Pharoahe Monch - PTSD (2014)
What are you listening to? September 2023
- Thread starter Zeeba Neighba
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Kris Davis - Diatom Ribbons: Live at the Village Vanguard (2023) disc 2 of 2
Davis usually plays just over the Avant Garde safety line from where I can easily enjoy, and I don't get the chance to listen to her work much. In spite of that, several things about this album got my attention. Julian Lage plays electric guitar, Teri Lyne Carrington womans the drum kit, and Kris included a turtablist/electronics musician. So, trembling as I was, I went in.
Yeah, there is some of that "what the F" ish going on here and there. But a lot of this is, dare I say it, forward thinking cutting edge Jazz. Yeah, the 6:38 long "VW" which is basically a guy (ok, Sun Ra, but still) talking about something over six and a half minutes of noodling, doesn't exactly reward repeat listening but it's not bad the first few times. And other less Avant Garde-y songs are especially very good.
Kris composed most of the double album, but she also included songs by Wayne Shorter and a couple of others.
Davis usually plays just over the Avant Garde safety line from where I can easily enjoy, and I don't get the chance to listen to her work much. In spite of that, several things about this album got my attention. Julian Lage plays electric guitar, Teri Lyne Carrington womans the drum kit, and Kris included a turtablist/electronics musician. So, trembling as I was, I went in.
Yeah, there is some of that "what the F" ish going on here and there. But a lot of this is, dare I say it, forward thinking cutting edge Jazz. Yeah, the 6:38 long "VW" which is basically a guy (ok, Sun Ra, but still) talking about something over six and a half minutes of noodling, doesn't exactly reward repeat listening but it's not bad the first few times. And other less Avant Garde-y songs are especially very good.
Kris composed most of the double album, but she also included songs by Wayne Shorter and a couple of others.
That review snippet describes this experience in a nutshell, making me think precocious, pretentious and masterful, all at the same time. It will either intrigue you, or send you running through the doors into oncoming traffic.AllAboutJazz said:
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Unsomnambulist
Staff member
Soundgarden - Superunknown (1994)
Ojai Sam
Staff member
John Barry - Diamonds Are Forever (soundtrack 1971)
Vinyl Spin Of The Day.
Sean Connery and Shirley Bassey both returned to the fold for the 7th Bond film (well, the 8th if you count the spoof version of "Casino Royale"). John Barry was waiting for them over at the podium with one of his better soundtracks. The urbane, occasionally jazzy style matched the film's black tie mood.
Vinyl Spin Of The Day.
Sean Connery and Shirley Bassey both returned to the fold for the 7th Bond film (well, the 8th if you count the spoof version of "Casino Royale"). John Barry was waiting for them over at the podium with one of his better soundtracks. The urbane, occasionally jazzy style matched the film's black tie mood.
Unsomnambulist
Staff member
XTC - Black Sea (1980)
Unsomnambulist
Staff member
Yawning Man - Long Walk Of The Navajo (2023)
Nickyboy
Staff member
Schmaltzy string orchestra versions of college and professional football team songs? "Boola Boola for Violas" must be pretty sweet.
Ojai Sam
Staff member
One might expect that from Percy, but actually he presents these college fight songs (no professional teams other than the USC Trojans
) in marching band style complete with brass, drums and glee club. In 1958, the target audience for this kind of album was doubtless aging flappers and sheiks out for some whoopee at alumni day. So Faith plays the songs in sincere "alma mater" style and they work well. "Far Above Cayuga's Waters" would bring a tear to any Cornell grad's eye.
on the Sam-O-Meter. Fight on!RIYL Tusk.
Talib Kweli & DJ Hi Tek - Revolutions Per Minute (2010)
Mandrill - Composite Truth (1973)
Freddie Hubbard & Woody Shaw - Double Take (1985)
No new songs for the album, which is usually a downer for me because I love hearing new compositions, but these guys kill every song here. One of the best star-meets-star albums I've heard. Listening to this never lets me down.
Two of my top five all-time trumpeters (why can't I say trumpeteers, like puppeteers). The band is fantastic, being Kenny Garrett, Mulgrew Miller, Cecil McBee and Carl Allen.AllMusic said:
No new songs for the album, which is usually a downer for me because I love hearing new compositions, but these guys kill every song here. One of the best star-meets-star albums I've heard. Listening to this never lets me down.
Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key Of Life (1976) disc 1 of 2
Steely Dan - Two Against Nature (2000)
A$AP Rocky - At.Long.Last.A$AP (2015)
Ojai Sam
Staff member
Various Artists - Just Friends: A Gathering In Tribute To Emily Remler - Vol. 1 (Justice 1990)
Not long ago I played the all too few records by Emily Remler, an incredibly talented jazz guitarist that we lost at a young age. Shortly after she passed away, her last record label released two tribute albums. The first features half a dozen fine guitarists, including Herb Ellis. They are backed by the folks who played on Emily's sessions, notably David Benoit. The tone is subdued and respectful without being sad, an ideal homage to a beautiful artist. I can't wait to hear Volume 2.
on the Sam-O-Meter.
Not long ago I played the all too few records by Emily Remler, an incredibly talented jazz guitarist that we lost at a young age. Shortly after she passed away, her last record label released two tribute albums. The first features half a dozen fine guitarists, including Herb Ellis. They are backed by the folks who played on Emily's sessions, notably David Benoit. The tone is subdued and respectful without being sad, an ideal homage to a beautiful artist. I can't wait to hear Volume 2.
on the Sam-O-Meter. 
