MICHAEL BLOOM MEDIA RELATIONS
LARRY VUCKOVICH TRIO/High Wall Real Life Film Noir:  So, this kindly looking older gent comes at us out of nowhere a few years ago with a set that looks like it’s loaded with good intentions and we’re inclined to go easy.  Surprise, it’s a driving set that makes us say “whoa”.  Ok, so it’s one thing to grab the attention of a jaded hipster, but then what?  How about enough universal appeal to go #1 for six weeks on XM?  There’s something in the water Vuckovich is drinking or something.  Following up his debut with us with another set that drives right a long and stays in the pocket throughout, this piano man has so much on the ball we’re in suspense to see what he has up his sleeve for his next outing.  Meanwhile, this is a classy jazz piano date that you might think you want around as background music but you will change your mind quickly once he gets his party started.    Elegant and earthy with a surprising amount of funk for an old white guy, this is the kind of set you’ll be mad at yourself for missing, even if you aren’t a jazzbo.  A real winning date.
685 (Tetrachord)

JEFF RICHMAN/Aqua:  He’s been doing guitar led tribute albums for so long that even Richman started to wonder if he could do a guitar date on his own anymore.  He can.  Lining up a crew of first call players, Richman rocks the house with the first set he’s doing for himself since 2004.  Calling in vibes from all quadrants and fusing them in unique style, this is a tasty date for mature guitar fans.  Something of a concept album in spirit, Richman can go his own way anytime he pleases if results like this are going to result.
(Nefer)

NEW EARTH
TURIYA HANOVER/Awakening of the Heart:  A two part guided mediation recording, the first part has Hanover taking you to that place where you can heal your heart and soul.  The second part finds her jumping out of the way of the soundtrack and letting musician Parijat let things roll their own way as you head off into the land of new found bliss.  A nice bet for touchy feely types everywhere to put on the ol’ Ipod and get a long walk in with.
2803

TURIYA HANOVER/Forgiveness:  A guided mediation set that has the upbeat message that since this minute might be your last, you better change your bad attitude pretty damned quick.  With Parijat again for another soundtrack ride, you get the mediation and then the isolated soundtrack.  Some nice thoughts for Type A’s everywhere to consider, this is certainly a league leader in touchy feely works.
2804

TERRY OLDFIELD/Mandala Circle of Chant:  The real new ager of the Oldfield clan hooks up with a yoga teacher for a set that takes the new age fan on a dandy journey within that brings their mutual love of Sanskrit to the fore.  Equal heavy hitters in their own right, this is the kind of well conceived genre heavy hitter set that makes fans want to spread the word.  Tasty stuff that seekers will easily take to.
2805

Volume 31/Number 199
May 17, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

INFINITA
LAWSON ROLLINS/Infinita:  Left of center tastes need a new guitar hero and Lawson has been rolling around the edges for long enough.  Rounding up a gang that has delivered on world beat guitar in the past, Rollins is a first call cat surrounding himself with first call pros and the result is highly polished but organic enough to feel as natural as the solar winds it likes to portray.  Totally tasty adult world beat stuff that’ll really get your ears tingling.  It should also be of special note to Flora Purim fans that the singing special guest hasn’t sounded this good in years.
200

ON TARGET MEDIA
DAVID SANCHEZ/Cultural Survival:  Sometimes, the answer really is because everyone is stupid, and that would be the fitting answer if the question is how come it took so long for people to appreciate David Sanchez?  Of course, once they did, they did it by thunderously making up for lost time, but that still doesn’t erase the initial mystery.  On tap here is simply some straight ahead jazz that doesn’t compromise and is sure to continue his recognition worthy, award wining ways.  Hard hitting stuff that manages to mix in his influences and passions, there’s a decided ethnic tinge here, but it’s done to bring the edge to the center for all.  Hot stuff throughout.
30562 (Concord Picante)

TERRI HINTE MEDIA RELATIONS
ED REED/The Song is You:  Reed blew us all away a few years back by making his long overdue debut at 78 years old and burning the house down.  Now he’s back in his 80s to show that he’s no one trick pony and that no frippery was involved in the effort.  Really letting his jazz vocal skills hit the heights with a large crew behind him to really add flavor, Reed is a dandy throw back to the glory days of Mr. B and that bunch but he’s his own cat all the way.  Breathing new life into some chestnuts that are always welcome, this is a cooking date that you’d better not miss is this genre is your bag.  A winning set.
2 (Blue Shorts) (www.edreedsings.com)

TWO FOR THE SHOW MEDIA
STEVE ELMER TRIO/Fire Down Below:  This is a cat that likes to swing and he likes to swing so much that he has the brass to come with a set of originals just so he can come from nowhere and leave his fingerprints on the genre.  A cat that knows how it’s done and knows his way around how to swing, he brings his cats with him and cracks the whip, but not as a meanikin.  Sometimes you need more than reissues to stay interested and this is sure to get your ears perked up.
(www.steveelmerjazz.com)

Volume 31/Number 198
May 16, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

Volume 31/Number 194
May 12, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

KARI ON PRODUCTIONS
ROBERTA DUCHAK/Intersections:  A Chicago theater version of a Broadway diva, Duchak makes her own opportunities as being in New York would only land her on a feisty indie label anyway.  Drawing on her musical passions, she does a jazzy, Broadway fusion that stacks up well against anything New York would have to offer.  Drawing on all the mainstay composers without relying on an overly used set list, Duchak knows the urbane terrain quite well and traverses it like a pro.  A tasty vocal set from someone clearly unashamed to be profiled as an entertainer, this is a full on treat for vocal fans on the look out for something new.
(www.robertaduchak.net)

LEANNE WEATHERLY/Go and Find:  The kind of vocalist in the know jazzbos rave about, Weatherly is clearly poised for breaking out of the hipster ghetto and letting the rest of the world know about her gifts.  Simply a vocalist that knows her way around a song and has jazz in her soul, this vocalist is more than a thrush that needs to be pointed in the right direction to look good.  With a mature edge that she uses to her advantage, this is aimed at the kind of Starbucks customer that wants something more than something that’s full of beans.  A tasty taste treat throughout.
(www.LeanneWeatherly.com)

MOTEMA
K.J. DENHERT/Lucky 7:  With throwbacks to Odetta and debts to Sweet Honey in the Rock, Denhart may seem like an unlikely bet to be a singer/songwriter/folkie but dang if she isn’t right on the money.  With a big attitude fueling things and the goods to back it up, Denhart is one of those many bubbling acts that seem ready to break out into something bigger.  Very much a heartfelt set that shows why she racks up the accolades where ever she goes, this is a delightful bag breaker of a set for genre fans looking for something that’ll really shake things up.

