Category: Jazz & Blues

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 58:00 Min.

In 2000, Sony Music Entertainment (UK) released this compilation album of miscellaneous Des’ree tracks.  Including five live renditions, the thirteen tracks (which she also co-wrote) consist of:

1. Silent Hero (5:03) Note: The song is featured in Spike Lee’s 1995 film, Clockers.
2. Get A Life (3:31)
3. I Ain’t Movin {Family Stand Acoustic Mix} (4:05)
4. Innocent & Naive (3:40)
5. Warm Hands, Cold Heart {2000 Mix} (4:39)
6. I Ain’t Movin’ {Live} (5:19)
7. Little Child {Live} (3:51)
8. Looking Philosophical (4:10)
9. Caring World (4:12)
10. Soul Mates {Previously Unreleased} (3:53)
11. Feel So High {Live from London} (4:49)
12. You Gotta Be {Live from London} (5:17)
13. Life {Live from London} (6:01).

REVIEW:

Projecting a wonderfully articulate mix of pop, R&B, and jazzy blues, Des’ree’s vocal effervescence is something else.  Working off sparkling instrumentals, she makes these cast-off tunes (not widely released for whatever reason) sound almost magical.  More so, she skillfully pitches her thoughtful lyrics as something to say vs. merely saying something.  It’s just a shame that none of these tracks would be surefire radio hits, though Track # 3: “I Ain’t Movin (Family Stand Acoustic Mix)” likely comes closest. 

Otherwise, the album’s style conveys a welcome sense of classiness, from start to finish.  At nearly an hour’s running time, listeners will be getting their full money’s worth.  Even if deemed as a sampler for her other albums, this Des’ree compilation project is an elegant treat.

PACKAGING:

The CD case lists the tracks.   As for the insert booklet, the tracks, their running times, writing credits, and the full lyrics are included.  Des’ree briefly explains the backstory for each tune.  A discography listing tracks of four of her albums is included.  Lastly, Des’ree offers her thank-you’s. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 12  Min.

Released in 1991 by Elektra Records, Natalie Cole’s thirteenth studio album covers jazz-pop standards previously recorded by her father, Nat King Cole.  Concluding the album, her album’s title track was electronically crafted as a ‘duet’ performed by Cole with her late father’s archived vocal track.  The twenty-two tracks are:

1. The Very Thought of You (4:15)
2. Paper Moon (3:25)
3. Route 66 (3:00)
4. Mona Lisa (3:45)
5. L-O-V-E (2:31)
6. This Can’t be Love (2:13)
7. Smile (3:37)
8. Lush Life (4:19)
9. That Sunday That Summer (3:31)
10. Orange Colored Sky (2:26)
11. For Sentimental Reasons / Tenderly / Autumn Leaves – medley (7:31)
12. Straighten Up and Fly Right (2:39)
13. Avalon (1:51)
14. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (2:34)
15. Too Young (4:32)
16. Nature Boy (3:23)
17. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup (3:24)
18. Almost Like Being in Love (2:11)
19. Thou Swell (1:50)
20. Non Dimenticar (2:57)
21. Our Love is Here to Stay (3:29)
22. Unforgettable {with Nat King Cole} (3:28).

REVIEW:

Backed by top-caliber jazz instrumentals, Natalie Cole’s pristine vocals justify the album’s sentimental title.  Case in point: though saved for last, “Unforgettable, ” including its technical wizardry, is a phenomenal treat. 

As a time machine exuding her father’s greatest hits, Natalie Cole’s classy Unforgettable … With Love is highly recommended!

PACKAGING:

The CD is well-protected within a standard casing.  The well-designed insert completes a mighty class package.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                10 Stars

SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 8 Min.

Released by Okeh Records in 2014, The Lagos Music Salon is fusion jazz singer/songwriter Somi’s fourth studio album.  Born and based in the U.S., Somi (Laura Kabasomi Kakoma) is of Rwandan and Ugandan descent.  Her album was inspired by an 18-month sabbatical she took in Nigeria. 

The album’s tracks are:   

                                                Running Times: 

1. First Kiss: Eko Oni Baje   1:24
2. Love Juju # 1  3:21
3. Lady Revisited (with Angélique Kidjo)  3:55
4. Ankara Sundays  5:18
5. Ginger Me Slowly  4:03
6. When Rivers Cry  (with Common) 4:28
7. Brown Round Things  4:30
8. The Story of Monkey  0:53
9. Akobi: First Born S(u)n  4:06
10. Two-Dollar Day  5:50
11. Still Your Girl  4:46
12. Four.One.Nine.  3:32
13. Love Nwantinti (with In His Image)  2:10
14. Four African Women  6:35
15. Hearts & Swag   1:17
16. Love Juju # 2  4:20
17. Last Song  4:20
18. Shine Your Eye  3:22

Notes: Somi is the first African female to be Grammy-nominated in a jazz category.  She is also an actress/playwright.

REVIEW:

After Track # 1 provides a ‘backstage’ introduction of sorts, The Lagos Music Salon concocts a classy blend of jazz and pop.  The exotic jazz instrumentals are somewhat reminiscent of Keiko Matsui, as far as projecting flawless fusion jazz.  A significant difference from Matsui’s ultra-smooth style, however, would be Somi’s sultry vocals, as each track carries a unique vibe. 

Note: Track # 15 is a brief interlude reminiscent of the first track.

Contemplating various romantic and cultural themes, Somi exudes an effervescent sound making The Lagos Music Salon a gem to hear. Hence, this album is absolutely recommended!          

PACKAGING:

The CD has a standard casing.  The insert booklet includes track information, an introduction from author Teju Cole, song lyrics, and photos of Somi.  Her thank-you notes are followed by the technical credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      10 Stars

SUMMARY:             RUNNING TIME: 57:00 Min.

In 2008, Concord Music Group released Lalah Hathaway’s fourth album: Self Portrait.  Consisting of twelve R&B/jazz tracks Hathaway co-wrote, the songs are:

1. Let Go (4:06), with Rahsaan Patterson on back-up vocals
2. Breathe (5:04)
3. On Your Own (6:39)
4. For Always (4:23)
5. That Was Then (5:09)
6. Learning to Swim (4:35)
7. 1 Mile (4:28), with Andre “Bokie” Edwards on back-up vocals
8. Little Girl (4:22)
9. What Goes Around (5:39)
10. Naked Truth (4:10)
11. Udo (3:36)
12. Tragic Inevitability (5:04)

REVIEW:

Working off thoughtful lyrics, Lalah Hathaway’s mature vocal sound provides a low-key and relaxing means to unwind.  Self Portrait’s introspective vibe, suffice to say, has all the potential for an immaculate R&B/jazz hybrid. 

The one obstacle is that, in terms of both tempo and melody, Hathaway’s dozen tracks are too much alike.  An occasional shift in pace and/or tone (i.e., a few up-tempo, radio-friendly tracks) to energize listeners would have helped. 

Imbued with a sophisticated vibe for the genre, Self Portrait should readily score with Hathaway’s fans.  Rather than the full album, selected tracks (i.e., No. 6: “Learning to Swim”), however, may prove sufficient for casual listeners sampling her classy style.    

PACKAGING:

Track listings and running times are provided.  The insert includes the obligatory credits and some terrific studio images of Hathaway.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars