Best Latin Jazz
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Some great Latin Jazz here to enjoy."
"This is a Collection from one of the great Legends of Latin Jazz music."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A multi-instrumentalist, he also instructed many Brazilian musicians, including guitarists Baden Powell and Roberto Menescal and percussionist Wilson das Neves. This beautiful, enjoyable album nearly sounds orchestral, owing to Santos's compositional skill, particularly with the track Maracatucutê; and the soft mellowness of seven-string guitar against the soprano sharpness of the clarinet is nicely balanced. The music of Moacir Santos is varied, as you would expect for a cinematographic composer, hence this album flows cheerful, as in Amphibious and Coisa No."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As an added plus, many of the songs are actually carols, as opposed to Santa, Frosty, Rudolph, & snow!"
"Never heard of Vinnie, but his CD is on my favorite for the Christmas season."
"Bottom line is: if you love bossa nova music like I do, you have GOT to get this CD."
"The arrangements are perfect for Holiday Dinners, Office Parties, quiet evenings in front of the fireplace with your sweetie, or any other Christmas scenario you can imagine. And when Janice Zummo lends her AWESOME voice to a few of the tracks, you will understand why this is the perfect Christmas CD to add to your collection."
"This has instantly become my favorite Christmas album ever."
"There's no variety on this CD--every song sounds pretty much like every other song on it."
Best Brazilian Jazz
![Inflikted [Special Edition] [Explicit]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/4149ND4ePnL._SS600_.jpg)
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Received in good condition."
"Amazing album."
"Love this CD!"
"Well, perfect to me because Max is my god :) Good riffs by Marc Rizzo, lots of energy, classic Max in there!!"
"Max Cavalera continues to rip your face off with heavier s***."
"My god,what can be said not for the Mumford crowd (yeah)."
"Just as heavy as I expected, and it sticks to what metal should be."
Best Samba
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The again one of the best collections in the market."
"I have two in this series of CD's of David Byrne's collection of Brazilian pop music."
"such an awesome talent ... the songs are catchy and fill the ears."
"The rhythms and musicianship, the vocals and recording quality, but mainly the joyous happy SOUND of it remains a treat every time it plays."
"1 & 2 of Brazil Classics and I go back to both albums over and over again for the sound garden it creates."
"Many other big name artists from Samba's past are represented here and while maybe they aren't represented by their best works, they are displayed well and this is one nice collection."
"I'll probably never know how representative of samba this album is but I'll never care."
Best Latin Rock
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"That is my favorite song on the CD, but truthfully the entire CD is excellent!"
"I am enamored with Carol C.'s voice...it is amazingly melodic, almost blending perfectly with the rest of the instruments in a song...She instantly became one of my favorite artists ever since I "discovered" her in the Man Ray III compilation in the song Mariposa."
"Will purchase any music this artist makes."
"They played The Truth on an episode of One Tree Hill and after listening to it I just knew I had to go and get the cd."
"Love this band for years now."
"I had to order this again and share it with a coworker."
"The album exceeded my expectations."
"this group is awesome...her voice is amazing."
Best Bebop
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It becomes new again when performed on the sitar by a band of Indian musicians."
"Waht a great Eastern slant on standards."
"A magnificent interpretation of jazz and pop classics."
"These are some of the most interesting interpretations of well-known jazz standards I have ever heard."
"The sitar , the violins and the drumming make for a very different version of these jazz classics."
"Excellent for what it is, a bold mixture of cultural musical instruments and rhythms."
"I've listened to this music almost daily and never cease to be amazed."
"For anyone who loves music from the subcontinent this is a find."
Best Swing Jazz
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"First off a little perspective: I'm a jazz fan and I'm a swing dancing fan and occasional swing DJ."
"If you only get one compilation of Big Band Swing/Jazz, this should be the one."
"I wasn't as familiar with these recordings (as i bought this to get a better idea of what was considered a swing hit- to widen my musical spectrum), so I cannot comment on that aspect- whether these are original or re-recorded."
"Many old cuts are over processed - maybe in the interest of reducing hiss, producing weird, noisy artifacts."
"We already owned some of the songs on other CD's that we have in our collection of music, but this "album" had many songs that were hard to find elsewhere."
"If you like big band music you will probably like this album but don't let the name fool you."
"This album includes almost all of my favorite artists from that period -- Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Arty Shaw."
Best Acid Jazz
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Fans of sixties lounge music will find something here, as well as new listeners of modern DJ Rob Garza."
"If you're a huge fan, like I am, feel the warm embrace of pre-activism Thievery Corporation in its more lounge roots before wandering through the rest of the incredible works these two have amassed."
"Almost every track is a winner and there are a lot of tracks."
"Just perfect vibe for evening cocktails, dinner parties, happy hour on the deck in summer time."
"Would have been nice to get 180g vinyl, but regardless it's a great album and way better than having to hunt down a second-hand copy of the original pressing on ebay for inflated prices."
"Terrible quality 3 vinyl all came warp."
"This product skipped on me."
Best Vocal Jazz
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"So, bob that hair, fire up a cigarette and Charleston your pants off, this CD promises to be a good time!"
"Bought this as a gift for a friend, along with the Boardwalk Empire Vol."
"this cd is so lively BUT IT DOES NOT PLAY ON MY CD PLAYER IN THE HOUSE IT ONLY PLAYS ON MY CAR CD why?"
"G00d music for my senior dance class -ages 70 to 80 to 90."
"This is a great collection of artists showing how things could get during that period, although subtle by today's standards."
"good assortment of 1920s music."
"The lyrics are somewhat naughty for the 1920s, but mild for today."
"Very good deal for price- long song list."
Best Cool Jazz
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I enjoyed this..."
"I think that Boney James shows how Christmas feeling should be with Christmas Time Is Here and The Christmas Song."
"A most excellent Christmas CD."
"never get tired of this cd, very Funky sound like Christmas!"
"gets you in the mood, Bobby Caldwell make a debut."
"added to my x-mas collection great cd."
Best Smooth Jazz
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The album cover says it all.......Wow!"
"This was my first exposure to Marion Meadows' music -- what a treat!"
"I loved it and will probably purchase more cds by this artist."
"This artist is amazing, first was introduce to his jazz music a year ago, and have recently saw him perform in Pittsburgh, Pa., and he was great."
"Marion really brings home the soothing sounds on this CD."
"If you're into jazz give it a try."
"Mr. Meadows provided background music for a dinner party one night, and those guests loved the CD, too."
"If you are a Marion Meadows fan, this CD is a must have."
Best Jazz Fusion
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Gregg Karukas is one of my favorite contemporary jazz artists."
"It has been pretty clear that when Gregg Karukas drops a new CD, it's going to be awesome."
"This is my second Karukas album."
"Love it!"
"Saw him in Charlotte and love the click he's on and the cast he's rolling with."
"I have enough "smooth" Jazz music and have been searching for upbeat Jazz music."
"Great arrangements and performance."
"Gregg Karukas has knocked it out of the park, with Soul Secrets."
Best New Orleans Jazz
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Yes, Morton was known to stretch facts to suit him, but his ability to cite other musicians, songs and even discuss his approach to music is the true value of these recordings - dare I call them the pearls? One of the interesting things that my pianist who listened to this set with me pointed out was when Morton was talking he was invariably playing or vamping on his piano during the narrative. He did not do everything claimed in these recordings, but he certainly knew many of the folks whom he mentions, and also has some incredible insights into personalities, events and music that are well worth listening and considering."
"But putting that aside, I think you'll be enraptured by the intimacy of the piano playing and the stories Morton tells about the development of music, Storyville, race riots, parade jobs, and so on."
"Originally issued by Rudi Blesh on his Circle label in 1948 or so as 12-inch 78s, then as 12 LPs, now in a critical edition with fine historical context."
"Don't listen to this if you are easily offended."
"What a voice."
"And this is the rediscovery of Jelly Roll by Alan Lomax at the Library of Congress."
"A priceless time capsule filled with hours of musical mastery and drunken paranoid braggadocio."
"A must have for jazz music lovers."
Best Traditional Jazz & Ragtime
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Yes, Morton was known to stretch facts to suit him, but his ability to cite other musicians, songs and even discuss his approach to music is the true value of these recordings - dare I call them the pearls? One of the interesting things that my pianist who listened to this set with me pointed out was when Morton was talking he was invariably playing or vamping on his piano during the narrative. He did not do everything claimed in these recordings, but he certainly knew many of the folks whom he mentions, and also has some incredible insights into personalities, events and music that are well worth listening and considering."
"But putting that aside, I think you'll be enraptured by the intimacy of the piano playing and the stories Morton tells about the development of music, Storyville, race riots, parade jobs, and so on."
"Originally issued by Rudi Blesh on his Circle label in 1948 or so as 12-inch 78s, then as 12 LPs, now in a critical edition with fine historical context."
"Don't listen to this if you are easily offended."
"What a voice."
"And this is the rediscovery of Jelly Roll by Alan Lomax at the Library of Congress."
"A priceless time capsule filled with hours of musical mastery and drunken paranoid braggadocio."
"A must have for jazz music lovers."
Best Avant Garde & Free Jazz
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The percussion and electric guitar keep this sounding current and modern, even though the acoustic strings are often associated with classical music."
"This is a great album!"
"Traditional Jewish music meets surf rock meets contemporary jazz."
"Half of the group (Mark Feldman, Erik Friedlander & Marc Ribot) have their own Book of Angels releases. Those who don't (Cyro Baptista, Joey Baron & Greg Cohen) are long time John Zorn collaborators. Perhaps because most of these musicians played on the initial "Bar Kokhba" album and on the "50th Birthday Celebration" live release, this group has chemistry. I don't recall being as moved by a Jazz violin since hearing Stéphane Grappelli play with Django Reinhardt's Quintette du Hot Club de France."
