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FAST TRACKS...Reviews in Brief
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN WITH THE BENNY GOODMAN SEXTET - Solo Flight Live
(Phoenix 131606) Recorded radio broadcasts between 1939 to 1941 feature the guitar of Charlie Christian. Christian died from TB in 1942 and is credited with being a pioneer of the electric guitar. Here he is heard with Goodman. The sound quality of the acetates that have been used vary greatly. The chance to hear such a great musician who influenced so many who came after is worth the lo-fi. There is also a twelve page booklet. Reviewed by Jack Kenny 
ERROLL GARNER - The Complete Concert by the Sea
(Columbia Legacy 3CD) Recorded in Carmel California on 19th September 1955 the original recording was a jazz best seller. Erroll here is accompanied by Denzil DaCosta Best on drums and Eddie Calhoun on bass. The three disc set adds eleven new tracks. In some ways Garner transcended jazz. His teasing intros and his essentially joyful, daringly rhythmic music lift moods. His popularity means that he has never been recognised as the jazz genius that he is. Reviewed by Jack Kenny |
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BILLIE HOLIDAY - The Complete Commodore Recordings
(Essential Jazz Classics EJC 55673 - 2CDs)
In the 1930s Billie recorded extensively .for Columbia. Between 1939 and 1944 she signed with Commodore. All her life she liked to surround herself with great musicians. The Commodore period was no exception even though the quality of her accompanists was not as high. Vic Dickenson, Doc Cheatham and Sidney Catlett graced many of the sessions. Many of the great songs of the era were recorded as well as songs that she would sing for the rest of her life like ‘Fine and Mellow’. The key song of this period is ‘Strange Fruit’. This song is cited as being the first protest song. It does not lose its power.
Reviewed by Jack Kenny
(Essential Jazz Classics EJC 55673 - 2CDs)
In the 1930s Billie recorded extensively .for Columbia. Between 1939 and 1944 she signed with Commodore. All her life she liked to surround herself with great musicians. The Commodore period was no exception even though the quality of her accompanists was not as high. Vic Dickenson, Doc Cheatham and Sidney Catlett graced many of the sessions. Many of the great songs of the era were recorded as well as songs that she would sing for the rest of her life like ‘Fine and Mellow’. The key song of this period is ‘Strange Fruit’. This song is cited as being the first protest song. It does not lose its power.
Reviewed by Jack Kenny
ISABELLA LUNDGREN - Somehow Life Got In The Way
(Ladybird 79556835)
This is a collaboration between the Swedish singer Isabella Lundgren and the producer, lyricist and trumpet player Peter Asplund. The vocals, a mix of standards and new music are set against a background of a piano trio led by Carl Bagge with occasional soloists such as the ex Tomaz Stanko saxophonist Joakim Milder along with The Nordic Chamber Orchestra. From the liner notes it is obvious that the recording sets out not to be taken lightly, and does succeed to a marked degree. The orchestra blends well with both vocalist and trio. The new music is well written with thoughtful lyrics and the standards such as Alec wilder's "While We're Young" and "Why Was I Born" from Jerome Kern fit in well with the overall concept. The vocals are full of style and sophistication and although working very well on the ballads, just lack the jazz edge required when moving up tempo.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
(Ladybird 79556835)
This is a collaboration between the Swedish singer Isabella Lundgren and the producer, lyricist and trumpet player Peter Asplund. The vocals, a mix of standards and new music are set against a background of a piano trio led by Carl Bagge with occasional soloists such as the ex Tomaz Stanko saxophonist Joakim Milder along with The Nordic Chamber Orchestra. From the liner notes it is obvious that the recording sets out not to be taken lightly, and does succeed to a marked degree. The orchestra blends well with both vocalist and trio. The new music is well written with thoughtful lyrics and the standards such as Alec wilder's "While We're Young" and "Why Was I Born" from Jerome Kern fit in well with the overall concept. The vocals are full of style and sophistication and although working very well on the ballads, just lack the jazz edge required when moving up tempo.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
KRISTINE MILLS - Bossa Too
(Inkwell Publishing un-numbered - available at www.kristinemillsmusic.com)
This is the sixth release from Kirstine Mills a Houston based singer/songwriter. She can often be seen performing at New York's Metropolitan Room and Zinc Bar on her regular tours across the US . She has received a Grammy nomination for a previous album and guested with a re formed version of the Duke Ellington orchestra. This offering has seven original compositions by the singer and four by others. There is a Brazilian tinge to the vocals with a band comprising piano, keyboards, guitar,electric bass, drums and percussion. Her voice is mid-range, attractive and flexible. The album is generally a pleasant listen, but rather lightweight, the highlights being found on Jobim's "Meditation and Sting's "It's Probably Me".
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
(Inkwell Publishing un-numbered - available at www.kristinemillsmusic.com)
This is the sixth release from Kirstine Mills a Houston based singer/songwriter. She can often be seen performing at New York's Metropolitan Room and Zinc Bar on her regular tours across the US . She has received a Grammy nomination for a previous album and guested with a re formed version of the Duke Ellington orchestra. This offering has seven original compositions by the singer and four by others. There is a Brazilian tinge to the vocals with a band comprising piano, keyboards, guitar,electric bass, drums and percussion. Her voice is mid-range, attractive and flexible. The album is generally a pleasant listen, but rather lightweight, the highlights being found on Jobim's "Meditation and Sting's "It's Probably Me".
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
VARIOUS ARTISTS - Magic Moments 8 Sing Halleuljah
(ACT 9599-2)
This is a sampler disc from the 2015 catalogue of the label that gave us the wonderful EST with the late lamented Esbjorn Svensson. Everthing here is superb and offers a fantastic gateway to the cutting edge of European contemporary jazz, particularly for those with a liking for the vocal element. The recording quality, as always is first class along with the performances which are backed up by an eighty page booklet/catalogue. Anyone who purchases this disc is almost certain to investigate further most of the sixteen ensembles that the recording presents.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
(ACT 9599-2)
This is a sampler disc from the 2015 catalogue of the label that gave us the wonderful EST with the late lamented Esbjorn Svensson. Everthing here is superb and offers a fantastic gateway to the cutting edge of European contemporary jazz, particularly for those with a liking for the vocal element. The recording quality, as always is first class along with the performances which are backed up by an eighty page booklet/catalogue. Anyone who purchases this disc is almost certain to investigate further most of the sixteen ensembles that the recording presents.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
