Joe Jackson Duke

After years of producing albums which were more pop/funk than jazz oriented, George Duke simmers down, leaves off the R&B vocals, and takes a little creative license on the self-proclaimed "mood record" After Hours. While his recent Muir Woods Suite showed off his affinity for classical music, here he's at his best on the meditative Vince Guaraldi-type trio ballads "Together as One" and "Sweet Dreams," which glide along on the improvisational and gently swinging graces of Christian McBride and Leon "Ndugu" Chancler. A whole project in this vein would have been welcome, but Duke charters other new territory, too; on the easy grooving "The Touch" and the almost new agey "From Dusk Till Dawn," he borrows the actual Rhodes from Joe Sample but winds up perfectly simulating Bob James' "Taxi" vibe, especially on the exploratory solo on the latter tune. The untrained ear might swear it's an actual James recording, but Duke's a clever enough producer to go beyond strict imitation. "The Touch" achieves an intriguing low-toned brew, as Sheridon Stokes' bass flute melody drifts gently over a hypnotic weave of Larry Kimpel's bass and Duke's Rhodes.

Laid back, jazz of great subtlety and artistry by two masters of their instruments.
Joe Pass did the near-impossible. He was able to play up-tempo versions of bop tunes such as "Cherokee" and "How High the Moon" unaccompanied on the guitar. Unlike Stanley Jordan, Pass used conventional (but superb) technique, and his Virtuoso series on Pablo still sounds remarkable decades later.
Joe Pass had a false start in his career. He played in a few swing bands (including Tony Pastor's) before graduating from high school, and was with Charlie Barnet for a time in 1947. But after serving in the military, Pass became a drug addict, serving time in prison and essentially wasting a decade…

Although Sarah Vaughan gets top billing on this set, she takes vocals on just two of the ten songs. Four different groupings of Pablo's All-Star musicians are heard from during a tribute to Duke Ellington, and there are many strong moments. Guitarist Joe Pass, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Mickey Roker make for a potent quartet on three songs; flugelhornist Clark Terry heads a quintet; Zoot Sims is featured on his lyrical soprano during memorable versions of "Rockin' in Rhythm" and the beautiful "Tonight I Shall Sleep"; and Sassy (backed by just pianist Mike Wofford and guitarist Joe Pass) comes up with fresh interpretations of "I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues" and "Everything But You." This is a well-rounded and enjoyable set with plenty of variety.

As one of the top studio guitarists in the pop, soul and jazz genres, it's probably a rare day that finds Paul Jackson, Jr. noodling by himself. Reflective of his expertise and popularity is Never Alone, a snazzy party platter loaded with early evening jam sessions, seductive midnight confessions and even cooler breakdowns for after the last guest leaves. Jackson's concept is to at the very least duet with one of his all-star pals, from Earl Klugh to Harvey Mason, but the real fun here comes when he struts his rock instincts and brings to the stage Joe Sample, Wilton Felder and Gerald Albright ("knighttime") and, closing the disc, George Duke, Kevin Toney, Sheila E. and some amazing drum fills by Alphonse Mouzon.

Duke Pearson - Prairie Dog (1966) {2012 Japan Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series 24bit WPCR-27166}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 211 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 82 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 72 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit remaster
© 1966, 2012 Warner Japan / Atlantic / Rhino | WPCR-27166 | Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series
Jazz / Hard Bop / Soul Jazz / Piano

Features 24 bit digital remastering. Comes with a description. his 1966 date by Duke Pearson with an octet was originally issued by Atlantic. Reissued by Collectables, this is Pearson in full soul-jazz mode, driven deeply by the blues, with an all-star band (not all members play on all tunes): drummer Mickey Roker; Harold Vick on soprano; James Spaulding on flute and alto; bassist Bob Cranshaw; trumpeter Johnny Coles; tenor George Coleman; guitarist Gene Bertoncini; and Pearson on piano and celeste.