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NARADA
JEFF LORBER/He Had a Hat: The guest list alone makes this worthwhile. Lorber has played around stylistically with jazz, funk, smooth jazz etc over the last three decades, but he capably reinvents himself here as something that goes beyond smooth jazz but he never wilts on one side or goes too far into the ether on the other. A satisfying set with loads of chops by cats up for the work out, this is simply a tasty set by pros having a good time whoa re willing to share. A real treat in the headphones or in the car, this is solid, upbeat music that takes you away from the mundane.
55611
SONY MASTERWORKS BROADWAY
BROADWAY SCENE STEALERS-The Men (707236); The Women (707235): Any good Broadway fan will tell you the hit song from the show isn’t always the show stopper number. That’s what makes these two themed repacks from the vast Sony/BMG Broadway holdings so clever. They are loaded with songs from obvious shows that aren’t the obvious song choice and not always performed by the obvious performer. Both sets are programmed with a real Broadway maven’s touch and provide great overviews of songs that made the theater goers glad they shelled out the big bucks when they could have waited for the movie. It’s a different experience for the show music tourist and one they will easily find a dandy diversion if they’d like to hear what’s on Broadway beyond “Send in the Clowns” and “Cats”.
STONY PLAIN
30 YEARS OF STONY PLAIN/various: Fort he longest time, if it wasn’t for Stony Plain, we wouldn’t have anything by Jesse Winchester, Bobby Charles, Maria Muldaur, Ian Tyson, Amos Garrett and a host of others that make great music that wasn’t being issued or reissued. In that spirit, we’re glad to watch them step back and give themselves a pat on the back for 3 decades of roots music and more, much of it released before the genre had a name or solid recognition. Mixing old and new along with a dvd, this is must have package for roots fans that want an omnibus overview of what it’s all about from one of the best purveyors of the genre. Well done, gang.
1317
UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES
ELTON JOHN/Rocket Man - Number 1’s (8660); MARVIN GAYE/Number 1’s (8669): Ain’t this just a clear cut case of truth in advertising? These sets go beyond just being a greatest hits or best of, this is full throttle, go for the gut non-stop top hits. Both of the acts here had their share and these collections are pure hit mother lodes by essential artists. The John set includes a dvd that takes it a step further adding in multimedia performances that give you the whole experience. The label even reached out on the Gaye set for hits on other labels. Fans of either or both will be thrilled to have all the classics right at hand.
Volume 30/Number 156
April 5, 2007
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
(c)2007 Midwest Record
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