Still in a reflective mood at this time of the year, it's worth
having a look back at some of the long players that slipped through
the net and didn't quite make it into the 2012 review show.
Though they're still worthy of a mention.
Bobby Womack - "The Bravest Man In The Universe"
You have to hand it to this fella who hasn't had the best
of health in recent years, yet has made a great return
to form with an LP that couldn't be more forward thinking.
The blend of Womack's unique voice, and the sublime
beats of producers Damon Albarn and Richard Russell
work brilliantly together providing an album which,
may take a few listens to at first but ultimately it's
brilliantly crafted.
Dr. John - "Locked Down"
Another veteran performer getting together with top
producers and musicians, notably Dan Auerbach
from The Black Keys.
The rawness makes the album a compelling listen, with slightly
distorted Rhodes piano and guitars achieving said effect,
and above all, proving that they do make them like they used to.
Papik - "Music Inside"
It's been another good year for Italian jazz, and one of the
high points was the much anticipated second album from
Papik, following in pretty much the same way as their debut
"Notes Of The Past".
Returning on vocals are Alan Scaffardi and Ely Bruna alongside
amazing musicians for a blend of original material and covers.
Flying Lotus - "Until Quiet Comes"
This was a difficult one to stop listening to throughout October,
an album with plenty of suprises and unique sounding tracks.
Though quiet a poignant release too as it features one of
the final appearances from Brainfeeder labelmate Austin Peralta
who sadly passed away in November aged just 22.
Not just a good album, but superb videos to match with
"Putty Boy Strut" being one such stand out.
So those are the ones that got away or something along those lines,
Blam Jam's back on Sunday at 6 on CSR for a special hour long
festive special!
Where soul and jazz meets tongue in cheek, every Sunday 6-8pm on CSR FM 97.4 and online at http://www.csrfm.com
Monday 17 December 2012
Sunday 9 December 2012
Show 131: Your Festive Delve Into 2012 - 09.12.12
Hour 1
Soulful Standouts
Soul Trend
"Show Me Where The Moon Is"
Groovy Nights
Machiavelli
Quantic, Alice Russell And The Combo Barbaro
"Magdalena"
Look Around The Corner
Tru Thoughts
Khari Cabral Simmons Featuring Chantae Kaan
"Get Back"
Clementine Sun
Dome
Best Of The Rest - Soulful Standouts
Earth Wind And Fire
"Guiding Lights"
Now, Then, And Forever
Legacy
Warriors
"Je Ne Sais Quois"
Behind The Mask
Expansion
Incognito
"Rivers On The Sun"
Surreal
Dome
Experimental And Electronic Beats
Andrew Ashong And Theo Parrish
"Flowers"
12"
Sound Signature
Frank Ocean
"Thinkin' 'Bout You"
Channel Orange
Island/Def Jam
The Hics
"Lines"
Brownswood Bubblers Volume 9
Brownswood
Best Of The Rest - Experimental Beats
Ashley Beedle
"Run The Track"
Yardism EP
Girls Music
White Lamp
"Make It Good" (Galactic Disco Mix)
Make It Good EP
White Lamp
Jessie Ware
"Night Light" (Joe Goddard Remix)
Single Release
Universal/Island
2012 Roll Of Honour
Ahmed Sirour
"I Believe In You And Me"
(Tribute To Whitney Houston)
Soundcloud
Hour 2
Blam Jam's Rotten Raspberry Of 2012
Adele Vs Benedetti
"Rolling In The Deep" (Blammy's Deep House Rolling)
Soundcloud
Olympic Cyclone Band Featuring Stephanie Davies
"When A Child Is Born"
Season's Greetings
Jalapeno
Credible Covers
The Brian Ferry Jazz Orchestra
"Virginia Plain"
The Jazz Age
BMG
The Robert Glasper Experiment Feat. Erykah Badu
"Afro Blue"
Black Radio
Blue Note
Rainer Truby and Marlow
"Horse With No Name"
White Label
Best Of The Rest: Covers Compilation
Third Degree
"Can't Get You Out Of My Head" (Smoove Remix)
First Class
Jalapeno
Los Fulanos
"Blue Monday"
Y Si Esto Se Acaba Que Siga El Boogaloo
Lovemonk
2012's Best Of The Best
Gregory Porter
"Be Good" (Live At Jazz At The Pizza Express, London)
Online Download
The Sunburst Band
"In The Thick Of It"/"The Secret Life Of Us"
The Secret Life Of Us
Z
Chinah Blac
"Until You Go Home"
Honeycomb Music Volume 1
Honeycomb Music
Sandra St Victor
"The Christmas Song"
Honeycomb Christmas
Honeycomb Music
Skeewiff, Leader and Budtree
"Moomba Mambo"
Man Turns Animal
Pedigree Cuts
Thanks so much to you for listening throughout the year,
and kind words overall.
I'm back with a festive special at 6pm on the 23rd of December,
and returning with the usual proceedings on Sunday the 6th of January.
Have an amazing Christmas!
Robin xx
Soulful Standouts
Soul Trend
"Show Me Where The Moon Is"
Groovy Nights
Machiavelli
Quantic, Alice Russell And The Combo Barbaro
"Magdalena"
Look Around The Corner
Tru Thoughts
Khari Cabral Simmons Featuring Chantae Kaan
"Get Back"
Clementine Sun
Dome
Best Of The Rest - Soulful Standouts
Earth Wind And Fire
"Guiding Lights"
Now, Then, And Forever
Legacy
Warriors
"Je Ne Sais Quois"
Behind The Mask
Expansion
Incognito
"Rivers On The Sun"
Surreal
Dome
Experimental And Electronic Beats
Andrew Ashong And Theo Parrish
"Flowers"
12"
Sound Signature
Frank Ocean
"Thinkin' 'Bout You"
Channel Orange
Island/Def Jam
The Hics
"Lines"
Brownswood Bubblers Volume 9
Brownswood
Best Of The Rest - Experimental Beats
Ashley Beedle
"Run The Track"
Yardism EP
Girls Music
White Lamp
"Make It Good" (Galactic Disco Mix)
Make It Good EP
White Lamp
Jessie Ware
"Night Light" (Joe Goddard Remix)
Single Release
Universal/Island
2012 Roll Of Honour
Ahmed Sirour
"I Believe In You And Me"
(Tribute To Whitney Houston)
Soundcloud
Hour 2
Blam Jam's Rotten Raspberry Of 2012
Adele Vs Benedetti
"Rolling In The Deep" (Blammy's Deep House Rolling)
Soundcloud
Olympic Cyclone Band Featuring Stephanie Davies
"When A Child Is Born"
Season's Greetings
Jalapeno
Credible Covers
The Brian Ferry Jazz Orchestra
"Virginia Plain"
The Jazz Age
BMG
The Robert Glasper Experiment Feat. Erykah Badu
"Afro Blue"
Black Radio
Blue Note
Rainer Truby and Marlow
"Horse With No Name"
White Label
Best Of The Rest: Covers Compilation
Third Degree
"Can't Get You Out Of My Head" (Smoove Remix)
First Class
Jalapeno
Los Fulanos
"Blue Monday"
Y Si Esto Se Acaba Que Siga El Boogaloo
Lovemonk
2012's Best Of The Best
Gregory Porter
"Be Good" (Live At Jazz At The Pizza Express, London)
Online Download
The Sunburst Band
"In The Thick Of It"/"The Secret Life Of Us"
The Secret Life Of Us
Z
Chinah Blac
"Until You Go Home"
Honeycomb Music Volume 1
Honeycomb Music
Sandra St Victor
"The Christmas Song"
Honeycomb Christmas
Honeycomb Music
Skeewiff, Leader and Budtree
"Moomba Mambo"
Man Turns Animal
Pedigree Cuts
Thanks so much to you for listening throughout the year,
and kind words overall.
I'm back with a festive special at 6pm on the 23rd of December,
and returning with the usual proceedings on Sunday the 6th of January.
Have an amazing Christmas!
Robin xx
Monday 3 December 2012
Dissecting The Jazz Dial
Last night as part of my 3rd birthday show, I played an hour of
some of the finest melodic jazz offerings in a special feature
called "The Jazz Dial".
The audio can be heard here, and here's a rundown of the
tunes featured and the stories behind them.
Carmen Lundy - "Time Is Love"
A jazz vocalist I have adored for as long as I can remember
since hearing her on the radio when living in London at a very
early age.
I don't know what makes it superb, is it her vocals, or the
superb piano chords? Maybe it's both, and the amazing
musicians including brother Curtis Lundy on bass.
The opener from her 1985 debut album showcases her ability of
allowing her smile to shine through in audio form,
and over 25 years it continues to shine through song.
Still yet to receive the mass recognition she deserves.
The Frank Ricotti All-Stars - "Live At The Limping Whippet"
This lively instrumental offering made an appearance in the late 80s
Yorkshire Television drama "The Beiderbecke Connection", based on
a woodwork teacher who in his spare time is obsessed by jazz performers
such as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Bix Beiderbecke.
The soundtrack was nominated for a BAFTA in 1989, and was released
on CD which became part of my mum and dad's record collection,
and was a fine introduction to jazz as a four year old.
The tune itself caught the attention of the late
Humphrey Lyttleton who championed it on his BBC Radio 2 show.
Gregory Porter - "Black Nile"
What can be said about this guy, that hasn't been said before?
The most exciting jazz vocalist, no, most exciting vocalist full stop
has two albums to his belt and a run of sell-out tours that manage to run
out of tickets quicker than Chelsea FC hire and fire their next manager.
From his debut album "Water" this is his re-interpretation of a
composition by jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter.
Jules Garner - "Misty"
I'll be honest, I find this version of the delightful standard
a tad sweeter than the Erroll Garner original which itself
is legendary.
Maybe because this rendition by Jules Garner is played in a lower key?
Made famous by Clint Eastwood and the film "Play Misty For Me"
this continues to be recognised as one of the best known jazz
piano pieces, and has been performed artists ranging from Sinatra,
Johnny Mathis, and Ella Fitzgerald.
An ideal listen in the not so warm temperatures.
Sachal Studios Orchestra - "Take Five"
The Dave Brubeck original never seemed to be off my Dad's
record turntable back in the day, and to be honest who could
blame him?
The well know compostion gets the sub-continental treatment
from an album which also features Indian interpretations of
"The Girl From Ipanema" Dave Grusin's "Mountain Dance",
and even "Misty".
The Bryan Ferry Orchestra - "Do The Strand"
The Roxy Music front man has recently turned his abilities
to "Dixie Music", re-arranging his well-known tunes in a
1920s jazz style on his "Jazz Age" album.
Really well produced and modified to make it sound like
it was recorded 90 years ago, convincing enough to fool
the listener into thinking they are the original versions
of the glam-rock anthems.
What has to be the funniest, and most innovative album of 2012.
The Paris 1940s - "Mama Do"
And in a similar vein this Midlands outfit, give the jazz treatment
to Pixie Lott's number one hit.
Also worth checking out their cover of "The Ace Of Spades".
Monday Michiru - "Inspiration"
There's nothing more exciting than discovering something
new and enjoyable in a record shop, and it was in one such
emporium in 2002 that I was introduced of the delights of
Japanese jazz.
American/Japanese vocalist Monday Michiru has the
advantage of being born into a jazzy family, with her dad
being the late jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano, and her
mother, jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi.
This is one of many fine offerings from Monday's "Four Seasons"
album which is up there as one of the best of the jazz albums
of recent.
Quantic Soul Orchestra and Alice Russell - "Feeling Good"
Another superb outfit who always deliver, with their finest
singer Alice Russell on their cover of the standard made famous
by Nina Simone, and Muse amongst a long list of others.
Quantic's cover of "Feeling Good" gives the song a breezy
uptempo interpretation and the Brighton vocalist adds
to what could be one of the finest jazz cover versions.
Chilly Gonazales - "Rideaux Lunaires"
There aren't many present day performers who can be labeled
as "a master of all trades", but one such exception is Chilly Gonzales.
Not content with just being an actor, director, hip-hop performer,
the Canadian artist has recently released a second solo piano
album and with gems such as the above track, he could
easily make a living as a jazz pianist alone.
