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ARBORS JAZZ
JOHNNY VARRO SWING 7/Ring Dem Bells: In the spirit of the great combo records Arbors has been offering lately, Varro and his ace pals step up for some variations on the theme and deliver yet another smoking date. Simply a swinging set where everyone on board is having a great time and playing like they don’t often get to simply hang and let it hang. Kicking it out like a real band with a lot of shared flying time, this piano led date is just what the doctor ordered to clean out your jaded ears. Really a fun romp.
BUCKY PIZZARELLI & Strings/Hard to Forget: Pizzarelli takes the high road for a swinging but classy date where the Ellington medley alone is worth the price of admission. With a bunch of like minded youngsters along for the ride providing the shimmering setting that makes this dazzle more, you can bet a good time will be had by all. A most wonderful late period collection from one of the masters.
HIP-O SELECT (www.hip-oselect.com)
DIANA ROSS/Surrender: Chalkie knows his northern soul and that’s why this third solo album from la Ross that under performed here blew through the roof in Blighty. Perhaps the moment where it really came together between Ross and Ashford and Simpson, the ghost of HDH was chased from the room (even if honored with a track) and the new, hot, machine was well oiled and in place. Programmed to follow up the under performance of “Everything is Everything”, this set is arguably Ross’ artistic high spot loaded with spot on performances from her and top shelf writing and production from Ashford & Simpson. A fine repository for the family jewels, this is the certified bomb for the real Ross fan. Even without a glamorous cover, this is pure diva in full force.
SONY MASTERWORKS
YO YO MA/Songs of Joy and Peace: Can’t tell you if Ma wishes he had a river he could skate away on but I can tell you that one listen to this multi genre Christmas party will let you know straight away why he’s one of the most pre-eminent of classical soloists around today. Dueting with loads of greats on a wide variety of holiday themed material, Mel Torme and Bing Crosby better watch out for their status as holiday staples. A stone cold killer of a set that goes beyond all boundaries to come up with a one of a kind musical experience that blows your ears wide open.
Volume 31/Number 365
October 30, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record
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