Ray Charles was the musician most responsible for developing soul music. Singers like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson also did a great deal to pioneer the form, but Charles did even more to devise a new form of black pop by merging '50s R&B with gospel-powered vocals, adding plenty of flavor from contemporary jazz, blues, and (in the '60s) country. Then there was his singing; his style was among the most emotional and easily identifiable of any 20th century performer, up there with the likes of Elvis and Billie Holiday. He was also a superb keyboard player, arranger, and bandleader. The brilliance of his 1950s and '60s work, however, can't obscure the fact that he made few classic tracks after the mid-'60s, though he recorded often and performed until the year before his death.
Features 24 bit remastering and comes with a mini-description. Not really the last concert ever from the Modern Jazz Quartet – but a set that seemed so at the time, given that the group went their separate ways for a number of years! The record's got the combo in really top form – very much back to the basics of their early time on Atlantic Records, with a sublime focus on that unique sound that no other group like this could match.
Not really the last concert ever from the Modern Jazz Quartet – but a set that seemed so at the time, given that the group went their separate ways for a number of years! The record's got the combo in really top form – very much back to the basics of their early time on Atlantic Records, with a sublime focus on that unique sound that no other group like this could match.
More material from the famous Last Concert record from the MJQ – not really the last concert ever from the Modern Jazz Quartet – but a set that seemed so at the time, given that the group went their separate ways for a number of years! The record's got the combo in really top form – very much back to the basics of their early time on Atlantic Records, with a sublime focus on that unique sound that no other group like this could match.
Not just a great tribute, but one of the best blues releases in years. England's premier blues band, The Hoax, follow up last year's fantastic album, "Big City Blues" with this great 'tribute' to B.B. King. The twin guitars of Jesse Davey and Jon Amor are absolutely on fire throughout the entire set, singer Hugh Coltman's voice has never sounded better, and the rhythm section of Robin Davey on bass & Mark Barrett on drums are rock solid. Complemented by a smokin' horn section and keyboards for this recording, the band really gives the listener the impression that they all really love these songs, and their idol that they pay tribute to with each and every note played. Not only one of the best 'tribute' albums I have ever heard, but one of the finest blues albums I have had the pleasure of listening to in years.