Currently browsing

August 2012

Marcus Miller | Renaissance

MarcusMiller_Renaissance_Cover
 
Marcus Miller
Renaissance
(PRA)
By A. Scott Galloway
 
Since the release of his third solo album The Sun Don’t Lie in 1993, Marcus Miller has etched out a slammin’ formula for record making: outstanding showcases for bass taking its rightful place next to sax, trumpet and guitar as a foreground instrument, instrumental compositions that send one’s imagination on a journey, stellar guest vocal turns, and passionate arrangements of others’ hits done with bold singularity and respect. All of that remains intact for Renaissance, Miller’s eighth official studio album of new material as a leader.

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample | Live

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample LIVE
 
Randy Crawford & Joe Sample
Live
(PRA)
By A. Scott Galloway
 
This concert CD by the venerable duo of old friends, singer Randy Crawford and pianist Joe Sample, really should have been billed as “Randy Crawford with The Joe Sample Trio.” Sample’s presence throughout the disc can best be summed up as understated. He truly defers focus to Crawford who is always a delight as her style is so distinctive no matter what she sings.

Pete Belasco | Lights On

Pete Belasco - Lights On
 
Pete Belasco
Lights On
(Eaak Music)
By Brent Faulkner
 
On Pete Belasco’s third studio album Lights On, which arrives seven years after his last, the singer/songwriter/keyboardist/saxophonist covers smooth jazz, R&B, and soul styles. According to his bio (www.petebelasco.com), Belasco’s music career began as a pianist, though he eventually focused on the saxophone, playing in various bands during high school and studying it in college.

Leela James | Loving You More…In the Spirit of Etta James

Leela James - Loving You More
 
Leela James
Loving You More…In the Spirit of Etta James
(Shanachie)
By Peggy Oliver
 
When a potential artist navigates the journey to professional music glory, their friends and family probably told them at one point that they were born to be a star. Then there are others who hint that the aspiring talent reminds them of a specific music superstar. As Leela James was preparing to aim her sights towards greater musical heights, she already had an advantage over some of her counterparts. Her rich, blues-enriched voice drew comparisons since childhood to Etta James, an influential vocalist who garnered a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and an induction to the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1993.

Hide