"Zorn's stated goal with the new Masada songbook was not to make a band the focus of the project but rather the music and in this he really succeeds-- covering a range of moods and influences while being both uniquely Jewish and uniquely John Zorn (and readily identifiable as Masada). And really, these are the keys to what makes this record fantastic-- great playing and great support as a band whose level of interaction is a mix between near psychic response and Zorn's unique exertions over them (everything from switching accompaniment from arco to pizzicato to not at all to conducting triangle strikes and extending brilliant solos)."
"This is just superb - great grooves as ever (Zorn can conjure up perfect basslines at will it seems - 'Lilin' springs immediately to mind, but the Masada Books contain so many others), intense yet always sensitive drumming and percussion, and, of course, endlessly beautiful soloing and comping from Ribot, Feldman and Friedlander."
Best Compilations
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Yes, Morton was known to stretch facts to suit him, but his ability to cite other musicians, songs and even discuss his approach to music is the true value of these recordings - dare I call them the pearls? One of the interesting things that my pianist who listened to this set with me pointed out was when Morton was talking he was invariably playing or vamping on his piano during the narrative. He did not do everything claimed in these recordings, but he certainly knew many of the folks whom he mentions, and also has some incredible insights into personalities, events and music that are well worth listening and considering."
"But putting that aside, I think you'll be enraptured by the intimacy of the piano playing and the stories Morton tells about the development of music, Storyville, race riots, parade jobs, and so on."
"Originally issued by Rudi Blesh on his Circle label in 1948 or so as 12-inch 78s, then as 12 LPs, now in a critical edition with fine historical context."
"Don't listen to this if you are easily offended."
"What a voice."
"And this is the rediscovery of Jelly Roll by Alan Lomax at the Library of Congress."
"A must have for jazz music lovers."
"If you play Ragtime piano or just love to listen REAL piano masters."
Best Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"DOWNING'S smooth and masterful vocal ability, with that baritone voice of his..this is surely sophisticated soul at its very best...this album will truly ease or remove the weight of the world off your mind and transport you to a dimension of utter peace..a most perfect way to relax..by your lonesome or better yet..with that very special someone..this particular effort is more compact than his other recent outputs. "DEEP AS THE OCEAN", is a light flowing song of an eternal pledge of love. The concluding piece here is the quizzing, gentle.."DOES YOUR MOMMA KNOW ABOUT ME", though it's a remake, it's completely new to me, it's the first I ever hear this song and I do love this one.. ONE statement: though I do love his remakes, I see WILL is increasing the amount on each of his recent albums..ONE or TWO is fine for me..not FOUR or more..it would do him well to keep the remakes to a bare minimum..."
"And as a Chicago Stepper I am comfortable with stating "This Song is For You" is without a doubt Will's best stepper track ever."
"It's exactly what I knew it would be....great music from Will Downing."
"He has that magic in his voice that will soothe the most agitated in people and coupled with a glass of fine wine or with the one you want to be with and the evening is on and poppin'!!!"
"I love Will Downing's spin on the remakes "Saving all my love" and "Closer than close"."
"Cool, soothing, smooth sounds of Will Downing, make listening a way to unwind from a hectic day."
"I listen to this CD constantly, especially while driving."
"Thank you seller, I love Will."
Best Live Recordings
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Marcia Ball is a very good entertainer, and this album is a wonderful example of her work."
"I never buy live and I know better."
"Great album, Marcia rocks!"
"I would have wished for a slightly "rougher" production with a smaller band (just bass, drums and guitar for example) that would highlight her fantastic piano work."
"If you like boogy woogie piano and New Orleans blues, get you some Marcia Ball!"
"This woman is amazing."
"We discovered, also, on a long trip home from the airport in the middle of the night, that this CD is great for keeping a very sleepy driver awake!"
"A lively cd, her music is fun, kinda blues, kinda cajun and kinda honky-tonk."
Best Modern Postbebop
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Fringe progressive jazz."
"Don't be fooled by the cover."
"I think Hiromi rolls out the best jazz fusion on the decade, both with Sonic Boom and with her trio."
"This new record is more about monstor playing going full out on everybodies part. I think fans of Hiromi new and old will really enjoy this album."
"And of course the cliche of Japanese life is that it so conformist that it shrivels the creative impulse like a dried prune. Having said that, however, I found I couldn't wade my way through Time Control in a single sitting. I don't retract anything I said about her - she is a wonderful musician and a great musical personality - but I think she is still young as a composer. It's always risky getting a bunch of crack journeymen in a room and letting them rip."
"all in all a very impressive disc, with the extra star left dangling with the suspicion that an artist of this calibre might be capable of greater dazzlement and perhaps more memorable composition."
"Weaving through complex time signatures and changes as facilely and easily as most people cross the street, this album is by turns stark, startling, and lush."