An amazing use of a superb instrument and with every track
on the "Solo Piano II" album lasting under three minutes,
it's the perfect introduction for anyone wanting to discover
jazz who may not have done so before.
Peggy Lee - "Bewitched"
It wouldn't be Blam Jam if I didn't include at least one theme tune,
and this interpretation of the 1960s sitcom by Peggy Lee could
be even better than the one used in the show itself.
Jazztronik - "Nana"
More jazz from Japan and one of the standouts from Ryota Nozaki's
2005 album "Samurai".
A predominantly instrumental offering that gives way into a
hypnotic finale, blending in real instruments with spiritual sounding
electronic effects.
I've yet to hear a bad album from this outfit.
Jamie Cullum - "Pointless Nostalgic"
The man who has brought jazz to a new generation, not just
through his music, but through his Radio 2 show as well.
The title track of his 2002 debut album, was the first I heard
of him via a jazz compilation CD, and the blend of amazing piano
arrangements and witty vocals has broken the boundaries of jazz
and blended it with just about every other music imaginable.
Lisa Stansfield - "Down In The Depths"
Last up, a woman I have loved since seeing her perform her 1989
number 1 "All Around The World" on Going Live! many moons ago.
The Rochdale vocalist's cover of the Cole Porter standard
"Down In The Depths" was recorded as part of a special compilation
album in 1990 to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, and I love the
musical arrangement throughout, with the best bit being the piano
chords near the end.
Thanks so much for reading, and I hope it's given a fair explanation of
the audio itself, and possibly the most inspiring musical genre I know of.
some of the finest melodic jazz offerings in a special feature
called "The Jazz Dial".
The audio can be heard here, and here's a rundown of the
tunes featured and the stories behind them.
Carmen Lundy - "Time Is Love"
A jazz vocalist I have adored for as long as I can remember
since hearing her on the radio when living in London at a very
early age.
I don't know what makes it superb, is it her vocals, or the
superb piano chords? Maybe it's both, and the amazing
musicians including brother Curtis Lundy on bass.
The opener from her 1985 debut album showcases her ability of
allowing her smile to shine through in audio form,
and over 25 years it continues to shine through song.
Still yet to receive the mass recognition she deserves.
The Frank Ricotti All-Stars - "Live At The Limping Whippet"
This lively instrumental offering made an appearance in the late 80s
Yorkshire Television drama "The Beiderbecke Connection", based on
a woodwork teacher who in his spare time is obsessed by jazz performers
such as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Bix Beiderbecke.
The soundtrack was nominated for a BAFTA in 1989, and was released
on CD which became part of my mum and dad's record collection,
and was a fine introduction to jazz as a four year old.
The tune itself caught the attention of the late
Humphrey Lyttleton who championed it on his BBC Radio 2 show.
Gregory Porter - "Black Nile"
What can be said about this guy, that hasn't been said before?
The most exciting jazz vocalist, no, most exciting vocalist full stop
has two albums to his belt and a run of sell-out tours that manage to run
out of tickets quicker than Chelsea FC hire and fire their next manager.
From his debut album "Water" this is his re-interpretation of a
composition by jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter.
Jules Garner - "Misty"
I'll be honest, I find this version of the delightful standard
a tad sweeter than the Erroll Garner original which itself
is legendary.
Maybe because this rendition by Jules Garner is played in a lower key?
Made famous by Clint Eastwood and the film "Play Misty For Me"
this continues to be recognised as one of the best known jazz
piano pieces, and has been performed artists ranging from Sinatra,
Johnny Mathis, and Ella Fitzgerald.
An ideal listen in the not so warm temperatures.
Sachal Studios Orchestra - "Take Five"
The Dave Brubeck original never seemed to be off my Dad's
record turntable back in the day, and to be honest who could
blame him?
The well know compostion gets the sub-continental treatment
from an album which also features Indian interpretations of
"The Girl From Ipanema" Dave Grusin's "Mountain Dance",
and even "Misty".
The Bryan Ferry Orchestra - "Do The Strand"
The Roxy Music front man has recently turned his abilities
to "Dixie Music", re-arranging his well-known tunes in a
1920s jazz style on his "Jazz Age" album.
