Record Reviews

DR. JOHN ~ DUKE ELEGANT BLUE NOTE 724352322022 (Barcode: 724352322022) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 This is the 22nd studio album by iconic American singer / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), recorded in a quartet setting with guitarist Bobby BroomFind albums by this artist, bassist David BarardFind albums by this artist and drummer Herman Ernest IIIFind albums by this artist. Dr. John plays the Hammond B3 organ and piano. Saxophonist Ronnie CuberFind albums by this artist and percussionist Cyro BaptistaFind albums by this artist guest on selected tracks. The album presents twelve songs, which as the title suggests, were all written by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and are all known as Jazz standards, but get here a completely unique treatment. It is his first album released on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label. The beautiful idiosyncratic voice, keyboards playing and general attitude of Dr. John work absolutely perfectly transforming these Jazz standards into the Funky, Blues soaked, Boogie songs, and are a proof of his enormous talent. Listening to this album is one great thrill from start to finish, and the organ parts are simply delicious. Overall, this is a little hidden gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it about how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Blues, Soul and vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits!

Updated: 24/10/2023Posted: 19/08/2023

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HERBIE HANCOCK ~ IN CONCERT IMAGE 89410 (Barcode: 743218941092) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001 Master pianist / composer Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist needs no introduction to any Jazz fan and his 5th decade of continuously splendid musical creation continues (thank God) uninterrupted to this very day. Although Hancock´s recorded output is enormous, finding his work on film / DVD is another matter, therefore this excellently filmed / recorded concert is quite a find. Produced by the BET on Jazz (and released in the US as "The Jazz Channel Presents Herbie Hancock"), the concert captures Hancock playing acoustic piano with a sextet, which includes Eli DegibriFind albums by this artist on sax (great young Israeli player), Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Ira ColemanFind albums by this artist on bass, Terri Lynne CarringtonFind albums by this artist on drums and Cyro BaptistaFind albums by this artist on percussion. The music includes a nice mixture of standards and Hancock´s own excellent compositions, which by now are also recognized as standards, all played with the usual (or rather unusual) brilliant and highly sensitive touch, which is so rare and precious. All the musicians are first class players (Carrington´s drumming is a true marvel) and they get plenty of opportunity to solo, which is always welcome. Overall this is a great opportunity to watch (and hear) the great master at work, captured here for posterity. The DVD also includes an interview with Hancock, which is always a welcome addition. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 105 minutes.

DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend