John Coltrane – Giant Steps (1959)
Oct 12, 2007 by Mr. Nau In an indisputably spectacular album, John Coltrane leads a group of musicians in one of the finest collections of instrumental improvisation ever recorded. With seven original compositions and several alternate takes, these incredible tracks require multiple spins. The solo work is exquisite and the ensemble is nothing short of […]
Heaven (2002)
Oct 10, 2007 by Mr. Nau Cate Blanchett and Giovanni Ribisi star in this Krzysztof Kieslowski-penned crime drama. Blanchett and Ribisi do a surprisingly good job at speaking convincing Italian. The cinematography, sets, and script are wonderful and it’s easy to care about the characters, even the one who has committed an inconceivably horrible crime. […]
Lionel Hampton – Vintage Hampton (1993)
Oct 09, 2007 by Mr. Nau This compilation of tracks from Lionel Hampton’s sessions with other greats, like Gerry Mulligan, Dexter Gordon, Woody Shaw, Charles Mingus, and Teddy Wilson, is a solid introduction to the genius of Hamp’s virtuosity and flexibility, maintaining his swing style even with bebop players. Great solo work fills this sweet […]
Sonny Stitt – Sits In With the Oscar Peterson Trio (1991)
Oct 08, 2007 by Mr. Nau Sonny Stitt joins the Oscar Peterson trio in this scorching set of standards. Stitt’s alto is absolutely on fire in these sessions, dating from late 50s. Oscar Peterson gives a good run for his money on piano. Great artists inspire exceptional performances from each other and the music never […]
Bud Powell – Time Waits (1958)
Oct 08, 2007 by Mr. Nau Bud Powell shines on this nice set of his original compositions from a single recording session in 1958. His sound is unique and he lays back on the tempo, giving ample time to show off his talented rhythm section. His improvisational chops are amazing and so are his compositional […]
Antonio Carlos Jobim – The Girl from Ipanema (1995)
Oct 03, 2007 by Mr. Nau A magnificent compilation packed full of some of the greatest names in jazz history, this set of classic recordings from the early 60s pays tribute to the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, the father of the bossa nova. Every song here is a beautiful revelation, perfectly played by incredible […]
Spike & Co: Do It A Cappella (1988)
Oct 02, 2007 by Mr. Nau This soundtrack for a documentary about a cappella vocal groups has a few tracks from choice artists, like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Persuasions, Take 6, True Image and the Mint Juleps. Some of the tunes have limited appeal, but most of them are nice renditions of unaccompanied blues and […]
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