Really well produced and modified to make it sound like
it was recorded 90 years ago, convincing enough to fool
the listener into thinking they are the original versions
of the glam-rock anthems.
What has to be the funniest, and most innovative album of 2012.
The Paris 1940s - "Mama Do"
And in a similar vein this Midlands outfit, give the jazz treatment
to Pixie Lott's number one hit.
Also worth checking out their cover of "The Ace Of Spades".
Monday Michiru - "Inspiration"
There's nothing more exciting than discovering something
new and enjoyable in a record shop, and it was in one such
emporium in 2002 that I was introduced of the delights of
Japanese jazz.
American/Japanese vocalist Monday Michiru has the
advantage of being born into a jazzy family, with her dad
being the late jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano, and her
mother, jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi.
This is one of many fine offerings from Monday's "Four Seasons"
album which is up there as one of the best of the jazz albums
of recent.
Quantic Soul Orchestra and Alice Russell - "Feeling Good"
Another superb outfit who always deliver, with their finest
singer Alice Russell on their cover of the standard made famous
by Nina Simone, and Muse amongst a long list of others.
Quantic's cover of "Feeling Good" gives the song a breezy
uptempo interpretation and the Brighton vocalist adds
to what could be one of the finest jazz cover versions.
Chilly Gonazales - "Rideaux Lunaires"
There aren't many present day performers who can be labeled
as "a master of all trades", but one such exception is Chilly Gonzales.
Not content with just being an actor, director, hip-hop performer,
the Canadian artist has recently released a second solo piano
album and with gems such as the above track, he could
easily make a living as a jazz pianist alone.
An amazing use of a superb instrument and with every track
on the "Solo Piano II" album lasting under three minutes,
it's the perfect introduction for anyone wanting to discover
jazz who may not have done so before.
Peggy Lee - "Bewitched"
It wouldn't be Blam Jam if I didn't include at least one theme tune,
and this interpretation of the 1960s sitcom by Peggy Lee could
be even better than the one used in the show itself.
Jazztronik - "Nana"
More jazz from Japan and one of the standouts from Ryota Nozaki's
2005 album "Samurai".
A predominantly instrumental offering that gives way into a
hypnotic finale, blending in real instruments with spiritual sounding
electronic effects.
I've yet to hear a bad album from this outfit.
Jamie Cullum - "Pointless Nostalgic"
The man who has brought jazz to a new generation, not just
through his music, but through his Radio 2 show as well.
The title track of his 2002 debut album, was the first I heard
of him via a jazz compilation CD, and the blend of amazing piano
arrangements and witty vocals has broken the boundaries of jazz
and blended it with just about every other music imaginable.
Lisa Stansfield - "Down In The Depths"
Last up, a woman I have loved since seeing her perform her 1989
number 1 "All Around The World" on Going Live! many moons ago.
The Rochdale vocalist's cover of the Cole Porter standard
"Down In The Depths" was recorded as part of a special compilation
album in 1990 to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, and I love the
musical arrangement throughout, with the best bit being the piano
chords near the end.
Thanks so much for reading, and I hope it's given a fair explanation of
the audio itself, and possibly the most inspiring musical genre I know of.
Sunday 2 December 2012
Show 130: 3rd Birthday Special - 02.12.12
Hour 1
Gregory Porter
"1960 What" (Gerardo Frisina Cuban Mix)
The Hurst Selection Volume 2
Soulandjazz.com
Erin Leah
"Radio Billie, Stereo Ella" (DJ Spen & Gary Hudgins Jazzy Sensation Mix)
12"
Quantize Recordings
Philadelphia International: 40 Years in 40 Minutes
MFSB
"T.S.O.P (The Sound Of Philadelphia)"
The Best Of MFSB: Love Is The Message
Sony BMG
Archie Bell & The Drells
"Soul City Walk"
Dance Your Troubles
Philadelphia International
Trammps
"Where Do We Go From Here?"
