Top 5 CD’s – W/C 8th August 2011

1. Ben Webster – Soulville @ 12.992. Count Basie – Four Classic Albums @ 9.993. Stan Getz – Getz for Lovers @ 9.994. Art Blakey – Night in Tunisia  @ 9.995. Ike Quebec – Blue and Sentimental @ 9.99

the Five Corners Quintet

If you think of jazz, Finland is not the country that springs to mind initially. That is until I discovered ‘the Five Corners Quintet’. I bought ‘Chasin’ the Jazz Gone By’ which is a later recording and then I bought ‘Hot Corner’ – both are very much the same but totally different.Initially I was going to mention one of their albums but, the two I’ve picked are so good, I couldn’t really split them!The band play with elements of modern jazz, initially hints of Coltrane but with big influences from Hank Mobley (I’d check out the ‘Workout’ album by HM) too. Very strong brass throughout with tight swinging bass and really neat piano holding it…

Matt Chandler Group – it goes like this – available NOW!

The latest project by jazz guitarist Matt Chandler ‘ it goes like this’ is now available to buy from Stray’s Bookshop on Middlegate/Boar Lane in Newark. Listen to my 3 favourite tracks from the album, straight from your web browser…

HOT OFF THE PRESS! Matt Chandler Group – it goes like this…

Ian Beestin, drummer with the Matt Chandler Trio/Group will be dropping off their new album ‘ it goes like this’  on Monday July 11.It’s literally hot off the press so if you want to reserve a copy, please let the bookshop know (01636 613 764) I’ve only heard the track entitled ‘Stray’s inexplicably’ which was so titled after a soundcheck at Stray’s when the band played here last year! So I’m really keen to get my hands on the complete album – based on what I’ve heard so far, it’ll be an album to savour slowly and repeatedly!And if you haven’t already booked for the Matt Chandler Tapas & Jazz event, I’d recommend you do…

Lead the way – Soulstance – 2006

Acid jazz with a latin vibe is how I’d describe this band. Elements of 70′s movie soundtracks meet some quite intricate piano work. A lovely brass section feature throughout with some really vibrant percussion.Imagine Quincy Jones meets Horace Silver with a touch of Lee Morgan on trumpet (maybe!) – there’s a really groovy feel to the album with vibes and lots of percussion. A nice strong confident brass section adds some real depth to the music which wouldn’t be out of place at a carnival/fiesta scene – great party music (if you’re an oldie like me of course!)http://youtu.be/kb0PdPtGC7Uhttp://youtu.be/CmpIoXtkXmg

MJA – Metropolitan Jazz Affair – 2003

Metropolitan Jazz Affair are a sort of jazz/hip hop fusion with the emphasis on Jazz. There’s a modicum of R&B in there too so they sit well with many ‘jazz’ schools!I’ve just bought MJA which was out in 2003 so is by no means new. There are some great old skool beats with a neat brass section. Not especially technical, this album is about the feeling you get when listening, rather than the ability of the horn players. My favourite track is ‘navarone’ which has a really foot-tapping, light rhythm and some great jamming on the hammond organ halfway through.Not for everyone as it’s not purely jazz, this is a great album with a lovely…

Neil C. Young –’Where’s Yours?’reviewed

Neil C. Young – where’s yours? Reviewed by US Magazine, Just Jazz Guitar Magazine…

Jazz Journey

My first memory of a Jazz album is ‘Take the Five Train’ by Dave Brubeck. At 20 years old, this was a little raw for me and I wasn’t keen – it’s actually a belter but I wasn’t ready for it at that point. But it did spark something in me and I bought a copy of an album by a musician whose name I recognised when perusing the jazz room at Virgin Megastore in Nottingham – Duke Ellington. I bought ‘Live from the Bluenote, Paris 1959‘ which, incidentally was only given 40% by the Penguin Guide to Recorded Jazz. It still remains one of, if not my favourite Ellington recordings! I also remember Christmas at 22…

Jazz Picks…

My top 5 tips for Jazz on CD are all available to order from the bookshop if they don’t have the stock. If you’d like to order, please contact Ian in the bookshop. the Soul of Ben Webster – 3 albums on 2CD’s – Verve – All the best musicians playing some of the slickest jazz you’ll hear. If you only have one Jazz album this year – I’d be picking this one! Black, Brown & Beige – Duke Ellington feat. Mahalia Jackson – One of my first Ellington albums, this suite to me is what Ellington Jazz is all about… Dream a Little Dream – Gerry Mulligan – No-one quite managed to play the…

Penguin Guide to Jazz

When I’d run out of ideas from reading sleeve notes and working out the ancestory of each musician, I bought myself a copy of the Penguin Guide to Recorded Jazz by Richard Cook & Brian Morton . It was in it’s 4th edition at that time but we’re up to the 9th ed as  I write this post. In it, you’re taken through all the recorded artists that the authors believe need inclusion. There is a discography with ratings to help you decide which album to buy. I still buy my jazz on CD (except recently recorded stuff) as iTunes is still getting it’s jazz library up to date. You should be able to order every recording…