Ivo Perelman - Breaking Point

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:31
Size: 141,1 MB
Art: Front

( 8:14)  1. Harsh Moon
( 8:02)  2. Dance Matters
( 6:12)  3. Catch 22
( 9:58)  4. The Haunted French Horn
( 6:49)  5. Sound Healers
(14:54)  6. The Forest of Feet and Bass Drums
( 7:19)  7. Breaking Point

Tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman usually releases albums in waves. Thus, Breaking Point is one of five concurrent productions issued on UK-based Leo Records, and offers the listener a kaleidoscopic glimpse of various ensemble lineups. Over the years Perelman has attained a comfort zone and noticeable synergy with the artists' performing on this outing, as the saga continues on Breaking Point. Perelman's super-powered lungs are in full force, but his tender side is also evident, especially during his somber interactions with violist Mat Maneri on "Harsh Moon," which opens up into a staggered bump and grind episode. Here, the band steps it up with a day of reckoning like underpinning amid frenzied interweaving notes and drummer Gerald Cleaver's swarming polyrhythmic pulse. Other tracks offer irregular currents encompassing mood-evoking sentiment and a few abrasive gambits along with imagery of a histogram, depicting a horde of dips and spikes.

The quartet dishes out an expansive program and a surfeit of fleeting mini-themes, framed on unabashed freedom of expression, where boundaries simply do not exist. Toss in a few Spartan interludes with the saxophonist's galactic plaintive cries; moments of pathos, densely layered improvisational segments and you will get an idea of the band's kinetic output. But "The Sound Healers" is a tad playful in scope as the soloists' linear movements and spiraling crescendos lead to a fast and furious game-plan. " The Forest of Feet and Bass Drums" is where the quartet reaches that point of no return as Perelman and Maneri exchange terse phrasings and expressive discourses, contrasted by some bizarre effects and a multitude of aftershocks. Moreover, bassist Joe Morris lays down a pliant underpinning as Cleaver stretches out, leading to a finale then ends on a murmur. Here and throughout, the quartet arrives at breaking points but also thaw tense situations. Yet they often regroup and renew these cyclonic plots with the greatest of ease. ~ Glenn Astarita https://www.allaboutjazz.com/breaking-point-ivo-perelman-leo-records-review-by-glenn-astarita.php

Personnel: Ivo Perelman: tenor saxophone; Mat Maneri: viola; Joe Morris: bass; Gerald Cleaver: drums.

Breaking Point

---

Herlin Riley - New Direction

Styles: Vocal, Post Bop
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:40
Size: 147,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:53)  1. New Direction
(6:01)  2. Spring Fantasy
(6:43)  3. The Crossbar
(6:14)  4. The Big Banana
(5:54)  5. Shake Off the Dust
(5:32)  6. Connection to Congo Square
(7:03)  7. Herlin's Hurdle
(7:19)  8. Hiccup Smooth
(7:22)  9. Harlem Shuffle
(4:34) 10. Tootie Ma

There’s a subtle but pointed message implied in the title, as it relates to most of the music on this disc: Contrary to what some revivalists and progressives might insist, music can explore new directions without self-consciously proclaiming either its iconoclasm or its purity. Discovering new beauty and truth is a triumph of the spirit, not an ideological manifesto. Herlin Riley is a New Orleans native, and the streetsy, Latin-tinged rhythms of that city’s musical heritage wind through this set. “Connection to Congo Square,” on which Riley and guest conguero Pedrito Martinez interweave with joyful abandon, propelling a melody line that roils with postbop fury, exemplifies this ancient-to-the-future continuum. But then so does “Harlem Shuffle,” which evokes “Night Train” updated with soul-jazz swagger. There, Godwin Louis’ alto saxophone solo reaches back to Johnny Hodge’s swing-era grace, and trumpeter Bruce Harris combines a classicist’s precision with modernist exultation and freedom. “Hiccup Smooth” plays on the paradox of its title with juxtaposed rhythms/time signatures; Louis negotiates the shapeshifting rhythmic terrain with confidence. Although he’s the session leader, Riley is mostly content to set the groove, adding coloration and texture and goading his bandmates-Louis, pianist Emmet Cohen, Harris, bassist Russell Hall, Martinez, guest guitarist Mark Whitfield-with an unforced but relentless will. The major exception is “Herlin’s Hurdle,” written by Cohen, on which Riley allows himself a tightly wound yet explosively unfettered solo. The ballad “Shake Off the Dust” may sound conventional, even prosaic at first listen, but in fact could serve as this set’s manifesto: By revisiting vintage conceits and celebrating their vivacity, we can transform them into vehicles for fresh exploration. David Whiteis https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/herlin-riley-new-direction/

Personnel:  Herlin Riley – Drums & Vocals;  Emmet Cohen – Piano;  Russell Hall – Bass;  Bruce Harris – Trumpet;  Godwin Louis – Alto & Soprano Saxophone;  Pedrito Martinez – Conga;  Mark Whitfield – Guitar

