I know I mentioned this kinda in the latest what's in your CD player thread... http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54735 But, I bought another one today and had to mention both of them. Wayne Shorter - Alegria Anyone who knows Shorter knows he doesn't often do studio releases. This one was absolutely worth the wait. If you are a casual jazz fan and like swing or pretty straight bop, this might not be your cup of tea. It can be a bit of a challenge to the listener but all great jazz recordings have had some of that in them. It is a blend of ethnic rhythms, bop, straight jazz and even a bit of avante garde. Long story short: it is tremendous. It is being called a modern day Sketches of Spain by some critics and has almost universally been called a masterpiece. The New York Times called Shorter the best jazz composer still living and this completely lives up to that billing. The compositions are really quite remarkable. It is some of the best jazz music I have heard in a very long time. ScoLoHoFo - oh! The band is actually a combination of some of the greatest jazz musicians out there - John SCOfield (guitar), Joe LOvano (tenor/soprano sax), Dave HOlland (bass) and Al FOster (drums). Damn, what a line up. It is everything you might expect from a recording with these guys - great straight jazz and bop with a touch of the ecclectic. The musicianship is really amazing. A definite must-have. Enjoy.
Jeff, This isnt by any chance related to the Cirque Du Soleil Alegria is it? Did he do the music for that? Just wondering cause the music for the performance is definitely jazz. If you like smooth/new-age Jazz, check out some of Paul Hardcastle's work also.
Prince released an awesome jazz album called 'Xpectation' to his club members. It features John Blackwell on drums, Rhonda Smith on bass, a violin player, and Prince on guitar and keys. No vocals. Not sure if a jazz purist would call it jazz, but it is definetly cool. You may be able to download it via your favorite mp3 sharing program. All songs start with the letter 'X'.
I asked this is the other thread..but I think Jeff has me on ignore...would someone quote this so he'll see it? I am just getting into jazz, and so far I seem to really get into the jazz/fusion style...do you have any recommendations of good artists that play this style? anyone else that is familiar with this style of jazz?
Miles Davis certainly is. his albums "b****es Brew" and "In a Silent Way" are perfect examples of fusion. also, Weather Report is a good fusion band from the 70's you might try listening to.
