It’s the time of year for saving money!
Artist: Noa Fort – No World Between Us
Label: Self-Released
Noa Fort is an Israeli born composer, vocalist and pianist who started playing piano at age five and from the start wanted to be in the music business. That goal was reached, however, after first earning a degree in biology and studying birds. Thereafter, she studied music formally in both India and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. She then headlined the Noa Fort Quintet performing all original compositions. She graduated from the Jerusalem Academy in 2012 and moved to New York in 2013. Stylistically, “No World” is softer in texture and rather poetic in nature. Of the ten tracks, nine are original compositions are piano and voice driven in a more melodic nature. The lyrics on Track Nine, “The Guest House,” were derived from 13thcentury Persian poet Rumi. Track six, Empty Space (Halal Paur) is sung in Hebrew, again understandable given her heritage. All in all, this is an enjoyably work from a very talented composer, pianist and vocalist.
Overall: 8
Recording: 8
Artist: Rondi Marsh – The Pink Room
Label: Self-Released
Despite her Yakima, Washington heritage, singer Rondi March starts Track One, “Flamingo,” in a style that would almost transport the listener to Paris sitting in an outdoor café along the Champs Elysees sipping on a glass of fine Bordeaux. What follows are nine covers and one original track of mostly jazz influenced compositions and she even strays into a Latin flavored presentation here and there. Marsh earned a BA in Music Education and a Masters of Education from Central Washington University. I especially enjoyed her versions of the Erroll Garner classic “Misty” as well as Johnny Mercer’s timeless “Summerwind.” Frank would be proud. Both are more up-tempo than the other works and my foot was tapping while I made review notes. Marsh’s voice is very pleasing and never sounds strained. In fact, she handles all eleven tracks as if it were a walk in the park. “The Pink Room” is a relaxed, jazz flavored work of some very recognizable classics all sung by a masterful performer. Highly recommended.
Overall: 8
Sonics: 8
Artist: Caroline Cotter – Home On The River
Label: Caroline Cotter Music
“Home On The River” is the second release for folk based, “Americana” artist Caroline Cotter. Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, educated in Maine, Cotter has traveled to many parts of the world performing and uniquely enough, teaching Yoga. With “River,” Cotter has all the instruments that one would normally associate with folk music – guitar, banjo, mandolin and violin (although in this case I suppose it should be called “fiddle”). The ten tracks touch on personal subjects such as her parents and she was quoted as saying – “My music is an expression of myself, reaching out to a world who I hope to connect with.” Folk music or Americana music fans will very likely enjoy what I found to be a completely entertaining work.
Overall: 8.5
Sonics: 8
Artist: The Diva Jazz Orchestra – 25thAnniversary Project
Label: Artist Share
Headlined by music director and drummer Sherrie Maricle, “The Divas” are a group of women who are not only highly skilled musicians, but they can hold their own with any big band / swing band orchestra I have ever had the pleasure to hear. As the title implies, this release is an ode to the band’s twenty five years of playing together. Music Director Maricle is a gifted drummer and she has, by what I heard on this release, skillfully managed things for a quarter century. Of course, pick any Diva musical position and what you will find is a highly skilled musician. In the finest and best tradition of big band, jazz oriented, orchestral musical groups, The Diva Jazz Orchestra is a standout. If your musical proclivities lean towards the big band era of the 1950’s, I urge you to try these ladies on for size. You will certainly not be disappointed, in fact, you will be impressed. I certainly was.
Overall: 9
Sonics: 8
]]>Artist: Itzhak Perlman & Andre Previn – Mendelssohn Violin Concerto & Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1
Label: Parlophone Records Limited
Incomparable violinist Itzhak Perlman, joined by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Andre Previn is at his masterful best in the Warner Brothers XRCD release of both Mendelssohn and Bruch Violin Concertos. Previn skillfully guides the London Symphony through Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 and Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op.64. While originally recorded in 1972 at Abbey Road Studios and released in 1973, the review sample is a remastered version using the JVC XRCD24 Mastering System. While the brilliance of Itzhak Perlman speaks for itself, on this particular release, the sonics are equally brilliant. For classical fans, this one will be very much enjoyed.
Overall: 8.5
Sonics: 10
Artist: Jacqueline Du Pre – Dvorak Cello Concerto
Label: Parlophone Records Limited
Cellist Jacqueline Du Pre was, at a very young age, an accomplished artist and in this recording, is joined by the Chicago Symphony in the performance of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Op 104. Tragically, at the age of twenty seven, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which effectively ended her career. Du Pre was a gifted cellist, as evidenced on this work. Sadly, the world will not be able to hear what she might have accomplished. This recording, however, is an absolute masterpiece. Originally recorded in 1970, this release is a remaster utilizing the JVC XRCD24 mastering process.
Overall: 9
Sonics: 10
Note: JVC’s XRCD24process starts with a pure analog tape recording mastered in Japan utilizing JVC’s 24 bit AD Converter with Digital K2 Rubidium clock. The result is a high fidelity, extended resolution (XRCD24) CD that delivers superior fidelity and improved audio quality that can be played on any CD player. They are available from Elusive Disc.
