A fascinating set from three strong and contrasting musical personalities: Norwegian saxophonist, Brazilian guitarist-pianist, and US bassist making purposeful and creative music together on this previously unreleased live recording. Carta de Amor documents music captured at Munichs Amerika Haus in April, 1981. Two years on from the much-loved albums Magico and Folk Songs, the trios improvisational empathy and sensibilities were further honed by experiences as a touring group. Repertoire includes five pieces from Gismontis pen, with the title track heard in two variations, opening and closing this enthralling double album. Also heard here are Garbareks folk song arrangements and an extended, freewheeling version of his composition Spor. Charlie Haden brings in La Pasionaria, from the repertoire of the Liberation Music Orchestra and All That Is Beautiful, not previously documented on disc. Recorded by Manfred Eicher and Martin Wieland in 1981, mixed from original analog tapes by Eicher and Jan Erik Kongshaug in 24 bit/96 kHz in 2012. ~ amazon.com
Revisiting the greatest hits of French chanteuse Edith Piaf, this album is central to Patricia Kaas tribute to the legendary singer! The sensual and smoky voice of Kaas is extraordinary here as Kaas is a absolutely fantastic in her interpretations of Piaf's songs. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Edith Piaf s passing, this release features some of Piaf s most evocative titles, remixed by young French electronic artists under the direction of Fabrice Brovelli and Christophe Caurret, who produced Woodkid, The Shoes, and Yuksek. Tracks include Mon dieu, Padam, padam, Avec ce soleil, Milord, and The 9th Hour (Prélude).
Bass prodigy Dezron Douglas hails from Hartford, Connecticut. A product of the Jackie McLean Institute, Douglas quickly established himself as a dominant voice on the jazz scene of New York City. He began to work with such giants as Louis Hayes, Pharaoh Sanders, Louis Nash, Kevin Mahagony and a slew of others. As a leader, Douglas is presented here with a band of his peers: the highly original Stacy Dillard, the fiery (and also McLean alum) Josh Evans, pianist David Bryant and the veteran drummer Willie Jones III. This memorable live date at the legendary Smalls Jazz Club is exciting, full of fire and drama and wonderful swinging moments. ~ amazon.com