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Smith, who once was the undisputed king of the venerable Hammond B-3 organ, has made a new CD that will bring back great memories of one of the most listenable performers in jazz and blues. "Dot Com Blues" (Blue Thumb Records) is Smith's first new album in five years. He is in fine form for this session, and he's benefited from a stellar cast of performers who drop by to join in the fun.
Etta James does her magic with a sizzling solo on Willie Dixon's classic, "I Just Wanna Make Love to You." Etta James has one of the most distinctive voices in show business and she sounds simply great here. Dr. John has played a prominent role in many recording sessions and here he's a vital part of this recording of his song, "Only in It for the Money." You'll swear you are down on the Bayou.
Others appearing include B.B. King, Taj Mahal and Keb Mo, each joining in on their own compositions. The core rhythm section consists of guitarist Russell Malone, Reggie McBride on bass and Harvey Mason, drums. Their work is always excellent.
Tribute to Jaco
It's been 13 years since bassist Jaco Pastorius died. A musician of astonishing ability, the bassist possessed talent that was incredible. He made a splash in performing with a popular group in the 1970s, Weather Report.But Pastorius was plagued by demons that led him to overindulge, sending him on a downward spiral that culminated in his death at age 36. Concord Records has performed a service in calling attention to this gifted player with the release of "Who Loves You?," a collection of eleven tunes either written by or associated with Pastorius.
The idea is a good one, and if it leads to a revival in interest, then their goal has been accomplished. But despite a cast of excellent musicians, "Who Loves You?" turns out to have one essential ingredient. That, of course, is Jaco Pastorius.
Despite some impressive talent assembled here, including Bob James, David Sanborn, Peter Erskine, along with bassists Victor Bailey, John Pattitucci, Mark Egan, James Genus, and others, the album doesn't really reach the essence of Pastorius's magnificence.
When Weather Report was hot and Pastorius still a member, the band came to Columbus, Ohio. I was a part of the audience and never will forget the performance. The packed theater was transformed by Jaco's unbelievable abilities. It was one of the most electrifying concerts I ever attended.
It's nice to have the music of Pastorius packaged. It brings back good memories of grand times.
Poncho The Great
It's appropriate that bandleader Poncho Sanchez celebrates his twentieth year as a bandleader with his twentieth release, "Soul of the Conga" (Concord Picante Records). Those of us who groove on Latin rhythms already know of the magic that a Latin jazz band can perform. The rest of you are in for a treat.The new album is a bit different. Besides the rhythms served up by Sanchez and his talented percussion section, the album includes the white-hot sounds of Hammond B-3 organists Joey Hammond, joined by talented trumpeter Terrence Blanchard.
Besides the expected Spanish songs, the album includes a few surprises, including Latin Jazz versions of "Days of Wine and Roses" and "Stella by Starlight."
The POWERSSOUND 100 Celebration Jazz Contest
Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions for the contest. After long deliberation and much thought, I picked the entry of Dan Ashby of San Pablo, California. Dan wins the boxed set of CDs called "West Coast Jazz."Dan's suggestion was to have either an essay contest on jazz, or to pose a number of questions about jazz performers. He realizes there are problems with either idea. I'm picking the essay idea.
If you would like to win a prize even bigger than the four CDs going out to Dan, please submit an essay of no more that 250 words on a topic dealing with your favorite jazz album, old or new.
Dan wrote:
"I would imagine you'd prefer to give the prize CDs to persons who have a profound knowledge and love of jazz. Two ways to ascertain who has invested the most heart and intellect in their appreciation of the music would be to invite a review of a favorite jazz album, or to present a collection of exam questions."The former method favors people who are better writers, and perhaps that poses an unfair disadvantage to many music lovers who are more aural than verbal. If you do choose to solicit reviews, you should specify a standard word count so there will be some equitable criteria for comparison.
"The latter (exam) method measures knowledge very well, but is perhaps less satisfactory as a means for gauging musical sensitivity."
Thanks, Dan, for a couple of excellent ideas. I decided to go with the essay contest because I've always found jazz lovers to be smart and able to describe their feelings about their favorite music.
Remember, no more than 250 words, sent to me via e-mail. The winner will announced during the G21 Gala Anniversary Celebration in March, 2001.
Please send your entry (headlined "Jazz Contest Entry") to this address: rpowers@ee.net. Contest Deadline is Monday, March 6, 2001.
Good luck!
