CD Review: Pauline Jean - A Musical Offering

CD Review: Pauline Jean - A Musical Offering



Featured Artist: Pauline Jean

CD Cover - Buy CD CD Title: A Musical Offering

Year: 2009

Record Label: Sekonsa Jazz Records

Style: Jazz Vocals

Musicians: Pauline Jean (vocals), Sharp Radway (piano), Corcoran Holt (bass), Alvin Atkinson, Jr. ( Drums), McClenty Hunter (drums, tracks 2, 10, 11), Markus Schwartz (percussion, tracks 7, 8), Marcelo Woloski (percussion, tracks 5, 6, 13), Jean Caze (trumpet), Thaddeus Hogarth (harmonica)

Pauline Jean
Review: Pauline’s voice is going to captures you from the first note. Beautiful and powerful, her voice has being compared to Cassandra Wilson, Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughn. There is some truth to those comparisons; Pauline takes the best of all those amazing singers, the tone of Cassandra Wilson, the energy of Nina Simone and the feeling of Sarah Vaughn. With all these ingredients she's creating her own style and delivers a wonderful debut album.

There’s another difference in Pauline’s music; being of Haitian descent, she sings in both English and her parents native tongue, kreyol. Her rendition of the classic Blue Skies (first part in English and second part in kreyol) is amazingly beautiful. The song starts with a funky bass intro that later change into a more traditional jazzy arrangement.

There’s no doubt Pauline and her band can swing, A Musical Offering starts with an excellent, swinging version of Love must be catchin. Corcoran Holt on Bass, Sharp Radway on Piano and Alvin Atkinson on drums are in full swing also on Exactly like you and Forget me. Sharp’s arrangements and piano playing are some of the highlights on this album.

If Pauline is good in the swinging tracks, she’s even better singing ballads, with lovely and soulful renditions on I thought about you and Little did we know. Something in Pauline’s phrasing and the arrangements on songs like Plain Gold Ring is probably what brings comparisons with Cassandra Wilson.

Pauline is also a good songwriter. Listen to the very nice lyrics and music on her compositions, Searchin and Signature. Searchin have a nice funky bass rhythm that at times reminds me of the singer Sade.

Dey/Rasenbleman is a chant of hope with lyrics completely in the kreyol language. On this song one can appreciate the range, power and beauty of Pauline’s voice. Ayiti Remember is almost a Jazz version of Dey/Rasenbleman, same hopeful message but with a jazzier feeling.

On Beautiful Friendship the band is back into a swingin mood, this time McClenty Hunter on drums provides the rhythm with yet another swinging bass and piano by Corcoran Holt and Sharp Radway.

Pauline deep and classy delivery on Tell me more and more and then some, reminiscent of Nina Simone version, proves this lady can sing the blues too. A Musical Offering is a promising debut for this fresh new voice in the Jazz scene.

Tracks: Love Must Be Catchin', Blue Skies/Ciel Bleu, Exactly Like You, I Thought About You, Plain Gold Ring, Searchin', Dey/Rasenbleman, Ayiti Remember, Forget Me, Tel Me More And More And Then Some, Beautiful Friendship, Little Did We Know, Signature

Artist's Website: http://www.paulinejean.com

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Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

CD Review: La Forja - Con Aroma de Romero

Featured Artist: La Forja



CD Cover

CD Title: Con Aroma de Romero

Year: 2007

Style: Jazz / Flamenco

Musicians: Naty Lomas (Vocals), Daniel Rivadeneyra, Kin Santiago (guitars), Ramón Sanchez (Flute), Agustín Reina (Bass), David Chávez (Cajón), Angélica Marbella, Beatriz Torres (Palmas & Dance), Javier Guillén ( Violin)

Review: La Forja is a group of musicians with an interesting fusion of Flamenco with Jazz, Rock and other music influences. Con Aroma de Romero is an album filled with passion and amazing musicians.

The album starts with Lanzate al Vuelo. The voice and feeling of Naty Lomas and the melodic solos of Ramón Sanchez are the hightlights on this track. Supported by the flamenco rhythms of David, Daniel and "las bailaoras" (dancers) Angélica y Beatriz.

San Marcos is an instrumental piece with a wonderful display on flute and sax by Ramón Sanchez. And David Chavez once again provides the rhythmic energy playing the "cajón". Un poco más is a classic from composer Alvaro Carrillo, played beautifully here in a flamenco arrangement

La Forja version of Joaquin Rodrigo's Aranjuez is one of the best I've heard. Some more classy flute melodies by Ramón Sanchez and a subtle, perfect work on Guitars, Cajón and Bass.

