Masters Of Jazz - Art Tatum

Advantages: Great jazz tunes from the Golden Age
Disadvantages: None

..."Whose Honey Are You?" Indian Summer, by Sidney Bechet is a simple jazz refrain, which is as warm and as welcome as an Indian Summer. Sidney Bechet, feel some people, is one of the neglected heroes of the Golden Age of Jazz. He should not be. Art Tatum's Stormy Weather is a good tune, much performed down to this day by score upon score of artistes. This version is a good, simple version of this classic tune. Just played on the piano, using a lilting style that is fully conversant with the jazz idiom. I paid about £5.00 for this, check on Ciao for the current price using the Ciao price comparison service.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great songs, well presented
Disadvantages: Can all sound the same

...Jamie Cullum gets a lot of stick from some of my jazzer friends, claiming that he "isn't real jazz" and that he's a poor crossover artist. I must say I have to disagree - he has truely mastered the art of taking good jazz standards and making them his own, giving each of them an exciting twist that displays his true talent as a fine arranger and a fine musician. These Are The Days is my favourite song on the album, it has a funky edge to it which makes me smile. His covers of Singin' In The Rain, I Could Have Danced All Night and I Get A Kick Out of You all show incredible musical maturity. However, if you listen to this album too much, the songs can all sound very alike - especially if you listen to this album next to some of his other albums.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Thought-provoking lyrics, skillful blend of styles, video of "We Come 1" and other goodies on UK version
Disadvantages: None

...beautifully from the introduction of "Donny X" to the finale of "Liontamer". Inbetween, it takes the lyrical and vocal talents of Jazz on an ambient journey by sample, scratch, synth and features inspired vocal contributions from Zoe Johnston. Jazz's hypnotic voice floats over the backing but the lyrics somehow still fit. He makes use of the largely-forgotten art of assonance in addition to simple rhyme ("All the subtle flavours of my life become bitter seeds and poison leaves without you - you represent what's true"). This man, like his hero to whom he writes an open letter on this album, is a master of timing. And yes, his words can sting: "But I could be a devil to you; I could bite like a tarantula, right through the skin, and leave my poison like dreams". Expect to hear this track (Tarantula) on a chart show near you soon... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful