher Robert Randolph, come together with Whalum's passionate tenor.
You can also get this Album in a 4 disc set which also includes: The Gospel According To Jazz - Chapter 3 (2 CD's and 1 DVD) for only 30 dollars.
Follow this link for more details:
http://www.mackavenue.com/catalog/detail/kirk_whalum_3_product_bundle/ (via MackAvenue.com store)
Updated Jan 4, 2011
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Kirk Whalum: The Gospel According To Jazz - Chapter III
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
1) Best Gospel Performance,
2) Best Gospel Song
Kirk Whalum (born July 11, 1958) is an American smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter. He toured as Whitney Houston's opening act for several years. Whalum has also recorded a series of well received solo albums and film soundtracks, with music ranging from pop to R&B to smooth jazz.
Get the 3 disk bundle: Kirk Whalum's "The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter 3" CD(double CD) AND the DVD, PLUS "Everything Is Everything: A Tribute To Donny Hathaway" for only $30!
LINK: http://cart.mackavenue.com/cgi-bin/sc/order.cgi?rd=1&storeid=*0ec1a5630f7a1e08bf&sbid=SSMSB1294174607.75664&prevlocation=http://www.mackavenue.com/catalog
Get the 2 disc package (CD & DVD):
Kirk Whalum's "The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter 3" CD(double CD) AND the DVD for only $20!
LINK: http://cart.mackavenue.com/cgi-bin/sc/order.cgi?rd=1&storeid=*0ec1a5630f7a1e08bf&sbid=SSMSB1294174607.75664&prevlocation=http://www.mackavenue.com/catalog (via MackAvenue.com store)
Updated Jan 4, 2011
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Larry Carlton & Tak Matsumoto: Take Your Pick
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
- Best Pop Instrumental Album
No stranger to Grammy type nominations, this record won BEST FUSION ALBUM OF THE YEAR in Japan at Japan's version of the Grammies. Tak Matsumoto is a huge rock star in Asia who has sold over 85 million albums in Japan (yes, you read that right, 85 MILLION!).
Both musicians are so well known that they each have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Carlton. who has won three American Grammy Awards for his performances and compositions, including the theme music for the hit television series, Hill Street Blues; teams with Tak Matsumoto, who has a talent of creating songs with story telling melodies, filled and full of Asian taste and beautiful scenery.
EAST MEETS WEST:
Drawing upon their knowledge and different music backgrounds Larry & Tak have forged Eastern and Western guitar styles to create a truly magical and unique album unlike any other.
The first single "Tokyo Night" entered the Japan Charts at #2 and was the first instrumental song to enter the top 10 in over 30 years! In the United States "Tokyo Night" has gone #1 on the Smooth Jazz charts and is currently being played on over 650 radio station world wide!
The “Take Your Pick” tour sold out 18 shows in 20 minutes all throughout Japan, ending in a spectacular headlining performance at the world famous Tokyo Jazz Festival. Together they went on to perform additional sold out shows in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
This CD is worth every cent and then some! (via 335 Records)
Updated Jan 4, 2011
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The Black Keys: Brothers
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
- Best Alternative Music Album
The Black Keys is a two-man duo comprising singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, both of whom were in their early twenties when the band's debut, The Big Come Up, was issued in 2002. Hailing from Akron, OH, they harnessed a close-to-the-bone, raw blues-rock sound on the album, whole sole instruments were Auerbach's guitar, Carney's drums, and the occasional organ.
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Updated Jan 4, 2011
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Buddy Guy: Living Proof
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
- Best Contemporary Blues Album
After decades of paying dues, Buddy Guy has emerged as the most heralded bluesman of his generation, a hugely influential guitarist and passionate, dynamic live performer. But Buddy started as a sideman, and toiled in the Chicago clubs for a decade before beginning his march to worldwide fame.
Buddy began as a sideman in Baton Rouge, playing primarily with the late Raful Neal (father of bluesman Kenny Neal and an excellent bluesman in his own right). Seeking a record deal, Buddy came to Chicago in 1957 at the age of 21. He was “adopted” by Muddy Waters, who encouraged the young bluesman when gigs weren’t immediately forthcoming. Buddy’s first step forward was winning a legendary guitar contest at the Blue Flame on the South Side, when his combination of great playing and showmanship (his 100-foot guitar cord allowing him to wander through the audience and down the street).
