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Post by Kenny on Apr 23, 2005 18:33:00 GMT 10
Just found this review at AAJ! Michael Bolton Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook Michael Bolton | Jazzemup 911 By Ken Dryden Michael Bolton, with his overwrought remakes of soul and R&B hits, has been the laughing stock of critics for years, though his CD sales have always given him the last laugh. But his surprising change in direction to a straight-ahead jazz session of music from the vast repertoire of Duke Ellington shows him in a completely new light. Accompanied by such esteemed jazz musicians like pianist Bob James, bassist Lincoln Goines, drummer Stix Hooper and saxophonist Nelson Rangell, Bolton’s vocal renditions are sincere. His warm, sensitive interpretations of ballads such as “I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good),” “Come Sunday” and “Lush Life,” are remarkable. Bolton even penned beautiful lyrics to Ellington’s understated “The Single Petal of a Rose.” He has a lot of fun with the sassy “Fat and Forty” and Ellington’s neglected R&B-flavored work “One More Time For the People.” But it was his adept scatting to “Take the A Train” that won over this longtime critic. James’ mix of swing and stride piano is potent, while Rangell’s brilliant soprano sax is reminiscent of early Johnny Hodges. Stanley Crouch contributed the insightful liner notes. If you don't dig this CD, you're likely a jazz fascist. www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=17066 |
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Post by johnk on Apr 23, 2005 19:11:40 GMT 10
r u jiving us kennyweir? is this b4 he got rid of the mullet?
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Post by Kenny on Apr 23, 2005 19:18:37 GMT 10
This is, er, serious as far as I can tell.
And, Mr Dryden, paint me a jazz facsist - as I'm happy to admit to having plenty of negative baggage about this album. Bolton and Crouch? Yech!
But I'd be interested to have a listen - not that I'm likely to get a review copy, given I've never heard of the label; and - hell - I garontee you I ain't buying one!
Definitely post-mullet, BTW.
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Post by April Fool on Apr 24, 2005 7:04:08 GMT 10
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Post by Kenny on Apr 24, 2005 9:46:28 GMT 10
Hah! They got me!  |
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Post by vickihb2 on Apr 24, 2005 13:29:24 GMT 10
Well Kenny they got me too First I thought it was an April Fool thing and then I thought I shouldn't be such a snob! Anyway: Jazzmeup 911! Nine Eleven? That's the give away. There's an old saying: Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear. I'll keep that in mind. Did you see the story about the scientific tests on spanking in Russia in the Age? I think it was March 31 or April 2nd? I was sure that was an April fool story printed on the wrong day. That was hilarious, April fools or not. |
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Post by Kenny on Apr 25, 2005 11:43:36 GMT 10
Yeah well, if Kylie 'n' Rod can do it ...
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Post by TIGER GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!! on Mar 29, 2006 14:23:48 GMT 10
You know!!!!!
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Post by Kenny on May 27, 2006 17:13:08 GMT 10
Truth is stranger than fiction - at the AAJ review section:
Bolton Swings Sinatra
Michael Bolton (Concord Records)
By Jim Santella
Michael Bolton would never have achieved the fame that he’s garnered if he wasn’t genuine. Sure, his sincere approach to singing takes him over the top. After all, he is an emotional performer. That red-faced, vein-protruding tightness comes with the territory, and it’s brought him to the top of the pop, R&B and classical charts. He loves what he does, and this project derives from that persona.
Bolton doesn’t try to be Frank. He sings these favorite Sinatra songs with the same kind of orchestral and big band accompaniment that Ol’ Blue Eyes preferred; however, his vocal interpretations are strictly his own. He forces each melody with an intentional fervor that totally contrasts with the cool swing Frank Sinatra represented.
Arranger Chris Walden surrounds Bolton with swinging musical scenes that emulate the organizations Frank Sinatra worked with. At times, you can hear the Basie Band coming through confidently in the musical accompaniment. Brief solos appear from saxophones and trumpet. A 17-piece big band and a 35-piece string section stand united with Bolton on “For Once in My Life,” “You Go to My Head,” “My Funny Valentine,” “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Night and Day” and “The Second Time Around.” The latter is a vocal duet with Nicolette Sheridan.
Emotions are on fire here, and the message is clear. Bolton’s crying refrains carry a significant emotional burden.
The big band arrangements work much better, since they contrast smoothly with the singer’s forceful delivery and allow for a swinging demeanor. “Fly me to the Moon,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Summer Wind,” “That’s Life,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and “New York New York” feature comfortable big band arrangements that get your foot tappin’ and your shoulders moving. It’s memorable music, and Bolton has done his listeners a service by bringing it to a very large audience.
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Post by aj on May 27, 2006 17:43:09 GMT 10
what was that you said about 'barf material' ?
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Post by glean on May 28, 2006 0:34:44 GMT 10
bolton gives me the creeps but have you seen his woman? she can soap up my car any day
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Post by mim on May 28, 2006 1:20:54 GMT 10
Is she the chick from desperate housewives?
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alison
Junior Member
oobleeedoooobleee ah ah
Posts: 98
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Post by alison on May 28, 2006 2:24:28 GMT 10
yep, that would be her...
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Post by ladylex on May 29, 2006 17:09:00 GMT 10
Pfft. Great - Michael Bolton can at least sing in tune. Thats a winner in my books most of the time :lol: But, the BIGGEST point of interest to me is WHICH MUSOS will be playing for him. THATS always the coolest.  Surely you cant jump down a guyfor providing musos with a gig? |
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Post by mim on May 29, 2006 17:32:12 GMT 10
Providing musos with a good gig would be better.
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Surely you cant jump down a guyfor providing musos with a gig?