Exceptional Encounter 1953, An - Ben Webster/Modern Jazz Quartet

Advantages: Some really good tracks
Disadvantages: Some are "so-so"

.... Although equally sophisticated as If You Wee Mine, it is a somewhat different, more melancholy style. The lyrics are slightly corny, it has to be said, though Frankie does well with them. The next song is also by Buck Clayton and his Orchestra and Frankie Laine. It is a version of My Old Flame. I am sorry, but since I heard the spike Jones version of My Old Flame, I really haven't been able to take this song as seriously as it deserves. (Spike Jones mangled the song to include a psychotic killer (sung as a passable impersonation of Peter Lorrie) Although somewhat bizarrely, Frankie Laine remains totally mute during the Buck Clayton version of My Old Flame! The next track is by the Benny Goodman Quartet, featuring Benny Goodman on clarinet, with fantastic swinging backing from the rest of his band, including jazz xylophone. Stompin... Read review

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Advantages: Driven by musical passion. Great Jazz structures (+ lack of)
Disadvantages: All tracks are very similar (no variation)

...A must have for all JTQ fans. This album incorporates acid jazz with the classic James Taylor quartet sound. Opening with Joe's Diversions, the hammond organ sound takes lead throughout the album. Vocals from new singer Yvonne Yanney bring new light to the quartet - the most prominent track being 'It's all over'. For all jazz, and especially acid jazz fans, this album provides complex melodies and harmonies, whilst capturing the unusally simple structures of acid. The album is well produced, and the selection of tracks (11 in total) are well chosen. I would recommend this album to all fans of JTQ and jazz, and to those who are willing to try something new in their musical tastes. Truly a great album, full of musical passion.... Read review

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Advantages: They're alternative, with a twist of lemony fun...mixed in with the piano
Disadvantages: Ben, when live, has a habit of drooling...or thats what I saw anyway

...'Ben Folds Five', quite possibly the most innovative band that walked this earth....to put it in the words of a simpleton...'they're great'. 'Ben Folds Five', a band originating from North Carolina (yes, the US), consists of 3 talented band members - Ben Folds (pianist and overall genius/'the leader of the pack'), Robert Sledge (bass) and finally the drummer (his name i forget - then again though, he is a drummer,how am I supposed to remember!). They're music, sheer beauty. They're melody being that of a sort of mixture of alternative/piano jazz/soft rock...though my description may sound unappealing to most of you...trust me (and I know you do!),whoever you are,whatever your music taste,you'll love it. Their debut album (no title), shows straight away, where they're going with this and who they are. The foundations of they... Read review

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