Jazz & Blues > Modern Jazz Vocals Jazz & Blues > 5 GBP to 10 GBP

Advantages: Some of the all time best jazz saxophone ever.
Disadvantages: Some ommissions.

The Very Best of John Coltrane Some folks in commenting on a previous review wanted me to review some 'hard jazz'; well here goes. This was just one of the 'best of' or 'greatest hits' type albums, of several that have been issues since the great mans death at the tender age of 41. It seems that the saxophone 'greats' die young and tragically; Charlie Parker, Albert Ayler. Although primarily a tenor player, he also played an awful lot of soprano ...
...garde, for whilst he was very clear about the melody, often starting with it and coming back to it, he strayed, often a very long way from the melody and did things that jazz had not seen before. I am not proficient or understanding enough to explain this fully, and do not want to 'copy' what someone else has written, so I will just say this. If you read what he played (in music) or heard the notes in isolation, slowly, it does not make sense, yet ... Read review

Advantages: Good Fun, Swinging Jive time music, humorous
Disadvantages: perhaps a little close to the bone lyrically at time, but only if you're prudish!

One of the great Trad. Jazz players of our time, this collection has him at his dandy, playboy best. These tracks are uplifting, swinging numbers, perfect for jiving on a Friday or Saturday night, but equally fitted to a lazy Sunday morning with a copy of the paper and breakfast in bed. This compilation covers the earlier years of George's career, so his voice is at it's best. Though even in his later life (anyone who can perform at 80 with dementia ...
...about them) he managed to wow the crowds. These tracks are the best vocal performances Geoerge ever gave in my opinion. Melly's trademark tongue in cheek lewdness features in force, tracks like "Ma Reiney's Black Bottom" and "I'm A Ding Dong Daddy " are sure to raise a smile as the hips are swinging. Though these numbers are matched by the slower, bluesier tracks mid-way through the album. The mournful "I'm Down In The Dumps " and "Michigan Water ... Read review

Advantages: Gary Moore comes into his own
Disadvantages: I had to admit I was wrong about him

I've always been on the fence as far as Gary Moore is concerned, I think it's because of how alike he sounds to Phil Lynott and I can't decide if that's a good or bad thing. There's definately no denying it though, this album ROCKS. At first I was dubious to listen to it, after being told by my dad how 'great' it was. But after listening to it, I couldn't help admitting how much I loved it. This time, I didn't mind his likeness to Phil, sure he ...
...how he projects and produces his music is completely different. It's more rugged, more of a blues sound, something completely its own. 'Over The Hills And Far Away is by far my favourite song of the whole album. It reminds me of a book, because it tells a story. It keeps you interested and as soon as you hear the first line you're hooked because you want to know what's going to happen. This was the first time I had experienced such a song that told ... Read review

Advantages: very up beat tracks catchy and memorable
Disadvantages: some poor covers but overall brilliant

Its been along time now since this album was released from Jamie but i have only recently purchased when i saw it on sale in HMV thinking id give him a try. Now for those that still haven't heard about this young little jazz talent Jamie is a 28 year old jazz musician from Rom ford in Essex and is recognized for his tiny structure being only 5 foot 4 with size 7 which is rather odd considering his voice sounds more like a fully grown man! Jaimie ...
...all before however only around 500 copies were made which were in so high demand were selling for around £600 on ebay. After graduating from reading university in 2001 he released his second album Pointless Nostalgic which proved to be another hit. In 2003 Jamie hit the big time being signed by the record company universal and released his 3rd album twenty something which soon after turned platinum and was the number 1 selling jazz studio album ever ... Read review

Advantages: Everything! Two very talented artists playing incredible songs
Disadvantages: plain cover art, not for you if you don't like the genre

...Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Live at Luther College is the album I heard in my ex boyfriend's car in 2004, aged 17 and it sparked a long-term obsession with all things Dave Matthews. As an introduction to this artist, the album is somewhat toned down, an acoustic and less rocky version of his work. Living in the UK, the Dave Matthews Band was somewhat unknown to me (certainly in my circle of friends) and I was astonished that they weren't as popular ...
...Tim recorded their first collaborating live album at one of their gigs in Luther College, Iowa. It was not released until 1999. Many of the tracks on the album would later be released on one of the most successful Dave Matthews Band studio album 'Crash'. All the songs on the album are written exclusively by Dave Matthews, apart from 'Little Thing' and 'Deed is Done', which were also written by Tim Reynolds. The cover is very simple, strong blue with ... Read review