Top Jazz Picks of, Well, Whenever

I wrote this up recently for a friend who asked me for some jazz recommendations. These are pretty much standard listening for any newcomer to jazz. Have a look and a listen and let me know what you think.

Giant Steps and My Favorite Things by John Coltrane: They say that Coltrane ushered in a sort of spirituality to jazz that hadn't existed before. This feeling can certainly be felt in some of his recordings. I enjoy these two albums because, sonically, they are amazing and his technicality is unreal. McCoy Tyner plays piano on both, who is a talented performer in his own right. If you really want to experience the spirituality though, check out A Love Supreme. As Prego would say, it's in there.

Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. I mean, if you don't know this one by heart, well, you should. Could this be considered the birth and death of cool all in one?

Waltz for Debby by Bill Evans. Evans was in Miles' group when they recorded Kind of Blue (along with Coltrane, Adderly, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb). But Evans' contribution was his romantic feeling. In fact, it is believed that he co-wrote 2 of the tracks on Kind of Blue, which Miles didn't give him credit for. So when people talk about that cool/romantic feeling on that album, maybe some of that is due to Evans. Anyway, any trio album with Evans is going to be good. Waltz for Debby is right up there.

Criss Cross by Thelonious Monk. Monk helped develop bebop and Criss Cross is a landmark album. It's an easy album to enjoy because the melodies are both odd yet enjoyable. Also, Charlie Rouse plays a mean sax.

Headhunters by Herbie Hancock. This is where jazz meets funk and gets down. The new version of Watermelon Man takes a song from his established canon and re-imagines it in a matter that is downright funkalicious. It is literally impossible to listen to this track and sit still. Just try it, I dare you.

The Inner Mounting Flame by The Mahavishnu Orchestra. This is where jazz meets rock: fusion. Also Bitches Brew by Miles is another landmark album that sold a ton. I like the one by Mahavishnu better though. This might be a tough album to really listen to, so if you have to pick one track, listen to "Dance of Maya" - it's pretty mind blowing and really shows off fusion at work. It's half jazz, then rock, then both. It's amazing.

Largo by Brad Mehldau. Mehldau seems to run the gamut and can play any style. He often mixes in a lot of current pop but with strong jazz sensibilities. Largo was produced by Jon Brion (Aimee Mann, etc.) and exists as a meeting of the minds between jazz and pop. He covers the Beatles and Radiohead while mixing in his own writing. "When it Rains" is instantly classic.

Raphael Saadiq - Oh Yes

Admittedly, I don’t know too much about Raphael Saadiq’s previous work. I do know that he was (and is, I guess) the lead singer for Tony! Toni! Tone! He has collaborated with several artists throughout his career including D’Angelo, Snoop Dogg, The Roots and more. But based upon an interview on WFUV’s Words and Music from Studio A, I wanted to give “The Way I See It” a listen. I was not disappointed.

The album is homage to 1960’s soul and Motown; genres of music for which Mr. Saadiq has an obvious love, but also mastery. Upon first listen, it wouldn’t have surprised me if I’d found that half of the tracks were written 30-40 years ago. That said, he has a few tricks up his sleeve that add a contemporary flair.

The disc opens with “Sure Hope You Mean It” – a jauntily-paced track that sounds like it could have been recorded by The Temptations 40 years ago, though Saadiq’s lyrical approach is modernized. Rather than a straight profession of love, he’s cautious about letting himself go; as he sings: “Don’t fool me baby/Sure hope you mean it girl.”

Other tricks that Saadiq employs include welcoming guest artists that add verve to several songs. Joss Stone guests on “Just One Kiss” and Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo on “Never Give You Up” is soulful, fresh and fun. But the finest moment comes in collaboration with Jay-Z on “Oh Girl.” Hidden at the end of the album, this track is worth the price of entry. Between Saadiq’s soulful swoon and Jay’s hip-hop chops, this standout track is a meld of sounds both old and new. The result is a fresh new sound successfully intermingle both worlds.

Overall, the album hangs together well and makes for a laid back groove. There is a distinctly soulful vibe that is palpable, which Saadiq executes superbly. The guests add flavor too, but the main soul is all his own.

No Burritos for a Week

I think I'm beginning to feel the plight of my ancestors. We're now at day 6 of Passover and with 2 boxes of matzah down, I am craving a tasty burrito filled with guac, cheese, beans and the rest of the good stuff. In some ways, this holiday is meant to be celebratory, but I think I'll celebrate most when I can eat tortillas and tacos again! :)