Marlene
VerPlanck’s “My impetuous heart”: Best Jazz CD of the year.
A treasure.
Rating: 5 Stars. By
Maximillien de Lafayette
Diva Marlene VerPlanck
As you
start with the very first song on the CD, Irwing Berlin’s
“FOOLS FALL IN LOVE”,” Marlene Ver Planck instantly grabs
you because you are held by the beauty of her voice and the
smoothness and richness of the musical arrangement. You keep
on listening, again and again, to that magnificent song, but
then you realize that you should also start listening to the
remaining seventeen tracks, because you don’t want to miss a
single note. The same happens whenever you hear Marlene’s
other songs.
This
superb singer is addictive. “Soul Eyes” is another one of
Marlene’s delivery knockouts. From the very first bar, and
the very first word, you feel the immediate impact of the
warmth, sensuality, and vocal elegance of this diva. To that
haunting tune, Bucky
Pizzarelli, on the guitar, added the richness of brief
symphonic moments in a simple and eloquent delivery. It is
evident that Marlene Ver Planck’s “My Impetuous Heart” is a
CD on its way to become a collector’s item.
Miss
Ver Planck’s limpid voice, blended with elegant vocal
delivery, enriched by Billy Ver Planck ‘s superb
musical arrangements, brings a touch of high class to a
medium that could sometimes be merely sensual; this elegance
takes Jazz to a much higher level.
It does not get any better than that when Marlene is
accompanied by pianist virtuoso Hank Jones who
previously collaborated with diva Marlene on her first album
“Every Breath I take.” Each note he hits is like throwing
one diamond on the clear surface of a lake; it splashes,
bursts, and radiates beauty. Gary Mazaroppi, on the
Bass, adds a discrete, hidden musical intimacy to the
arrangement. Joe Cocuzzo, on the drums, freezes,
frames, and then frees the music at just the right moment.
His timing is impeccable.
Two
Jazz giants, George Shearing, (who
wrote Lullaby of Birdland), Jazz
piano master virtuoso, a world
celebrity, internationally
known for “The Shearing Touch”, and invested by
Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace as an Officer of the
Order of the British Empire for his “service to music and
Anglo-US relations”, and the
legendary Marian McPartland (Winner of the 2004
Grammy Award, among so many other prestigious
awards) were invited by diva
Marlene as her special guests. Both, gracefully agreed to
accompany Ms. Ver Planck at the piano.
Ver Planck’s
invitation came in the form of a tribute to their
illustrious accomplishments in the world of music. And it
was a brilliant idea. The participation of maestro Shearing
in two songs “All in Fun” and “You Must Believe in Spring”
adds an extraordinary musical beauty and lyrical finesse to
the CD, that were felt from the very first bar of his short
intro and especially his solo performance in the middle of
“You Must Believe in Spring”. There is a stunning symbioses
between Marlene Ver Planck and George Shearing which
enhances the music and the mood
immeasurably.
Ms. McPartland’s glorious mastery
of the piano was evident in her original composition “Willow
Creek”. Her elegant style, intuitive feeling of
harmony, and salient
harmonic sense
link in an unmatched grace and good taste, the exquisite
vocal beauty of Ms. Ver Planck to the smoothly
romantic cadence of the music, the tempo, the meaning of
Loonis McGlohon’s lyrics, thus creating a warm ambiance and
an elegant flair. It is an outstanding partnership, perfect
at so many levels.
A glittering
rainbow of a richly lyrical, smooth, vivacious, romantic,
intelligent, refined and varied repertoire shows her
strength as she commands the mood changes and states of mind
which are the birthright of jazz. Marlene Ver Planck flirts
with music and thus brings excitement, nostalgia, and a
refreshing breeze to the ambiance.
However, she never loses the substance and depth which are
the benchmarks of great music. While conforming with the
essence and true spirit of traditional Jazz, Marlene Ver
Planck’s striking innovation and personal style are evident
in every song. Ver Planck’s voice is timeless. It does not
belong to one particular era.
It transcends all frontiers
and reaches to an audience of all walks of life or of any
age. Consequently this woman can tell you your whole damn
life story in two lines. Many people who are lovers of
classical music, Latin music, French music, or other genres
are going for the first time, if they are not as yet
familiar with Jazz, to love Jazz the way they love their
favourite music, as soon as they listen to Marlene. Two
songs on the CD, “Dance with Me Outside” and “The Day I
Found You” speak to a very large audience. Miss Ver Planck
will convert people to Jazz. I would never attempt to
compare Miss Marlene Ver Planck to any of the Jazz greats,
because she is a legend in her own right.
I am afraid that
what I am going to say may sound outrageous, perhaps
provocative, but I firmly believe that critics and music
connoisseurs would agree with me that Jazz, which began as
the outcry of the common people, in her case, and through
her voice, is raised to a royal level and thus Marlene Ver
Planck becomes America’s Jazz Queen. “My Impetuous Heart” is
a treasure. My rating would be 5 stars out of five. Buy a
copy for a friend. You will treasure it for years to come
and your friend will thank you.
Ms. VerPlanck is
listed in the
World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment
2007.
In Memoriam: James Brown
(1933-2006)
 He
may have been known as the "Godfather of Soul," but no
epithet can cover the enormous influence that
James Brown exercised over popular music.
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ANTOINETTE
MONTAGUE'S "PRETTY BLUES"
Be brave and dash into the explosive and
magical Jazz-Blues world of Antoinette Montague. This singer
is powerful, yet elegantly sensual with human warmth. Montague
just released a first rate CD "Pretty Blues". A superb album
at so many levels; from soul-penetrating tenor saxophone by
Bill Easley, piano free form virtuosity of an exquisite beauty
by Mulgrew Miller, and once again, elegant and captivating
flute escapades by Easley enrobed with warm and deep bass by
Peter Washington who added an extra touch of musical
finesse and sophistication, to the powerful voice of Montague.
Blend all these goodies with Montague's vibrant and sparkling
voice, and you get the perfect formula for a 4 star, world
class album. The CD has 12 tracks of pure creative originality
and depth. Two songs on the CD: "Unless It's You", and "From
This Moment On" could be considered as some of the finest
recordings in a decade. Although, it is Blues, and Blues
is the outcry of human drama, Montague's projection and
personal interpretation delivered Blues with enchanting joy
and uplifting musicality. Every word is pronounced with
truthfulness and radiant energy. Montague's captivating
improvisation is predominant. This woman is the real thing; a
fabulous singer with style, depth and captivating energy.
"Pretty Blues" is highly recommended. Add it to your
collection. Rating: 4 stars out of five. Reviewer: Maximillien
de Lafayette.
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Neil Blumofe’s
new CD “Piety and Desire”. Rating: 5 Stars.
By Maximillien de Lafayette
Horeb Records
released their latest CD, Piety and Desire. Original music
composed by Neil Blumofe, cantor and jazz vocalist, bringing
together the resounding voices of jazz with traditional Jewish
liturgy and chant. Blumofe’s music summons the world as we
signify love – past, present and future. Recorded in New
Orleans, Piety and Desire is as well - a love song to the
times, places and people of that great city. This album brings
together top jazz musicians such as Jason Marsalis, Roland
Guerin, Maurice Brown and Alex Coke as well as Jewish
musicians Mark Rubin and Steven Greenman, whose work, in
partnership with Blumofe’s vocals and fine cantorial
improvisations create a rare collaboration of excellence and
spirit. The music, played on instruments ranging from the
vibraphone to the bass flute, captures the many emotions and
nuances of the marriage, from the tender to the exuberant.