Bulerias del Quijote is maybe my favorite, full of energy from the start with "las palmas" (clapping), and dance of Angélica and Beatriz. Naty's interpretation is flawless on this track based on Don Quijote.

Like the tittle suggest , Farruca por Blues is a fusion of Flamenco and Blues, this time with an additional element, the violin, that gives the music a different flavor. But the high point is Angelica dance solo. Intensity, energy, passion, are just a few words that comes to mind when one listen to a master of Flamenco dancing as good as Angelica.

A Flamenco album or show is not complete without some Sevillanas. These are the lyrics that give title to the CD. Wrote by Angélica Marbella, these lyrics proves she is as good as a songwriter.

Tracks: Lánzate al vuelo, San Marcos, Un poco más, Aranjuez, Bulería del Quijote, Farruca por Blues, Sevillanas del Romero, Casino del Mar

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

CD Review: Joe Beck & Laura Theodore - Golden Earrings

CD Review: Joe Beck & Laura Theodore - Golden Earrings

Featured Artist: Joe Beck & Laura Theodore

CD Cover - Buy CD CD Title: Golden Earrings

Year: 2009

Record Label: Whaling City Sound

Style: Jazz Vocals

Musicians: Joe Beck (alto guitar, acoustic guitar), Laura Theodore (vocals)

Review: Joe Beck and Laura Theodore new CD "Golden Earrings" should be a Jazz classic for a lot of reasons. First, it is the last album recorded by Joe Beck before he passed away on July 22, 2008. Beck was a musician’s musician and his resume includes recordings with Miles Davis, Buddy Rich, Gil Evans, Frank Sinatra, James Brown and David Sanborn.

There’s also the chance to hear once again Beck’s invention, the Alto Guitar, a hybrid guitar with two bass strings and four guitar strings. Another reason is Laura Theodore; for those who are not familiar with Laura’s work, she is one of the best singers on the Jazz scene today.

But the main reason is the wonderful music on this album. Golden Earrings is a tribute to the music of another Jazz legend, Peggy Lee.

There’s an undeniable chemistry between Joe Beck and Laura Theodore that shows all trough this CD. Beck use of chords and harmonies played on his alto guitar creates music so full and rich, ideal for Laura’s always soulful vocals.

The beautiful intro on Johnny Guitar is a perfect way to start Golden Earrings. Beck’s guitar and Laura’s enchanting interpretation reminds me of a Quentin Tarantino movie soundtrack.

Beck an Laura swing on tracks like Why don’t you do right, You was right baby and I can’t believe you’re in love with me. On Take a little time to smile, Laura moves easily between deep and bright tones, playing beautifully with Beck chords and harmonies.

Laura’s vocals on Fever and My small señor, are playful, suggestive and entertaining. Love the use of guitar harmonics by Beck on these songs. Laura has a quality on her voice and phrasing that reminds me of legendary Jazz singers like Ella and Holiday. Yet, she has an unmistakable style and voice. Listen to Solitude, Golden Earrings, When your speak with your eyes and the nice scats on Don’t smoke in Bed.

I specially enjoy the Bossa feeling on I get along without you very well and the bluesy version of I don’t know enough about you, a perfect match for Laura classy and soulful voice.

Golden Earrings contains some of the best Jazz music I’ve heard in recent years. This album is a must have in your Jazz collection.

Tracks: Johnny Guitar, Why don't you do right?, Take a little time to smile, Fever, My Small Señor, Don't smoke in bed, I get along without you very well, You was right baby, I can't believe that you're in love with me, Solitude, Everything is moving too fast, When you speak with your eyes, Golden Earrings, I don't know enough about you, What more can a woman do?, Mañana

Laura Theodore - Golden Earrings

Jazz and Bossa Website: http://jazznbossa.ning.com/profile/LauraTheodore

Record Label Website: http://www.whalingcitysound.com

Artist's Website: http://www.lauratheodore.com/

Listen or Buy: http://www.virtualmediapost.com/

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

Send your CD for review to:
Jazz and Bossa
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Bayamón, Puerto Rico, 00961-3105

CD Review: Carlos Jimenez - Thoughts

Featured Artist: Carlos Jimenez

CD Title: Thoughts

Year: 2008

Record Label: CJ Martinete Music Co. - BMI

Style: Smooth Jazz

Musicians: Carlos Jimenez (Flute), Ruben Rodriguez (Bass), Vince Cherico (Drums), Fidel Cuellar (Piano)

Review: Carlos Jimenez is the next generation of great Puerto Rican flute players, following in the steps of Dave Valentin and Nestor Torres.

