Louis Hayes – Louis Hayes Featuring Yusef Lateef & Nat Adderley (1960)

Apr 25, 2008 by Mr. Nau Drummer Louis Hayes leads a quintet in this 1960 set of hard bop charts, joining forces with Yusef Lateef on tenor saxophone and Nat Adderley on cornet. Most of the music is written by Adderley, Lateef, or pianist Barry Harris. The playing here is straight ahead with some fantastic […]

Buddy DeFranco – Blues Bag (1964)

Apr 24, 2008 by Mr. Nau Buddy DeFranco takes up the bass clarinet as he leads a talented group of musicians (including such names as Lee Morgan, Art Blakey, Freddie Hill, and Curtis Fuller) on a beautiful set of tunes that features some standard bebop charts. DeFranco is on fire playing this unusual, yet agile […]

John Coltrane – Live at Birdland (1963)

Apr 15, 2008 by Mr. Nau John Coltrane helms an amazing quartet, comprised of McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones, in this sweet set of tunes recorded in 1963. Coltrane and his rhythm section are astonishing here, with mind-boggling solo work from him on both tenor and soprano — as well as from Tyner’s […]

Art Pepper – Art Standards (2002)

Apr 11, 2008 by Mr. Nau Art Pepper leads a phenomenal group of musicians in this compilation of various sessions from the early 80s. There are plenty of great solos by Pepper–as well as Bill Watrous (trombone), Sonny Stitt (alto), Russ Freeman (piano), and Lee Konitz (alto)–making this an enjoyable set of familiar standards. Grade: […]

Ali Ryerson – In Her Own Sweet Way (1996)

Apr 09, 2008 by Mr. Nau Flutist Ali Ryerson leads a solid rhythm section in this nice collection of standard tunes and original charts. Her playing is first-rate and this relaxed straight-ahead set really hits the spot, especially on familiar tracks like In Your Own Sweet Way, Blue in Green, and Chega de Saudade. Grade: […]

Om: Winter Sessions (2006)

Apr 01, 2008 by Mr. Nau Justin Martin and Johnny Fiasco contribute their mixing skills to this Om Records two-disk mixed deep house compilation. Both DJs select some tracks that are instant classics, while other tracks have lyrics that squander funky fist-pumping dancefloor cuts. This is a fun collection, though, good for frequent plays. Grade: […]

Bargrooves: Manhattan (2005)

Mar 31, 2008 by Mr. Nau Ben Sowton joins forces with New York’s Mateo & Matos on this funky continuously-mixed Bargrooves compilation. Lip-curling basslines and booty-shaking rhythms contribute to a fun couple of hours. With a good number of enjoyable vocal tracks, this deep house set offers enticing cuts worthy of multiple spins. Grade: B+. […]

Chuck Love – Bring Enough to Spill Some (2007)

Feb 13, 2008 by Mr. Nau Multi-instrumentalist Chuck Love unleashes his unforgettable debut on Om Records with this beautiful set of his original tracks that feature him singing and playing trumpet, guitar, and flute. His music is deep, funky, and very danceable. This classic house CD comes with a nice bonus DJ mix to boot. […]

Sia – Colour the Small One (2004)

Feb 09, 2008 by Mr. Nau After her breathtaking work with Zero 7, her vocal talents became known to the world. In this set of downtempo tracks, Sia shows off her songwriting talent, but never lets her voice loose. This record sounds like she sang the whole thing in a closet, trying not to disturb […]

Eva Cassidy – Songbird (1998)

Feb 09, 2008 by Mr. Nau Eva Cassidy performs a spectacular set of classic songs in this sadly posthumous release. Her stunningly unique interpretation comes through with every note on this unforgettable record. With a voice of amazing beauty, Eva’s music marks her as an iconic talent whose legacy will endure for many years to […]

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