Volume 31/Number 193
May 11, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

LISA REEDY PROMOTIONS
BOB CLAIRE/Another Day:  Long time jazzbo enters his lion in winter phase by rounding up some well traveled jazzbos in their own right to kick off this phase of his career with one of those records he always wanted to make.  An educated cat that doesn’t make music that feels like work to listen to, the flutist is still in touch with the vibe that bought him to jazz in the first place.  A tasty, left of center work that has a lot on the ball for the up market listener that isn’t ready to gracefully tune in NPR, this is a set with some real soul.
100 (Whole Rest Music)

MASSIVE MUSIC
AOEDE/Push and Pull:  This crew probably came to Leonard Cohen by way of “I’m Your Fan”, but the contemporary influences like Nick Cave and PJ Harvey certainly ring authentic and organic.  Not exactly a set that will make you want to gargle with razor blades, this trio certainly know their way around college music for the moody.  Well conceived genre set that you can just imagine leaking out of Ipods as the fall term kicks in.
(Aoede Muse)

MAXJAZZ
BEN WOLFE/No Strangers Here:  If you caught Diana Krall once between 1995 and 1998, you might have been tempted to think Wolfe was a faux hipster.  If you frequented her shows as they came to your town in that period, you came to see that Wolfe’s attitude was the fourth member of the trio, as important to the proceedings as Russ Malone.  Certainly no faux hipster, on this set, he is in touch with his essence and rounds up a stellar crew that wants to bask in this vibe as let their freak flags fly as well.  With doses of crime jazz, chamber jazz and some zesty playing where everyone gets so much of a taste that you wouldn’t think this was a bass players solo set, slightly left leaning tastes will champion this outing.  A solid set form a real pro  that has really yet to get his due outside of the inner circle.
605 (String Series)

Volume 31/Number 192
May 10, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

MARK PUCCI MEDIA
HEYBALE!/The Last Country Album:  We have a ton of indy albums with Earl Ball wearing various hats in various disguises, all of fairly recent vintage.  Surrounded by like minded old pros that still play like kids with the wisdom of the ages at their beck and call, this is simply a killer honky tonk album that would have Hank Thompson smiling right about now.  Need something to inspire you to crack open a cold longneck?  Time’s a wasting if you don’t have this surging through the player of your choice.  First class throughout and a flat out good time.
(Shuffle 5)

NEW ARTISTS
JESSICA JONES QUARTET/Word:  If you’ve got a retro dose of hipster running through your blood and the Hip-O Select reissues of Ken Nordine piss you off because you can’t wear out the grooves as a showing for your hipster merit badge, have we got a new date for you.  Jones is no hipster come lately but no 50s retread either.  Mixing up the classic jazz and poetry vibe, this is stuff you need to listen to in a basement with some spiked espresso brewing nearby.  Almost theater as much as music, playing this on your headphones with your eyes closed with bring out some atavistic jonesing for a cool chick in black leotards.  Or, maybe it’s you in your mind’s eye.  If this doesn’t turn up on Dusty Groove’s home page soon, all is not right with the world.
1045

TWO FOR THE SHOW MEDIA
SALONGO:  Trumpeter Eddie Allen unleashes a load of Afro-Carib cool with this high octane set that has echoes of Mongo, the beat of Brazil and modern lights like Roy Hargrove when he’s really on point.  With a lot of wind leading the way in fine style, this is a bouncy, party record with a lot of drive that is sure to accent any urban or urban flavored gathering.  With some solid jazz chops at the core, this is a fine find for contemporary jazzbos on the hunt for something new.
1 (DBCD)

OLEG KIREYEV/Mandala:  This Russian cat has been a genre splicer for quite a while now and he has the chops to chop it down and build it all right back up properly.  A tasty world amalgam of stuff from his native territory as well as other grounds he’s traveled, this is wide open jazzy world beat date with so many other accents in the mix it’s better to sit down and enjoy it rather than analyze it, particularly if this is your glass of tea.  Check it out particularly if you ride the progressive world beat tip.
1162 (Jazzheads)

Volume 31/Number 191
May 9, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

MUPPET SHOW  season three:  Everybody, all together now:  It’s time to mup the muppets, it’s mup, mup muppet time, it’s time to mup the muppets cuz it’s just muppet time.”  C’mon, so who doesn’t like the Muppets?  These 26 episodes snagged the show a Peabody, there were guests galore and set ups that were only second to “Rocky & Bullwinkle”  in being loaded with stuff adults and kids can enjoy alone to together.  Making us appreciate Jim Henson even more in retrospect, this is simply a great load of classic TV, circa late 70’s.  If you really haven’t experienced this kind of fun before, it’s time for you to mup the Muppets!

Volume 31/Number 190
May 8, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

Jim Hall & Bill Frisell www.jimhallmusic.com
Project to be released in September 2008.
Fans can design the cover - Submit your own cover art - Jim and Bill will choose their favorite for the official release. Fans, depending on the level they choose, can also receive an exclusive recording, performed live in the studio, by Bill and Jim specifically for you, attend the mastering session in NYC (date/location TBA), have VIP access to Jim Hall and Bill Frisell performances, get an inside look at the creative process and watch the recording come to life, receive credit listing on the Jim Hall/Bill Frisell duo CD
Patrick Williams www.patrickwilliamsmusic.com
Project to be released later this year.
Musicians will be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate by recording solos over music-minus-one-tracks for Patrick’s review. He will then choose a featured soloist and invite him/her to the studio to perform on the record! Patrick’s first fan-funded project will allow participants to follow the process of writing, arranging, rehearsing and recording his new large ensemble CD. The project will coincide with the 25th anniversary release of Patrick’s seminal recording “Threshold.”
Kate Schutt www.kateschutt.com
LTD Edition ArtistShare CD to be release in August 2008
Join Kate Schutt as she creates a series of new songs based on real-life love stories submitted by fans. Kate will write four or more songs based on the submitted stories. Those songs will be released as a LTD Edition ArtistShare® CD (August 2008). Project updates will be available via streaming or downloadable media as the songwriting process evolves.
Edward Simon & Leonardo Granados www.edwardsimon.com
The Bolero Project Release date: TBA
In this project, fans will have an opportunity to submit their real-life stories to Simon and Granados, who will carefully go through those submissions and write and record boleros based on the stories they select. The Bolero Project will offer different levels of participation, and individual boleros will be dedicated to fans participating at the higher levels.
Jon Gordon www.jongordonmusic.com
“Within Worlds” CD is already out and earning rave reviews including 4 1/2 stars in DownBeat.
Fans can still log on to read Jon’s blog and download content from the making of the CD, improvisation lessons, live concert download and more.
Kevin Hays www.kevinhays.com
The Dreamer Released August 7, 2007
Fans can participate at different levels including a personal correspondence lesson with Kevin Hays, 2 online lessons, a Q & A session, CD download and more.
Joel Miller www.joelmillermusic.com
Tantramar Released November 15, 2007
Fans can go on a journey through Joel’s world with video of his live performances and rehearsals, audio lectures and interviews, photo galleries, sketches and journals.
Danilo Perez http://www.artistshare.com/projects/project_experience.aspx?ProjectID=179&artistID=10&salesTypeID=6
Panama Suite Project Released Dec. 27, 2007
Raises funds for the Danilo Perez Foundation in order to provide educational activities throughout the year.
Participating in this project will give you the ultimate insight into the recording of the Panama Suite. You will be given access to exclusive behind the scenes photo galleries, rehearsals, and videos relating to the suite.

Volume 31/Number 188
May 6, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

LOUIS MAZETIER/Tributes Portraits and Other Stories:  After recently bitching about how a trip to Borders made it seem like Dave McKenna and all the other great whorehouse and saloon piano man seem to be forgotten at the commercial level, it was a treat to come across this seasoned cat we aren’t familiar with that knows his way around a whorehouse piano.  A killer stride musician, Mazetier goes it solo and you don’t miss the playmates in the background.  Giving some standards the workout and airing out they need, this is fun stuff that anyone who appreciates finer whorehouse piano will adopt immediately.

RAVEN
AL KOOPER/I Stand Alone-You Never Know Who Your Friends Are:  Most people probably think Kooper’s albums don’t reflect his reputation.  You have to give this guy props for being at all the right places at all the right times, but you do also have to recognize that many of his dozen solo albums were pretty self indulgent affairs that reflected his ability to get out of the gate strong but not go the distance.  Fresh from a string of major triumphs, he came with two solo albums in the late 60s that were bristling with the promise he showed in backing Dylan, starting BST and on and on and on and on.  Two kick ass sets that really restore the legend that was being forged, with the added period bonus tracks that are almost an extra album to themselves, this portrait of the artist as a young man is an ear opener, particularly to those that gave up on him as the 70s drew to a close.  Nearly a text book on how to make classic rock, young Kooper really was a live wire to behold,  Hot stuff throughout.

YARDBIRDS/Happenings Ten Years Time Ago 1964-68:  A super group before the term had been overused and co-opted, it’s hard to believe how ground breaking these old recordings are and how vital they still sound today.  With Clapton, Beck and Page at their devil may care, young breakneck best, this single disc collection has so many hot spots and high water marks that it will almost leave you dizzy after one listen.  Was it the last word in guitar rock at so early a date?  With one underground smash after another, this is essential boomer music that can be handed down through the ages.  With sonic updating as crisp as the times will allow, this is simply a smoking slab of killer, essential rock.  End of story.

TELARC
PINETOP PERKINS/And Friends:  Remember those Sinatra duet records?  They were event records.  This set, released just ahead of Perkins 95th birthday is such an event record and douche bags are warned to stay away.  How much hell raising do you expect from a duet between Perkins and B. B. King at their age?  The fact they do raise some pretty good hell is proof enough that this is for fans and not douche bags looking to poke holes in the magic.  With a list of friends that are mostly legends as well, this is a dandy event record where you just don’t hold the tried and true against anyone because it sounds like they are having so much fun being there.  First class throughout, this will wake up the ears of those that think they want to check out the blues but never really get started.  Everyone else will recognize this as a stone cold gem of a winner from the first byte.

Volume 31/Number 187
May 5, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

EMARCY
JAMES CARTER/Present Tense:  So Mike Cuscana got tired of making all those reissues and steps back into the producer’s booth with one of the hot, young lion sax players of the day and some all star pals for a blistering, contemporary session that honors jazz’s past but charts it’s way into the future.  Playing with a certain something that we really haven’t felt from Carter in the past, this date is certainly one where everybody on deck raised everyone else’s game and the listener is the one that comes out the real winner.  Contemporary jazzbos need to check this out.

TELARC
SAXOPHONE SUMMIT/Seraphic Light:  Soldiering on without Mike Brecker but sending out signals they are in touch with him, this smoking set pays spiritual tribute to the memories of Brecker and both of Ravi Coltrane’s parents.  Since many thought Brecker the musical descendant of Coltrane, there a lot of grand emotion playing out in these grooves.  With a vibe that focuses heavily on Coltrane’s later period, the pros that step up and make this happen are in synch with it all, whether in this world or another.  Hot blowing for fans of jazz they way it used to be but really want to hear it like it is now.

HIROMI’S SONICBOOM/Beyond Standard:  Just when you think you have Hiromi figured out, the musical vixen changes course and throws you a most unexpected curve.  Certainly still a player to watch, here she tackles a bunch of standards, but only with the added dose of Hiromi special sauce.  Headstrong and insouciant at the same time, this bad babe is on point again.  Whoever loved her in the past is going to love her more so in the present.

 
Volume 31/Number 186
May 4, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

LISA REEDY PROMOTIONS
PASCAL BOKAR/Savanna Jazz Club:  Snazzy genre buster of a jazz guitarist unabashedly mixes up whatever he feels like into a stew and cooks it until it sounds good.  With a gumbo of African world beat, bebop, straight ahead jazz and a few things that probably slid past us, Bokar and his pals offer up that elusive something different and make it all work whether tackling originals or Charlie Parker.  A fun tour de force for left leaning contemporary jazzbos.
3000 (SJR)

www.mtkontanis-music.com
MAVROTHI KONTANIS/Sto Kafesli Sokaki;  Ksylini Kardia:  When we first met John Bilezikjian, he was the first and last word in oud playing and the hardest working man in show business this side of the other JB.  Kontanis brings a heavy Greek ethnic side to oud and makes it sound like opium den bellydance music even though it’s deep, ethnically rooted music based in upheavals related to the community around World War I.  He presents it in such a way that you don’t realize this is a pair of historically significant interpretations.  Not gunning for JB’s crown but positioning himself to be there if the top gun spot opens up, this is some ear opening stuff.  Very simple in it’s production and presentation, world beat ears will find it all something new even if Greek ethnic music fans might have this imprinted on their DNA.  Check them out.

DVD SUPPLEMENT
PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO
DRAWN TOGETHER uncensored season three:  One of the most whacked out cartoon shows winds up it’s run in grand fashion as this vamp on reality shows takes things to the illogical, over the top end you would love to see real reality shows take.  Totally on the money for aggressively left leaning tastes, all the characters here go completely nuts and you can’t help but laugh in spite of yourself.  A full on laugh riot that you can grab onto pretty quickly even if you missed out on the first two seasons.  Prepare to bust a gut if you watch this all in one sitting.
85337

Volume 31/Number 185
May 3, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

FLAMIN GROOVIES/Flamingo:   Rock has never had a shortage of glorious underachievers and this crew was one of the top ones for quite a few years running.  The band’s second set from a million years ago finds them rocking against the tide delivering basic rock that heads right for the gut.  Hardhitting and very underground feeling, if you can remember back that far, this was probably something you sorted your stems and seeds on.  If not, there could be a dandy retro rock experience waiting for you in these bytes.

MICHAEL BLOOM MEDIA RELATIONS
PEGGY LEE/Lost 40s & 50s Capitol Masters:  There’s been some interesting unreleased Lee creeping out lately but this is the grand daddy of the bunch.  With stuff that’s never been on cd as well as a handful of tracks that have never been released, the real Lee collectors will have a blast with this double album of real tracks, not stuff made for other sources.  In her prime, even the left overs were pretty hot.  Us whippersnappers that don’t really feel the impact of who she was 60 years ago are up for a cool trip down memory lane that can get us some quality time with our parents.  A solid way to fill in the blanks on a real pro.

TELARC
ROSA PASSOS/Romance:  Passos has such top form chops that she’s never bothered to coast on her looks on her cd covers.  This time around, she grows into a yuppie diva look with soft edges that would look right at home in an upscale club where these Brazilian sounds could percolate perfectly.  Never laying an egg yet on any previous outings, the female Joao Gilberto delivers again with a gentle album that should have come packaged with cigarettes and cognac.  Sophisticated and accessible, this is a tasty, adult jazz/pop winner that goes the extra mile.

DVD SUPPLEMENT
PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO
INDIANA JONES-The Adventure Collection:  Can you believe it’s been 5 years since these three pics were last released in a box?  25 years on since the first one hit the theaters and in time to rev up the machine for the summer release of #4, the tech improvements since this was out last will grab newbies, probably piss off old fans and leave those on the fence waiting for the probable box this Christmas with all four in a state of dither.  For those of you that don’t own it and can separate the marketing from the movie, this stuff is a gas and it’s time to make it a part of your movie collection as this stuff is as seminal to American film making as stuff like “Casablanca”.  Lucasberg came up with the state of the art contemporary last word in over the top adventure entertainment and this line up is still the team to beat.  Get on board.

Volume 31/Number 181
April 30, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

PS CLASSICS
MAUREEN McGOVERN/Long and Winding Road:  If McGovern made this record 35 years ago after she made the leap from struggling folk singer to Oscar singing glamour puss, it would have been roundly slagged as some out of touch dreck.  Now that Gen Y has had it with boomers giving mucho play to classic songs by Gershwin, Fields, Porter, Warren and the rest that have been beaten into submission by the recent crop of jazz flavored divas, Gen Y is ready to give some recognition to great songs they grew up on–or that their parents were playing all the time.  Tipping the cap to Beatles (of course),  Webb, Nyro, Mitchell and all the others that really did write the soundtrack to the story of their lives (at least when Beck and Cobain weren’t), this is the gateway drug  of an album to turn heads and ears onto the great standard songs and writers of the rest of the 20th century.  McGovern had these songs in her DNA and made some chancy choices rather than safe ones that play well.  Perhaps positioning herself as the grande dame of song of the millennium, this set works well beyond the cabaret range.  Well done.

Volume 31/Number 180
April 29, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

JAZZED MEDIA
STEIN BROTHERS/Quixotic:  Young sax playing brothers that have enough on the ball to debut on a label that is otherwise populated by stalwarts, these young bop lovers know how to make originals sound like classics.  With some classics mixed in, this is a date with no dust on it that contemporary jazzbos will find picks up their ears.  Standing out because they really have an original sound and voice, they certainly have what it takes to leave a good impression and impress.  Hot stuff throughout.
1034

LORI HEHR PUBLIC RELATIONS
MAGENTA/Metamorphosis:  Prog rockers show some of their darker side with this new set that finds them going darker in longer tracks and taking the classic prog vibe into new underground realms.  Very much underground faves that has been embraced by the scene worldwide, this is the kind of set that will keep them genre darlings while those in the over ground continue to miss the boat.
1052 (Laser’s Edge)

MARK PUCCI MEDIA
KELLY RICHEY/Carry the Light:  Richey is a good reason why you should never pooh pooh local scenes out of hand.  Ten albums into a career she’s based out of Cincinnati after taking a spin in the bigs, this former teen tyro pretty much hasn’t put her guitar down since she first picked it up a long time ago.  With chops and agility that just seem to scale new heights every time out, she’s actually more Albert King than Bonnie Raitt and knows full well how to burn the house down.  If you call yourself any kind of fan of our capable blues babes, be sure to give Richey a spin if you are still uninitiated.  Well done.
1138 (Sweet Lucy)

STRINGBENDER
MERIDIAN GREEN/In the Heart of this Town:  The lovely Ms. Green must hate Internet journalists that are chasing search engine hits and have to start every review of her album with a cornucopia by reeling off the bounty of riches she offer up to wit:  she’s the daughter of folk legend Bob Gibson, the wife of Byrds’ Gene Parsons, pals with the guy that made the good Sheryl Crow album some Burrito Brothers, members of Oregon, Alex deGrassi, some Narada cats at other folkies like Holly Tannen.  The only thing that could have blown out Google’s servers faster than that sentence would be just blurting out ‘Miley Cyrus naked pictures‘.  (Did that just happen?)  But as to the music itself, Green has it in her genes to serve up lovely adult pop with a decided folk-country/rock flavor although I have to wonder what her “Uncle” Shel thought about her spending so much time working over a work by Dr. Seuss.  A delightfully off the beaten path set for anyone that remembers what music that made a mark sounded like.

BOOK SUPPLEMENT
HARMONY BOOKS
RITA RUDNER/I Still Have It…I Just Can’t Remember Where I Put It:  After her full time move to Vegas, Rudner wrote some novels, had a TV show but she basically fell off my radar.  My bad.  Back with a new book that follows the feel of her classic stand up, Rudner attacks the task of turning 50 and the impact it has on all aspects of her life.  The girl still has it.  Certainly not an easy task is writing in her deadpan vocal style without the writing coming across as flat or bitter, trust me, she knows damn well where she put it.  The only thing that could have made this better is if it came in an audio version so old fans could get another dose of the full on Rudner experience.  Dust off your specs and enjoy the real beach book of the season.

