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June 2011, Page 2

Michael Franks | Time Together

Michael Franks
“Time Together”
(Shanachie)

A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway

For his 18th album and first in five years, ever-mellow singer/songwriter Michael Franks delivers the perfect soundtrack to summer. Longtime fans will recognize the 11-song CD as largely comfy and familiar territory with a top shelf sampling of styles.

Thematically, Time Together is part travelogue and part autobiography with a taste of socio-political observation. To continue, please click “MORE”!

Malika Zarra | Berber Taxi

Malika Zarra - Berber Taxi
 
Album Review: Malika Zarra – Berber Taxi
By Peggy Oliver
 
Most have heard the old saying life imitating art. Yet maybe art imitating life would best apply to singer/songwriter Malika Zarra. Zarra was practically a sponge from the time she was singing and dancing as a little girl in her home country of Morocco. Even after she moved with her family to France at three years old, music would always rule Zarra’s mind and soul. Thanks to a wealth of music at her fingertips, her influences were extremely eclectic; from classic Moroccan pop (Haja Hamdaouia) to classic Arabic pop (Warda Al-Jazairia).

Soul Togetherness Presents The Skip Scarborough Songbook | Various Artists



Various Artists
The Skip Scarborough Songbook
(Soul Togetherness)
CD Review by Marv D

Do you remember singing the line, “I have never been in love…before” or “You want my love and you can’t deny?”  How about, “Would you mind…if I touched, if I kissed, if held you tight / In the morning light, yeah (ohhhh)” or “Giving you the best that I’ve got.”  Those classic songs were originally sung by L.T.D. (“Love Ballad”), Creative Source (“You Can’t Hide Love”), Earth Wind & Fire (“Love’s Holiday”) and Anita Baker (“Giving You the Best That I Got”), but ALL of them were written by prolific songwriter/producer Clarence “Skip” Scarborough (1944-2003). To continue, please click “MORE”!

Monday Michiru | Don’t Disturb This Groove

Monday Michiru – Don’t Disturb This Groove

By Peggy Oliver
 
Monday
Michiru is a woman who has worn a lot of hats. Though she was born to
notable jazz musicians, the Japanese born multi-gifted talent has also
tapped into acting, journalism and as a media host. But when successful
musicians are surrounded with like-minded family members, it is only
natural that they want to carry on in their parent’s footsteps. Michiru
Michiru parents just happen to be pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi and
saxophonist Charlie Mariano. Her mother was one of the few women during
the fifties to make a big impression in the bebop jazz and was noted as
the first female arranger and composer by Down Beat Magazine Readers
Choice in 1984. Mariano has played with Charles Mingus and Japanese
saxophone player Sadeo Watanabe; combining jazz and occasionally
incorporating world music. Like her mother, Michiru is a well respected
arranger and composer. Like her father, Michiru picked up a woodwind
instrument in the flute. She also discovered there was another
instrument inside of her. To continue, please click “MORE”!

Keke Wyatt | Unbelievable!

KekeWyatt_Unbelievable
 
Keke Wyatt | Unbelievable!
Shanchie Entertainment
 
By Peggy Oliver
 
It seems Keke Wyatt is finally making up for lost time. Since being first introduced to the public in 2001 with Soul Sista, personal matters and record label issues consumed Wyatt’s path towards more radio exposure for radio and notoriety as a solo recording artist.

“An Evening With Dave Grusin” (DVD-Blu-ray Disc)

“An Evening with Dave Grusin” (Blu-ray disc)
(Heads Up Intl./Jazz Roots/Capsule Media/Concord)

Review by A. Scott Galloway

A living legend of music, keyboardist, composer, arranger, film and television scorer, producer and record label co-founder (GRP) Dave Grusin has a catalog of accomplishments that is astounding. This high definition Blu-ray presentation find the multi-faceted music master paying homage to three giants that crossed the jazz and Broadway worlds, along with a few of his own pieces from the Hollywood world. Centered around a live concert with 75-piece orchestra, rhythm section and stellar guest soloists as the foundation, the Blu-ray also boasts behind the scenes interview segments interwoven to illuminate both the process by which Grusin works and the mutual respect between he and his A-list of carefully selected collaborators. To continue, please click “MORE”!

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