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Album Reviews

DIANE SCHUUR		  

SOME OTHER TIME

Diane Schuur’s classic voice not only appeals to the hardcore traditional jazz enthusiast, her following includes the cool, smooth, contemporary jazz aficionados among us. In fact, I fell in love with Schuur’s voice at the conception of my love affair with jazz. Some Other Time took me back to my roots and reminded me why I do what I do. When I listened to September In The Rain, it became an instant favorite. It is simply dreamy. That song put a smile on my face and had me thinking of my beautiful grandmother, Mama Rachel. Nice Work If You Can Get It and Beginners Luck both swing with sassiness like no other with a super dynamic rhythm section. Randy Porter on piano, Dan Balmer on guitar, Scott Steed on bass and Reggie Jackson on drums, I didn’t expect anything less. Schuur’s piano and vocals duets on It’s Magic and The Good Life created visuals of classic automobiles that have been restored to their original state… impeccable! Some Other Time is perfect whether you’re listening as you sip a glass of wine or as the musical backdrop of a dinner for two, softly playing in the foreground or behind an intimate conversation. This project is definitely a must have for the collection.
JIMMY SOMMERS

SUNSET COLLECTIVE

My man Jimmy… if there is nothing else I can count on from you, it’s a hip-jazz good time. Yes sir dude, I want to come to the next party… with your fine self… huh! Moving on, this is what I’m talking about; hitting me all in the face with the first track and I didn’t once back up because it felt sooo good. Out Of Nowhere is exactly that… whew. Why do you do us like this, Jimmy? Okay, I could see this coming a mile away, Sommers going full throttle with Sunset Collective, featuring twelve powerhouse tracks and 2 bonus tracks. With your boy Rahsaan Patterson on deck on Let Your Body Go, it was obvious the plan was to turn the listener every which way but loose. And at that moment, I decided I was in for the long haul. Bring it on Sommers… I gotcha. Sunset Collective is what’s up and I am loving it. Oh my, this techno-jazzed infused U.K. Soul sound is killer! If I Knew, with Victer Duplaix on vocals, is totally wrecking the house. Sommers, together with Macy Gray, ain’t no joke. I’m predicting Sunset Collective will be a strong contender, if not the best album 2008 will offer. Yes, I said it! So, check it out and thank me later. Other outstanding tracks are The Islands, Besame Mucho and Kickin’ It.
JASON MILES

SOUL SUMMIT

Jason Miles’ SOUL SUMMIT Can You Feel It? is an ultra modern blast from the past, jam-packed with some of 70’s hottest soul chart topping hits. If you are still kicking polyester, double knit, butterfly collars and huck-a-buck platforms, SOUL SUMMIT Can You Feel It? has your number. The vocals on this project didn’t leave much to be desired, but the horn section arrangements were a pleasant surprise and, without a doubt, helped to make the experience tolerable. Can’t say I was moved at any point, except for Richard Elliot’s sax on Shotgun, and I can tell you, Elliot put the pedal to the medal like he was getting out of town with Johnny Law on his tail. SOUL SUMMIT Can You Feel It? sort of casually drifts along with not much of a wow factor. I’m not sure where Miles was headed on this one, but I detoured, took an early exit and never arrived to the final destination. Maybe I’ll get back on the interstate and try once again. You know what they say… better late than never.
NYEE MOSES

NYEE MOSES

Finding a diamond in the rough doesn’t happen every day. Well people, we have one and it’s a keeper. Nyee Moses saves the day with her self-titled project and I can tell ya, she did her mommy proud. Between us was first up, follow by No Limits and I still feel like I’m free falling. Nyee’s soulful Sade-like sound is simply bliss. This U.K. Soul-slash Latin-slash techno masterpiece is not only entertaining; it’s a top shelf martini with a touch of pixie dust that puts you under her spell. Not really sure how long you will be under, so try this at your own risk. And, if this helps any, it’s totally legal. Finally, an out-of-body experience that is good for the mind, body and spirit. Now, watch out! Nyee Moses can be just as addictive as that other stuff, but who cares. When it’s ooh-la-la fantastic, I suggest total indulgence.
DANNY LERMAN

MEOWBABY

Danny Lerman’s MEOWBABY isn’t the one to sleep ya’ll. Kicking it off with Meow Baby followed by Summer In A Hummer, which by the way sealed the deal, Lerman single handedly raised the bar for new artists on the rise. Produced by Tal Bergman and written by Lerman along with Fred Kron, MEOWBABY has definitely hit the streets with a bang. Sending out shock waves of invigorating SAXtastic music, I’m sure won’t go unnoticed on the radar scanning only for exceptional material with a bling.whether you’re listening as you sip a glass of wine or as the musical backdrop of a dinner for two, softly playing in the foreground or behind an intimate conversation. This project is definitely a must have for the collection.