Category: Jazz & Blues

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

HOLLYWOOD NOCTURNE (by The Brian Setzer Orchestra: The Dirty Boogie)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 5:36 Min.

It’s the twelfth track on The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 1998 The Dirty Boogie Album.

REVIEW:

In contrast to Setzer’s lively modern swing jazz, this moody tune is far more of a film noir time machine.  Imagine yourself relaxing in a corner booth in some murky 1940’s nightclub surrounded by shady characters, and the melody powering “Hollywood Nocturne” comes to life.  Hence, The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s timeless instrumentals on this track are the featured star.  Setzer’s intermittent crooning (sounding a bit like Tom Jones) come in late, but it’s ironically the track’s weakest element.  His mood-appropriate lyrics are fine, but this song sounds much better as a straight-up instrumental.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

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

FILM NOIR (by Carly Simon: Film Noir)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 3:36 Min.

Serving as an original title track to Carly Simon’s 1997 album, the tune was co-written by Simon and Jimmy Webb reflecting her tribute to 1940’s movie jazz.  Simon’s vocals make a pair of analogies re: heartbreak to taking a lonely train ride and starring in a romantic big-screen movie.

REVIEW:

With Simon in vintage form, this moody ballad is stellar.  Alternating between poignancy and powerful tones, the melody threatens to overwhelm Simon’s vocals a few times.  Yet, “Film Noir” definitely earns its place on Simon’s album, as her voice soars at all the right moments.  This tune is highly recommended, as it deserves a shot at re-discovery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          9 Stars

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

LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE {Cover} (by Diana Krall: Turn Up the Quiet)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 3:16 Min.

From her 2017 cover album, Turn Up the Quiet, Diana Krall presents the 1944 jazz standard composed by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyricist Johnny Burke.   

REVIEW:

Taking a low-key acoustic approach with a guitar and piano, Diana Krall does a solid job with “Like Someone in Love.”  While her vocals are in fine form, as are the instrumentals, Krall doesn’t spark much passion for the tune itself.  Predictably, her version sounds like a routine cover.  As far as “Like Someone in Love” is concerned, Krall’s take is more than passable, but it’s hardly memorable.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars

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

DREAMLAND (by Madeleine Peyroux: Dreamland)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 3:31 Min.

It’s the title track of Madeleine Peyroux’s same-named 1996 jazz-blues album.  Peyroux also wrote this song.  

REVIEW:

Shaping an upbeat pop-like melody into a bluesy tune, Madeleine Peyroux’s vocals are wonderful.  For blues enthusiasts, this charming contemporary track should prove a worthwhile experience.  “Dreamland” makes a dandy temptation to download Peyroux’s complete album.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

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

BAYOU MAHARAJAH (by The Harry Connick Jr. Trio: Lofty’s Roach Soufflé)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 4:40 Min.

It’s the concluding 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:

Boasting a timeless sound, this pleasantly rollicking tune is a welcome treat for jazz buffs.  “Bayou Maharajah” is an ideal choice for travel playlists, as its toe-tapping liveliness should boost any tired commuter’s spirits up.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

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

THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS [Movie Soundtrack] (by Various Artists)

SUMMARY:                      RUNNING TIME: 43 Min.

Released by GRP Records in 1989, this album consists of nine jazz instrumentals and two Michelle Pfeiffer ballads.  The tracks are:

 Title:                   Artist:                 Running Time:

  1. Main Title (Jack’s Theme)  Dave Grusin                 6:39
  2. Welcome to the Road          Dave Grusin                 5:32
  3. Makin’ Whoopee               Michelle Pfeiffer          3:08
  4. Suzie and Jack                  Dave Grusin                 4:58
  5. Shop Till You Bop             Dave Grusin                 4:44
  6. Soft on Me                        Dave Grusin                 2:29
  7. Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me    The Duke Ellington Orchestra                    3:25
  8. The Moment of Truth        Dave Grusin                 3:54
  9. Moonglow (1936)   The Benny Goodman Quartet   3:25
  10. Lullaby of Birdland        The Earl Palmer Trio     2:29
  11. My Funny Valentine        Michelle Pfeiffer            3:01

