Real New Orleans Jazz 1968504 - Dejan Olympia Brass Band

Advantages: Interesting, eclectic list of guests and collaborators
Disadvantages: A few so-so tracks

...Sting, George Harrison, Van Morrison, Paul Weller, Jamiroquai, David Gilmour, all on one record? What unites them? The common factor is that all have either appeared on ‘Later With Jools Holland’ on TV, or worked with the former Squeeze keyboard player turned bandleader on previous projects. Now he, his piano and 30ish-strong big band get to accompany a bunch of friends on songs old, new (seven co-written by the guest performer with JH himself), borrowed and blue(s) (and jazz). Sting’s ‘Seventh Son’, an old Willie Dixon standard which gave Georgie Fame (who was probably the Jools Holland of the 70s) a hit in 1969 gets things off to a full-blooded start. The ex-Policeman is too often a byword for dullness these days, but you’d hardly recognise him on this lively jazz workout. The same goes... Read review

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Advantages: Remixed, remastered, extended takes and extra tracks
Disadvantages: All too brief, and George Martin is no John Barry

...this title track must have sounded back in 1973. It's a startling composition, a bizarre fusing of orchestra and pop/rock, creating a very dynamic and dramatic sound. McCartney brings all of his talent to the lyrics and vocals, while Martin creates a very full sounding backing. It's completely unlike anything that went before, and it's difficult to think of such a bold interpretation of a theme song since. 2. Just a Closer Walk with Thee/New Second Line It's down to New Orleans for this funeral procession/party piece. All swinging horns, recorded to sound very raw, it runs a little longer than previous versions. Performed by Harold A. "Duke" Dejan and the Olympian Brass Band. 3. Bond Meets Solitaire. The remix has done wonders for this track. Martins funky blacksploitation approach gets a real beefing up with this mix. Funky laid back... Read review

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

...Vintage Jazz Volume 4 is another of my all-time favourite jazz CDs, as it does exactly what it sys on the label, it IE.. it contain some really fine examples of some of the best classic jazz. Coleman Hawkins as his All Star Jam Band, featuring every example of the best jazz instruments, guitar, drums, clarinet, all performing together as one on Honeysuckle Rose. And please note the use of the word "jam" in the name of the band. As they say, there really is nothing new under the sun! The next track is also by Coleman Hawkins and His All Star Jam Band, but is a totally different style of jazz as they give a rip-roaring, jumping version of Sweet Georgia Brown. Crazy Rhythm is the next track an is also from Coleman Hawkins and His All Star Jam Band. Crazy Rhythm? Well, no all that crazy, and it is another example of the multi... Read review

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