JAM Magazine: August/September 1999 Issue: For the Record

Diana Krall
WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES
Verve/GRP
IMP3P-90137

Personnel: Diana Krall, piano, vocals; Russell Malone, guitar; John Clayton, Ben Wolfe, bass; Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash, drums; Larry Bunker, vibes; orchestra arranged by Johnny Mandel

Tracks: Let's Face the Music and Dance, Devil May Care, Let's Fall in Love, When I Look in Your Eyes, Popsicle Toes, I've Got You Under My Skin, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, I'll String Along With You, East of the Sun (and West of the Moon), Pick Yourself Up, The Best Thing for You, Do It Again

Recorded and mixed by Al Schmitt at Avatar Studios, New York, NY and Schnee Studios, North Hollywood, CA.

Diana Krall's latest, When I Look In Your Eyes, is in a dead heat with Shirley Horn's Here's To Life for Most Evocative Album in Recent Memory. It just doesn't get much more soulful than this
.
With lush orchestral arrangements by the great Johnny Mandel (who also worked his magic on Here's To Life), Ms. Krall's vocal gifts (and superb piano playing) are frequently enveloped in a kind of harmonic cocoon that says "less is more." It's the perfect blend of understatement, sophistication and world-class talent.

There are also several tracks that feature Krall in a small group setting. She sings and swings with ease regardless.

The song list here consists of beautiful melodies from start to finish. Krall's vocals are flawlessly rendered, her piano solos are tasty, clean and in the pocket, and she enjoys fine support from some of the finest musicians in the biz (including the always-melodic Russell Malone on guitar).

One of the best things about CD technology is that they aren't supposed to wear out. Had this recording come out on LP, I'd be well into my second or third copy by now. When I Look In Your Eyes is an outstanding 50-plus minutes of good listening. It is highly recommended.

-- Mike Metheny

Cypress Recovery, Inc.
WHEN THERE IS HOPE
Recovery Records RRD-9914

Tracks/featured bands: Bill's Freightliner (The Big Three), Tonight (Ida McBeth), That Won't Get You Very Far (The Blues Notions), E.B.G.B (The Carl Bender Quartette), Standin' (The Roland Allen Band), What a Wonderful World (Everette DeVan Trio w/Millie Edwards), Show Me What You Got (Back Alley), Blues for Sonny Kenner (Rich Hill Organ Trio), This Life I'm Livin' (Tom Hall), Aftergroove (Soul Solution), Save It For Me (Cotton Candy & So Many Men), Zoo Soos Girl Dance (Jazz Playhouse), Blues Heaven (John Paul's Flying Circus), When There's Hope (Max Groove)

Recorded at Berry Music Group, Olathe, KS; Lynn Allred, engineer; Max Berry, producer; Jack Irvine, project director.

Presented by "Kansas City Jazz & Blues Musicians for Drug Free Kids."

What happens when a call for help goes out to some of Kansas City's finest jazz and blues musicians? A CD like this one, the new all-star release, When There Is Hope.

This unique collaboration is a benefit for Cypress Recovery and its Drug Free Kids program. And according to Cypress clinical director Jack Irvine, the response from the musicians was overwhelming.

"I spent as much time on the phone apologizing to players who wanted to contribute and weren't asked as I spent making initial contacts," Irvine says.

One of the many things to be liked about this recording is the way in which the tracks mesh. Rather than segregate blues from jazz (which happens way too much in this town as it is), the songs tend to alternate. And it's a sequence that works.

In all there are 14 tracks, seven from each idiom. Most are originals, but there are also some standards mixed in as well. There are a few typos in the liner notes, which is unfortunate, but still, this is a recording that, years from now, KC music lovers will play and then fondly recall when these bands regularly appeared.

When There Is Hope is well produced, mixed and performed. Now, the only sound this release needs is that of the cash register ringing at Music Exchange, Streetside and other area locations where it is available.

There is a CD release party on September 12 at the Grand Emporium. With this much talent on hand, it should be one heck of an evening. Don't pass up this opportunity to support a very worthy cause.

-- Bill O'Connor

(To order this CD, contact Cypress Recovery at 913-764-7555. -- Ed.)

Lisa Henry
LIVE!! From 18th & Vine
LRH Productions

Personnel: Lisa Henry, vocals; Everette Freeman, piano; Tim Perryman, trombone; Gerald Dunn, alto/tenor saxophone; Tyrone Clark, bass; Mike Warren, drums

Tracks: All Blues, Witchcraft, Skylark, Monk's Dream, Summertime, In a Sentimental Mood, The Second Time Around, Big Fat Daddy, You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To, Kansas City

Recorded live at the Blue Room, Kansas City, MO, by BRC Audio Productions; Bill Crain, engineer.

