COVER -> POWERSSOUND
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Bob Powers If you've been hankering for information on new music releases, your desires have been fulfilled. "Powerssound" has returned after several weeks of an unwanted vacation brought about by a massive assault on my computer, which resulted it the old girl turning up her toes after seven years of more or less faithful service.
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Time to buy a new one quickly, once I heard that repairing Old Bertha would require almost as much money as buying a new one, complete with as many whistles and bells as my wallet could afford. In other words, it's not fancy, but it does what I require of it. Let's all whisper or shout a prayer to the Computer Gods that my baby will have many years of smooth operating life.
The postman and the UPS lady have continued to deliver new CD releases to my front and back porches (seems that smiling UPS employee has trouble in deciding which door is most convenient.)
As I type this, I'm listening for probably the tenth time to "Premonition," a delightful new jazz collection from excellent pianist Jacob Lindner. The album, from Concord's Stretch label, features a dozen talented musicians performing in various combinations. Lindner's work on the piano ranges from stirring to exquisite.
Only 27, Lindner has a classical background but has adapted to the jazz world easily. His compositions bear some resemblance to the classics, in that they're formal, precise, and measured. But there's also plenty of solid rhythm and an emotional quality so frequently found in jazz.
In a wide ranging program, Lindner runs the gamut from straight ahead jazz to even a touch of hip hop, represented by his tribute to pianist Mary Lou Williams, called "Mary's Vibe." It's a stirring tribute in verse to an artist who has played a large role in Lindner's advancement as a jazz player.
There are times when "Premonition" brings back pleasant memories of the Dave Pell Octet from the 50s. At other moments, a touch of the blustery sound of Stan Kenton peeks its head above water. Lindner sounds just as much at home with the Steinway piano as he does working on a Fender Rhodes.
There are a dozen members of Lindner's regular group, which means that big, big sounds are present and available. But Lindner shows that he understands the idea of musical economy. No need to blast at ear-splitting level when quiet moments will be more effective.
Lindner was just 25 when this album was recorded two years ago. It's amazing to listen to work that seems so mature and developed. Playing with longtime associates Avi Lebovich and Avishai Cohen, Lindner has created one of the best efforts to be released this year. It deserves a hearing in all households open to the mysteries and majesties of today's jazz.
WORLD MUSIC MAKES SPLASH
Today's world music scene seems to loom larger as listeners become willing to partake of sounds beyond what they've become accustomed to.Two excellent albums arrived on my porch and have received a concerted and objective hearing. At least I've tried.
First up are Boni Gnahore and the Attungblan Chorus. "Pedou" (Playasound Records) contains smart sounds from Africa. Leader Bnahore has 15 years of experience on the African stage. In his sextet of singers and musicians, Bnahore offers the first-time listener an idea of what African music is today. As the record company notes, Ghahore's compositions bring together many African music traditions, from Pygmy polyphony to Burundi drum choruses. He adds modern jazz, funk and Afro beat. The conglomeration will find receptive ears in many categories.
There's no much explanation needed for "Yo" (Playasound Records), the new release from Kalindi-Ki and featuring Marie-Line Dahomay. In playing the traditional music of Guadaloupe, Kalinda-Ki's colleagues will cause ears to stand at attention and eyes to gaze at the cover photograph of the group's lovely lead singer Dahomay. If she ever decides to pursue a career beyond her home country, she could very well reach star status. There's little question that this album will find an audience, should radio stations have the smarts to start giving it a chance.