Volume 31/Number 178
April 26, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

CREATIVE SERVICE COMPANY
AHN TRIO/Lullaby for my Favorite Insomniac:  It took Gwen Stefani to make the rest of the world know what the classical world knew already, hot Asian chicks are cool.  So, if you image Eroica Trio as hot Asian chick sisters….   These musical sisters are no new comers to the contemporary classical scene but this marks their first for Red Seal and it’s a delightful genre buster of a date that blurs lines so fast that you stop being aware there are any lies in the first place.  First class classical crossover that charms, delights and really opens your ears wide to the new energy and possibilities.  Certainly one of the genres top releases for the months ahead.
27208 (RCA Red Seal)

MARK PUCCI MEDIA
DUKE ROBILLARD/Swingin’ Session With:  The Grand Duke calls in the big band to blow the roof off the sucker with another of his grand guitar driven dates.  Calling in a bunch of cats that know how to follow where he leads, Robillard is on the mark as always with a solid jazz/blues date that hits hard, hits often and is a hit by golly.  Unbridled adult listening that works throughout.
1331

AMOS GARRETT/Get Way Back:  Did you know the reason you liked “Snowbird” was those young Garrett licks running in the background?  The truth can now be told.  On this latest visit from Garrett, he pays tribute to Percy Mayfield and does it without covering “Somebody to Love” or “Hit the Road, Jack”, and if that ain’t love, what is?  The most well known song is “Lost Mind” but it makes no matter.  Mayfield is one of America’s greats and this interpretation that comes from way down deep can bring him front and center for a whole new generation.  The picking, the voice and the vibe all make this add up to one killer session well worthy of recognition and glories.  If you don’t know Garrett or Mayfield yet, make it your business to do so or else start playing video games and don’t come back.
1330

Volume 31/Number 177
April 25, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

DVD SUPPLEMENT
UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES
DUSTY SPRINGFIELD/Live at the BBC:  No two ways about it; anyone who has forgotten or never gotten the majesty of Springfield in top form or those that have only heard about it from the true believers will be knocked off their pins by this collection of Springfield in her prime really tearing it up.  Preserved in the original black and white, there’s nothing going on here to distract from the performances and the power.  Some collectibles are more collectible than others and this one rides right near the top of the pile.  Killer stuff from one of the all time greats.

WALT DISNEY
CLASSIC CABALLEROS COLLECTION:  Pairing “Saludos Amigos” and “Three Caballeros”, you not only get to save space and get a bargain you get some prime classic Donald Duck losing his mind in both Mexico and South America.  When his new pals, Joe Carioca and Panchito come on board for the Mexican leg of the journey, the fun never ends.  Disney as some of it’s lighthearted best, sort of stepping out of character with classic animation and fun for kids of all ages.  Check it out.
56756

WARNER HOME VIDEO
P.S. I LOVE YOU:  Sure it’s a chick pic, but why didn’t anyone tell me it had Gina Gershon in it?  No matter, we can make up for lost time now.  This is like, wow, one of the chick pics to end all chick pics.  Unless some real bait is dangled, I don’t know if any guy that doesn’t have to review it can sit through it, but damn, does this give “Ghost” a generational kick in the pants updating.  The people behind this know how to make a chick pic and do so with leaving no button unpressed.  Ladies, start your video engines.
11386

Volume 31/Number 174
April 22, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

HEAVY HITTER
BLOODBATH/Unblessing the Purity:  Another dose of Swedish death metal for mall punks to piss of their suburban parents with as the new line up keeps the old vibe alive.  It’s hard, hot and heavy and just right for the little girls to misunderstand (and have their moms think this is the reason why they’re cutters).
240 (Peaceville)

INDICITY
ATOMIC ATOMS/Electrophile:  Good time contemporary three piece rock from Cincinnati that shows just how the heartland still likes to tear it up without the pretense, even if a lot of new wave was born in Akron.  Sometimes you just gotta kick back and let the good times roll and this crew has the knack.
2

JOSHUA EAGLE/Truthful Beginnings:  New singer songwriter that has learned his lessons from the pros and doesn’t write songs that sound like they were written on anti-depressants.  If you like it a touch on the twee side, this is an interesting offering from a new cat on a local scene.
1

OBLIQSOUND
ALON YAVNAI/Travel Notes:  Tasty jazz piano trio date from a cat that has made his mark playing traditional jazz, Latin jazz, classical and more challenging material.  With a sense of international funk flicking from his fingertips, Yavnai opens your ears with a mighty flourish bringing new energy to a well worn, classic format.  Hot stuff just waiting to welcome new ears.
1023

ON TARGET MEDIA GROUP
YOU ME & IOWA/Adventures of You Me & Iowa:  Alt.rock is alive and well as this bunch with pop music in their blood deliver a sophomore set that snaps, crackles and pops.  Fun rock that can be enjoyed by hipsters even against their better judgment, this bunch simply knows how to hit the nail on the head and does so with an almost aw shucks aplomb.
(Scrimshaw Jazz)

 
Volume 31/Number 173
April 21, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

M6
JW JONES/Blueslisted:  No less an authority on Canuck white boy blues than Dan Ackroyd checks in with a few thoughts about this young guitar blisterer and his high octane blues rock.  Quite simply a solid partying, good time record that can stand on it’s own and doesn’t need any extra embellishing.  Loaded with roadhouse grit and solid playing, this will fill the bill for anyone looking for some revved up contemporary blues that delivers form the first byte.  Solid stuff.
46 (Northern Blues)

PALO DURO
ELEVEN HUNDRED SPRINGS/Country Jam:  It seems like Lloyd Maines must be the  only production game in town but if that were the case, eventually we’d have to come across something with his name on it that’s a piece of shit, and it isn’t going to happen this time out.  Kicking it out with this Texas band of stalwarts, there are the proper mix of folk/rock, indigenous Texas sounds, party vibes and all the rest of the gumbo that makes these organic Texas sides so appealing.  Just the thing to put on when you want the party to get started with the right let your heir down yuppie vibe.  Solid stuff that can be enjoyed on either side of the Pecos.
1103

UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES
WHISKEYTOWN/Strangers Almanac (deluxe edition):  And for everyone that wonders what all the Ryan Adams hype is all about, they could grab this set, step back ten years to when he was ten years younger, had Caitlin Cary hanging around and his world was a lot newer.  Alt.country when there was no appetite for alt.country, this was young, full of fire and ahead of it’s time.  Rounded out with scads of unreleased tracks, radio sessions, unreleased sessions and more that original fans always knew was hiding in the vault waiting to escape, this is a contemporary collectors dream realized.  Yes, Virginia, Ryan Adams was once more than the punch line to a Bryan Adams joke.
9410 (Geffen)