Recorded at a live performance at the Blue Room -- a part of the American Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine -- Lisa Henry's latest is a welcome addition to the tradition that lives on in Kansas City's historic Jazz District.

Live!! From 18th & Vine is pure Kansas City heart and spirit -- pure jumpin' jazzy blues. Henry has already established herself as one of Kansas City's finest jazz vocalists, and here she's backed by some of its finest sidemen. There's Everette Freeman on piano, Tim Perryman on trombone, Gerald Dunn on alto and tenor saxophone, Michael Warren on drums and Tyrone Clark on bass. Even violinist extraordinaire Claude "Fiddler" Williams appears as a special guest.

On the Miles Davis classic, "All Blues," Lisa arrives softly, warming up her cords, exploring her range and treating the live audience to some fine scat singing. (Check out Mike Warren's flawless arrangement of this album opener.)

Henry gives Ol' Blue Eyes a run for his money on "Witchcraft," and on the Mercer/Carmichael ballad "Skylark," the lights come down, a new glass of wine is poured and both Lisa and saxophonist Gerald Dunn shine.

Monk himself would be proud of the band's rendition of "Monk's Dream." There are fiery solos from both Freeman and Perryman, and some more nice scatting from Ms. Henry.

Listen for snazzy bass work from Tyrone Clarke on "Summertime." That, plus Dunn's bluesy sax solo make this cut a personal favorite.

Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" is up next followed by Jimmy Van Huesen's "The Second Time Around." On both, Lisa reminds us that she knows how to bring home a standard.

She comes out wailing and growling on "Big Fat Daddy" bringing to mind a raunchy Julia Lee. And the addition of "Fiddler" Williams on this track brings out the best in everyone. (Ever see a reviewer "chair dance" in front of a computer screen while listening to a hot CD?!)

Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" slows things down a notch, and then, fittingly, the CD comes to a rousing conclusion with the Leiber/Stoller anthem, "Kansas City." (How could anyone do a live album at 18th & Vine without this one?!) Fiddler does his bluesy/jazzy thang, everyone gets a turn, and the whole session comes to joyful end.

Lisa Henry writes in the liner notes, "When the recording was finished, I do believe I felt the spirit of all those jazz greats smilin'. And me… I was just honored to be able to contribute to the legacy. Oh, what a time we had… And I hope you have the same."

Give Live!! From 18th & Vine a listen. You'll have a good time, too.

-- Vanessa Barnard

Soul Solution
AFTER GROOVE
(demo)

Personnel: Gary Sexton, electric guitar, guitar synths; James Isaac, tenor sax/flute; Chris Lewis, keyboards; Bryan Blew, bass; Quinton McDonnel, drums; Sean Clouse, trumpet

Tracks: Amandapanda, AfterGroove, The Jazz Chicks, One Last Look at the City

Recorded at Berry Music Group Inc., Olathe, Kansas.

There is a new contemporary jazz group in Kansas City called Soul Solution. Founded in 1998, the band is currently marketing an abbreviated four-track CD to test KC's contemporary jazz waters. It was produced and mixed by Max Groove.

The album's opener, "Amandapanda," offers the soothing sounds of "smooth jazz." The harmon-muted trumpet of Sean Clouse along with James Issac's flute make for a winning combination.

"Aftergroove," the CD's title track, is driven by a tenor sax lead, and "The Jazz Chicks" shows that guitarist Gary Sexton has done his c-jazz homework. "Chicks" is tight, funky and focused with plenty of Benson-esque licks woven into a laid back pulse.

And track four, "One Last Look at the City," is right out of Pat Metheny's smoother side, complete with reflective guitar, piano and tenor.

The contemporary lines on AfterGroove are recognizable without sounding generic. And the improvisational efforts are clean despite being thin in spots and sometimes in need of more variation. There are also times when the soloist is lost amidst the supporting cast. But, this is a demo with a more work to be done. And, for now, Soul Solution is well on its way.

According to Sexton, "This is kind of a teaser; a full-length production with ten to 12 tracks will be produced in October. We're looking to secure a record deal, either locally or on the national level."

So far, airplay of this demo has been favorable. Aftergroove has been heard on KCMW, KPRS, KCIY and KKFI, and local audiences are catching on to the Soul Solution sound. Bookings have included Spirit Fest, the Flamingo Casino, Ivy's, KCIY's "After Work" parties, Jardine's, Louisiana Jazz, Club Mardi Gras, McCoy's and WDAF's "Fox Morning Show."

To request a copy of AfterGroove or to be put on Soul Solution's mailing list, call 913-724-1489 or email jazz01965@aol.com.

-- J.P. Makus

RETURN TO AUGUST 1999 MAIN INDEX

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		Diana Krall WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES Verve/GRP IMP3P-90137 Personnel: Diana Krall, piano, vocals; Russell Malone, guitar; John Clayton, Ben Wolfe, bass; Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash, drums; Larry Bunker, vibes; orchestra arranged by Johnny Mandel Tracks: Let's Face the Music and Dance, Devil May Care, Let's Fall in Love, When I Look in Your Eyes, Popsicle Toes, I've Got You Under My Skin, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, I'll String Along With You, East of the Sun (and West of the Moon), Pick Yourself Up, The Best Thing for You, Do It Again Recorded and mixed by Al Schmitt at Avatar Studios, New York, NY and Schnee Studios, North Hollywood, CA. Diana Krall's latest, When I Look In Your Eyes, is in a dead heat with Shirley Horn's Here's To Life for Most Evocative Album in Recent Memory. It just doesn't get much more soulful than this . With lush orchestral arrangements by the great Johnny Mandel (who also worked his magic on Here's To Life), Ms. Krall's vocal gifts (and superb piano playing) are frequently enveloped in a kind of harmonic cocoon that says "less is more." It's the perfect blend of understatement, sophistication and world-class talent. There are also several tracks that feature Krall in a small group setting. She sings and swings with ease regardless. The song list here consists of beautiful melodies from start to finish. Krall's vocals are flawlessly rendered, her piano solos are tasty, clean and in the pocket, and she enjoys fine support from some of the finest musicians in the biz (including the always-melodic Russell Malone on guitar). One of the best things about CD technology is that they aren't supposed to wear out. Had this recording come out on LP, I'd be well into my second or third copy by now. When I Look In Your Eyes is an outstanding 50-plus minutes of good listening. It is highly recommended. -- Mike Metheny Cypress Recovery, Inc. WHEN THERE IS HOPE Recovery Records RRD-9914 Tracks/featured bands: Bill's Freightliner (The Big Three), Tonight (Ida McBeth), That Won't Get You Very Far (The Blues Notions), E.B.G.B (The Carl Bender Quartette), Standin' (The Roland Allen Band), What a Wonderful World (Everette DeVan Trio w/Millie Edwards), Show Me What You Got (Back Alley), Blues for Sonny Kenner (Rich Hill Organ Trio), This Life I'm Livin' (Tom Hall), Aftergroove (Soul Solution), Save It For Me (Cotton Candy & So Many Men), Zoo Soos Girl Dance (Jazz Playhouse), Blues Heaven (John Paul's Flying Circus), When There's Hope (Max Groove) Recorded at Berry Music Group, Olathe, KS; Lynn Allred, engineer; Max Berry, producer; Jack Irvine, project director. Presented by "Kansas City Jazz & Blues Musicians for Drug Free Kids." What happens when a call for help goes out to some of Kansas City's finest jazz and blues musicians? A CD like this one, the new all-star release, When There Is Hope. This unique collaboration is a benefit for Cypress Recovery and its Drug Free Kids program. And according to Cypress clinical director Jack Irvine, the response from the musicians was overwhelming. "I spent as much time on the phone apologizing to players who wanted to contribute and weren't asked as I spent making initial contacts," Irvine says. One of the many things to be liked about this recording is the way in which the tracks mesh. Rather than segregate blues from jazz (which happens way too much in this town as it is), the songs tend to alternate. And it's a sequence that works. In all there are 14 tracks, seven from each idiom. Most are originals, but there are also some standards mixed in as well. There are a few typos in the liner notes, which is unfortunate, but still, this is a recording that, years from now, KC music lovers will play and then fondly recall when these bands regularly appeared. When There Is Hope is well produced, mixed and performed. Now, the only sound this release needs is that of the cash register ringing at Music Exchange, Streetside and other area locations where it is available. There is a CD release party on September 12 at the Grand Emporium. With this much talent on hand, it should be one heck of an evening. Don't pass up this opportunity to support a very worthy cause. -- Bill O'Connor (To order this CD, contact Cypress Recovery at 913-764-7555. -- Ed.) Lisa Henry LIVE!! From 18th & Vine LRH Productions Personnel: Lisa Henry, vocals; Everette Freeman, piano; Tim Perryman, trombone; Gerald Dunn, alto/tenor saxophone; Tyrone Clark, bass; Mike Warren, drums Tracks: All Blues, Witchcraft, Skylark, Monk's Dream, Summertime, In a Sentimental Mood, The Second Time Around, Big Fat Daddy, You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To, Kansas City Recorded live at the Blue Room, Kansas City, MO, by BRC Audio