Brahm Xrcd

Meant as a tribute to Ben Webster, Jacintha's album nonetheless expresses her Billie Holliday Influence as well. A well known singer and stage talent in the Singapore entertainment scene, Jacintha (in the tradition of one name jazz luminaries such as the Duke, Django and Ella) now pays her dues to the music she grew up listening to. This disc has been all the rage among jazz aficionados and audiophiles everywhere since its release, garnering endless positive reviews.

Nakagawa - Poesy
EAC+LOG+CUE | WV: 292 MB | Full Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: JVC # JVCXR-0006-2 | Country/Year: Japan 1996
Genre: Jazz, Classical | Style: Post-Bop, Jazz Fusion, Crossover

Japanese flutist Nakagawa bridges the gap between classical and jazz while capturing the essence of both with incredible finesse and spontaneity. Nakagawa has performed with the likes of Keith Jarrett, Steve Gadd and Yo-Yo Ma.

In the liner notes of Quiet Kenny, former Downbeat magazine publisher Jack Maher states that trumpeter Kenny Dorham's music is not necessarily the demure, balladic, rapturous jazz one might associate as romantic or tranquil. Cool and understated might be better watchwords for what the ultra-melodic Dorham achieves on this undeniably well crafted set of standards and originals that is close to containing his best work overall during a far too brief career. Surrounded by an excellent rhythm team of the equally sensitive pianist Tommy Flanagan, emerging bassist Paul Chambers, and the always-beneficial drummer Art Taylor, Dorham and his mates are not prone to missteps or overt exaggerations. One of Dorham's all-time best tunes "Lotus Blossom" kicks off the set with its bop to Latin hummable melody, fluid dynamics, and Dorham's immaculate, unpretentious tone…

McClain sings soul with incredible power - he knows when to pull the punches and when to cool it down. "Give It Up to Love," the title track, acknowledges his gospel roots; he performs it as a vocal prayer to God asking for wisdom, love, and strength. Bruce Katz's contributions on B-3 Hammond organ expands McClain's sound, particularly on the "Green Onions"-influenced "What You Want Me to Do." The sparsely effective arrangement on "Here I Go Falling in Love Again" brings McClain up front as he cries of being a soul stripped to the bare bones. Kevin Barry's funky bass blows while McClain declares himself as a child of God in "Child of the Mighty Mighty."

Terry Evans' second solo release (after a few with his singing partner Bobby King) further explores his swampy gospel, rock, R&B, and blues roots. Backed by veteran musicians like former employer Ry Cooder, bassist/songwriter Jorge Calderon, and even legendary jazz/funk trombonist George Bohanon (who tears it up with his solo on the album-closing slow groove of "Blues No More"), Evans proves that he's one of the most underrated vocalists on the blues/roots scene. ~ AllMusic