Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Deanne Matley - Stealin' Blue (Live at Cafe Koi)

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:19
Size: 132,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:47) 1. And So It Goes
(5:06) 2. When Sunny Gets Blue
(4:37) 3. Nothing Compares 2 U
(5:41) 4. Without A Song
(4:34) 5. Almost in Love
(3:36) 6. If
(2:52) 7. When I Fall In Love
(4:42) 8. Stealin' Blue
(5:34) 9. My Funny Valentine
(2:42) 10. Stormy Weather
(7:08) 11. True Colors
(4:53) 12. Wonderwall

Deanne’s debut CD, Stealin’ Blue, is a tasteful mix of Jazz, and Pop favorites performed live in an intimate vocal/piano duo setting. Deanne, a native Calgarian, has captured the essence of her riveting performances on this album which features twelve distinctive tracks. Known for her emotional, sultry delivery and a pure tone that envelopes the listener in a warm embrace, Deanne’s sensibilities lie in her simple yet elegant style. Her approach is straight from the heart, a heart that is warm, vulnerable and genuine. Artists such as Frank Sinatra, Sue Raney, Coldplay, Hawksley Workman, Rufus Wainwright, Bette Midler and many others act as influences.

The powerful energy and immediacy she receives from performing before a live audience fuels her drive as a musician. Her debut album is that much more bold, electric with feeling, and honest because of her choice to record Stealin’ Blue live. Stealin’ Blue is an invitation to a quiet moment of magic.“I opted for songs with melodies that challenged my emotional boundaries and pushed me to explore the soul.” A quote from Deanne describing the musical mix on the album infused with Jazz, Torch, Blues, Pop and Gospel styles.

There are many standout tracks on this recording, one of which is “My Funny Valentine”. It is given an almost intensely cinematic reading. Deanne starts off with a blank vocal tone that has rather intense overtones for the verse. At the chorus, a more suave, sophisticated voice is heard as a counterpoint to the opening character. The piano solo serves as a bridge, a resting place between this vocal conversation. The song ends; a screaming whisper.

Another is the Cyndi Lauper ballad “True Colors”. Drawing on his extensive classical and jazz training, this version starts with an extended piano solo inspired by many musical influences. Deanne’s interpretation of the melody is vulnerable, passionate and real; emphasizing the song’s message of living authentically. The song’s unique ending has become a trademark part of this duo’s repertoire. Stealin’ Blue is an album of ballads.https://www.deannematley.com/music/stealin-blue-live-at-cafe-koi/

Stealin'Blue (Live at Cafe Koi)

Gil Evans & Lee Konitz - Heroes

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:35
Size: 122,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:11) 1. Prince of Darkness
(6:49) 2. Reincarnation of a Lovebird
(8:27) 3. Aprilling
(6:17) 4. What Am I Here for
(6:52) 5. All the Things You Are
(6:17) 6. Prelude No. 20 in C Minor, Opus 28
(6:18) 7. Blues Improvisation/Zee Zee
(6:20) 8. Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)

This CD (and its follow-up Anti-Heroes) features the rather odd duo of Lee Konitz (on alto and soprano) and pianist Gil Evans. Since Evans was far from a virtuoso and at best played "arranger's piano" (particularly at this late stage in his life), his accompaniment behind Konitz is quite sparse. The repertoire includes standards, Konitz's "Aprilling," an adaptation of some Chopin and a medley of Evans' "Blues Improvisation" and "Zee Zee." But frankly overall this is a rather uneventful and often dull release that can easily be passed by.~Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/heroes-mr0000130968

Personnel:Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Lee Konitz; Piano – Gil Evans

Heroes

The Heath Brothers - Live At The Public Theater

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:56
Size: 109,1 MB
Art: Front

(0:18) 1. Introduction by Ted Ross
(9:45) 2. A Sassy Samba
(6:40) 3. Warm Valley
(7:30) 4. Cloak And Dagger
(5:03) 5. For The Public
(7:12) 6. Watergate Blues
(9:00) 7. We Need Peace And We Need Love
(1:24) 8. Artherdoc Blues

The fourth of the Heath Brothers' seven recordings before their breakup in 1983 (they would regroup in 1997) once again puts the focus on Jimmy Heath's writing, including such originals as "A Sassy Samba" (for Sarah Vaughan), "Cloak and Dagger," and the unusual "For the Public." Along with Jimmy's tenor and soprano, the main soloists are keyboardist Stanley Cowell (who is also a master of the kalimba, the African thumb piano) and guitarist Tony Purrone. Offering tasteful support are bassist Percy Heath drummer Akira Tana, an unknown at the time, and a couple of percussionists. Unfortunately, none of the Heath Brothers' enjoyable Columbia LPs have yet been reissued on CD.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-the-public-theater-mw0000902996

Personnel: Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Bass [Baby] – Percy Heath; Drums – Akira Tana; Electric Guitar – Tony Purrone; Keyboards, Kalimba – Stanley Cowell; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Arranged By – Jimmy Heath

Live At The Public Theater