05/03/07
ARBORS JAZZ
KENNY DAVERN & KEN PEPLOWSKI/Dialogues: These two clarinet pros know how to coax the most and utmost from their licorice sticks and makes them play red licorice as well as black. Bringing an easy swing to a bunch of chestnuts that you don’t mind hearing again when they put their touch to the matter, they are capably backed by a crew that isn’t old enough to know these songs from the first time around but play with the passion and depth that makes you think so. A well rounded set that’s loads of listening fun.
JON ERIK KELLSO/Blue Roof Blues: A hot trumpet player building an interesting body of work for this label delves into his feelings for New Orleans, both old and new. Since Nawlins has given us a load of swing cats like Louis Prima, the horn knows it’s way around the French Quarter and Kellso digs down to bring that knowing to the fore. He could easily be a show off kind of player but he elects to go deep and dig a lot of soulful sounds from his trumpet that will connect with you. Very much a tasty find that jazzbos should not ignore.
PS CLASSICS
JESSICA MOLASKEY/Sitting in Limbo: Molaskey has tried on several skins recording for PS but this one looks to be the one that hits it out of the park. Based on a semi-performance art piece that was the toast of New York last summer, Molaskey brings together Jimmy Cliff, Joni Mitchell, old tin pan alley tunes, some originals and brings it under a cabaret umbrella with a modern spin. A tasty collection that hangs together in a way that you wouldn’t suspect, vocal and classic song fans have their sure fire treat on tap here. Tasty and tasteful throughout.
DVD SUPPLEMENT
WARNER HOME VIDEO
MUSIC & LYRICS: If Drew Barrymore dethrones Angelina Jolie as most desired woman in the world or something like that, publicists must be working over time. No matter, that has no impact on her winsome turn here in this well played chick pic that’s “A Star is Born” xtra lite. With Hugh Grant now old enough to play has beens looking for redemption and Barrymore old enough to play a muse that’s more than a passing fancy, these two bring to mind the great romantic comedy pairings of the past, even if they do it lite. You have to give it extra points for being a well made movie movie in a genre that’s too full of cynical tripe passing for depth. Don’t know how many boyfriends can sit through this comfortably, but it goes to the top of the list for girls’ night in.
Volume 30/Number 184
May 3, 2007
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
(c)2007 Midwest Record