07/31/08
BOXHOLDER
BILL COLE’S UNTEMPERED ENSEMBLE/Proverbs for Sam: Got an Art Ensemble of Chicago jones you’re trying to fill? Educator Cole knows just how you feel. A 2001 live date recorded before the untimely death of his sax player, this is a throwback to the days of political music that got its point across without words. Free jazz that does more than meander its way to the grant office, this set may be too out there for smooth jazz listeners that call themselves jazz fans but if the spirit of the 60s beats in your jazz heart, this is the set you been waiting on for a while. Compelling listening that takes up the late 60s Miles Davis spirit.
56
HEAD’S UP
GEORGE DUKE/Dukey Treats: One of the most reliable keepers of the funk for the last 30 years, Duke kicks it off for his new label affiliation with a set that looks back and looks forward. Kicking out a deeper groove than you would expect from someone so close to cashing Social Security checks, this is not geriatric funk for latte swilling soccer moms. With a well-stocked guest list of first call players that play like they’re glad to be there, this is a set that really gets the party started. You can count on Duke to keep the fun in funk.
3143
JAZZ PROMO SERVICES
RON KALINA & JIM SELF/The Odd Couple: A jazz outing that pairs harmonica and tuba? If you’re rolling your eyes right now you’re not only to hip for the room but you’re a jerk for dismissing this out of hand without even giving it a spin. These two cats and their cohorts know how to coax plenty of fun and swing out of jazz. Simply a wonderful date loaded with first-class chops that never get in the way of themselves. A bouncy feel-good date that you wish you had more of. Check it out. By the way, they really perform the song from “The Odd Couple”.
110 (Basset Hound)
MICHAEL BLOOM MEDIA RELATIONS
GARAJ MAHAL/Woot: Fareed Haque was once a humorless Al DiMeola wannabe. It’s amazing to see how he’s grown into a swinging jam band leader with excellent fusion shops and an underlying sense of humor. An upbeat, high-energy set that would be equally at home in the ears of fans of John McLaughlin or Frank Zappa, this cooking little date is simply a delightful ear opener. If you’re a fusion fan consider yourself warned that if you miss this outing it’s only at your own peril. Wonderfully hot stuff throughout.
125 (Owl)
PATOIS
WAYNE WALLACE/Nature of the Beat: That Wallace could play a trombone was never an issue, that he could play like this on record was not as clear. Really finding his platform with Latin jazz, this smoking date could serve as a bag breaker here as well as a career definer. Running on a dandy mixture of passion, style and shops, Wallace is on the money throughout delivering a great groove that just doesn’t quit. Definitely put this on your list of must hear new records.
6
Volume 31/Number 274
July 31, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record