Tuesday, December 22, 2009

"Wishful Thinking" by Orla Murphy (Jazz Artist from London, England)

Orla Murphy's debut Jazz album goes by the name of "Wishful Thinking." This is an album that features Murphy's creamy smooth voice with mostly 3 piece accompaniments, playing a collection of mellow Jazz standards as well as Jazz-interpretations of well known songs. In the song, "Fragile" Murphy sings alongside an acoustic guitar in a relaxed and simple, yet deep and emotional sentiment. In "The Old Country" her voice interplays solely with the upright bass and drums in a smooth yet peppy Jazz number. In the track, "Be Cool" Murphy sings with a remarkable cadence in a playful and toe-tapping piece. This album is one that features classic Jazz and a highly talented voice and lets the talents of the musicians flow with style and grace. If you are a fan of simple and velvety Jazz, or maybe just want something mellow and comforting to listen to around the fireplace, then you should hear the album "Wishful Thinking" by Orla Murphy.

-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Orla Murphy's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Batida Diferente" by Norberto Goldberg (Latin/Jazz Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

"Batida Diferente" is an extremely well made Brazilian/Latin Jazz album by drummer Norberto Goldberg and his fellow talented musicians. Some of the best tracks on this album are in fact original compositions. For instance, the fast-paced and fun "Baiao" is well crafted with moving drum beats that compliment the melodic melody of the guitar and sax. The title track "Batida Diferente" pulls off some expert tempo changes with ease, showing off the talent of all the players. The album, "Batida Diferente," isn't just for fans of Latin Jazz or dance clubs; it's for all listeners who can appreciate outstanding music played with expert musicianship.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Norberto Goldberg's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

"Torched" by Lynne Halliday (Jazz Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

Lynne Halliday blends Jazz and Pop with finesse and ease on her new CD, "Torched." With the polish of a consummate pro, Halliday's voice quivers and seduces, serving the song and her audience with equal regard. Complex rhythms and melodies keep this album of classic "torch" songs interesting from start to finish. "I Wish I Didn't Love You So" has a great jazz club flow, much thanks to some intricate percussion work. Elsewhere, Halliday ably shows off her vocal talents on standards like "You Go to My Head" and "Devil May Care." In all, "Torched" is a great album for recreating the ambience of a jazz club, for hosting a dinner party, or just enjoying a glass of wine at home.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Lynne Halliday's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Q.E.D." by James Kennedy (Jazz Artist from Iowa(IA))

"Q.E.D." is the latest album released by the prolific guitarist and composer, James Kennedy. The musical style on this new CD has been described as "Midwestern Contemporary Music," since it is really an amalgam of jazz, blues, and folk, all led by James' playing on the 6 and 12 string guitar. Yet he also incorporates a good amount of Latin and World music influences, so it is a difficult album to quickly describe. "Down To the River" is a slower, folksy tune that uses the violin and guitar to paint a mental picture of antiquated American river life. Then, in "Raiders of the Silk Road," we have a very different tune, in which ambient noises and exotic sounds are used to create a feeling that's straight out of The Arabian Nights. For "Your Love Spell," James opts to let the guitar do the talking in a smooth and pleasant love song. "Q.E.D." is perfect for those who enjoy instrumental albums that can paint pictures of different places in your mind. It is also a great album for those who enjoy the guitar and violin, as there are many instances of beautifully played interactions between the two instruments.

-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out James Kennedy's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"We Still Remember the Future" by Stanley Sagov & Remembering the Future (Jazz Artist from Boston, Massachusetts(MA0

"We Still Remember the Future," the latest CD by seasoned South African Jazz group Stanley Sagov & Remembering the Future, is a fun, unique album that exposes the listener, whether a new Jazz fan or a veteran, to a different blend of the genre. The opening track, "South African Jazz Curry," really does the job in introducing the listener to Jazz, South African style. The song is led by the organ which gives it a rich sound while the percussion is varied and keeps the beat ever-changing and interesting. Toward the middle, "Stanley's Kwela" relies more on the classic jazz piano and high hat sounds. While giving the listener a refreshing taste of pure Jazz, this track still carries the melodic flares and riffs that make it exclusively South African. If you're looking for a fresh Jazz album, Sagov's "We Still Remember the Future" is it. It's something new and each track showcases fine musicianship and talent.

-Trent C. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Stanley Sagov's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, December 5, 2009

"Trio West Plays Holiday Songs, Vol. 2" by Trio West (Jazz/Holiday Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

The simplicity of a trio brings a new light to classic holiday tunes when the group, Trio West, presents their latest outstanding album "Trio West Plays Holiday Songs, Vol. 2." A stand-up bass, drum kit, and piano bring a Latin/Jazz flavor to the songs we've heard all our lives during the holidays. You may hardly recognize tracks like "Silent Night Samba" as it has an upbeat flavor with spectacular piano progressions. Some may be more easily deciphered like their rendition of "Jingle Bells" with a crisp and bright piano that glides effortlessly across the keys. The whole album moves at a steady pace and if you like one track, you have to like them all. "Trio West Plays Holiday Songs, Vol. 2" is a great substitute for the bland retellings of Christmas stories past and is truly a breath of fresh air.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Trio West's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, December 3, 2009

"Need Want" by David Cain & Senses (Jazz Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

If "Need Want" by David Cain & Senses were boiled down to one word, it would be: Hot. This soulful Progressive Jazz oozes virtuosity at ever beat. Every instrument on the album from the bass guitar, to the trumpet, to the synth is played with impressive mastery of the craft. But most noticeably, Cain puts as much feeling into his sax playing as he does into his singing. As a whole, the sheer skill of this outfit is displayed in the track "To You." Also, they really stretch outside being boxed into any genre with tracks like "Dude Where's My Face." These unique qualities, along with great musicianship and years of experience are what make "Need Want" a successful album and one in which you will thoroughly enjoy.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out SENSES 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites