Ricky Peterson: A Tear Can Tell (1996)

While Ricky was working on this recording in his private studio at Paisley Park, he was simultaneously working with Prince (at the time, the artist formerly known as Prince) including the top ten hit "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World". Engineered by Tom Tucker (Prince's studio manager) this recording has the sound and feel of classic Minneapolis, while it also captures the phenominal synth, B3 and piano work of RP.

Tracklist:
1 Jdarling (6:24)
2 A Tear Can Tell (4:32)
3 Who'll Be The Fool Tonight (4:21)
4 Mr. Williams (6:10)
5 Funny Little World (4:53)
6 Feel So Bad (4:18)
7 Holding Back The Years (4:44)
8 For All We Know (5:18)
9 Ej (5:42)
10 Secret O' Life (4:52)

Personnel: Ricky Peterson (vocals, keyboards, background vocals); Jimi Behringer (guitar, acoustic guitar); David Barry, Robben Ford (guitar); Paul Peterson (slide guitar, wah-wah guitar, bass guitar, background vocals); Howard Levy (harmonica); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Bob Malach (tenor saxophone); Michael Nelson (horns, alto horn); David Jensen, Brian Gallagher (horns); Jeanne Arland Peterson (synthesizer); Michael Bland (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Statik (drum programming); Jason Peterson, Jearlyn Steele Battle, Fred Steele, Jevetta Steele, Patty Peterson, Jearlyn Steele (background vocals)

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Timothy B. Schmit: Timothy B (1987)

Maybe it's just the somewhat overpowered production -- including the electric drums -- but this album ended up being a disappointment. The tunes and the songs are good enough, and Schmit is in superb voice, and you have to love the luminous guitar sound in evidence throughout. But it's all a little reminiscent of what happened to the Eagles once they became a top arena act -- all of a sudden, their sound started to get bigger and heavier than their music could carry comfortably. It might have been a good idea to treat the opener, "Boys Night Out," that way, and "Into the Night" seems to lend itself to that treatment, but it would have been nice to hear "Hold Me in Your Heart" and especially "Everybody Needs a Lover" -- which has an achingly beautiful melody at its core and great hooks, and could have been an Eagles song and an Eagles hit, too -- done with a little less wattage. One suspects both "Hold Me in Your Heart" and "Everybody Needs a Lover" would work better that way. On the plus side, Schmit is a fine, expressive singer throughout, and at the core of the album there is some superb playing, but something a little less heavily "produced" might have showcased all of these elements better. ~ Bruce Eder (AMG)

Tracklist:
1 Boys Night (4:36)
2 Don't Give Up (3:57)
3 Hold Me In Your Heart (4:42)
4 Everybody Needs A Lover (4:30)
5 Into The Night (4:37)
6 A Better Day Is Coming (4:29)
7 Jazz Street (4:15)
8 I Guess We'll Go On Living (5:32)
9 Down Here People Dance Forever (6:27)
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Mark Egan: A Touch Of Light (1988)

The fretless bass is a wonderful musical instrument and Mark Egan is one of the few musicians to play it well. In fact, not many bassists, fretless or fretted, can play a six-minute bass solo, as Egan does on "Waterfall Cafe" without utterly boring the audience. Even though many of the performances are low-key, Egan never bores on A Touch of Light. ~ Tim Griggs

Tracklist:

1 A Touch Of Light 4:23

2 Sand Box 4:55

3 Bombay Way 6:02

4 Waterfall Cafe 5:55

5 Ocean Child 7:11

6 Eastern Window 9:30

7 Wave Watch 5:35

8 Birthday Party Of A Mermaid 3:10

9 Gil Evans 6:01

Personnel:

Bass [4-string Fretless] – Mark Egan (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 7)

Bass [8-string Fretless] – Mark Egan (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 9)

Bass [Double-neck] – Mark Egan (tracks: 4, 6)

Cymbal – Danny Gottlieb (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 9)

Keyboards – Clifford Carter (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 8), Gil Goldstein (tracks: 7), Mark Egan (tracks: 1 to 3, 7, 9)

Percussion – Cafe (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8)

Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans (tracks: 1)

Tabla – Danny Gottlieb (tracks: 6)

Tambura – Clifford Carter (tracks: 6)

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Casiopea: Made in Melbourne (1994)

Made in Melbourne is an outstanding live performance of fusion titans from Casiopea released in 1994 on video and cd.

Tracklist:
01 - Fightman
02 - Passionate Voltage
03 - Final Chance
04 - New History
05 - Once in a Blue Moon
06 - Time Stream
07 - The March at Metro
08 - Akappachi-ism
09 - The Bass Greetings
10 - The Sky
11 - Top Wind
12 - Messengers
Personnel:
Issei Noro : Guitars
Minoru Mukaiya : Keyboards
Noriaki Kumagai : Drums
Yoshihiro Naruse : Bass
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Fred Simon, Steve Rodby, Paul McCandless: Remember the River (2004)

It's a pity this album's both expensive & hard to obtain because it's a gem. Featuring the delightfully melodic acoustic piano of Simon, the sure-footedness of Rodby's bass lines & the supremely talented Paul McCandless (of Oregon) on various reeds & horns (with NO shrillness!) the album completely draws you in to its spare, haunting beauty. This is truly an ensemble disc with Simon rarely taking the lead - it's great hearing McCandless as the sole leading voice in a fully acoustic setting where he doesn't need to screech!

As the music is generally laid back, comparisons with Windham Hill "New Age" are inevitable but there is enough fire in the playing (eg towards the end of the opener "Kore") to limit such comparisons.

In an album full of delights, Tracks 5 through 7 ("Time will tell", "Revolver" & the gorgeous anthemic "Folk Songs of the Cold War") are the highlights. Get it if you can! ~ Amazon

Remember The River is Fred Simon's eagerly awaited second album for The Naim Label. It sees Fred in a trio setting once again, this time accompanied by the musical alchemists Paul McCandless on reeds and Steve Rodby on double bass.

Fred wrote each track on the disc, injecting his sense of beautiful musicality into every inch of the score. The piano sounds as light as a feather under his touch, the bass a perfect complement in Steve's hands. Paul's floating and innovative sound has the effect of transporting the whole composition to a higher plane.

For years, Paul has played with the relentlessly innovative group, Oregon, winning many awards and nominations for his playing. He is a talented multi-instrumentalist, as can be seen by reading his list of involvement on Remember The River.

Bassist and co-producer of the Pat Metheny Group, Steve Rodby has won several Grammys for his work. His rapport with the bass is second to none, easily coaxing out a deep and wondrously rich sound; smooth yet authoritative.

This disc is a True Stereo recording by Ken Christianson. It was recorded live with two microphones.

Personnel: Fred Simon (piano); Steve Rodby (acoustic bass); Paul McCandless (English horn, oboe, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet, penny whistle)

Tracklist:

1. Kore (O Love, Where are you Leading me now?) 7:08

2. Remember the River 5:12

3. Double Dream 3:57

4. December Together 3:45

5. Time Will Tell 4:07

6. Revolver 4:55

7. Folk Songs of the Cold War 4:48

8. Listen to the Colour of your Dreams, part 1 3:19

9. Miracle Enough 6:44

10. Listen to the Colour of your Dreams, part 2 3:03

11. WWJTD 4:46

12. Isabel 2:34

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Brian Bromberg: BASSically Speaking (1990)

Nova Records in the early '90s had the great distinction of having two of the world's most stunning young bass players on their roster: Byron Miller and Brian Bromberg. Bromberg, whose virtuosic mix of funk and mainstream influences have earned him comparisons to Stanley Clarke, has found a magical way to ease his brilliant chops on nine different basses into a very commercial setting. His latest, BASSically Speaking, shows him all aces not only as a consummate player, but as a producer, arranger, and composer as well. Mellow fare like "Take a Walk in the Park With Me" offsets the more up-tempo numbers, and you've never heard "My Funny Valentine" played with this much vigor. Complemented by the likes of Freddie Hubbard and the late flutist Joe Farrell, Bromberg has arrived as the first bassman of contemporary jazz's future.

Tracklist:

1. You And I

2. Summertime

3. A New Day

4. My Funny Valentine

5. Oriental Ho-Down

6. BASSically Speaking

7. Mushy Tushy

8. Take A Walk In The Park With Me

9. Puerto Manana

10. Sunrise

Personnel: Brian Bromberg (bass); Doug Webb, Greg Armstrong, Ernie Watts (saxophone); Freddie Hubbard (flugelhorn); Joe Farrell (flute); Kei Akagi, Mark Hugenberger, Arthur Statman, Guy Moon (keyboards); Carl Cherry, Joel Taylor (drums); Alex Acuna, Steve Reid (percussion)

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Casiopea: Down Upbeat (1984)

Down Upbeat is 12th album by Casiopea, recorded and released in 1984.

Tracklist:

1. ZOOM

2. DOWN UPBEAT

3. THE CONTINENTAL WAY

4. ROAD RHYTHM

5. FROUFROU

6. HOMESTRETCH

7. NIGHT STORM

8. COOKIN UP

9. TWILIGHT SOLITUDE

10. AIR FANTASY

Personnel:

Issei Noro - Electric guitar (YAMAHA SG-2000 Fretless)

Minoru Mukaiya - Keyboards (YAMAHA DX-1, DX-7, ROLAND VP-330)

Tetsuo Sakurai - Electric Bass (YAMAHA BB-3000 5-strings, BB-2000)

Akira Jimbo - Drums (YAMAHA YD-9000RG, Simmons SDS-5, Zildjan Symbals, AMDECK PCK-100)

Digital drum percussion programming by Issei Noro and Minoru Mukaiya

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Dan Siegel: Departure (2006)

A culmination of influences from an illustrious career spanning 25-plus years, Departure is the latest studio recording from pianist Dan Siegel. He brilliantly blends his melodic and rhythmic pop sensibilities with his traditional jazz roots and offers up an amazing acoustic vision of original compositions. This CD is graceful, noble, and reflective, since it transcends categorization as it speaks to earlier times of adult instrumental acoustic music with classic themes that were influenced by the song, its melodies, and its virtuosic musicians. Among Siegel's invitees are several contemporary jazz greats including Brian Bromberg, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Lenny Castro, with special guest performances by saxophonist Bob Sheppard, guitarists Norman Brown and Grant Geissman, and vocalist Bill Cantos. Produced by Siegel and Bromberg, this 11-track offering is ripe with themes that move, groove and appeal to your sense of jazz. The emotionally gripping opening track"Across the Sea" and "Street Talk," which offers the vintage Siegel sound, defines the true stripped down essence that is Departure. The exotic string ensemble heard on "Mosaic" serves to enhance the darker emotional piano and saxophone textures. "Castles in the Sand" features Vince Guaraldi's inimitable influences while "Alone" is a soft-spoken ballad that includes light percussive textures and an irresistible tenderness from saxophonist Bob Sheppard. Overall, Departure is organic, in-the-pocket, and should be in your collection of great piano jazz records. ~ Paula Edelstein

Tracklist:
01. Across The Sea
02. Street Talk
03. Mosaic
04. Friends Forever
05. Departure
06. From Here On Out
07. A World Away
08. Soliloquy
09. Shades Of Gray
10. Castles In The Sand
11. Alone
Personnel:
Bob Sheppard: Saxophone
Norman Brown, Grant Geissman: Guitar
Bill Cantos: Voice
Brian Bromberg: Acoustic Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta: Drums
Lenny Castro: Percussion
Dan Siegel: Keyboards, Vibraphone, Melodica
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Tom Scott: New Found Freedom (2002)

Following two albums with a reconstituted L.A. Express, Bluestreak and Smokin' Section, Tom Scott returns to solo frontman duties on his Higher Octave Jazz debut, New Found Freedom, but he does so with a large number of guests. Those guests help broaden the styles of music available on the release, although Scott's own saxophone work remains a touchstone and everything on the disc will be easily programmable on smooth jazz radio. Indeed, the variety gives programmers many choices. Craig Chaquico, a fellow veteran of the 1970s rock scene and now a labelmate, joins Scott with some characteristic acoustic guitar work on the becalmed opener, "Feelin' It," after which adult contemporary singer Ann Nesby croons "You Are My Everything" while Billy Preston joins in on organ. Scott's taste for R&B and funk is on display on "(Don't You Wanna) Jam," which gives way to the more reflective "Can You Stand the Rain," spotlighting George Duke on acoustic piano. Another soulful number is an interpretation of Simply Red's "Holding Back the Years," and Daniel Rodriguez, the singing New York police officer who gained fame after September 11 (and whose debut album Scott produced) comes on for a thoughtful version of "Everything Must Change." This is a well-assembled collection of smooth jazz that will please fans of the genre and of Scott. ~ William Ruhlmann 

Personnel: Tom Scott (harmonica, saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, synthesizer); Valerie Watson, Ann Nesby (vocals, background vocals); Daniel Rodriguez, Michael Cooper, Carl Anderson (vocals); Craig Chaquico (guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr. (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Phil Upchurch (acoustic guitar); Larry McGee (electric guitar); John Barnes (strings, trumpet, flugelhorn, electric piano, bass synthesizer); Greg Thomas (tenor saxophone); George Duke (piano); Gerald McCauley (Fender Rhodes piano, programming, sampler); Jerry Peters (Fender Rhodes piano); Kurt Clayton (keyboards); Mikael Sandgren (string synthesizer, programming); Craig T. Cooper (talk box); Ricky Lawson (drums, cymbals); Luis Conte (congas, percussion); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); David Satterfield (background vocals). 

Tracklist:
1 Feeling It
2 You Are My Everything
3 (Don't You Wanna) Jam
4 Can You Stand The Rain
5 Just a little
6 Holding Back the Years
7 I Wanna Be With You
8 Never Too Far from You
9 Everything Must Change
10 View From Here
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Fred Simon: Twilight (1996)

Fred Simon has been making music for more than thirty-five years, composing for records, live performance, film, dance, and television, with instrumentation ranging from solo piano to symphonic orchestra. Fred has recorded and/or performed with Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless, Larry Coryell, Lyle Mays, Iain Matthews, Jerry Goodman, Steve Rodby, Paul Wertico, Bonnie Herman, Kurt Elling, Fareed Haque, David Onderdonk, Ingrid Graudins, Ross Traut, The Stan Kenton Orchestra, and many others.

Tracklist:

1. One Night Forever 

2. First Star I See 

3. Indigo Curtain 

4. Later That Same Day 

5. Mysterious Memory 

6. An Evening with Anais 

7. Heartwood 

8. Nobinga 

9. The Listening Well 

10. Double Dream

Personnel:

Fred Simon - Piano, Keyboards

Teja Bell - Guitars

Paul McCandless - Soprano Sax

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Timothy B. Schmit: Feed the Fire (2001)

Timothy B. Schmit is one of the most prolific musicians out there - he has played with just about everybody from Ringo Starr and Crosby, Stills and Nash to Steely Dan, not to mention his contributions to Poco and the Eagles, and to the various solo projects of his fellow band members. Yet, the guy who said in a recent "Rockline" interview that music is really all he lives for ("I have no hobbies") has only published four albums of his own, and like fellow-Eagle Don Henley, he has let a full 11 years go by between his last release, 1990's "Tell Me the Truth," and this year's "Feed the Fire." Long-awaited by fans, the album, now finally published on Lucan Records (the label he founded specifically for this purpose) showcases Timothy B. Schmit's incredible musical versatility. Written for the most part over the course of the past 4 or 5 years, the 11 songs are masterfully arranged, from the album's opener "The Shadow" (the closest thing to a title track because it contains the line "We need to feed the fire") to "Song For Owen," the last track, dedicated to Schmit's daughter. They range in style from beautiful ballads ("Running") to not-entirely-soft rock with slightly edgy guitar solos ("Moment of Truth," "I'll Always Let You In" - lead guitar: TBS's Eagles buddy Joe Walsh - and "I'm Not Angry Anymore," co-written by Stan Lynch who also makes a cameo background appearance) to Hollie-esque tunes ("Give Me Back My Sight" and "Top Of the Stairs," an amazing a-cappella piece where Timothy B. Schmit single-handedly performs every last one of the multiple vocal layers) to faster tunes ("Every Song Is You") and, last but not least, two warm and tender covers of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" and 1971's "You Are Everything," which has been recorded by artists representing such different genres as the Stylistics, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart and David Sanborn, and which TBS now presents in his own effortless style.

True to his modest ways (on stage with the Eagles, even after having performed his signature "I Can't Tell You Why" and "Love Will Keep Us Alive," he will rarely do more than deeply bow and thank his fans), Schmit has said that while all the musicians who have joined him on "Feed the Fire" are first rate, few of them are really well-known. However, Eagles, Bob Seger, Tom Petty and James Gang fans will know Scott Crago (drums), Stan Lynch and, of course, Joe Walsh; fans of Aerosmith know TBS's long-time friend Mark Hudson, who co-produced the album and co-wrote and played guitars on four of the songs; and fans of America know Hank Linderman, who co-wrote two of the songs and played guitars and various other instruments on those and two other pieces. And these are just a few of the many outstanding people appearing on this record. The fact of the matter is that Timothy B. Schmit is so well-connected (and -respected) in the industry that he had the ability to assemble a truly exceptional group of musicians for the production of an album which, for the longest time, he says he did not even seriously pursue. And of course, he himself is much more than the Eagles' and Poco's bassist and sometime singer - he plays all instruments save drums on "The Shadow" and guitars in addition to bass on "I'm Not Angry Anymore," "Moment of Truth" and "Song For Owen," and he stands in for nothing less than an entire a-cappella choir in "Top Of the Stairs."

While none of the great rock bands can survive without the collaboration of all of the extraordinarily talented musicians they consist of (as seen not least by the example of the Eagles' painful 1980 break up and subsequent 14-year hiatus), sometimes it takes a solo album to fully bring to shine the stars that are otherwise overshadowed by the more flamboyant members of their respective groups. "Feed the Fire" is a wonderful and long-overdue portrait of a musical talent who deserves a lot more public attention than he has claimed in the past.

Personnel: Hank Linderman (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, E-bow, keyboards); Steve Dudas (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Mark Hudson (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Rob Lorentz (violin); Novi Novog (viola); Cameron Stone (cello); Jim Cox (keyboards); Scott Crago (drums, percussion); Richard Feldman (loops); Timothy B. Schmit (vocals, various instruments); Joe Walsh (electric guitar); Adam Benjamin (keyboards). 

Tracklist:

1. The Shadow

2. Every Song Is You

3. Make You Feel My Love

4. I'll Always Let You In

5. Running

6. I'm Not Angry Anymore

7. Give Me Back My Sight

8. You Are Everything

9. Top Of The Stairs

10. Moment Of Truth

11. Song For Owen

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Casiopea: The Party (1990)

The Party is a motion picture soundtrack album released by the jazz fusion group Casiopea in 1990. This album marked the joining of Yoshihiro Naruse (bass) and Masaaki Hiyama (drums) to the band. This is also Casiopea's 20th overall album.

Tracklist:
1. "Cyber Zone"  - Minoru Mukaiya, Issei Noro (3:55)
2. "Aoi-Honoh"  - Issei Noro (4:10)
3. "Illusion"  - Issei Noro (4:04)
4. "Nostalgia" - Issei Noro (4:43)
5. "Flush Up"  - Minoru Mukaiya (4:19)
6. "Stormy Hearts" - Minoru Mukaiya (3:03)
7. "Mokugeki-Sya"  - Issei Noro (4:26)
8. "Romancing" - Issei Noro (3:38)
9. "Tokimeki" - Issei Noro (4:18)
10. "Golden Island" - Minoru Mukaiya, Issei Noro (4:23)
11. "The Party Night" - Issei Noro (3:39)
12. "Dai-Sekai" - Issei Noro (4:30)
Personnel:
Issei Noro - Electric guitar, Acoustic guitar
Minoru Mukaiya - Keyboards
Yoshihiro Naruse - Electric Bass
Masaaki Hiyama - Drums
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Fred Simon: Usually/Always (1988)

Chicago electric/acoustic keyboarist. Quite intriguing contemporary fusion, with Paul McCandless (reeds) and vocalist Bonnie Herman. ~ Michael G. Nastos (AMG)

Back in the late 80's this is one of a very few select albums of this genre I would listen other than rock and prog rock. I have Mr. Simon to thank for greatly increasing my love for "Music". Now I love all types of music and this Album is a brilliant work of art. Every song on it is wonderful. The production and sound quality is second to none. I have all of Fred Simon's albums and can't wait for his next release. He now records for the Naim Label in the UK. ~ Jack L. Bishop (Amazon)

Tracklist:
01. Usually/Always 05:36
02. Nin 05:13
03. That Fall 05:01
04. (I Watched Her) Walk Away 04:42
05. Time and the River 04:19
06. A View of You 03:37
07. Air for Sarah 06:20
08. Zola 05:44
09. Badlands 07:08
Personnel:
Usually/Always
Piano, Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Acoustic Bass: Steve Rodby
Electric Guitar: Ross Traut
Drums: Paul Wertico
Voices: Bonnie Herman, Ingrid Graudins
Tambourine: Jo Pusateri
Nin
Piano, Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Acoustic Bass: Steve Rodby
Acoustic 6-String Guitar (arpeggiating): David Onderdonk
Acoustic 6 and 12-String Guitars (strumming): Bob Palmieri
Soprano Saxophone: Paul McCandless
Cymbals: Mark Walker
Percussion: Jo Pusateri
That Fall
Piano, Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Acoustic Bass: Steve Rodby
Electric Guitar: Ross Traut
Voice: Bonnie Herman
Cymbals: Paul Wertico
(I Watched Her) Walk Away
Piano, Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Acoustic Bass: Steve Rodby
Electric Guitar: Bob Palmieri
Drums: Larry Beers
Oboe, Soprano Saxophone: Paul McCandless
Percussion: Jo Pusateri
Time and the River
Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Voice: Bonnie Herman
Harp: Liz Cifani
A View of You
Piano, Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Acoustic Bass: Steve Rodby
Acoustic Guitar: David Onderdonk
Drums: Larry Beers
English Horn: Paul McCandless
Additional Cymbals: Paul Wertico
Tambourine: Jo Pusateri
Air for Sarah
Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Voice, Vocal Arrangement: Ian Matthews
Acoustic 6 and 12-String Guitars: Bob Palmieri
Zola
Piano, Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Acoustic Bass: Steve Rodby
Acoustic Guitars: David Onderdonk, Bob Palmieri (additional guitar and solo)
Oboe, English Horn: Paul McCandless
Dumbek: David Onderdonk
Cymbals, Legs: Mark Walker
Tambourine: Jo Pusateri
Badlands
Piano, Synthesizers, Synclavier: Fred Simon
Acoustic Bass: Steve Rodby
Sampled and Acoustic Drums, Shaker, Cymbals: Larry “Big Dog” Beers
Tenor Saxophone: Edward Petersen
Acoustic Slide Guitar: David Onderdonk
Tumba, Ganza, Manhole: L.L. Cool Breen
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Timothy B. Schmit: Playin' It Cool (1984)

After noted tenures in supergroup the Eagles and equally super (but not as supergroup-ish) Poco, Schmit took a cue from his former bandmantes Don Henley and Glenn Frey and took a stab at a solo career with Playin' It Cool. Not as gifted a songwriter as Henley or Frey, Schmit holds his own in the vocal department and the musicianship is on par with either of his colleauges. But what makes Playin' It Cool sound subpar is the erratic nature of the tracks. The production on several of these tunes sound antiquated in comparison to the super glossed production of the mid eighties; almost reminiscent of Schmit's tunes in the Eagles. It certainly doesn't help matters that many of his Southern California compadres (Henley, Carl Wilson, Joe Walsh and JD Souther) make guest appearances, leading to the notion that Playin' It Cool is an album that was several years in the making. It's not the worst of Eagles solo records, but it is certainly nowhere near the best either. Thankfully, Schmit would re-tool his sound and deliver more promising material with later records. ~ Rob Theakston 

Personnel: Timothy B. Schmit (vocals, guitar, background vocals); Josh Leo (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, percussion, background vocals); Don Henley (vocals, drums, percussion, background vocals); David Lasley, Max Gronenthal, J.D. Souther, Rita Coolidge, Sam Clayton (vocals, background vocals); Carl Wilson (vocals); Joe Walsh (guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar); Steve Lukather (guitar, electric guitar); Jim Coile (saxophone, tenor saxophone); William Bergman, Greg Smith, Steve Allen (saxophone); Greg "Frosty" Smith (baritone saxophone); Mike Utley (organ); David Paich (keyboards, percussion); David Patch, Vince Melamed (keyboards); Jeff Porcaro (drums, percussion); Craig Krampf, John "J.R." Robinson, Harry Stinson (drums); Keith Knudsen (tambourine, percussion); Carole Damien, Renee LaRose, Jay Harris, Jeddrah Schmit, Jean Cromie, Lindah Lauderbough, Joan Kreiss, Debra Dobkin (background vocals).

Tracklist:
1. Playin It Cool
2. Lonely Girl
3. So Much In Love
4. Somethings Wrong
5. Voices
6. Wrong Number
7. Take A Good Look Around You
8. Tell Me What You Dream
9. Gimme The Money
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Dan Siegel: Inside Out (2004)

Adult contemporary pianist Dan Siegel has been helping to shape the smooth jazz genre since his recording debut in 1980. Having released several chart-topping records, Siegel now returns with Inside Out, his first all-new studio release in over six years. Inside Out is a collection of ten original tracks featuring special guests Boney James, Jeff Kashiwa, and Brian Bromberg. The recording is characterized by smooth urban grooves, insightful melodies, and mood-setting atmosphere. The recording opens with "Just Like That," a melodic distillation of piano finesse, ambient electronic instruments, and inventive programming. "Inside Out" is ripe with the beauty of percussive syncopation and the sonority one hears from an array of castanets, congas, and other percussion. Siegel's piano grace is surrounded by elaborate string complements that sway the listener into a state of relaxation. On "In Your Eyes," Siegel's exquisite piano playing sets the scene for love with natural and expressive resonance. The addition of flute to this lovely piece provides another layer of romanticism to its musical structure. Each song on this CD tells its own little story with style and believability. Overall, Dan Siegel emerges from the "inside out" to offer his fans a true glimpse of what is perhaps his most essential recording to date. ~ Paula Edelstein

Tracklist:
01. Just Like That
02. Inside Out
03. In Your Eyes
04. When The Time Comes
05. Between The Lines
06. To The Point
07. This Time Around
08. Crossroads
09. The Long Goodbye
10. Gone But Not Forgotten
Produced by Dan Siegel
Personnel:
Boney James, Jeff Kashiwa, Rob Kyle: Saxophone
Allen Hinds, Darrell Crooks, Rob Bacon: Guitar
Tony Guerrero: Trumpet
Chris Clark: Trombone
Alex Al, Smitty Smith, Brian Bromberg: Bass
Oscar Seaton, Dave Hooper, Michael White: Drums
Lenny Castro: Percussion
Dan Siegel: Keyboards
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Evan Marks: Long Way Home (1995)

If it seems upon first listen that Evan Marks' snappy, fluid electric lines are vaguely reminiscent of Steve Laury's, the connection makes perfect sense; Marks subbed in Fattburger's guitar chair for a few years after Laury left the group. While select ballads on the Cleveland native's stellar debut ease through that band's familiar laid-back ideals, Marks seems more comfortable darting in new and daring directions as both composer and jam-happy player. Label connections work wonders, with Jeff Lorber's synth rack and Art Porter's funky delicacies punching up groove after funk-filled electronic groove. For example, "Racer X," with its burning blues rock bravura, is one of the most unpredictable genre tracks ever. Marks has the vision of an edgy contemporary instrumentalist, but there is also a healthy dose of jazz seasoning in his mix. His improvisations extend to a certain point, but it's the free flowing trumpet of Mitch Manker which really helps the leader stretch his limits. Marks attempts to resolve the two directions of his abundant musical heart on the hypnotic, Lorber-tinged "Jazz Not Jazz." However you define his upscale grooving, Marks hits the bull's eye.

Tracklist:
1. Long Way Home (4:40)
2. Jazz Not Jazz (5:14)
3. All I Do Is Think Of You (5:15)
4. Waiting on Midnight (4:21)
5. Shooting the Breeze (4:30)
6. Special Place (5:45)
7. Seaview Drive (4:45)
8. Road Trip (4:13)
9. Feels So Right (4:02)
10. Racer X (4:31)
11. Suzy's Song (4:08)
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FileFactory / Turbobit @ FLAC [334MB]
password: musiclife

Dan Siegel: Clairvoyance (1998)

After expanding his reach into the worldbeat realm with 1995's brilliant Hemispheres, Dan Siegel returns to his usual comfort zone of spry piano melodies and easy grooves on Clairvoyance. A veteran who always finds ways to stay fresh creatively yet true to the sound that made him a core artist, he challenges himself this time as a producer, carrying those catchy hooks over a variety of rhythmic beds. It's not often that store-bought sounds merit praise, but Siegel effectively builds upon loops and John Patitucci bass samples (courtesy of Spectrasonics) to create unique contrasts of dark and light on tunes like "Fortune Teller" and "Heart of Hearts"; the light comes from Siegel's playful piano touch, which floats over a synth organ sound combined with the samples and Allen Hinds' brooding electric guitar. Ironically, Siegel takes the same approach on tunes with world-class bassists Brian Bromberg, Smitty Smith, and Larry Kimpel, so one wonders if the creativity was borne out of economic necessity. Like the genre itself these days, Siegel takes a mostly urban slant, and a sugary tune like "Starry Night" (featuring Boney James) sounds like one of his great late-'80s tunes with a stronger backbeat. The closing number, "88," is a haunting film score meditation that conveys a deeper artistry than his usual fare, but keeping it under two minutes makes it look like Siegel is trying to hide the full range of his gifts. ~ Jonathan Widran 

Tracklist:
01. As Far As I Can See
02. Early Morning
03. Fortune Teller
04. Heart Of Hearts
05. Walkin'
06. Starry Night
07. Soft Touch
08. Day Dreaming
09. Clairvoyance
10. 88
Personnel:
Michael Lington, Boney James: Saxophone
Allen Hinds, Darrell Crooks, Richard Smith: Guitar
Dwayne «Smitty» Smith, Larry Kimpel: Bass
Brian Bromberg: Acoustic Bass
«Little John» Roberts, Randy Drake: Drums
Brian Kilgore: Percussion
Dan Siegel: Keyboards
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Tom Scott and the L.A.Express: Smokin' Section (1999)

On Smokin' Section, credited to Tom Scott & the L.A. Express, the veteran saxman can't resist mixing in a few cover tunes with the stylistically diverse array of original numbers. He doesn't add too much to the arrangement of the folk-rock classic "Ode To Billie Joe," but who can argue when it's sung by the sandpaper-and-honey voiced Patty Smyth? Scott also functions as soloist/harmony line player as Phil Perry does his soulful best with Restless Heart's "I'll Still Be Lovin' You." Scott and his cohorts are all over the map the rest of the time, capturing everything from the now retro '70s flavor of the original L.A. Express to Scott's early leanings towards quartet jazz to -- as the title promises -- flashy brass funk and mindtripping fusion. Scott's alto honks above the swaying, horn section hook of the title track, then slinks into the background for much of the swampy Delta blues cool of "Cruisin' Bayou," which blends Alan Pasqua's Fender Rhodes-flavored synth riffs, Buzz Feiten's wailing steel guitar, and a soundscape by Luis Conte and Alex Acuna. The somewhat jarring rhythmic switches take the listener from the smoky mood of "If I Could Cry" to the swaying funk of "The Beat Is On" (pushed along by bassist John Pena), but the real fun comes on "TCB in E," when Scott, Pasqua, Feiten, and drummer Harvey Mason rock on and trade blistering solos for ten minutes, making '70s Rhodes-based jazz fusion relevant to 1999. ~ Jonathan Widran 

Personnel: Tom Scott (strings, woodwinds, saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, horns, synthesizer); Phil Perry (vocals, background vocals); Lynne Scott, Patty Smyth, Terry Wood (vocals); Robbie Nevil (guitar, keyboards, background vocals); Wah-Wah Watson (guitar); Dean Parks (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr. (acoustic guitar); Howard "Buzz" Feiten (electric guitar); Pete Christlieb (tenor saxophone); Joel Peskin (baritone saxophone); Gary Grant, Oscar Brashear (trumpet); George Bohannon (trombone); Alan Pasqua (piano, keyboards); Steve Dubin (keyboards, drum programming, percussion programming); Mitch Forman, Tim Heintz (synthesizer); Harvey Mason, Sr., Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Lenny Castro, Alex Acuсa, Luis Conte, Ralph MacDonald (percussion). 

Tracklist:
01. Smokin' Section
02. I'll Still Be Lovin' You
03. Cruisin' Bayou
04. Lonely One
05. Ode To Billie Joe
06. If I Could Cry
07. A Short Visit
08. Just Takin' A Walk
09. Lost Again
10. The Beat Is On
11. TCB In 'E'
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Rapidgator (Part 1 - Part 2) / Depositfiles (Part 1 - Part 2) @ FLAC [520MB]
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Azymuth: Linha Do Horizonte (1975)

This is second album of Brazilian Jazz/Fusion band Azymuth released in 1975. In fact, it includes all first recordings of the band  (the album 'Azimuth') and the album is named on the title track 'Linha Do Horizonte".

Tracklist:
1 Linha Do Horizonte
2 Melo Dos Dois Bicudos
3 Brazil
4 Faça De Conta
5 Caça A Raposa
6 Estrada Dos Deuses
7 Esperando Minha Vez
8 Montreal City
9 Manha
10 Periscópio
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Dan Siegel: Hemispheres (1995)

Popular smooth jazz keyboardist Dan Siegel has been helping to shape the genre since his recording debut in 1980. When he originally released this extraordinary and ambitious project Hemispheres in 1995, he was simply trying to create an original, globally oriented twist on his mega-popular trademark keyboard sound. It was a veritable smorgasbord of world beat sounds, beats and textures which allowed him to keep a lower profile on the keyboard and keep the focus on some very unique all-star instrumental combinations. The plan was to bring together a lot of artists who played many different instruments some mainstream, some exotic, and blend them. The album title alludes to the overlapping of cultures, juxtaposing different sounds in ways you might not expect. It was a veritable United Nations in the studio at one time. Hemispheres is one of the 90s most innovative gems. The albums all-star instrumental collaborations include Osamu Kitajima (his soundtrack compositions have been heard in Japanese films and PBS documentaries), premiere banjo player Béla Fleck (considered one of the most innovative pickers in the world), and Boney James (best selling R&B saxophonist). Unavailable for over five years, this reissue features the previously unreleased bonus track "Rainbow Sky" with vocals by Terri Nunn, from the group Berlin ("Take My Breath Away"). ~ Amazon

Tracklist:
1. Savanna
2. Hemispheres
3. Homeland
4. Sanctuary
5. Ancient Footsteps
6. Stix & Stones
7. El Nino
8. In The Mist
9. Rainbow Sky
10. Forest People
11. Rainbow Sky
Personnel:
Charlie Bisharat: Violin
Bela Fleck: Banjo
Osamu Kitajima: Koto
Andy Narell: Steel Pan
Tollak Ollestad: Harmonica
Peter White: Accordian
Mike Marshall: Mandolin
Tony Karasek: Sitar
Masakazu Yoshizawa: Flutes
Boney James, Jeff Kashiwa: Saxophone
Rick Braun: Trumpet
John Bilezikjian: Oud
Eric Rigler: Uillean Pipes
Terri Nunn, Kelly Coleman, Dori Caymmi, Dan Siegel: Vocals
Allen Hinds, Ottmar Liebert, Richard Smith, Dori Caymmi: Guitar
Abraham Laboriel, Roberto Vally, Tom McCauley: Bass
Luis Conte: Percussion
Randy Drake: Drums
Dan Siegel: Keyboards, Vocal
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