ELECTRIC APRICOT-Quest for Festeroo/soundtrack:  So, NatLamp and Les Claypool join forces so Claypool can do his Chris Guest thing on satirizing jam bands.  For a metal man, Claypool has the vibe down right.  This cleffer also goes authentic with some borrowed Dead tracks as well.  Anyone into Claypool or the mocumentary genre will have some laughs here.
(Hip-O)

Volume 31/Number 172
April 20, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

HEAD’S UP
ESPERANZA SPALDING:  Spalding is the latest in a long but rare line of jazz bass players that have a whole lot more on the ball the just keeping time and thumping in rhythm.  Easily a triple threat, Spalding serves up a full musical palette that certainly puts her in the ranks of any total musician that knows how to really grab you.  You can’t compare her to Victor Wooten, but she’s the first bass player to grab us in the same kind of visceral way.  A player to keep an eye on, this youngster is a young lion with nothing to prove and bark that in no way tips off how deep she can bite.  Check it out.
3140

YELLOWJACKETS featuring Mike Stern/Life Cycle:  Seriously, who cares that Yellowjackets haven’t had a guitarist on one of their sets in 15 years?  If Robben Ford left the group last week it would still be news that Mike Stern is grabbing the guitar chair to light some sparks in each camp.  With a new energy on both sides, this is the sound of someone lighting a new fuse under fusion.  Every byte of the way shows you a hot, tasty date that peels back the years in all of us.  Of course, uninitiated youngsters will just groove to the fire on board.  Hot stuff.
3139

KARI ON PRODUCTIONS
KENNY CARR/Changing Tide:  A Ray Charles sideman for 10 years, Carr hooks up with some old pals from the old neighborhood who are now downtown darlings and lets the sparks fly on a date that’s loaded with music he wants to play instead of licks he wants to play in support of the cause.  A nice solid straight ahead jazz entry, this is the pure work of a bunch of smart players that love to play.  Easily a set you should get to know, jazz guitar is in good hands here.
4225 (TAS)

DAVID THORNE SCOTT/Dyad:  Low key date that’s a lot of fun with a piano and a voice and a whole lot of chops from each.  A solid addition to the world of male jazz singers, this set and these players just step up and work it.  Fun date that has all the right stuff.
3 (DTS)

Volume 31/Number 171
April 19, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

THE MALCHICKS/To Kill a Mockingbird: Brit teen aged blues band that has enough drama going for a “Behind the Music” special right now hangs out with some 60s rockers that were there during the first blues rock thing and a strange cultural cross pollination ensues. From an inflammatory cover art on through, this is stuff that doesn’t believe in bounds and tries not to observe any. Them what likes anything Brit and into itself will place this at the top of their hipper than thou racks.
200710 (Zoho Roots)

NOIR RECORDS
MARCUS SHELBY JAZZ ORCHESTRA/Harriet Tubman: A big, bold outing of jazz as art as Shelby adapts a book about Tubman into a jazz oratorio that chronicles the life of Tubman in music and lyric. Since music was an integral part of Tubman’s life as she fought for freedom, there’s a lot of PBS flavored underpinnings going on here that might keep this out of the mainstream but will make it a sure bet for those that like to dig for something behind the music. Certainly something completely different, this isn’t up the alley for the casual listener but it’s a real find for those that are looking for the kind of art piece that’s cinematic in scope.
51

SOULFOOD
SOULFOOD/Buddha Chill: DJ Free must have been trawling through the same bargain bins the rest of us were back in the 90s looking for exotica records. He learned the lesson not to make it cheesy. As much as he loves to genre splice and genre hop, he never sounds like a carpet bagger and makes records well adapted for either listening or grooving. A delightful down tempo/chill set that follows the outer edge of the Buddha trail through much of Asia, this is a fun lifestyle soundtrack that rolls along with it’s own energy and style that easier to listen to and enjoy than it is to dissect. Check it out if that new age/down tempo is a gulf you’d like to tip your toes in.
33

UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES
JOHN COLTRANE/The Impulse! Albums V. 2: The next five cd installment brick in the restoration of the Coltrane label legacy comes anchored by two landmark albums and brackets three that aren’t exactly chopped liver either. A great introduction to any of the two generations of jazz fans that have sprung up since Coltrane left us, this set collects five Japanese remasters. No bonus tracks, no hidden gems, just the original works, remastered from the original tapes giving fourth the legacy as it was meant to be heard. Originally recorded in 1963-64, this outpouring of killer sax could easily stand as the last word in 60s jazz if there weren’t a few more of these bricks in the pipeline. A stunning collection that newbies will get a great revelation from.
10591 (Verve/Impulse)

Volume 31/Number 170
April 18, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

Volume 31/Number 168
April 16, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

ON TARGET MEDIA
TOMMY EMMANUEL/Center Stage:  When you get Chet Atkins and Muriel Anderson hocking you that Emmanuel is a guitarist that you should check out, you check him out.  While tags like “world’s best” are thrown around too lightly these days, Emmanuel is an acoustic guitarist that is the envy of other guitarists well capable of bringing down the house on his own.  This double live cd reprises a bunch of his well loved performances that have made him a household name in acoustic guitar households the world over, added a few new tracks and gives you the response from a live audience that is sure to convince you you’re hearing what you think you’re hearing.  A landmark set for contemporary acoustic guitar, this is a must for genre fans.
(Favored Nations)

Volume 31/Number 167
April 15, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

ARTISTS SHARE
TORBEN WALDORFF/Afterburn:  As much as you want to keep pointing to Wes Montgomery as a touchstone, things move on.  Waldorff is a jazz guitarist more informed by ECM and John Scofield than Montgomery and new ears and new generations will feel and appreciate the difference.  With some of the New York stalwarts on board here, you can’t help but swing no matter how cool you are and Waldorff walks the line nicely.  A tasty set that contemporary jazz guitar fans are going to love.
78

JAZZ PROMO SERVICES
RAVE TESAR TRIO/You Decide:  Long time New York session cat rounds up some pals and relatives for a smoking little trio date on some original works that stand up and out nicely.  A swinging little set that’s pleasantly on the money, it’s simply tasty piano trio work that hits all the right notes.  Certainly the kind of set a real jazzbo wouldn’t want to miss out on.
(Tesar Music)

LISA REEDY PROMOTION
BILL PROUTEN/Low Down, No Good:  Well educated sax man with a feel for the blues serves up a solid set that takes you around the horn and back as he likes the blues but has more to offer as well.  The kind of cat that eats music for breakfast, Prouten blows up a delight mighty storm that shows he knows just how to get the most from his (s)ax.
(www.billprouten.com)