Productions; Bill Crain, engineer. Recorded at a live performance at the Blue Room -- a part of the American Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine -- Lisa Henry's latest is a welcome addition to the tradition that lives on in Kansas City's historic Jazz District. Live!! From 18th & Vine is pure Kansas City heart and spirit -- pure jumpin' jazzy blues. Henry has already established herself as one of Kansas City's finest jazz vocalists, and here she's backed by some of its finest sidemen. There's Everette Freeman on piano, Tim Perryman on trombone, Gerald Dunn on alto and tenor saxophone, Michael Warren on drums and Tyrone Clark on bass. Even violinist extraordinaire Claude "Fiddler" Williams appears as a special guest. On the Miles Davis classic, "All Blues," Lisa arrives softly, warming up her cords, exploring her range and treating the live audience to some fine scat singing. (Check out Mike Warren's flawless arrangement of this album opener.) Henry gives Ol' Blue Eyes a run for his money on "Witchcraft," and on the Mercer/Carmichael ballad "Skylark," the lights come down, a new glass of wine is poured and both Lisa and saxophonist Gerald Dunn shine. Monk himself would be proud of the band's rendition of "Monk's Dream." There are fiery solos from both Freeman and Perryman, and some more nice scatting from Ms. Henry. Listen for snazzy bass work from Tyrone Clarke on "Summertime." That, plus Dunn's bluesy sax solo make this cut a personal favorite. Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" is up next followed by Jimmy Van Huesen's "The Second Time Around." On both, Lisa reminds us that she knows how to bring home a standard. She comes out wailing and growling on "Big Fat Daddy" bringing to mind a raunchy Julia Lee. And the addition of "Fiddler" Williams on this track brings out the best in everyone. (Ever see a reviewer "chair dance" in front of a computer screen while listening to a hot CD?!) Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" slows things down a notch, and then, fittingly, the CD comes to a rousing conclusion with the Leiber/Stoller anthem, "Kansas City." (How could anyone do a live album at 18th & Vine without this one?!) Fiddler does his bluesy/jazzy thang, everyone gets a turn, and the whole session comes to joyful end. Lisa Henry writes in the liner notes, "When the recording was finished, I do believe I felt the spirit of all those jazz greats smilin'. And me… I was just honored to be able to contribute to the legacy. Oh, what a time we had… And I hope you have the same." Give Live!! From 18th & Vine a listen. You'll have a good time, too. -- Vanessa Barnard Soul Solution AFTER GROOVE (demo) Personnel: Gary Sexton, electric guitar, guitar synths; James Isaac, tenor sax/flute; Chris Lewis, keyboards; Bryan Blew, bass; Quinton McDonnel, drums; Sean Clouse, trumpet Tracks: Amandapanda, AfterGroove, The Jazz Chicks, One Last Look at the City Recorded at Berry Music Group Inc., Olathe, Kansas. There is a new contemporary jazz group in Kansas City called Soul Solution. Founded in 1998, the band is currently marketing an abbreviated four-track CD to test KC's contemporary jazz waters. It was produced and mixed by Max Groove. The album's opener, "Amandapanda," offers the soothing sounds of "smooth jazz." The harmon-muted trumpet of Sean Clouse along with James Issac's flute make for a winning combination. "Aftergroove," the CD's title track, is driven by a tenor sax lead, and "The Jazz Chicks" shows that guitarist Gary Sexton has done his c-jazz homework. "Chicks" is tight, funky and focused with plenty of Benson-esque licks woven into a laid back pulse. And track four, "One Last Look at the City," is right out of Pat Metheny's smoother side, complete with reflective guitar, piano and tenor. The contemporary lines on AfterGroove are recognizable without sounding generic. And the improvisational efforts are clean despite being thin in spots and sometimes in need of more variation. There are also times when the soloist is lost amidst the supporting cast. But, this is a demo with a more work to be done. And, for now, Soul Solution is well on its way. According to Sexton, "This is kind of a teaser; a full-length production with ten to 12 tracks will be produced in October. We're looking to secure a record deal, either locally or on the national level." So far, airplay of this demo has been favorable. Aftergroove has been heard on KCMW, KPRS, KCIY and KKFI, and local audiences are catching on to the Soul Solution sound. Bookings have included Spirit Fest, the Flamingo Casino, Ivy's, KCIY's "After Work" parties, Jardine's, Louisiana Jazz, Club Mardi Gras, McCoy's and WDAF's "Fox Morning Show." To request a copy of AfterGroove or to be put on Soul Solution's mailing list, call 913-724-1489 or email jazz01965@aol.com. -- J.P. Makus RETURN TO AUGUST 1999 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.