The Review: Piety and Desire is a monumental musical
accomplishment. At first, I did not know what to make out of
it? How to classify and categorize this music? For it has all
the elements, wealth and epic traits of a Ben Hur production,
a blend of an ethereal bridal chorus and cantorial ecstasy, a
Salome imperial dance, a tabernacle crescendo, a Sanhedrin
liturgical chant, a humanistic New Orleans Jazz, a sacred
Gypsy flair a la Bartok, a Selicha (Confession) mode in a
synagogue, a bleeding rebellious ballade from the Vilna
ghetto, a mystical Judaic anthem, a mystic beauty of a
Budapest mysterious unfinished symphony awaiting the grand
entrance of a Mata Hari being transformed into a priestess. The sounds of clarinet, muted trumpet, the cadence and rhythm
of the drums, maybe a hidden outcry of a Shofar, daring violin
strokes, and the voice of Neil Blumofe grab your whole
universe and transmute it into an elixir of a holy musical
exodus. The music is humanistic yet defiant. The arrangements
challenge dogmatic music, for the orchestration embraces a
multitude of instruments rarely used in one single musical
composition, especially, when the soprano sax flirts with the
oud, and the vibraphone melt into a tuba. Jason Marsalis was a
magician on the drums, whistle and vibraphone. Alex Coke did a
marvelous job with his bass flute and tenor sax. The tuba of
Matt Perrine was extraordinary. Ben Shaffer with his sensuous
clarinet, Maurice Brown with his melodiously bursting trumpet,
Fred Sanders with his virtuosity on piano added a magical
ambiance to "Piety and Desire". Equally powerful and
enchanting are the musical vibs and performance of Derek
Douget on alto and soprano sax, Mark Rubin and Roland Guerin
on bass, and Steven Greenman on violin. The track "In The Tent
of Meeting", invites you to experience the esthetic and deep
message of beauty and truth. In the track "Seven Blessings In
The Garden District", you sail into the immense ocean of joy,
enchanting dreams and a rendez-vous with a brighter future.
Blumofe's voice is powerful, yet richly lyrical.
This CD is a
pure magic. A masterpiece. An incomprehensible musical
virtuosity and vocal beauty. All compositions are by Neil Blumofe.
And each piece is as enigmatic, varied and mesmerizing as the
existentialistic interpretations of the Bible or a space
odyssey. It is also philosophical, religious, rhythmic,
lyrical, intellectual and nostalgic. The beauty and wealth of
the music confused me and delighted me. You got to buy
this CD. It is a masterpiece, a human chronicle, an
outstanding musical accomplishment. Neil is
listed in the World
Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment 2007
_____________________________
Mark Weinstein's "O Nosso
Amor" a Masterpiece! By Maximillien de Lafayette
Nowadays, few flutists
and musicians can match the amazing creative talent of Mark
Weinstein. This man is a musical phenomenon. Mesmerizing,
authoritative yet, charmingly and tenderly captivating. His
recent CD "O Nosso Amor" as expected to be or to appear is no
less than a monumental musical accomplishment.
It is a
masterpiece at so many levels. A pure musical magic. The album
contains 12 tracks of an exquisite beauty, delivered with
luxurious musical wealth, superb arrangements and utmost
musical nostalgia. The highlights of the CD are: Bahia, O
Nosso Amor and Sampa 67.The amazing aspect of this CD is not
exclusively the authentic delivery of pure Jazzy-Brazilian
repertoire, but the unmatched improvisation and musical
virtuosity of Mark Weinstein on flute, Nilson Matta on
bass, Romero Lubambo on guitar. The beauty of the music on the
CD metamorphosed through delightful strokes and vibs by
Paulo Braga on drums, Guilherme Franco on
percussion, and Jorge Silva, also on percussion. "Bahia" one
of my favorite tunes of the CD is an all time international
favorite of world music lovers. It has been recorded by
leading performers like Placido Domingo, the legendary John
Coltrane and Carme Miranda.
But Mark Weinstein's recording is
quite different. It is more vivacious with its haunting
Jazz-swing tempo. It comes to life with burst of joy and
enchanting romance. "O Nosso Amor" is a wonderful CD, warm,
luxurious, lyrical, rich and infinitely haunting. Grab a copy.
It is almost perfect. He is
listed in the World
Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment 2007
Randa's "I Belong": A first
Rate CD. Exquisite!
Randa's most recent CD "I Belong" is a
refreshing bouquet of world music, nostalgic hits and all time
favorites. This is a unique release, for it contains a
multicolored rainbow of songs and compositions rarely compiled
into one single album. And this compilation explains the rich
cultural and musical background of Randa Ghossoub. "Volare" is
here, and Peggy Lee's
immortal hit
"Johnny Guitar" , theme song of the
motion picture Johnny Guitar, starring Joan Crawford. Add to
this eclectic choice, traditional and musical treasures such
as "Bint El Chalabiah" first sang in towns and cities in
Lebanon around 1945 and made famous by Feyrouz, Marie Ataya
and the Rahbany dynasty. Randa's voice is sweet, elegant, romantic
and sensual. You could add as well, intelligent and engaging,
for she sings in French, English and Arabic. The music is
superb, the arrangements rich and exquisite. Solo passages on
the accordion, piano and trumpet are magnificent. If well
promoted, "I Belong" could become a big hit on the
international scene. But only time can tell. For those who love world music enrobed with
vivacious tempo, rich melodies, romantic flair on the edge of
Gipsy Kings, 1001 Arabian Nights and the aroma of Parisian
chanson, "I Belong" is a perfect choice. This is a well
crafted and superbly delivered CD. One of the best of the
season. Buy it, you will enjoy it for years to come. Rating: 4
stars out of five.-Reviewer: Maximillien de Lafayette. Paris.
