Bob Powers

MARIETTA, OH, USA - The postman has been kind in the past couple of weeks, showering stacks of new CDs at the front door. And among those outstanding titles, both brand new and classics from the early days of jazz have been several that will continue to win spins far beyond the area of initial hearings.

Easily the most impressive of altogether formidable pile of music is the third album from René Marie. "Live at Jazz Standard" (MaxJazz Records). This young lady, who formerly worked in a bank, has a voice worth all the contents of the biggest bank vault. She was terrific in her first two albums, "How Can I Keep from Singing?" and Vertigo," the latter chosen the best jazz vocal album of 2002 by Jazz Times.

This lovely young lady sings with all the gusto and finesse of an old timer, yet possesses the freshness of a newcomer who just happened to be born with fantastic chops. Working at the club called the Jazz Standard in New York City late last year, she remains in control of the enthusiastic audience with the ease and assuredness of a veteran performer, yet possesses all the charm of a beautiful young lady on her first date.

The rise toward the top echelons of jazz hasn't been an easy ride. For one thing, René took brave steps to make her first steps toward the top of the music world. She resigned her job at the bank in Richmond, Va. in December of 1998. Then when her husband of 23 years forbade her to pursue a music career, she left him.

Her first two CD's garnered awards both in the U.S. and abroad. Her latest album is a spectacular production that should be warming CD turntables in homes across the world for a long time to come. This lady has the real goods and shés not to be denied.

Albums recorded live in night clubs are chancy things. Some are excellent, others sort of limp through the motions. René has come through with a collection of songs that receive her special reading. She has a spectacular voice, not particularly reminiscent of any who've gone before her, but electric and captivating from one track to another.

The crowd during the recording sessions late in 2002 was just about perfect. They stayed quiet during the music, but went just a bit nuts in applauding and whistling at the end of each number. René benefits from the superb trio that supports her, including John Toomey on piano, Elias Bailey on bass and T. Howard Curtis behind the drum kit.

Song selection is damned near perfect, ranging from familiar standards from the past "'Deed I Do" and "Where or When" to "I Loves You Porgy" and the always entrancing "Nature Boy," a hit for Nat King Cole a half-century ago. One of the most unusual arraignments combines Ravel's classical masterpiece "Bolero" with the Leonard Cohen wonderment called "Suzanne." Get ready to fight a lump in the throat. This truly is masterful singing.

There's 70 minutes of music on this album, and there's not a moment's misstep to be found. René Marie winds up with a stunning version of "How Can I Keep from Singing" and you'll want to answer her, "Don't even think about it!"

Headhunters Return

The Headhunters have returned. You may remember the band from their hits that included "Chameleon" to "God Made Me Funky." Percussionist Bill Summers, drummer Mike Clark and bassist Paul Jackson join together with a slew of guest artists to produce a fun album entitled, "Evolution Revolution" (Basin Street Records).

If you're in a funky mood, this CD should keep you smiling for weeks. The music, more than 66 minutes of it, will keep heads bobbing and toes tapping with great abandon. My tastes these days prefer things a trifle less frenetic, but these folks know what they like, and they play it. The result should produce smiles on thousands of happy faces.

Ruby Braff Gems

The recent death of horn genius Ruby Braff has prompted Arbors Jazz to release a new Braff album containing both new and previously released material. Entitled "America, The Beautiful," the album contains a variety of material centered on the master's wonderful performances on the cornet.

The album features Dick Hyman working at the Wurlitzer Theater Organ. Selections are mostly familiar favorites, including an Ellington medley and several Dixieland favorites. If you loved Braff's work, this will be a definite must for your collection.

Braff may now be playing in the brass section of that heavenly choir, but his music can be enjoyed by all who loved his outstanding work.

Jimmy Ponder's Hot

There aren't too many record companies willing to release a solo guitar album, unless it's done by one of the classical masters. Congratulations are in order for High Note Records, whose release "Alone" spotlights the jazz stylings of Jimmy Ponder.

Although he wouldn't be called exactly famous, Ponder has been around a long time and worked his talents for some 100 albums as a sideman or leader. He plays well and sails serenely through the absence of a rhythm section without a care. Ponder knows what he can do, does it, and that's that. I think anyone with a yearning for good jazz guitar would find this album worthwhile.

Bob Powers always is interested in hearing from record distributors who deal in jazz, rock, folk, and anything that's good. For instructions on getting your album reviewed, contact him at oldbob@localnet.com.

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