REVIEW:

Combining Dave Grusin’s low-key instrumental work and Michelle Pfeiffer’s underrated vocal talents with jazz classics by The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Benny Goodman Quartet, and The Earl Palmer Trio is pure inspiration.  Responsible for six tracks, Grusin effectively takes along listeners on a journey where the Bakers’ stale piano act is revitalized by a sultry cabaret singer.  As the show-stopping ‘Suzie Diamond,’ Pfeiffer contributes the album’s sultry vocals in impressive fashion. 

What confirms this soundtrack as a gem is its spirited jazz ambiance.  Hearing Benny Goodman’s “Moonglow” alone is a mesmerizing experience.  Even if its track list is disappointingly incomplete (i.e. the exclusion of Pfeiffer’s other songs), the Fabulous Baker Boys album delivers classy nightclub-style entertainment for grown-ups.

PACKAGING:

All the tracks and their running times are listed on the case’s back cover.  The fold-out booklet includes a track listing; running times; composition credits; and musician credits.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             9 Stars

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

SWITCHBLADE 327 (by The Brian Setzer Orchestra: The Dirty Boogie)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 3:30 Min.

It’s the tenth track off The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 1998 Dirty Boogie Album.

REVIEW:

“Switchblade 327” is an exhilarating combo of contemporary swing jazz with pop rock from Brian Setzer and his band.  Enjoy it while you can — it flies by fast. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

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

ALWAYS A USE (by Madeleine Peyroux: Dreamland)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 2:41 Min.

It’s the sixth 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 does terrific work with this tune.  With a strumming guitar as her acoustic backdrop, Peyroux’s appealing vocals makes “Always a Use” a real treat.  The song probably isn’t worth a single download, but it serves as a wonderful advertisement for Peyroux’s Dreamland.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7 Stars

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

BLUE SKIES {Cover} (by Diana Krall: Turn Up the Quiet)

SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 4:38 Min.

From her 2017 cover album, Turn Up the Quiet, Diana Krall offers her take on this 1926 Irving Berlin show tune.       

REVIEW:

It’s a terrific cover.  As part of Diana Krall’s Turn Up the Quiet album, it’s a delightfully droll treat to hear.  Jazz enthusiasts might be inclined to add this old school tune to a favorite playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

Categories
CD's Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows

THE NEW SONG & DANCE (by The Clayton Brothers)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 42 Min.

Released by John Clayton and Jeffery Clayton in 2010, this album consists of nine tracks.

 Track:                               Running Time:            Composer:

  1. Cha Cha Charleston            6:39                             Jeff Clayton
  2. Soul Tango                         7:28                            John Clayton
  3. Battle Circle                        11:53                          Gerald Clayton
  4. Terell’s Song                       8:06                          John Clayton
  5. Smarty Pants Dants             6:38                           John Clayton
  6. The New Song and Dance     9:21                           Jeff Clayton
  7. They Won’t Go When I Go  5:05                          Stevie Wonder
  8. Chicago Boy Steppin’           7:33                         Jeff Clayton
  9. Street Dance                         6:02                         John Clayton

The band consists of Jeff Clayton (alto saxophone & alto flute); Terell Stafford (trumpet & flugelhorn); John Clayton (bass); Obed Calvaire (drums); and Gerald Clayton (piano). 

REVIEW:

For fans of old-school instrumental jazz mixed with a contemporary twist, this album is a sheer delight!  Impressively, all nine tracks deliver refreshing ear candy.  The New Song and Dance is an excellent option: either, as an office playlist, or as  relaxing background noise around the house.     

PACKAGING:

The fold-out wallet style presents John or Jeff’s alternating insight into the creation of each track.  On his family’s behalf, John provides a letter that simultaneously welcomes fans and pays tribute to their band members.  Writing and production credits are also included. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8½ Stars