Sunset Jazz - Shakatak

Advantages: great listening
Disadvantages: none

...Van Morrison was born in 1945 George Ivan Morrison. In the early 60s he began his singing career. In 1966 he was the lead singer in a band called Them, He left them after a couple of years and began his solo career as a singer songwriter. His music is a rock rhythm and blues some jazz, with Celtic influence. Avalon sunset was produced in 1989 and the words of the songs show his religious beliefs.This music is restful and peaceful with its spiritual overtones a little melancholy. I am an atheist, do not believe in god, however find this music good and listen to it occasionally. In the first track Whenever god shines his light Van Morrison sings and is backed by sir Cliff Richards. Van has a growley, gravely voice and it contrasts with cliffs sweeter voice. This is an upbeat song with a gospel feel to it. I sit here listening... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

...This is real jazz, from the real Golden Age of Jazz. It's got the pace, the rhythm, the fluid trumpet playing, the relentlessly enthusiastic, rolling piano playing and the clear diction of some excellent singing of vocalists who could not only hold a tune, but who could capture your heart and soul, too… There's musicians with such great names as Muggsy Spanier, Meade Lux Lewis, King Oliver and Sidney Bechet. You do not get musicians called Muggsy nowadays. I wonder why? As well as straight out jazz such as the Dippermouth blues, there's also the dreamy and melodic April in Paris from Charlie Parker. Some jazz aficionados reckon that Charlie Parker eventually sold out. Well, perhaps he did. But some of his earlier work still stands the test of time. Jack Teagarden is on this CD, with So Many Times, a rather nice, well... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful