Category: Jazz & Blues

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

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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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

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

HEY SWEET MAN (by Madeleine Peyroux: Dreamland)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.

It’s the second track of Madeleine Peyroux’s 1996 jazz-blues album, Dreamland. Peyroux also wrote this song.

REVIEW:

Harkening back to old school-style blues, Madeleine Peyroux is a revelation on this track. Backed mostly by a slow-paced acoustic guitar and a little horn action, Peyroux’s vocals make the blues genre seem fresh again, with a zesty jazz twist. Representing her album, Dreamland, “Hey Sweet Man” is a musical gem well worth re-discovery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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

JUMP JIVE AN’ WAIL (by The Brian Setzer Orchestra: The Dirty Boogie)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:53 Min.

From The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 1998 Dirty Boogie album, this rollicking swing jazz/pop tune is its sixth track. It’s also a cover of Louis Prima’s 1956 hit song.

REVIEW:

This is vintage Brian Setzer, as he brings to life retro-swing jazz with a modern dance hall twist. It’s just a blast to listen to. Further, as most of its tracks do, “Jump Jive An’ Wail” is an ideal sample of The Dirty Boogie. If you enjoy this song, then you will likely love Setzer’s album.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: Another exhilarating choice for contemporary swing jazz/pop is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s self-titled 1994 album.

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

HARRYONYMOUS (By The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio: Lofty’s Roach Soufflé)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:22 Min.

It’s the seventh 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:

Considering its pun for a title, the classy “Harronymous” lives up to the name. Delivering a reliable brand of upbeat old school jazz, some swing is thrown in for good-natured measure. Courtesy of Harry Connick, Jr. and his friends, this track is surefire entertainment for listeners.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN (by Magic!: Don’t Kill the Magic!)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 8, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:25 Min.

From their 2014 album, Don’t Kill the Magic!, Canadian reggae fusion band Magic! performs this track.

REVIEW:

Possessing more of a traditional reggae sound, the slower pace of “Let Your Hair Down” makes it easier to contemplate the actual lyrics. Its jazzy fusion elements are also more prominent at times so there’s no denying that this breezy tune is perfect to accompany a relaxing day at the beach. “Let Your Hair Down” is well worth acquiring as a solo download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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