Monthly Archives: December 2000

Damita: Damita

Damita believes that people are sick and tired of the raunchiness in a lot of today’s R&B. On her debut CD, the former back-up singer for Aretha Franklin challenges the field with urban grooves that bridge the divide between gospel … Continue reading

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Paul Thorn: Ain’t Love Strange

"Just a white boy from Tupelo, Mississippi" is how Paul Thorn describes himself. Hardly. He’s recorded three albums, his songs have been covered by some of Nashville’s finest, he fought boxing champ Roberto Duran (he lost), he’s taken up painting, … Continue reading

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Rusty Zinn: The Chill

After several recordings featuring big bands, California-based guitarist/vocalist Rusty Zinn wanted a CD showcasing his live sound. Zinn is an accomplished performer from the less-is-more school who plays a mix of various blues styles with an unusual flair. Nearly half … Continue reading

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The Places: The Autopilot Knows You Best

The Places’ new CD, The Autopilot Knows You Best, is an alluring journey to the crossroads of love, life and the intuitive sciences. Led by Amy Annelle’s soothing and memorable singing, the songs bathe listeners in a sweet melancholy where … Continue reading

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The Love Dogs: New Tricks

The Love Dogs are an energetic, upbeat ensemble who apply their facility with rhythm and horns to a wide range of blues-based styles. "New Tricks" is their third release and it finds the band moving into new territory, with snappy … Continue reading

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Red Snapper: Our Aim Is to Satisfy Red Snapper

London’s Red Snapper is no stranger to modern studio tricks, but what sets this CD apart from the dance/electronic herd is the solid playing of Richard Thair on drums, David Ayers on guitar, and Ali Friend on acoustic double bass. … Continue reading

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Chris Strachwitz: Arhoolie Records—The Journey of Chris Strachwitz

Arhoolie Records was founded in 1960. 40 years and 275 releases later, founder and "song snatcher" Chris Strachwitz has preserved a living tradition of American musical roots. The Arhoolie box set consists of 5 CDs with 107 tracks personally recorded … Continue reading

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Matthew Shipp: New Orbit

In his second release for Thirsty Ear’s "Blue" Series, pianist Matthew Shipp turns his trio into a quartet with the addition of trumpet master Wadada Leo Smith, and creates a suite shimmering with tonal and rhythmic colors drawn from the … Continue reading

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Tonex: Pronounced Toe-Nay

Tonex believes in creating his own buzz, and with his first major-label release the gospel artist has done just that. His musical virtuosity and soulful ear have garnered comparisons to Stevie Wonder and Prince. While his message may be that … Continue reading

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Benny Green: Naturally

Oscar Peterson had one. Nat Cole had one. Now piano man Benny Green, in his first Telarc release as a leader, offers some new takes on the jazz trio. Long-time friends and musical colleagues Russell Malone (guitar) and Christian McBride … Continue reading

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