CD-Charts Position 1
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Something for You: Elaine Elias Sings & Plays Bill Evans

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date January 15, 2008
I was not a big fan of Eliane Elias' "Dreamer," so I bought this c.d. with some trepidation. It has received really good reviews; would I be wrong to buck the tide?

As it turns out, I'm not bucking the tide. This c.d. proves a basic point: Eliane Elias is the best pianist who sings. That's not to say she's the best singer who plays piano: I'd vote for Diana Krall on that score. And it's not to say she's the best singer/pianist: I'd vote for Andy Bey, but with a special nod to Patricia Barber.

I review singers; but Eliane Elias is such a fabulous pianist here that I can't (and shouldn't) get past that point.

She has chosen to tribute Bill Evans, and I can't think of a better musician to do so. For ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

You Are There

by: Roberta Gambarini, Hank Jones

Release Date February 12, 2008
Start with a phenomenally gifted, rapidly ascending vocalist of the same heritage as Caruso and Sinatra, add as the sole pianist the musician who is the current reigning patriarch in jazz, and finally select a few sterling examples from the Great American Songbook. The results are predictably spectacular but not "showy" or "exhibitionistic." This is not an album simply to be impressed by. Gambarini is sufficiently mature, and in command musically, that she can afford to use her virtually unlimited technique to one end: bringing the song to realization for all concerned--the composer, the performer, and the listener. Indeed, "You are there."

Anyone who finds this music "boring" hasn't learned how to listen. If you have yet to ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Loverly

by: Cassandra Wilson

Release Date June 10, 2008
Cassandra Wilson at her best.
Wonderful, interesting interpretations of well-known songs with a team of musician who really bring out the best of Cassandra.
My favorite: Caravan! Rarely presented with such cool.
Contrary to some of the other reviewers I judge Ms Wilson's detached and apparently uncommitted way of delivering the songs as a great asset of this CD.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Worrisome Heart

by: Melody Gardot

Release Date February 26, 2008
This is one of my favorite CDs. The backup group is wonderful and Melody's original compositions are the best.

CD-Charts Position 5
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When You Know

by: Dianne Reeves

Release Date April 15, 2008
Dianne Reeves "When You Know" again demonstrates her vocal abilities but I have to say, the songs are a little too standard. Her voice is capable of much more intricate tunes and hopefully she'll return to the unique stylings that one usually finds on her collections.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Esperanza

by: Esperanza Spalding

Release Date May 20, 2008
I had so much fun listening to this disc! I've had it in heavy rotation since June and each time I listen, I hear some nuance that I missed the previous time.

Esperanza's voice is very pleasant and she doesn't oversell or overtax her vocals which works perfectly with her songs. I loved the instrumental tracks equally as much as those with vocals because it's a new experience for me listening to music with this instrument at the forefront. (It was also something to see such a slight female handling such a large unexpected instrument on the Letterman show so that piqued my interest in her music.)

The standout tracks I keep pressing repeat on are: PONTA DE AREIA, FALL IN, I ADORE YOU, SAMBA EM PRELUDIO, ESPERA, PRECIOUS, MELA & ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

River: The Joni Letters (with Bonus Tracks) - Amazon.com Exclusive

by: Herbie Hancock

Release Date September 25, 2007
I bought this on the strength of Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter being great favourites of mine for over 30 years, and I really like Joni Mitchell's "Hissing of Summer Lawns", from which this set takes it's best track (Edith and the Kingpin). Tina Turner is in superb form.

It is a very disappointing set. It's well played, but never sparks.
I cannot see how it deserves a 'Grammy' award.

I don't get the point of the Leonard Cohen monologue at all.

Get the Joni Mitchell album. It's far superior to this offering.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

From Paris to Rio

by: Karrin Allyson

Release Date August 03, 1999
Wonderful backing - crisp, clear singing with great phrasing. A new discovery for me and I thought she was terrific and am looking for more.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Romance

by: Rosa Passos

Release Date May 20, 2008
I am once again knocked out by the artistry of my favorite female vocalist.Rosa brings so much emotion to each track that if she were an actor she would get an Oscar for this new release. I especially like her use of space and timing. Singing in and out and around the wonderful musicians who accompany her so well. I can not stop listening to this disc.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Breakfast on the Morning Tram

by: Stacey Kent

Release Date October 02, 2007
Too bad there is not a way to hear a sample of the cuts without viewing that long and wandering video. What happened Amazon?

OK, let me make it simple for you: No sample to hear, no sale!