Thoughts is Carlos third album. The second one, El Flautista (The Flutist), had more of a Latin Jazz flavor. In contrast most of the music on Thoughts has a modern, smooth Jazz feeling to it.

The musicians on this album are different too. With Ruben Rodriguez, an experienced Salsa and Latin Jazz Bassist, Vince Cherico, who played with the likes of Tito Puente, Ray Barreto and Patato Valdes, on Drums and Colombian pianist Fidel Cuellar. A quartet format more suitable for the music on this CD.

This is a CD full of optimism; just take a look at the titles, Don't Worry, Storm of Love and Life is Great. But you can also hear that optimism in the upbeat, funky sounds of the music. The repetitive melody lines in some tracks like Bluedo, makes them more accessible for non Jazz listeners.

The title track Thoughts feels like a Tango and has some of the most sensitive and brilliant playing on the album. The Latin feeling comes out on pieces like No te apures (Don't Worry) and For You and Me, where Carlos seems more confident showing his improvisational skills with more flowing effortless solos.

Even though you can hear some influence of Dave Valentin in Carlos music, he is quickly developing his own voice. Carlos has a nice, clear tone and excellent phrasing. Listen to the solos on Carlitos my son, Don't Worry and Swift. Fidel Cuellar also contributes some delightful solos on I see you smile and For you and me.

One of my favorites is Storm of Love, on this track every one has the opportunity to showcase their talents, with Ruben taking the first solo on Bass, followed by beautiful Carlos and Fidel solos, and complemented with an excellent work on drums by Vince Cherico.

We will be waiting for next step in the evolution of this excellent Jazz musician.

Tracks: Carlitos My Son, Bluedo, No Te Apures ( Don't Worry), I See Your Smile, Swift, Storm Of Love, For You & Me, Thoughts, Look At The Sky, Life Is Great, Yours For Sure

Artist's Website: http://www.carlosjimenez.net/home.html

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Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

CD Review: Vélo Vélo - Vélo Vélo

Featured Artist: Vélo Vélo

CD Title: Vélo Vélo

Year: 2008

Record Label: Gateway

Style: Fusion

Musicians: Peter Fuglsang (clarinet), Jakob Davidsen (piano), Jakob Munck (tuba),Stefan Pasborg (drums)

Review: This is the first CD from the Danish supergroup Velo Velo and I hope is not the last one. An homage to personalities and aspects of the cycling world, the music on this CD is unique, classy and dramatic with lots of changes in time signatures and tempos, perfect to express the different tempos in a cycling race. Velo Velo features Peter Fuglsang on clarinet, Jakob Davidsen on piano, Jakob Munck on tuba and Stefan Pasborg on drums.

The first track, "Rolf Sorensen," reminds me at times of the music from Dave Brubeck album Time Out. Sorensen was the most successful Danish bicycle racer ever and this track has an upbeat tempo like that of a cycling race. The next track is called "Foie Gras." a French dish that is basically, goose or duck fatty liver. One can almost see a fat goose walking while listening to Jakob Munck's tuba playing and Stefan Pasborg on drums. "Casertelli" is a slow track with beautiful and sad melodies, in memory of Italian cyclist Fabio Casartelli, who died in a crash during the 15th stage of the Tour de France.

Funny is not a word usually used to describe the music of a jazz group, but the tracks "Hematocrite" and "Roubaix" are funny, with kind of a cartoonish and cinematic feeling to them. Dazzling work on piano by Jakob Davidsen and on tuba by Jacob Munck. Charly Gaul was regarded as a climbing genius in the cycling world and genius is the perfect word to describe the creative music on this track. The music reflects perfectly the tough climbing stage of a cycling race.

"Silvio Martinello" starts with a wonderful clarinet playing of Peter Fuglsang followed by the melodic piano of Davidsen. The cyclist Silvio Martinello won the gold medal in the men's points race at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The tuba and clarinet playing on "Equipe numero six" reminds me of Vince Guaraldi music for "Peanuts." Amazing how Jakob Munck uses his tuba on this track and throughout the CD to do the work of a bass player. An entertaining and exciting debut CD.


