Category: CD’s

TEQUILA DREAMS (by Dave Grusin featuring Lee Ritenour: Tequila Sunrise movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 18, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:17 Min.

From Tequila Sunrise’s 1988 movie soundtrack, jazz instrumentalists Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour team up for an upbeat background theme. As with “Jo Ann’s Song” from the same album, Grusin wrote this tune.

REVIEW:

“Tequila Dreams” is an ideal sample of jazz-instrumental rock fusion. Its catchy sound is a can’t-miss prospect for contemporary jazz enthusiasts. Definitely recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Note: Also highly recommended is Grusin’s other album instrumental: the playful “Jo Ann’s Song,” where he teams with Dave Sanborn.

Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

JO ANN’S SONG (by Dave Grusin featuring Dave Sanborn: Tequila Sunrise movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 18, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:11 Min.

From Tequila Sunrise’s 1988 movie soundtrack, jazz instrumentalists Dave Grusin and Dave Sanborn team up to deliver a sometimes edgy theme for Michelle Pfeffer’s effervescent ‘Jo Ann.’ It’s heard, as her good-natured flirting may spark a lethal love triangle between Mel Gibson’s reformed drug dealer and Kurt Russell’s cop. As with “Tequila Dreams” from this same album, Grusin composed this theme.

REVIEW:

As a contemporary jazz piece, its playful sound is first-class. Absolutely well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

Note: Also highly recommended is Grusin’s other album contribution: the upbeat “Tequila Dreams,” where he teams with Lee Ritenour.

Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

LET’S LIVE IT UP (by The Brian Setzer Orchestra: The Dirty Boogie)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:41 Min.

This swing jazz tune is Track # 4 on The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 1998 The Dirty Boogie album.

REVIEW:

Bursting with life, think of an old-school, Frank Sinatra-style caper with lots of extra zip. “Let’s Live It Up” might not be Brian Setzer’s best track on this album, but it sure is catchy.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

LANDSCAPE (by Robert Miles: Dreamland)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:02 Min.

For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 4). Reminiscent of nature CD’s, the intro is chirping birds above rolling waves. However, the finish of Track 3: “Fantasya” starts this intro’s sound effects.

REVIEW:

Robert Miles does some intriguing work exploring “Landscape.” While its pulsating electronica sound is undeniable, the somewhat gentle melody isn’t meant to blast one’s ears out. This track is certainly a viable option for low-impact workouts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC? {Cover} (by Diana Krall: Turn Up the Quiet)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:28 Min.

From her 2017 cover album, Turn Up the Quiet, Diana Krall revisits the 1932 jazz classic by Richard Rodgers and lyricist Lorenz Hart.

REVIEW:

Interpreted through Diana Krall’s husky vocals, the song is drawn out far too slowly. Her take on “Isn’t It Romantic?”, unfortunately, is enough to lull listeners to sleep. Still, the classy lounge-style instrumentals make up some of the difference.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows

ISLAND DREAMER (by Jan Hammer: Drive)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:41 Min.

This instrumental track appears on Jan Hammer’s 1994 jazz fusion album, Drive.

REVIEW:

“Island Dreamer” is the romantic jazz equivalent of a breezy, low-key day chilling out somewhere on a Caribbean beach. The tune’s sole detriment is its mostly generic sound. Still, the track ‘s congenial vibe readily fits Jan Hammer’s Miami Vice style. Offering some classy mood music, “Island Dreamer” is a good supplement to any beach-themed playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

IN THE DAWN (by Robert Miles: Dreamland)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 7:59 Min.

For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 9). The song’s finish is an inaudible vocal clip, which sounds vaguely reminiscent of a James Bond villain making a threat.

REVIEW:

Let’s ignore the unnecessary gibberish at the end – it makes no sense for being there. Despite its over-indulgent running time, “In the Dawn” possesses an irresistible sound. The pulsating melody is so good that one can forgive that it’s close to eight minutes of repetition. Equaling Track # 1: “Children” (Dream Version) as the album’s best dual threat, “In the Dawn” is ideal for dance playlists and adrenaline-pumping workouts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

IN MY DREAMS (by Robert Miles: Dreamland)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:14 Min.

For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 5). Reminiscent of nature CD’s, the intro conveys the electronica equivalent of chirping birds.

REVIEW:

“In My Dreams” doesn’t stand out on Dreamland, but it sports a likable enough, almost jazzy sound. As part of the complete album, this track offer a solid choice to accompany workouts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows

I’M CONFESSIN’ (THAT I LOVE YOU) {Cover} (by Diana Krall: Turn Up the Quiet)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:24 Min.

For her 2017 cover album, Turn Up the Quiet, Diana Krall revisits the 1930 jazz standard by Chris Smith & Al J. Neiburg.

REVIEW:

Interpreted through Diana Krall’s husky vocals, this down-to-earth rendition resembles that of a 1930’s chanteuse. Further bolstered by low-key instrumentals, Krall’s take on “I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)” gives this timeless tune a fresh lease on life. Definitely well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS {Cover} (by Diana Krall: Turn Up the Quiet)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:53 Min.

Closing out her 2017 cover album, Turn Up the Quiet, Diana Krall presents a lively rendition of this 1924 jazz-pop tune.

REVIEW:

Diana Krall’s husky vocals deliver the necessary goods, but this tune’s instrumental portions (including her piano work) are an absolute delight. It’s a savvy creative choice to finish Turn Up the Quiet with this charming time warp of a song. Definitely well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars