As a matter of totally limited interest I thought I'd mention, in no particular order, a few CD's that I've begged, bought, borrowed or burgled of late.
*****
Stan Getz/Jimmy Rowles "The Peacocks" Dave Weisser introduced me to this wonderful disc and if he never does me a favour again, with this, he has done enough. Getz is at his most lyrical on 13 of the 18 tracks with Ellington's "What Am I Here For?" particularly outstanding. Rowles' piano playing shows just what an underrated musician he is whilst his vocal on the opening "I'll Never Be The Same" sends shivers up the spine. On the tracks without Getz, George Mraz is on bass and the duo score on another Ellington piece, "Black Butterfly".
*****
Marty Grosz and his Hot Combination. I bought this during a wonderful concert Marty and Ken Peplowski gave at the Saville Exchange, North Shields. The place wasn't full yet, quality wise they should have filled O2 ten times over - it was that kind of a night. The CD is a good representation of the gig; even down to Marty's monologues.
*****
Michiko Ogawa Trio. "It's All About Love". I've mentioned this CD in an earlier posting so I'll refrain from repeating myself except to say that Michiko is a very talented Japanese lady who plays the piano rather well. She also sings and arranges. Harry Allen blows fine tenor on all of the tracks including the rarely heard verse to "Body and Soul".
*****
Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes. "Silvershine". I must confess that I'd never heard of Andy Hamilton until I stumbled across this item and got knocked sideways.
Now based in the midlands, West Indian born Andy wrote the title track in 1947 for no less a person than legendary actor Errol Flynn. Although the record has Andy Sheppard, Jean Toussaint and David Murray among the personnel as well as Mick Hucknell singing "You Are Too Beautiful" it is Andy Hamilton who (silver) shines the brightest.
This is the real deal.
I believe Andy Hamilton picked up an OBE in one of the recent honours lists; something the media manged to bypass.
*****
Ruth Lambert. "So Many Stars". I'm not being parochial or partisan in mentioning this or the next two discs. All three can hold their own in any company. I love the light, almost casual way, Ruth throws away the lyric of "I've Got The World On A String" then goes into deep melancholy mood for a "Black Coffee" that I'm sure Peggy Lee would have approved of.
*****
Zoe Gilby. "Now That I Am Real". I think Peggy would like this disc as well. I'm always knocked out by "If I Only Had A Brain" (No - not wishful thinking on my part!) and Zoe does it as good as anyone. "Ode To Billy Joe" I loved the first time around and I like it even better slightly faster and funkier as she does it here.
*****
Paul Edis Trio with Vasilis Xenopoulos "Live At The Side". One of the best of the sessions at the Side Cafe to date. Vasilis Xenopoulos is just about as lyrical a tenor player as you could wish for, albeit not without the occasional cutting edge, whilst the Edis Trio of Paul on piano, Mick Shoulder (bass) and Adrian Sinclair (drums) give fine support with Paul's solos challenging Vasy's in their intensity.
*****
As a matter of interest, Ruth, Zoe, Paul and Vasilis are all lined up to appear at Blaydon Jazz Club between now and Xmas with Zoe playing there next Thursday (Paul's on piano).
Don't miss it even if you have to hop a freight to get there.
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