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Reginald Cyntje- Elements Of Life
I first reviewed Reginald Cyntje’s “Love” CD back on November 22, 2013. In that review, I noted that Love was a mix of “calypso, reggae and other “Caribbean flavors.” For his latest release, Elements Of Life, Cyntje’s goal was a harmonious balance of the elements and a search for joy. The unmistakable sounds of traditional Calypso music are still there – like the steel pan drum. Cyntje’s remarkable talent on the trumpet is also present. The nine tracks are somewhat more mellow and somber that his previous work but still very enjoyable.
Overall: 8
Sonics: 8
Beat Funktion- Voodoland
Precisely what a Swedish funk band and Voodoo have to do with each other I cannot say, but Beat Funktion has delivered a work that lives up to the band’s name. With trumpets, sax, organ, clavinet, electric bass and drums, all the pieces of the puzzle are there for some up tempo Philadelphia style jazz / funk with an African, Latin groove. The six member ensemble strip down this work to the bare essentials and delivers a very enjoyable “desert Island” release that is sure to please.
Overall: 8
Sonics: 8
Kevyn Lettau- Songs Of The Police
Born in Germany, moved to California at age fourteen, Kevyn Lettau grew to love jazz in the culturally rich California music scene. In the mid 1980’s she began working with Sergio Mendes, an association that lasted eight years. Subsequently, she released two solo albums that proved to be very popular with her fans. In 2000, she initially released Songs Of The Police, which her fans also found very popular. This version has been re – mastered by JVC at their Japan studio using the superior XRCD24 mastering process for increased sonics. Lettau has a captivating voice and along with outstanding arrangements her talents really shine. On “De Do Do Do, De Da Da” she has a vocal / percussion duet that is both interesting and really well done. Given the lush arrangements, and the remarkable sonic quality, if you like music by the Police, done in a jazz style by a talented vocalist, this is one to have.
Overall: 8
Sonics: 9
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Jefferson Rose Band – Feel Like Dancing
Given that the members of this tightly honed ensemble hails from Seattle, California, Ghana, Spain, Louisiana and the Caribbean it is no wonder that their new release is a blend of a variety of musical styles. Latin, Reggae, and even New Orleans funk all make their way into this highly enjoyable release. With both vocal and instrumental tracks of all original music, the eleven tracks mostly live up to the CD’s title. Because this is an upbeat work that is a fun listen.
Overall: 8
Sonics: 8
Paul Kletzki – Sibelius Symphony No. 2 In D Major
Born in Poland Paul Kletzki joined the Polish Philharmonic Orchestra at age fifteen where he ultimately was both a composer and conductor. In the 1920’s, Arturo Toscanini championed his compositions. He later joined the newly formed Philharmonia Orchestra in London. He has served as principal conductor in orchestras around the world. This work is Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 In D Major that was originally recorded in July of 1955. This re – master has been cut from the original master tapes and recorded using the JVC XRCD24 recording process.
Overall: 8
Sonics: 9
Cowboy Mouth- Go!
The day I was doing this music review I had spent quite a few hours listening to mostly traditional jazz and some classical. Go! is latest release by Cowboy Mouth and the last CD I had to play. As I loaded it into the CD player I had no idea what type of music it might be. In fact, I had not even looked at the CD, the liner notes, or the press release that accompanies the CD. I figured it was just another ho-hum, soft, mellow, traditional jazz selection. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I loaded the CD and when I sat back down and pushed play, Go! did just that. Not jazz or classical, what I heard was good, old fashioned, Southern Fried Rock and Roll a-la The Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels and the Allman Brothers. Go! was such a barn burner that what I really wanted to do was forget about the review, get up on the coffee table, get down on one knee and play the air guitar. What I did do is crank up the volume and enjoy. This release is trying to recreate what takes place at a Cowboy Mouth live concert. If what happens there is half as much fun as this CD, then I need to definitely check these guys (and girl) out. Go! is their tenth album and they are approaching their 25th anniversary. I’m only sorry I didn’t happen upon them sooner. Rest assured I won’t make that mistake in the future. If you like high octane Southern rock & roll, neither should you.
Overall: 10
Sonics: 8
