Record Reviews

MADELEINE PEYROUX ~ DREAMLAND ATLANTIC 075678294624 (Barcode: 075678294624) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 This is the debut album by American Jazz singer / songwriter Madeleine PeyrouxFind albums by this artist, recorded with a team of talented musicians, which included guitarists Marc RibotFind albums by this artist and Vernon ReidFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Marcus PrintupFind albums by this artist, saxophonist James CarterFind albums by this artist, violinist Regina CarterFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Charlie GiordanoFind albums by this artist and Cyrus ChestnutFind albums by this artist, bassists Greg CohenFind albums by this artist and Steve KirbyFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenny WollisonFind albums by this artist and percussionist Leon ParkerFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve, three of which are original songs by Peyroux and the rest are classic Blues, Folk and Jazz standards. Peyroux, who spent her teenager days singing Jazz and Blues standards on the street of Paris, where she lived at the time, acquired some European sensibilities, which helped to take the American music scene by a storm in the early 2000s. Her vocal style and charm are immediately recognizable and she obviously learned a lot from classic vocalists like Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith. This results in her transforming contemporary Pop and Rock songs into “imaginary” old-times classics, especially on her early albums, like this one. In time I became quite fond of her voice and mannerisms and I revisit her albums occasionally, always having a great time. She should be appreciated for sticking to her aesthetic values and eschewing commercial temptations, despite her success, which is sadly almost never true in most cases of American singers. Overall, this is a great trip back in time, revisiting the early days of Peyroux’s early career, which I always enjoy. This is a wonderful collection of great songs, which never disappoints and is always a welcome escape in gloomy days.

Updated: 03/04/2026Posted: 03/04/2026

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MARCUS PRINTUP / EMIL VIKLICKY ~ MARCUS PRINTUP & EMIL VIKLICKY TRIO MULTISONIC 310708 (Barcode: 741941070829) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 This album presents a live recording by the US trumpeter Marcus PrintupFind albums by this artist supported by the wonderful trio led by Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist with veteran bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and drummer Laco TroppFind albums by this artist. Printup is primarily known from his work as a member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra led by Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist. He and Viklicky met when the orchestra was performing a piece composed by Viklicky, which included a solo spot Printup was assigned to perform. The quartet together performs six pieces, three of which are Viklicky´s originals, one is a traditional Czech song arranged by Viklicky and two are standards. The performances are absolutely brilliant with Printup´s virtuosity fiercely supported by the sublime playing of the trio. In many respects this is a perfect marriage of the American Jazz tradition and the European elegance and sophistication. They compliment each other to the fullest extent creating outstanding Jazz music in the process. Uhlir´s powerful and always divinely melodic bass lines are a delight. I van hardly imagine any true Jazz lover not enjoying this music immensely. Highly recommended! Side Note This album is a part of the “Jazz Na Hrade (Jazz At Prague Castle)” series, released by the Czech MultisonicFind albums on this label label, which presents live recordings performed at various locations inside the charming Prague Castle, now the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The series was initiated in 2004 by President Vaclav KlausFind albums by this artist, who often introduces the players himself on these albums, and symbolizes the respect and love of all things Cultural by the Czech People, including Jazz of course.

Updated: 16/03/2022Posted:

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