Move is Hiromi's second "Trio Project" recording with electric bassist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips, and is a worthy follow-up to 2011's Voice. The pianist/composer defines the compositions on Move as mirroring an average day, starting with the title track, a choppy excursion that finds the trio connecting through a maze of twists and turns. "Brand New Day" is smoother than the previous track but doesn't lose any of the energy. Hiromi switches between piano and an analog synthesizer on "Endeavor," which, unfortunately, sounds like a novelty and cheapens the otherwise enjoyable composition. "Rainmaker" glides between fusion and post-bop. "Margarita!" is fun party funk. The final track, "11:49 PM," brings the day, and this very satisfying session, to its conclusion.
Double-CD with electronic artists from all over the world doing their own personal versions of famous Kraftwerk-songs. In the line up is Apoptygma Berzerk, Leather Strip, Psyche, Welle Erdball, Xingu Hill, Imminent Starvation, Aiboforcen, Ionic Vision, Laura Effect, Trylok, Axiome and many more.
Following abortive collaborations with David McAlmont and Richard Ashcroft, ex- Suede guitarist Bernard Butler finally heeded his wife's advice and took centre stage for his solo debut. Not surprisingly, wide-eyed positivism is the presiding sentiment here–so much so, that, at times, People Move On seems to be about little more than itself. Save for that melodically slight Top 10 hit "Stay" though, it's hard to raise much objection in the face of such sustained inspiration. Highlights? Well, "You Just Know" will be better known to football fans as the plaintively catchy riff used during the 1998-9 season on Match Of The Day. "Change Of Heart" crashes along some beautiful George Harrison-style playing. Best of all though are "Autograph" and "Woman I Know"–not least for the way their gothic grandeur exposes the limitations of Butler's old band.
If there's any mystery about how to sustain an instrumental career over nearly two decades, just ask Earl Klugh for the solution. Judging from the well-traveled acoustic guitarist's body of work, it seems to lie in staying true to a certain sweet sound but continually changing the rhythmic and production trappings. After a few ambitious jaunts into the orchestral realm, Klugh on Move shakes up the formula with a mixed bag of logical twists: exotic percussion, African chant vocals, odd vocal effects, swinging rock-blues, and urban-flavored grooves. The result is an inspired new freshness. While sticking to his slick, melodic string style, Klugh infuses more aggressive energy into the pot. A few times, he even lets a harmonica and sax take the lead voice. Klugh's warm flavors have never gone out of style, but it's nice to get a visit from an old friend bearing new and unique gifts.
Although the Move made barely a ripple in the U.S., they actually did a short tour in fall 1969, marking their only visit to the States. This double CD has live recordings made from their performances at the Fillmore in San Francisco on October 17 and 18 of 1969, most of them coming from the earlier of the two dates. Apparently its appearance was delayed for quite some time owing to concerns about its fidelity, but with the help of "advances in studio technology" trumpeted in the liner notes, it's finally been prepared in a shape deemed acceptable for release. Thank goodness it's passed muster, because the fidelity is more than acceptable, and it's a quite historically interesting document.
Live in Birdland! This is a good recording of a great show! (may actually be a complilation of several shows) It's really fun to hear the announcments of the next number that are apparently for radio audience. The sound quality is quite good considering the year (1952-3) and the band really swings during classics like 'Lullaby of Birdland', 'Stella by Starlight' and 'How High the Moon'.
Laid-back and loosely swinging, Good Move captures organist Freddie Roach near the peak of his form. Roach never leans too heavily on his instrument, preferring a calmer, tasteful attack, yet he is never boring because he has a strong sense of groove. He keeps things moving on slower numbers like Erroll Garner's "Pastel" and Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So," but the true highlights are on originals like "Wine, Wine, Wine" and "On Our Way Up," where the bluesy structures and fluid rhythms give Roach a chance to stretch out. Throughout the record, he is capably supported by guitarist Eddie Wright and drummer Clarence Johnston, as well as trumpeter Blue Mitchell and tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, who both contribute fine solos.