New Direction

---

Olu Dara - In The World: From Natchez to New York

Styles: Vocal, Trumpet, Cornet And Guitar 
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:01
Size: 109,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:50)  1. Okra
(4:35)  2. Rain Shower
(3:36)  3. Natchez Shopping Blues
(4:00)  4. Your Lips
(5:48)  5. Harlem Country Girl
(3:14)  6. Zora
(4:45)  7. Young Mama
(3:04)  8. Bubber (If Only)
(3:32)  9. Father Blues
(5:02) 10. Jungle Jay
(4:31) 11. Kiane

?In the World: From Natchez to New York is certainly a surprise. Well known as a lyrical avant-garde cornetist, Olu Dara emerges here as an effective country-blues singer and guitarist. Fortunately, Dara does not neglect his cornet but the music is definitely much different than one might expect. The material, all written by Dara, deals with country life, difficulties with love, and survival in today's society, and includes a tribute to the vegetable and fruit peddlers of yesteryear ("Okra"). 

A few numbers feature other vocalists and storytellers, but overall the multi-talented Dara is the main voice (both vocally and instrumentally) throughout the fascinating and successful effort. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/in-the-world-from-natchez-to-new-york-mw0000032628  

Personnel: Olu Dara (vocals, trumpet, cornet, guitar, bass drum, percussion); Mayanna Lee (vocals); Nas (rap vocals); John Abrams (tenor saxophone); Rudy "Obadeli" Herbert (Hammond B-3 organ); Kwatei Jones-Quartey (acoustic & electric guitars, percussion, background vocals); Ivan Ramirez (electric guitar, guitar, background vocals); Alonzo Gardner (bass, background vocals); Greg Bandy (drums, percussion, background vocals); Richard James (congas); Melba Joyce, Joyce Malone, Cantrese Alloway, Darada David (background vocals)

In The World: From Natchez to New York

---

Vanessa Mae - Subject To Change

Styles: Classical Music
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:40
Size: 156,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:47)  1. Yantra
(5:29)  2. White Bird
(2:54)  3. Picante
(6:42)  4. Destiny
(4:36)  5. Night Flight
(5:06)  6. Clear Like Ice
(6:06)  7. Laughing Buddha
(4:23)  8. Pasha
(4:29)  9. Solace
(2:50) 10. Love Is Only A Game
(6:14) 11. Deep South
(8:59) 12. Jamais

2001 album for the international artist who's conquered the classical music world as well as pop. Teaming with producer Youth (Fine Young Cannibals, Bananarama, James, Crowded House, the Orb) to create this trance/dance infused album. 

Highlights include the first two singles, 'Destiny' & 'White Bird'. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Subject-Change-Vanessa-Mae/dp/B00005BIQ8 

Personnel: Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares (vocals); Juan Ramirez (guitar); Keith Nelson (banjo); Bob Loveday (pennywhistle); Geraint Watkins (accordion); J. Neil Sidwell, Sid Gauld (brass); Peter Lockett (bodhran, tabla); Louis Jardim (percussion)

Subject To Change

---

Lisa Loeb - Lullaby Girl

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:50
Size: 96,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:13)  1. Be My Baby
(3:23)  2. Don't Stop
(2:56)  3. Close Your Eyes
(3:15)  4. Dream a Little Dream
(4:15)  5. In My Room
(3:36)  6. O-O-H Child
(3:57)  7. Rainbow Connection
(2:40)  8. All the Pretty Little Horses
(2:10)  9. Lullaby Girl
(4:05) 10. Inch Worm
(2:58) 11. What the Wold Needs Now Is Love
(2:27) 12. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
(2:47) 13. Tomorrow

Pull up the covers and relax with Lisa Loeb and a world-class quartet led by keyboardist Larry Goldings. An Amazon Originals release, Lullaby Girl offers fresh and dreamy arrangements of classic songs from a variety of genres. Lisa’s distinctive voice adds intimacy and expression to these familiar melodies. Hushed and meditative, the recording was co-produced with Lisa's longtime collaborator Rich Jacques and Goldings, who is known for his work with James Taylor, John Mayer, as well as many top jazz artists. World-renowned songwriter and guitarist Adam Levy (who tours and records with Norah Jones and Tracy Chapman) also performs. The album was originally planned as a traditional lullaby record for children. As they began the recording process, Lisa, Larry and Rich found a uniquely different path, and it became clear that this would be a record for everyone. “I’m so excited for everyone to hear this collection of classics recorded with an amazing group of musicians. I feel like we’ve come up with a new take on classics that people will really enjoy. We live in a time where everything happens so quickly, but with this album, you’ll be able to slow it all down and relax!" shares Lisa. Indeed, Lullaby Girl is an album for insomniacs. Lisa's performance reminds us of why songs like “Be My Baby,” “All the Pretty Little Horses,” “Dream a Little Dream,” "What the World Needs Now Is Love" and “Oooh Child” remain classics. Lisa’s original songs “Close Your Eyes” and "Lullaby Girl" flows right in with the pristine arrangements of tunes like Brian Wilson’s “In My Room” and Annie's“Tomorrow.” Lullaby Girl is the perfect companion to Lisa's other award-winning family music releases Nursery Rhyme Parade! and Feel What U Feel. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Lullaby-Girl-Lisa-Loeb/dp/B0753SFDM5

Lullaby Girl

---