He quickly won a local reputation for his wild live shows, in the style of his first big influence, Guitar Slim. Later Buddy absorbed the smoother sounds of B.B. King, but Buddy’s tortured, high-pitched, gospel-influenced vocal style put him in a different category; he simply couldn’t (and wouldn’t) control the frenzy of his music.
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Updated Jan 4, 2011
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Fred Hammond: Love Unstoppable
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
- Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album
For three amazing decades, singer/songwriter/producer/musician Fred Hammond has been a Gospel music arbiter, consistently pushing the genre into to new melodic territory. The Detroit native ascended from bass-playing sideman for The Winans; to founding member of the trendsetting sextet Commissioned; to creating the further renowned ensemble Radical for Christ, to becoming a highly influential solo artist and producer in his own right. Unforgettable songs such as “Blessed;” “No Weapon; “King of Glory;” “Celebrate (He Lives);” “Let the Praise Begin” and more have lifted the spirits of millions both cross-culturally and cross-generationally. His 1998 release Pages of Life: Chapters 1 & 2 is a double platinum-seller and his award wins over the years have recognized his excellence in all areas upfront (Best Male Vocalist, Best Album and Best Song) as well as behind the scenes (for songwriting and producing). He is a multiple Stellar and Dove Award winner and his last CD, Free to Worship (2006), netted him his first Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.
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Updated Jan 4, 2011
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Robert Plant: Band of Joy
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
- Best Americana Album
Robert Plant's Band of Joy reflects his unquenchable thirst for new songs and new sounds. Not satisfied with his stature as one of the great innovators and heroes of pop music, he continues to let his curiosity guide him to unexplored territory. Building on the roots-imbued sound he achieved with Alison Krauss on the wildly successful Raising Sand, Plant's song selection and incomparable vocals make Band of Joy a new triumph. (via Amazon)
Updated Jan 4, 2011
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John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension: To The One
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
- Best Contemporary Jazz Album
John McLaughlin (born 4 January, 1942 in Doncaster), also known as Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, is an English jazz fusion guitarist and composer. He played with Tony Williams's group Lifetime and then with Miles Davis on his landmark electric jazz-fusion albums In A Silent Way and Bitches Brew. His 1970s electric band, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, performed a technically virtuosic and complex style of music that fused eclectic jazz and rock with eastern and Indian influences. His guitar playing includes a range of styles and genres, including jazz, Indian classical music, fusion, and Western Classical music, and has influenced many other guitarists. He has also incorporated Flamenco music in some of his acoustic recordings. The Indian Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain refers to John McLaughlin as being "one of the greatest and most important musicians of our times". In 2003, McLaughlin was ranked 49th in Rolling Stone magazine list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
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Updated Jan 4, 2011
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Herbie Hancock: The Imagine Project
First to recommend
Description
2011 Grammy Nominee for:
- Best Improvised Jazz Solo
It's not always projects studded with superstars are artistically frugal and satisfying. But here Herbie Hancock and producer/bassist Larry Klein have collected a host of renowned singers and musicians for a truly creative and impressive album. And a CD with an uplifting message of love, peace and understanding. In many ways refelecting Hancock's years long immersion in Buddhism.
In the vein of Joe Zawinul or Santana this is really a melting pot of world music influences, putting an African spin on the title track, while Dylan's "The Times They Are A changing" is presented as a fascinating mix of Irish - vocalist Lisa Hannigan and The Chieftains - with a surprise African finish by the intricate guitarist Lionel Loueke.
There is pure Brazilian jazz-pop with Céu, a surprisingly psychedelic "Tommorow Never Knows" with Dave Matthews. A grooving take on the old Joe Cocker hit "Space Captain" with Susan Tedeschi and her husband guitar star Derek Trucks . While the closing track "The Song Goes On", recorded in Mumbai, is in a beautiful Indian space, Hancock and old friend Wayne Shorter teaming up with sitar goddess Anoushka Shankar while Chaka Khan and K. S. Chitra shares the vocals.
Pink, Seal, Jeff Beck, Alex Acunã, India.Arie, Marcus Miller, Los Lobos and a host of others contribute to the fun. And lots of praise for Klein's once again superb production: multi layered and crystal clear and yet with a certain warmth and 'live feeling'. And ofc over and around it all the impressive piano and keyboard work of the man himself.
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Updated Jan 4, 2011
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About Top-10-CD-List:
I am a novice writer who dabbles in reviewing a variety of music for all tastes and all ages. My list is just now getting published and the feedback I get from people who check out what I recommend is so GREAT! Everyone is so appreciative of my suggestions - so I guess that means I have good taste!
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