Akua Tu | Introspection

Tags

African American, Akua Tu, Alternative Soul, Jazz

Akua Tu | Introspection – [Akua Tu, 2009]

Akua Tu, Introspection

Currently living in the UK, Akua Tu started singing in the school choir and at the tender age of 9 was singing in the equivalent of the Royal Festival Hall in Germany and HongKong. At the age of 14 she sang and played Bass Guitar in her own Reggae band performing at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre in London on several occasions. At the age of 17, she successfully auditioned for the London Community Gospel Choir but due to the strict upbringing of her Ghanaian parents, was unable to go on tour.

She spent the next few years writing for herself and other artists, working full time and still doing music on the side Akua was offered an independent record deal to record two albums as a solo artist but felt that the time was not right. During her time singing background vocals in a 16-piece African Jazz/Funk band, Akua auditioned for a Gospel band and found herself performing alongside The Sounds of Blackness and other well known artistes.

..:: Source: MySpace.com/akuatumusic ::..

David Binney | Third Occasion

Tags

David Binney, Jazz, Modern Creative Jazz, Saxophone

David Binney | Third Occasion – [Mythology Records, 2009]

David Binney, Third Occasion

Stylistically consistent concept album. Saxman David Binney has a penchant for creating compositions that grow wings into alluring modern jazz, avant-garde material from rather simple, at times almost folk(ish) motifs. Accordingly, of particular merit are the beautiful and pensive theme of ‘this naked sunday’; the sweeping dynamic being exhibited on ‘explaining what’s hidden,’ with a virtuosic piano solo that really delivers thanks to Craig Taborn (also on tr. 2, 4, 8); and the song called ‘blood of cities’ where drummer Brian Blade’s articulation in breaking up the rhythm is essential.

The remainder includes tunes like the restless ‘squares and palaces,’ which features vortex like interaction among the core musicians, leaning toward atonal-ism and pushing structural boundaries; or the impressionistic and nuancely inflected ‘here is all the love I have,’ with a bass solo by Scott Colley invoking sentiments of Americana. The 4-member horn section is employed for brief episodes to add tonal coloring and to provide a frame (tr. 1, 9) for real substance. —Hanyi Ishtouk

..:: Source: Amazon.com ::..

Arturo O’Farrill | Song for Chico

Tags

Arturo O'Farrill, Cuban Jazz, Piano

Arturo O’Farrill | Song for Chico – [Zoho Music, 2008]

2008 Grammy Award WINNER For Best Latin Jazz Album!!! Arturo O’Farrill, Song for Chico.

By now, Arturo O’Farrill has his own following, not just those who are interested in the popular “guests” he has had on previous work. His piano range is wide, both in style and technique. This album showcases his arranging and leadership talent, as well. Anyone who enjoys the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music will appreciate the tight style of the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra that makes just listening without moving to the beat almost impossible. A deft mix of old and new tunes, including the title homage to his father, Chico, who was such a force in bring this music to the USA over half a century ago. The update on the classic “Caravan” makes a great start for the CD. Don’t miss his “Picadillo“, the best version since Cal Tjader’s. Here’s hoping that this proves the springboard for greater recognition and success. —Porterfiend

..:: Source: Amazon.com ::..