Category: Jazz & Blues

ONE BAD STUD {from 1984’s Streets of Fire} (by The Blasters: VH1 – The Big 80’s — The Big Movies)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date September 1, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:29 Min.

Recorded by The Blasters, this track appears in the 1984 buddy action film/musical, Streets of Fire, starring Rick Moranis, Michael Paré, Diane Lane, & Willem Dafoe. The tune would subsequently resurface on 1998’s VH1: The Big 80’s – The Big Movies compilation album.

REVIEW:

As a hybrid of upbeat R&B and old school swing jazz, the obscure “One Bad Stud” generates a fun sound. In that sense, it ages amusingly well. Still, the tune doesn’t surpass similar efforts from The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and/or Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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MARY RUTH (by The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio: Lofty’s Roach Soufflé)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:53 Min.

It’s the sixth track off The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio’s 1990 instrumental album, Lofty’s Roach Soufflé. With Connick, Jr. on piano, the trio consists of Benjamin Wolfe (bass) and Shannon Powell (drums). Connick, Jr. composed this tune.

REVIEW:

Gentle and low-key, “Mary Ruth” conveys less of a melancholic vibe than this same album’s “Little Dancing Girl.” Unlike the latter track, “Mary Ruth” is audible the entire time and doesn’t overstay its welcome. As a best guess, the track’s sound wistfully suggests youthful romance. Even in its downbeat turns, “Mary Ruth” is a classy delight for jazz enthusiasts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (by Harry Connick, Jr.) [Movie Soundtrack]

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 38 Min.

Released by CBS Records in 1989, this album made Harry Connick Jr. a star, as he covers eleven jazz standards. The tracks are:

Title: Time:

It Had to Be You [big band & vocals] 2:41
Love is Here to Say 4:13
Stompin’ at the Savoy [no vocals] 4:17
But Not For Me 4:34
Winter Wonderland [no vocals] 3:04
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 4:24
Autumn in New York [no vocals] 2:50
I Could Write a Book 2:30
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off 4:13
It Had to Be You [instrumental trio] 1:44
Where or When 3:52

REVIEW:

Exuding an ideal blend of class and style, Harry Connick, Jr. brings the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack to life. After the effervescent sound of Track 1 (it’s a gem!), the album’s increasingly mellowness is prevalent. In some instances (i.e. Tracks 2 & 11), Connick Jr.’s low-key vocals are so subtle that it’s hard to even make out the song lyrics.

While the straight-up instrumental tracks are consistently wonderful, this soundtrack’s best moments (i.e. Tracks 1 & 8) are when Connick Jr.’s vocals step up to match the timeless big band sound. The downside, unfortunately, is the album’s running time flies by too fast. Still, picking up this vintage Connick Jr. effort makes an elegant contribution to any CD collection or download list.

PACKAGING:

The track titles and composers are credited, but the running times aren’t included. The insert includes a film still montage from the film, credits, and a note from director Rob Reiner.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

TSUNAMI (by The Clayton Brothers & Friends: The Gathering)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 9, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:01 Min.

This instrumental jazz tune is from the 2012 album, The Gathering, by The Clayton Brothers & Friends. Jeff Clayton composed “Tsunami.”

REVIEW:

Definitely well-played! “Tsunami” instantly instills the style of old-school jazz one might hear in a nightclub. Yet, the Clayton Brothers add some fresh twists reminiscent of performers like Dave Grusin to make this seemingly old sound seem new. For jazz playlists at home and/or work, this track makes good sense to have on hand.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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TOUCH THE FOG (by The Clayton Brothers & Friends: The Gathering)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 9, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:45 Min.

This instrumental jazz tune is from the 2012 album, The Gathering, by The Clayton Brothers & Friends. John Clayton composed “Touch the Fog.”

REVIEW:

Given the title, this moody piece lives up to the spirit of film noir. More specifically, its romantically low-key sound is reminiscent of background noise for a nightclub scene for that style of movie. The Henry Mancini-like classiness of “Touch the Fog” is reminiscent of the jazz sound that the Peter Gunn TV series helped popularize. For instrumental playlists for home and/or work, this track offers a solid download option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN {from 1982’s 48 Hrs.} (by The Bus Boys: VH1 – The Big 80’s — The Big Movies)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 9, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:35 Min.

This Bus Boys track prominently appears in the 1982 action-comedy, 48 Hrs., starring Nick Nolte, and, in his movie debut, Eddie Murphy. The tune would subsequently resurface on 1998’s VH1: The Big 80’s – The Big Movies compilation album.

REVIEW:

Deftly blending a catchy R&B melody with swing jazz, this upbeat Bus Boys tune ages well. Its rollicking old-school dance hall sound is a treat to add to any 80’s R&B/dance playlists and/or workouts. For that matter, “The Boys Are Back in Town” makes a welcome boost for buddy road trips.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

LOFTY’S ROACH SOUFFLÉ (by The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio: Lofty’s Roach Soufflé)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:22 Min.

Appearing fifth in order, it’s the title track off The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio’s 1990 instrumental album. With Connick, Jr. on piano, the trio consists of Benjamin Wolfe (bass) and Shannon Powell (drums). Connick, Jr. composed this tune.

In his liner notes, Connick, Jr. explains the source of the tune’s peculiar title being inspired by a behind-the-scenes experience during preparations for filming the 1990 wartime movie, Memphis Belle.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of edgy 1950’s jazz (i.e. the Peter Gunn TV series), “Lofty’s Roach Souffle” has a timeless sound. Much like the previous track: “Mr. Spill,” this toe-tapping tune merits a shot at re-discovery by jazz enthusiasts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

HUDSON BOMMER (by The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio: Lofty’s Roach Soufflé)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 18, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:13 Min.

It’s the second track off The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio’s 1990 instrumental album, Lofty’s Roach Soufflé. With Connick, Jr. on piano, the trio consists of Benjamin Wolfe (bass) and Shannon Powell (drums). Connick, Jr. composed this tune.

REVIEW:

“Hudson Bommer” delivers plenty of smooth instrumental jazz mixed with some contemporary zest. This track’s classy sound definitely makes it a worthwhile catch for jazz enthusiasts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

MR. SPILL (The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio: Lofty’s Roach Soufflé)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 25, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:59 Min.

It’s the fourth track off The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio’s 1990 instrumental album, Lofty’s Roach Soufflé. With Connick, Jr. on piano, the trio consists of Benjamin Wolfe (bass) and Shannon Powell (drums). Connick, Jr. composed this tune.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of 1950’s-style jazz (i.e. the Peter Gunn TV series), the timeless “Mr. Spill” is a delight. Its catchiness goes a long way, as this toe-tapping tune is a welcome magic spell for jazz enthusiasts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

LAURA {Cover} (by Carly Simon: Film Noir)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:47 Min.

For the same-named 1944 black-and-white mystery film starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, & Vincent Price, composer David Raksin created its melody as an instrumental. Due to the tune’s enduring popularity, songwriter Johnny Mercer contributed lyrics the following year. Among innumerable artists covering this jazz standard for nearly 80 years, Carly Simon offers her own homage on her 1997 cover album, Film Noir.

REVIEW:

Simon couldn’t have selected a more appropriate tune for her album. There are three equal components in play here: 1. David Raksin’s haunting melody still reverberates throughout this modern interpretation; 2. Johnny Mercer’s lyrics convey an eerie world caught between a ghost story and a wistful romantic fantasy; and 3. Channeled through Carly Simon’s ethereal vocals, her performance binds it all together.

In a first-class effort, this melancholic jazz classic comes to life again through Simon. Retroactively speaking, Simon’s cover would been ideal for the film itself. Absolutely recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

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