NINE MUSE
CHANTAL CHAMANDY/Beladi:  Well, this is certainly an interesting concept for these deconstructed times.  A sexy, Egyptian singer takes matters into her own hands and sets the stage for her to come off as an international superstar that’s already arrived.  Playing to her ethnic/adult pop/world beat strengths, Chamandy meets her muse on the corner of Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, Madonna and Ofra Haza.  The cd presents her on a radio friendly way that adult ears will find quite pleasing in a change of pace kind of way.  Of course, if you want the real, full on Chamandy experience, you need to check out the DVD, “A Night at the Pyramids”, which reprises all the songs on Beladi but is a dandy spectacle.  Produced for PBS to run like the “Celtic Woman” specials, this was the first concert ever authorized to be filmed at the Pyramids and she spares no expense to make everyone proud the gave her the keys to the kingdom.   With a symphony orchestra giving you real music where electronica wouldn’t really do justice, Madonna style back up belly dancers and an appreciative audience of 5,000 that is treating her like an international superstar already, this is a concert that looks great on the home screen.  Her music and style lends itself to divadom but even though this is a product aimed squarely at the mainstream, it has enough organic soul not to come off as a jive, commercial presentation.  Chamandy catches our fancy and we hope she hits it out of the park like she’s aiming for.
12829  (DVD:  Live at the Pyramids 3809 (Ninemuse))

PALMETTO
ROBERT WALTER/Cure All:  A funky trio that is standing on the corner of jazz, soul and funk where the B3 leads the expedition into deep into the heart of Nawlins for a funky good time as the heat rises.  Fun stuff that takes 60s Blue Note on a space ride and doesn’t try to do anything but real a party you want to be sure to be at.

 
Volume 31/Number 166
April 14, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

LOTOS NILE
ANGEL BAND/With Roots and Wings:  Ever wonder what would happen if Lloyd Maines, Nancy Josephson and David Bromberg got together?  Apparently those three did because they did and crafted a return to 70s adult music, left field division.  With obvious roots in folk, country and vocal music, everyone pools their strengths, the large crew (big band?) behind them likes being there and this is the kind of throw back stuff that would lead to Linda Ronstadt finding Nicolette Larson, back in the day of course.  A nice throwback to back porch music that used to work well when hippies roamed the earth.
1108 (Appleseed)

MICHAEL BLOOM MEDIA RELATIONS
LORRAINE FEATHER/Language:  Jazz royalty like Feather gets a pass if she wants it, but she never takes us up on it, never mulligans and always delivers the goods.  Growing up in jazz and not hitting us over the head about it, she free wheels her songs and lyrics into a wonderful collection that hipsters can’t help but fall in love with.  A sassy collection that undeservingly will probably fly under the radar like so many of her past efforts, this is one for the fans, especially those that know which end is up.  You left leaning jazzbos have something to savor here!
1052 (Jazzed Media)

SIX DEGREES
REAL TUESDAY WELD/End of the World:  Everybody, big and small, eventually wants to make a Chris Gaines record and Stephen Coates is no exception as he cloaks his main group in mystery of a one off concert by an alter ego crew.  Got all that?  At least there aren’t any Bowiesque pics of him on the cover.  It’s a fun thing that you can appreciate as long as you keep your sense of offbeat front and center, like you would have needed to properly enjoy Chris Gaines.  Those Brits love that gloom  and doom stuff and this concert for the apocalypse fits the Brit bill properly. 
1141

TWO FOR THE SHOW MEDIA
BILL O’CONNELL/Triple Play:  A couple of New York cats that love Latin jazz and have been playing it together for 25 years in various first call forms call in a Latin drumming pal for a trio date of piano/flute/percussion that simply cooks.  No frills, just great playing that cuts to the chase quickly and easily, gets the party started and leaves a load of good vibes in it’s wake.  A real players date, this just plain smokes and feel a lot bigger than three hard working pals giving it their all.  Check it out.
2089 (Savant)

Volume 31/Number 165
April 13, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

BUCKYBALL
MORRIS PERT/Desert Dances (21);  Music of the Stars (20):  A long time associate of Genesis on their highly progressive tip, the progressive Scotsman is getting the limelight  at long last getting shined on him up close and personal as a 2001 date finally comes to light of day here and is complimented by a new date that features percussion that is the other side of Mickey Hart but no less progressive and worldly.  Taking you through his passions form astronomy through the desert, the jazz rocker that has added something to sets by everyone that matters from all genres really kicks it in fine style.  If your tastes lie in the musical landscape that lies beyond American Idol, there might well be something here you can’t live without.  First class progressive music from one of it’s contemporary godfathers.

JAZZ PROMO SERVICES
THOM ROTELLA 4-TET/Out of the Blues:  That this is smart jazz is one thing, that it also signals the return of Don Elfman to the recording wars is a cause for celebration unto itself.  It might not mean anything to those of you that aren’t too cool for school, but from the rest of us, hi Don.  The guitar ace rounds up a crew of stellar players that have flying time with Nancy Wilson between them and together they mix up a sweet set card of new takes on old faves.  If you feel like digging something with shades of that Wes Montgomery vibe, this is your next stop.
(Four Bar)

PIG HEAVEN
ALVON & The All Stars/Guitars & Cars:  For way too long now, blues has been treated as outsider music so when Johnson makes a DIY set, it’s no come down—particularly when it’s hot like this.  A killer guitarist that’s played with everyone from Otis Day & the Knights to the Drifters and done it all lover the world, this certainly smokes.  Pulling material everywhere from Bobby Troup to Curtis Mayfield, the good times are rolling–in every direction.  Johnson is a battle tested pro that does nothing but deliver the goods.  Hot stuff for people that just can’t get the roadhouse out of their system.

