Harlem

It’s admittedly rare to hear contemporary classical music that delivers a shot of energy and drive like a cup of coffee: strong enough to wake you up, but in a way that is still pleasing to the senses. ADOLPHUS HAILSTORK: CHAMBER WORKS boasts exactly this rare and invigorating combination — and the energetic performance by The Harlem Chamber Players adds an extra boost on top.

With her sixth album, Catherine Russell journeys to the blue heart of the great African American songbook. Swinging forth with soulful interpretations, Catherine channels the golden age of Harlem, as befits this vibrant daughter of jazz. Vocalists Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington provide inspiration where tunesmiths like Benny Carter, Irving Berlin, Andy Razaf and Fats Waller once ruled the roost of a renaissance that continues to reverberate.

Parce qu’il a le don de voir l’avenir et d’anticiper les événements grâce à cette faculté rare, Zack est vendu par ses propres parents aux responsables des « Black Order » qui comptent bien tirer profit de leur nouvelle acquisition ! Mais dans l’ombre des quartiers pauvres, la lutte s’organise : « la Fraternité blanche » projette d’enlever Zack afin de le soustraire à ses nouveaux « propriétaires »…

When the names of the great jazz pianists are bandied about, one name rarely, if ever mentioned, is that of Phineas Newborn, Jr. And that, from the evidence of this disc, is tragedy. Newborn had as much talent and imagination (and when able, mental agility) as anyone this side of Art Tatum. As a matter of fact, a case could be made that the only contemporary of Newborn’s who could be said to be his equal would be Oscar Peterson (who is as widely known as Newborn is neglected). It’s unfortunate that Newborn never had all that many opportunities to showcase his tremendous talent, due to physical and mental problems that precluded his doing much recording. His legacy consists of a mere handful of albums.

With her sixth album, Harlem On My Mind, Grammy® Award-winning vocalist Catherine Russell journeys to the blue heart of the great African American songbook. Swinging forth with soulful interpretations, Russell taps the golden age of Harlem, as befits this vibrant daughter of jazz. Vocalists Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday, Etta James, and Dinah Washington provide inspiration where tunesmiths like Benny Carter, Irving Berlin, Andy Razaf and Fats Waller once ruled the roost of a renaissance which continues to reverberate. Of the title track, Russell says, “It’s about not forgetting your roots,” which also serves as her modus operandi for the entire 12 song collection. “The album is comprised of songs from artists who played at The Apollo in Harlem, where all African American artists of note appeared.”