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Ry Cooder – Paradise And Lunch – Warner Brothers/Reprise/Speakers Corner

Ry Cooder – Paradise And Lunch – Warner Brothers/Reprise/Speakers Corner

by | Jun 27, 2018 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews, SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

A classic 1974 roots album gets a well-deserved analog update!  Ry Cooder – Paradise And Lunch – Warner Brothers/Reprise MS 2179/Speakers Corner (2016) 180-gram stereo vinyl, 36:51 *****: Ry Cooder’s Paradise And Lunch was released in 1974 to critical acclaim. Backed by a stellar ensemble of jazz (with no less than Earl Hines one one track) and rock musicians, it represented the stylized, modern blues contexts that imbue Cooder’s music. Speakers Corner has re-mastered this classic album to 180-gram vinyl and it is terrific! Side One opens with an update of “Tamp ‘Em Up Solid”. The jaunty laid-back grooves are framed by exquisite acoustic guitar picking. The ever-present “Sunday” undertones  bask in gospel backup vocals and the gentle roll of a train cadence. Washington Phillip’s “Tattler”is revisited by infectious island rhythms and playful ambiance. The switch to electric maintains the low-keyed elegance. Within the rock community, there is a genuine respect for the roots of blues music. Cooder is among the most supportive in this endeavor. The homage continues with a country-based cover of Blind Willie McTell’s “Married Man’s A Fool”. The amalgam of roots and gospel (and there is an “Amen Brother!”) is reminiscent of the time period with […]

Joey DeFrancesco (B-3) + The People – Project Freedom – Mack Ave.

Joey DeFrancesco (B-3) + The People – Project Freedom – Mack Ave.

by | Feb 9, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

Joey DeFrancesco + The People – Project Freedom – Mack Avenue MAC 1121, 64:20 [3/10/17] ****1/2: B-3 master shows a lot of heart in debut for new label. (Joey DeFrancesco – organ, keyboards, trumpet; Jason Brown – drums; Troy Roberts – tenor sax, soprano sax; Dan Wilson – guitar) Joey DeFrancesco has always been proud of his Philadelphia roots. As a teenager, this emerging B-3 organist garnered praise from the likes of Hank Mobley and Philly Joe Jones. This led to a gig with Miles Davis that got his career off to a fast start. Recently, he returned to his hometown to receive a star on the Philadelphia Music Walk Of Fame. He joined jazz luminaries including John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Nina Simone. Like many other Philadelphia musicians, Joey has embraced the “heart and soul” aspects of his instrumental prowess. There is no organist who is regarded by his peers and critics to such a degree. (He has been voted best organist 11 of the last 15 years in Downbeat Magazine.) As a sideman, he has played with Diana Krall, George Benson, Jimmy Cobb, Ray Charles, Bobby Hutchinson, Larry Coryell, David Sanborn, James Moody and Nancy Wilson to name […]

Ray Charles – Swiss Radio Days Vol. 41/ Zurich 1961 – TCB

Ray Charles – Swiss Radio Days Vol. 41/ Zurich 1961 – TCB

by | Nov 17, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

The jazzy side of Brother Ray… Ray Charles – Swiss Radio Days Vol. 41/ Zurich 1961 – TCB 02412, 78:43 [Distr. by Naxos] (11/11/16) ****: (Ray Charles – piano, vocals; Marcus Belgrave, Wallace Davenport, Phil Guilbeau, John Hunt – trumpets; Henderson Chambers, Dickie Wells, Keg Johnson – trombones; Rudy Powell – alto sax; Hank Crawford – alto sax, band leader; David “Fathead” Newman – tenor sax and flute; Don Wilkerson – tenor sax; Leroy Cooper – baritone sax; Elbert Forriest – guitar; Edgar Willis – bass; Bruno Carr – drums; Quincy Jones – arranger {#1, 2, 9-11, 17}. With the Raelettes: Pat Lyles, Margie Hendricks, Gwen Berry, and Darlene McCrea – vocals) Although Ray Charles had been recording for Atlantic Records since 1957, his impact had primarily been in the United States as a rhythm-and-blues artist. In October, 1961, Ray took his full orchestra to Europe in order to expand his stature worldwide. At the beginning of the tour he played in Zurich on Oct. 18, 1961. As part of the Swiss Radio Days Series (now 41 volumes strong), TCB is releasing this date in great digitally-remastered sound. Ray brought an outstanding orchestra to Europe. Four trumpets, three trombones, and […]

Elvis Presley – Way Down in the Jungle Room – RCA/Legacy – vinyl (2)

Elvis Presley – Way Down in the Jungle Room – RCA/Legacy – vinyl (2)

by | Aug 30, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Elvis Presley – Way Down In The Jungle Room [Tracklist follows] – RCA/Legacy 88985318111 – stereo double vinyl, TT: 76:40 ***1/2: Vinyl release of Elvis Presley’s last sessions is welcome, but at times disappointing! (Elvis Presley – vocals; James Burton – guitar; Charlie Hodge – guitar; John Wilkinson – guitar; Chip Young – guitar; Jerry Scheff – bass; Glen Hardin – piano; Tony Brown – piano; David Briggs – piano, electric piano; Bobby Emmons – electric piano Ronnie Tutt – drums; Myrna Smith- vocals; J.D. Summer & The Stamps – vocals; Kathy Westmoreland – vocals; Sherrill Nielsen – vocals) In America, there was only one king, Elvis Aaron Presley. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley moved to Memphis and eventually signed with Sam Phillips’ Sun Records label. He became the cultural symbol of Rock and Roll. With songs like “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Hound Dog”, “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Love Me Tender” he became a superstar. The rockabilly backbeat and rhythm-and-blues alchemy mesmerized American youth. More importantly, his electrifying television appearances elevated him to iconic status. Every teenager (including Bob Dylan, John Lennon and effectively all rock stars) wanted to be him. His ascension signaled the passing of the torch from establishment figures […]