RED CAT PUBLICITY
PETE ROBBINS/Do the Hate Laugh Shimmy:  Alto sax man with a millennium take on modern jazz keeps it progressive but doesn’t make it off putting.  Very much a smart set that borrows from literary moves as much as it does from anything else, he’s the kind of cat that knows how to work the grant side of things without making music you need to be polite around.  Totally cool workout for jazzbos that like challenging music to open their ears.
313 (Fresh Sound)

Volume 31/Number 164
April 12, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

BOB GIBSON/The Living Legend Years:  A best of collection culled from the 4 albums Gibson did in the 70s and 80s with some added tracks from the vaults.  Eventually, all the albums represented here will be individually released but until they are, this is contemporary folkie delight.
1001
(www.bobgibsonlegacy.com)

JAZZ PROMO SERVICES
SYLVIA BENNETT/Songs from the Heart:  Nice and simple.  A singer that knows her way around an atmospheric love song hooks up with three great sax players of different stripes that know how to deliver, puts some real jazzbos in the background and comes out with a killer little date that does the trick.  There’s probably a million years of first call musical experience on board here and their chops are delightful throughout.   Everything is working and this is right on adult listening.  Check it out.
2025 (Out of Sight Music)

Volume 31/Number 163
April 11, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

HEAVY HITTER
SIRHAN SIRHAN/Blood:  New punks want to bring back the old SoCal punk and do so with transplanted, Midwest energy that is almost scary.  Using everything including the kitchen sink for effect, this is music for effect that’s meant to jolt somnambulant suburbs out of compliancy and their wake it’s youth and prepare them to ready for the kill.  You bet it’s a non-stop sonic assault that Ritalin dulled synapses will love as they contemplate revenge on soccer moms that have locked their medicine cabinets.
17 (Anodyne)

DVD SUPPLEMENT
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
WALK HARD-THE DEWEY COX STORY:  In which we find reliable actor John Reilly eyeballing Will Farrell’s bank account and realizing that it’s time for a career change within the career.  Following in the footsteps of Rob Schneider, Reilly hits high with low comedy making fun of late 20th century rock stars.  With a bunch of SNL vets along for support, Reilly makes the move from musical comedies to comedies with music in fine style hitting the marks typical to this genre, ok box office but legs that will probably run forever on vid.  Fun, joke a minute stuff in the Judd Apatow vein of contemporary comedy, this bizzaro world rock mockumentary is a must for those that find Chris Guest and his pals too literate.

PARAMOUNT
CLOVERFIELD:  Well, ok, a horror movie for the clinically detached, pomo “Real World” generation in which Blair Witch meets up with Godzilla to destroy New York while a bunch of self involved mopes deal with it and their feelings.  It doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat but it’s strangely involving.  The disc has loads of stuff that wasn’t in the theater and you can make your own popcorn event.  Damn, if only Gamera would show up.  He’d probably get pissed and stomp all over the protagonists.

WARNER HOME VIDEO
ONE MISSED CALL:  In which we find college kids terrorized by the voice mail from hell. Not a call from mom, not a call from the evil step father, the call that plays what the end of their life is going to sound like!!!!!!!  Can we find out who and where this is coming from?  Will we all die by picking up the phone?  Foo on voice mail!!!  It might not be cinema for the ages but for kids that like to be scared on their own big screen TVs, this is a sure bet.

THE 11TH HOUR:  Yeah, we know we’re supposed to care, but here’s Leo DiCaprio to lecture us for 92 minutes that we’re dopes for  letting the end of the world slip through our fingers by not taking better care of the planet.  You like documentaries that nicely hit you over the head with the fact that you aren’t doing your part to erase your carbon footprint and be greener, check it out.  It does retail for $5 so you don’t have to spend heavily to hear what a creep you are.

Volume 31/Number 162
April 10, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

WAYNE HORVITZ & Sweeter Than the Day/Walk in the Dark:  In which we find the piano man has many sides and lets them all show in good time, even it does take a while to come back from other facets.  This outfit’s first since 2002, Horvitz shows his ‘mainstream’ side where the playing flows freely and the left side jazz good times roll.  Creative music that doesn’t feel like work to listen to, this skilled pro never lets technique get in the way of making great music.
(www.WayneHorvitz.com)

HARMONIA MUNDI
SERGIO FIORENTINO/Plays Schumann:  He recorded this in the mid 60s, died in the late 90s and unless you’re too hip for the room, you probably never heard of him.  A worth while, beautifully composed set featuring small little pieces form the Schumann canon that is an impressionistic version of carnivals and children, all wonderfully played.  Certainly a collectors delight, this is one serious piano cat that can make 20 fingers sound like an orchestra with his high degree of musicianship and technique.  A well worth it reissue that classical piano fans will have a great time with.
5586 (APR)

AUSER MUSICI/Boccherini Flue Quintets op 19:  Boccherini lived in the time of giants so his music might not be as well known today as it should be but with the help of the internet’s gaping maw, the six sonatas on this set ought to get new legs as they do a great job of showing off his skill as a composer.  The ensemble here area group of highly skilled performers making this music sound easier to play that it really is.  With such vast underpinnings, this is chamber music that’s fit to be played in a concert hall yet still feel intimate.  Carlo Ipata, the flautist, and his gang, blend perfectly making this a quartet outing that well worth buying and flaunting to classical fans that think they’re hipper than thou.  Wonderful music that it’s time to stop overlooking.
67646 (Hyperion)

TWO FOR THE SHOW MEDIA
BILL STEWART/Incandescence:  You would have caught my attention just from having Larry Goldings on board but this off beat trio set has still more something extra going on.  A drummer facing off against two keyboard, pros all, this set has a different kind of jazz energy than you’ve been used to up to now.  Everybody pulls their weight on this set of Stewart originals and certainly, a good time is had by all.
3028 (Pirouet)

Volume 31/Number 161
April 9, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record

LOTOS NILE
CAROLINE HERRING/Lantana:  Southern gothic scoped into the present and filtered through taking a few years off to raise the young ‘uns make this the set you didn’t think Herring even thought she had in her.  Ostensibly a folkie outing, this is one of those class by itself recordings that make the artist move onto that next plain where they are frequently referred to in hushed tones.  Certainly one of the meatier folk flavored sets to come along in a while, Herring is going to take you through the fun house mirror to the other side as this transplanted Austinite  serves up audio you think you’ve only heard in dreams.
2010 (Signature Sounds)

TELARC
STANTON MOORE TRIO/Emphasis on Parenthesis:  A hard hitting drummer with so many side projects that it’s almost impossible to think that this side project has actually gelled in to a trio.  Bringing along his  Nawlins baggage as well as his funky and beyond side projects, this proves once again that when you do it for yourself, you really put that something extra into it.  With it’s experimental edge in tact, his music continues to use jazz as a jumping off point for points that are well beyond.  Solid, hard working, creative jazz that goes the distance.
83681

TERRI HINTE PUBLIC RELATIONS
BOBBY BROOM/The Way I Play-Live in Chicago:  We’re always jingoistic enough to champion one of our locals and Broom once again makes it all too easy.  Coming live and direct from Pete Miller’s Evanston location, the years of making that his home base makes for this to be a comfortable outing that cooks.  The kind of stuff that makes upscale stake and scotch taste even better as it percolates in the background, Broom and company carry on the tradition of killer, first class club jazz that delivers the intimacy that no concert hall can deliver as well as being the vibe that brought you into the tent in the first place.  You know most of the songs by heart, but they have a smart new spin throughout.
82504 (Origin)

Volume 31