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Will Ackerman – FLOW – LMB Music

Will Ackerman – FLOW – LMB Music

by | Sep 23, 2018 | Jazz CD Reviews

Will Ackerman – FLOW – LMB Music 11006, 50:33 ****1/2: With three instruments and bona fide gravitas as instrumentalists, Flow is a group of established solo artists who have joined together to share a specific musical vision. Will Ackerman, Windham Hill founder and producer may be the most recognized member of Flow (whose spelling is an acronymic play on their names; Fiona/“F”;  Lawrence/“L”; Jeff Oster/“O” and of course /“W”). Ackerman’s career spans over three decades and his thoughtful approach to acoustic guitar is iconic. At Windhan Hill, the music that he popularized was known as New Age.  He is joined in the band by Australian pianist and vocalist Fiona Joy, finger-guitarist Lawrence Blatt and trumpet/flugelhorn artist (and “organizer” of this band). Individually all four players have critically acclaimed recordings and live performances on their resumes in Contemporary Instrumental music, New Age or even Ambient stylings. Regardless of the classification debates, this “supergroup” transcends the limitations of any genre. While still performing and recording, Ackerman has been a fruitful producer at his Imaginary Road Studios, in Vermont. This opportunity to work with brilliant musicians and create a cohesive, yet expansive aural landscape was impossible to ignore. FLOW was born out of […]

Hubert Laws – Afro-Classic – CTI Records – Speakers Corner

Hubert Laws – Afro-Classic – CTI Records – Speakers Corner

by | Aug 15, 2018 | Jazz CD Reviews, SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Vinyl reissue of iconic jazz flautist is revelatory!  Hubert Laws – Afro-Classic – CTI Records CTI 6006 (1970)/Speakers Corner (2018) 180-gram stereo vinyl, 37:29 ****1/2: (Hubert Laws – flute; Don Sebesky – arrangements; Ron Carter – bass, electric cello; Dave Friedman – vibes; Gene Bertoncini – guitar; Fred Waits – drums; Richie “Pablo” Landrum – percussion; Airto Moreira – percussion; Bob James – electric piano; Fred Alson Jr. – bassoon) Houston native, Hiubert Laws approached playing the flute as both a vehicle for classical and jazz music. As a teenager he participated in classical and jazz bands. While on scholarship to the Julliard School Of Music, he performed with with the the New York Metropolitan Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. At the same time, Laws was appearing with jazz acts, including Mongo Santamaria. In 1964, he recorded as a band leader for Atlantic Records. But he hit an artistic peak when he was signed to the CTI label, most notably with Rite Of Spring and Afro Classic. He has worked as a sideman for many artists including Chet Baker, Paul Simon, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Leonard Bernstein, Paul McCartney, Stevie Winder, Bob James, Carly Simon, Sergio Mendes, J.J. […]

Pat Metheny Group – American Garage – ECM Records

Pat Metheny Group – American Garage – ECM Records

by | Aug 9, 2018 | Jazz CD Reviews

ECM releases new audiophile vinyl of a seminal 1970’s jazz album! Pat Metheny Group – American Garage – ECM Records ECM 1155 (1979/2010) 180-gram stereo vinyl, 35:21 [distr. by Universal Music Group] *****: (Pat Metheny – 6 & 12-string guitars; Lyle Mays – piano, Oberheim, autoharp, organ; Mark Egan – bass; Dan Gottlieb – drums) Pat Metheny was born into a musical family in Missouri. His father and brother both played trumpet, and he started his musical journey on horn. Like many Americans, he saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan’s show in 1964, and yet another guitarist was born. He taught guitar at the University Of Miami and The Berklee School Of Music. Metheny released his debut Bright Size Life on ECM Records in 1976 (with Jaco Pastorius/bass and Bob Moses (drums). The diverse musical styles reflected jazz fusion, contemporary and Latin influences. His next album, Watercolors (1977) represented the beginning of his notable collaboration with pianist Lyle Mays. In 1978, the Pat Metheny Group was formed (with bassist Mark Egan and drummer Dan Gottlieb), resulting in the self-titled project. Then PMG recorded American Garage and it soared to #1 on the Billboard jazz chart. From 1982-85, Metheny (at (ECM) […]