The Trammps
Sony
O'Jays
"For The Love Of Money"
Discover The O'Jays
Sony/BMG
Lou Rawls
"See You When I Git There"
The Very Best Of Lou Rawls
Capitol
McFadden and Whitehead
"Ain't No Stopping Us Now"
Boogie Nights OST
Capitol
Billy Paul
"Bring The Family Back"
First Class
Philadelphia International
Jones Girls
"Nights Over Egypt"
The Greatest Hits Of Philadelphia International
Demon
Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes
"Don't Leave Me This Way"
The Best Of Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes
Sony
Hour 2: "The Jazz Dial"
Carmen Lundy
"Time Is Love"
Good Morning Kiss
Justin Time
The Frank Ricotti All-Stars
"Live At The Limping Whippet"
The Beiderbecke Collection
Doormouse Records
Gregory Porter
"Black Nile"
Water
Motema
Jules Garner
"Misty"
Best Piano Chillout Ever
TV Music
Sachal Studios Orchestra
"Take Five"
Jazz Interpretations Of Jazz Standards And Bossa NovaRepublic Digital Distribution
The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
"Do The Strand"
The Jazz Age
BMG
The Paris 1940s
"Mama Do"
Soundcloud
Monday Michiru
"Inspiration"
4 Seasons
Emarcy
Quantic Soul Orchestra Featuring Alice Russell
"Feeling Good"
Pushin' On
Tru Thoughts
Chilly Gonzales
"Rideaux Lunaires"
Solo Piano II
Gentle Threat
Peggy Lee
"Bewitched"
Ultra Lounge/TV Town Volume 13
Capitol
Jazztronik
"Nana"
Samurai
Pantone
Jamie Cullum
"Pointless Nostalgic"
Pointless Nostalgic
Candid
Lisa Stansfield
"Down In The Depths"
Red Hot + Blue
Chrysalis
Gregory Porter
"1960 What" (Gerardo Frisina Cuban Mix)
The Hurst Selection Volume 2
Soulandjazz.com
Erin Leah
"Radio Billie, Stereo Ella" (DJ Spen & Gary Hudgins Jazzy Sensation Mix)
12"
Quantize Recordings
Philadelphia International: 40 Years in 40 Minutes
MFSB
"T.S.O.P (The Sound Of Philadelphia)"
The Best Of MFSB: Love Is The Message
Sony BMG
Archie Bell & The Drells
"Soul City Walk"
Dance Your Troubles
Philadelphia International
Trammps
"Where Do We Go From Here?"
The Trammps
Sony
O'Jays
"For The Love Of Money"
Discover The O'Jays
Sony/BMG
Lou Rawls
"See You When I Git There"
The Very Best Of Lou Rawls
Capitol
McFadden and Whitehead
"Ain't No Stopping Us Now"
Boogie Nights OST
Capitol
Billy Paul
"Bring The Family Back"
First Class
Philadelphia International
Jones Girls
"Nights Over Egypt"
The Greatest Hits Of Philadelphia International
Demon
Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes
"Don't Leave Me This Way"
The Best Of Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes
Sony
Hour 2: "The Jazz Dial"
Carmen Lundy
"Time Is Love"
Good Morning Kiss
Justin Time
The Frank Ricotti All-Stars
"Live At The Limping Whippet"
The Beiderbecke Collection
Doormouse Records
Gregory Porter
"Black Nile"
Water
Motema
Jules Garner
"Misty"
Best Piano Chillout Ever
TV Music
Sachal Studios Orchestra
"Take Five"
Jazz Interpretations Of Jazz Standards And Bossa NovaRepublic Digital Distribution
The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
"Do The Strand"
The Jazz Age
BMG
The Paris 1940s
"Mama Do"
Soundcloud
Monday Michiru
"Inspiration"
4 Seasons
Emarcy
Quantic Soul Orchestra Featuring Alice Russell
"Feeling Good"
Pushin' On
Tru Thoughts
Chilly Gonzales
"Rideaux Lunaires"
Solo Piano II
Gentle Threat
Peggy Lee
"Bewitched"
Ultra Lounge/TV Town Volume 13
Capitol
Jazztronik
"Nana"
Samurai
Pantone
Jamie Cullum
"Pointless Nostalgic"
Pointless Nostalgic
Candid
Lisa Stansfield
"Down In The Depths"
Red Hot + Blue
Chrysalis
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