Tracks: Rolf Sorensen, Foie Gras, Parnummersyv, Casertelli, Hematocrite, Roubaix, Charly Gaul, Silvio Martinello, Equipe numero six

Artist's Website: http://www.peterfuglsang.com/

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-20342.html

CD Review: Carlos Jimenez - El Flautista

Featured Artist: Carlos Jimenez

CD Title: El Flautista

Year: 2006

Record Label: CJ Martinete Music Co. - BMI

Style: Latin Jazz

Musicians: Carlos Jimenez (Flute), Gregg August (Bass), Guillermo Jimenez (Timbales), David Braham (Piano), Chembo Corniel (Congas, Percussion), John Walsh (Trumpet), Bobby Porcelli (Alto Sax)

Review: El Flautista was Carlos Jimenez second album, released in 2006. Check out the review for his new album Thoughts at: http://jazznbossa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cd-review-carlos-jimenez

If you like Latin Jazz you will love the music on this CD. For those who don't know much about Latin Jazz, Salsa or Caribbean music, there is something Latin Jazz and Salsa musicians call "afinque". Sorry, don't know the translation to english or portuguese for that one. But what basically means, is "the cohesiveness of the musicians, especially in the rhythm section (bass, piano and percussion). It is similar to swing for Jazz musicians. One can feel when a Jazz Band swings and when a Latin Jazz have "afinque". And these guys have it.

Gandulero, the first track, is a perfect example of what Latin Jazz is all about. Nice rhythm, full of energy and Carlos phrasing and tone on flute are amazing as always. Duende is a slower tune with interesting melodies and rhythms. There is some influence of "Bomba" on this one. Bomba is a style of music from Puerto Rico. It comes out of the musical traditions brought by enslaved Africans in the 17th century. You may hear "Bomba rhythms" in the music of Puerto Rican artists like Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo and El Gran Combo.

Back to the Latin Jazz feeling on "Did you feel it?" Beautiful piano played by David Braham. If the question in the title is "did I feel the rhythm?" , the answer is "I sure did".

The piano rhythm at the intro of " El Flautista" is also typical of Latin Jazz and Salsa music, in the style of Puerto Rico great piano players like Eddie Palmieri. The addition of trumpet and sax gives this track, more fullness and richness, listen also to Getty Square.

Excellent version of Count Basie Blue & Sentimental. A nice "Bolero" feeling on this arrangement and a good choice to use a Fender organ instead of a piano. Carlos proves on this one he can slow down and still play with feeling.

A different kind of rhythm on "Mongo's Style". I'm guessing the title refers to the great Cuban musician, Mongo Santamaria. And the music on "Mongo's Style" reflects the cuban side of Latin Jazz. I guess it's impossible to be a Puerto Rican flute player and not to be influenced by Dave Valentín. Carlos solos on "El Carnaval para Ray" are a good example of Dave Valentin influence on Latin Jazz musicians.

The album ends with a cool version of "For you Hilton" a composition and homage to Hilton Ruiz, one of the best piano players from Puerto Rico who died in 2006, the same year this CD came out.

Tracks: Gandulero, Duende, Did you feel it?, El Flautista, Blue & Sentimental, Getty Square, Mongo's Style, El Carnaval para Ray, For you Hilton



Encontre mais músicas como esta em Jazz and Bossa

Artist's Website:
http://www.carlosjimenez.net/home.html
http://jazznbossa.ning.com/profile/CarlosJimenez

Listen or Buy:

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

CD Review: Vistas do Rio - A Brazilian Jazz Project

CD Title: Vistas do Rio - A Brazilian Jazz Project

Original cover art "Tribute to Rio de Janeiro" by Aurea Domenech

Style: Brazilian Jazz

Musicians: Pierre François (piano), Daniel Lessard, Dave Watts (bass), Isaiah Ceccarelli, Martin Auguste (drums), Vovo (percussion)

Review: Like the cd tittle suggest, the music on Vistas do Rio is inspired by Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. And visions of Rio will come to your mind as you listen to every track on this wonderful project.

The Bossa feeling comes out in the beautiful melodies on tunes like Marta, Cris, Luz do Sol, Leah na praia and Desejo em Rio. Fabulous work by all the musicians, but Pierre François on piano deserve a special mention. His piano playing is clear and graceful with dynamic and expressive solos.

Good energy on drums, bass and percussion on the infectious samba rhythms of Rio Samba, Tova and For RM, dedicated to the great Roberto Menescal.

For a more romantic feeling, listen to Patricinha, Florita and A Tarde Sonhadora. Perfect music to listen while drinking a caipirinha at any of the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Classy music to relax and enjoy. All compositions by Richard Karmel. rikarmel@sympatico.ca

Tracks: Marta, For RM, Cris, Luz do Sol, A Tarde Sonhadora, Rio Samba, Patricinha, Tova, Flower Child, Florita, Leah na Praia, Desejo em Rio



Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
wsostre@gmail.com