Note: Randa is listed
in the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and
Entertainment 2007, and appeared on the cover of Volume II of
the World Who's Who.
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Let It Happen by Janis Mann.
This CD could become a classic
By Nigel Huntington
 Brooklyn,
New York's native, Janis Mann released her third CD Let
it Happen. Mann who is currently performing in
California is determined to make it big time, this year.
Talented and engaging, Mann had a successful season in
Seattle, Washington. This week, the New York Monthly Herald
interviewed Mann and shed light on the "eloquent quietness
of her diva stature". Mann explained in her brief interview
that she is an independent recording artist and performer,
and her shows don't always get the promotion that would come
from a major record label or agency. Despite that, she does
have a lot of fans and the support of many musicians and
music industry people that she highly respects and works
with. Let it Happen was well delivered. The
repertoire consists of soft traditional jazz tunes molded
into a refreshing personal interpretation. It has 13 tracks
and was released on Pancake Records. Accompanying Janis Mann
are Larry Fuller on
piano, Doug Miller on bass and Clarence Acox on
drums. Taking a Chance on Love, one of the tunes of
the CD is particularly good. This release is promising.
The music is balanced and relaxing. The arrangements are
right on. Janis Mann's voice is fabulous. With good
distribution and wider exposure, Let it Happen could
become a classic. Rating: 4 stars out of five.- Reviewer
Nigel Huntington. Ms. Mann is
listed in the
World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment
2007.
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Barbara's Montgomery's "Noel, One From The Heart": A sweet
and sensual marvel!
 The
perfect present for Christmas, this Christmas all the
Christmases to follow. Barbara Montgomery's voice is like
the sound of a 10 carats diamond gently touching the face
a dreamy river... it splashes and radiates beauty. It is an
elegant voice enrobed with an intimate beauty, depth and
human warmth. The piano solo sparkles with elegance and
lyrical tenderness. Almost perfect. Even though, the CD is
seasonal, it will transcend the boundaries of time and
space. This CD comes really from the heart. "Lo How A rose
E're Blooming" is mesmerizing, a true reflection of
Montgomery's voice out of this world. Highly recommended.
Add it to your collection. Barbara is
listed in the
World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment
2007.
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Marcus Goldhaber's "The Moment After": Sensually intelligent
and stylish.
 Just
listen to Goldhaber's "Like Someone in Love" and you will
realize that this man can sing with style, originality and
challenging romance. "The Moment After" is cleverly crafted,
vivacious and happy. The bass is right on, the piano is
eloquent, and the splashes of the drums sparkle. I love this
album. It is a blend of a free form smooth jazz blended into
unorthodox musical virtuosity and richly evocative voice.
Two thumbs up. Buy it. You will enjoy it.
Mr. Goldhaber
is listed in the
World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment
2007.
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Judy Roberts' "The
Other World" is not so good. In fact, it is deplorable,
mediocre. Don't waste your time and money on this CD. I
expected a better product from a professional singer who
spent years working on her craft. Music could be a form of
therapy. "The Other World" is just the opposite. It
irritates you. Roberts' voice betrays the sensitivity of
music. Rating: Forget it! Make a U turn. "The Other World"
is our pick for the worst CD of the week. Reviewer: Nigel
Huntington
___________________________________
Frank Jackson's "New York After Dark"
 Elegantly
romantic ambiance emanates from the discreet piano
virtuosity, the inviting, inspiring and nostalgic voice of
Frank Jackson and the musical finesse of relaxing and
impeccable arrangement, all blended in a luxurious bouquet
of 13 superb songs of "New York After Dark." Jazz echoes the
inner feelings of passages of life. Jazz got to come to life
with a fresh breeze and an outcry stronger than life. And
this is precisely what we feel upon listening to Jackson's
most recent album. Get a copy. First class. Rating: 4 stars
out of 5. Mr. Jackson is
listed in the
World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment
2007. Reviewer: Maximillien de Lafayette.
MY FAVORITES, by Maximillien de Lafayette
New York-
New CDs, new voices and new talents are in full bloom in
New York City. So, let's start with the best of the best.
