Reviews & Recommendations

So here goes. The first in what we hope will become a regular feature on the Blog. Three categories: Something old, Something new and a Guilty Pleasure. I’ll offer up the first three brief reviews/recommendations in the hope that others will comment and/or offer a fresh set of choices.

Something old….

The three albums by the big band  ‘Loose Tubes’:  Loose Tubes (1985), Delightful Precipice (1986), Open Letter (1988).

Hadn’t listened to the albums for 15+ years but was instantly back to the 80s and the excitement of their live sets.  Outside the box – yes. Hit and miss – yes. Humorous – yes.  A little birdie told me that all three are available to download (free/illegally?) online so it‘s worth a search.

Check out the fascinating Wikipedia entry. I was unaware of the tensions with the Jazz Warriors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loose_Tubes

Something new….

The Avatar Sessions (2010)

Featuring Tim Hagans,  Peter Erskine, Dave Liebman, George Garzone, Randy Brecker, Rufus Reid and the Norrbotten Big Band.

Need I say more?

Music is by Tim Hagans. I’ve been in touch with Tim and once he’s “tidied up” the parts to the album track ‘Boo’ I’ll be getting a copy for Straight No Chaser. Thinking of Peter Erskine; I saw him and the Brecker Brothers live with Don Grolnick – greatest drumming I’ve ever heard. Check out the two of Don’s albums they all did together for Blue Note: Weaver of Dreams (1989) & Nighttown (1992) – just perfect.

Guilty pleasure….

Sinatra’s last solo album: L.A. is My Lady (1984)

Quincy and the crème de la crème of session musicians.

You can’t beat a bit of Frank.

Jon.