Should I say, some of the best recently released albums.
Here is the list of the 12 best CDs of the week, in no
particular order:
1-Written in the
Stars by Barbara Fasano. A delightful album
showcasing the enormous talent of Ms. Fasano and
her captivating voice. 2-Noel One from the Heart by
Barbara Montgomery. This is a fabulous album. One of
the best Jazzy-Christmas CDs in a decade.3-New York
After Dark by Frank Jackson. First rate CD all
the way. Buy it. You will treasure it for years to
come. 4-Poetry of Love by Angela Hagenbach. Yes! A
gem. 5-Well, not Anymore by Marguerite Mariama.
This CD is one of the essentials. Grab a copy. 6-The
Nearness of you by Sarah DeLeo. Supremely delivered
with vocal virtuosity and exquisite taste.
7-Timelessness Frozen in Time by Barbara Sfraga. You
should add this CD to your collection. It has all the
ingredients of a collector's item, a classic in the
making. 8-My Impetuous Heart by Marlene VerPlanck.
9-Blues for Breakfast by Mary Foster Conklin. 10-Live at
the Madrid by Carmen Lundy. 11-Piety and Desire by
Beil Blumofe. 12-O Nosso Amor by Mark Weisntein. And
the worst CDs? None of my business. And la crème de la
crème is diva Marlene Verplanck's "My Impetuous Heart".
An honorable mention goes to Marcus Goldhaber who
delivered a well-crafted album "The Moment After", a
refreshing bouquet of songs enrobed with originality and
truthful emotions. Recommended!
Continues Next
Irene Soderberg's "This Is My Life":
A Triumph. Magnificent!!
Listen to Irene Soderberg's version of
"My Man" on this CD, and melt in the lyrical and sensual
beauty of early days of Paris cabaret. Then switch to "On
Broadway"" and let your body shake and bake under the
glitters of Broadway...and the piece of resistance is
"This Is My Life" which bursts in bubbly rhythm, fabulous
arrangements and Irene magnetizing voice. You will love
this CD, for it has that panache that teases you, that
aromatic sensual flair, piano virtuosity, sexy drums
strokes and an inviting and "amoroso" touch whispering
through the brass section. In other words, "This Is My
Life" is a CD for all seasons. A world class release.
First rate. Rating: 4 stars out of five. Add it to your
collection!-Reviewer: Maximillien de Lafayette.
Irene is listed in the
World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and
Entertainment 2007
BENNETT
BRANDEIS' STORYTELLING
Simple but romantically vivacious arrangement,
exciting and elegant drums brushes by Kendall Kay and
Jery Kalaf, right on bass with perfect timing by Octavio
Bailly, and Dave Carpenter, splashes of piano virtuosity
by Louis Durra, add sparkling drops of percussion by
Mike Faue, and mix the whole effects with Bennett
Brandeis aggressive but lyrical magic on guitar....and
you get a world-class musical product! A Magnificent CD:
STORYTELLING.
Guitar virtuoso, Bennett Brandeis It
is quasi impossible to categorize and define Brandeis'
music genre. Because it transcends the dogmatic
boundaries of jazz.
Brandeis is virtuoso and gently
explodes in delightful musical creativity. His music is a
refreshing blend of world music enrobed with daring
improvisation, first rate originality and that succulent
and sinfully beautiful romantic ambiance emanating from
within, with depth, sensuality and pure elegance.
The CD is a refreshing bouquet of 10
tracks of an exquisite beauty. This album is on its way to
become a collector's treasure. Buy STORYTELLING, you will
enjoy it for years to come. Rating: 4 stars out of five.
Genre: World music blended with a Bossa Nova flair and
soft elegant contempo Jazz. Reviewer: Maximillien de
Lafayette.
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