So I used to write the Blog under the title Ramblings of a Wandering Prodigal. well, it now turns out the one I was a prodigal to is no more. it has allowed a lot of introspection and I am more aware of my own mortality as hair has grown thinner, less teeth with more gaps, pace has slowed to a more sedate prowl (observers might think of it more as as kind of half-limp and amble as the hip has been giving me gyp lately).
The two things that remain are the fact that I love Jazz but love Jesus more, and secondly, if you find any grammatical errors, please point them out to me first, before Mummy sees them....
So I have decided to make this a bit more of an album review style as I tackle one of my passions, Jazz/fusion et al. Lately, I have had a renewed revival and the need to share with those who share my passion, and where possible attract a new audience to some of the new kids on the blocks. And some older kids to, who just haven't gotten off the block yet...
And out of all that DJ Shabash has emerged. This blog will be to review at least 3 albums that have caught my fancy but will be a chance to point you towards my live broadcasts on Saturday, Tuesday and Friday evenings. The publication will still be interspersed with random thoughts I have collected as I have walked this earth. Feel free to comment and at the bottom, I will add the links to my broadcasts, an upcoming podcast where I will be talking to friends and their love of music.
Touchdown by Bob James - 1978
This is one of the seminal and ground-breaking pieces of work by keyboardist Bob James, For those who have LPs, you will remember that this opened up, deceptively like a double album. That was the trade mark of the Tappan Zee label at the time,
The Personnel
First of all, this album had a lot of household names supporting him, and whilst at the time they were session players, they mostly all ended up with successful solo careers.Gary Kng, Eric Gale, Ron Carter, Steve Gadd, Hiram Bullock, Mongo Santamaria, Ralph MacDonald, Jon Faddi,; Randy Brecker, David Sanborn, Hubert Laws and Idris Muhammad - a real musical who's who of the fusion age of the 70s and 80s.
The Tunes
Angela (Theme From "Taxi")
Touchdown
I Want To Thank You (Very Much)
Sun Runner
Caribbean Nights
There were only 5 tracks, by today's standards, one might feel they had been short-changed but the enduring quality of this album 40 years on is a testament not just to the music production but to the fans who have not allowed this to slip away into the abyss. Angela as the theme tune to the 80s Comedy starts with the Hubert Laws flute that hooks you straight away. but my favourite on this album is Sun Runner, and as an impressionable teenager, I remember listening to this and never wanting the tune to end. Having said that, every tun on here is a good piece of memorable music that will stay with you long after you have finished listening.
Maybe I am being presumptuous here but if you have never heard of Bob James before, then I would recommend this as your first taste into the musical ingenuity of the man. Since then he has released over 20 solo albums and had collaborations with Earl Klugh, Kirk Whalum, David Sanborn among others, and is also a founding member of the quartet, Fourplay.
5/5
Gunners fever
Sadly, I am an Arsenal fan. I say sadly because I have had to endure some really difficult days watching the team I love flounder under the weight of the reputation of the team with no backbone. Literally. The team crumbles with the ease of the Berlin wall in the face of the onslaught of freedom. Or in modern political parlance, with the ease of a changing Brexit deadline. I have already heard cries of Emery out - but that is the cry of feckless fans who have not asked themselves who would replace him. It is this kind of short-sightedness that many football management boards have possessed, leading to hiring and firing of managers as one would do to inept secretarial temps. However, this is a mores serious game and people should ask themselves, who would they want if Unai were to leave. I personally would love Freddie Ljunberg to take the reins for now as he is already part of the management team, but would like to see somebody like Vieira come in to breathe some fire and passion into players who are paid more than enough to run small African countries - and who collectively, deliver just as much. I am almost driven to cry out, much to my horror, "Wenger, come back, all is forgiven." Not really. Not yet.
Father to Son - Eric & Josh Willis - 2018
This is a fantastic piece of work by keyboardist Eric Willis and his percussionist son, Josh. I am currently researching this and next month I will have more to share with you but in the meantime I would recommend that you listen on any of the streaming services, you will not be disappointed.
Its strange that in this day and age, there can be so little information on the internet regarding something so good.
The Tunes
It's Alright
Softly Spoken
Father to Son
Stop on Tchoupitoulas (Chop-It-Two-Lus)
Freddie the Freeloader
My Lovely
We're Strolling
Walking in the Sunshine
Time (She Keeps Moving)
Epistemology (E-Pis-Stem-Ology)
In Succession
Santa Fe Moon
Enchanted Island
Those Who Love
My four favourite tunes on there at the moment are Softly Spoken; a cover of Miles Davis' Freddie the Freeloader, We're Strolling and Epistemology (E-Pis-Stem-Ology)
If anybody out there knows more about this father and son duo, please email me at my details below.
3/5 - until proper review
Trending stupidly
Social media brings out the worst in people. Okay, for some of us, once in a while, in that moment of boredom, or flash of inspiration, will capture a moment in our lives that we feel compelled to share with others. Sometimes, it might be a selfie, or a picture that you think caught the right mood.
However, there have been times when others have been compelled to be idiotic enough to go the extra mile, like eating full meals on the train to prove a meaningless point.There is currently a video of a young man who sets up a table to woo and date some very unwilling - and embarrassed women. At first I found the concept quite novel and funny but by third date the fad had grown old and tired.
The other thing I have found rather amusing is when "influencers" try to use their perceived fame and fortune(less) to gain favour and freebies at establishments like hotels and restaurants. Whilst I admire their bold-faced shame (my opinion), I applaud the establishments that are fighting back and not be bullied by self-proclaimed influncers (of what) to take advantage of what we the working and paying public would rightly do, that is, pay for a service.
My final album review is from Wilton Felder, formerly of the Crusaders
Secrets - Wilton Felder - 1985
By the mid-90s, the original Crusaders had disbanded with Joe Sample in particular, Wyne Henderson and Wilton Felder pursuing successful solo careers.
Wilton collaborated with Bobby Womack, with whom he had worked before on his solo Inherit the Wind album to come up with Secrets.
Players
Dean Parks, Joe Sample, Nathan East, Ndugu Chancler, Abe Laboriel, David T Walker, Wilton Felder, Bobby Womack on vocals
There was commercial success with No Matter How Hard I Try with Bobby Womack's unique, raspy vocals, but i also love the Truth Song on which he featured as well.
There is a lot of good bass playing, which is not surprising bearing in mind there was East, Laboriel and Parks. However, Felder is allowed to lead and showcase what he is good at on all the tracks Eve Joe Sample's trademark keyboards seem subdued and you would be pushed to hear him on his solo work. This album certainly belongs to Felder.
I obtained this album in 1991, and the soulful I Found You has soothed my nerves many a time.
I think back in the day, I had this on cassette tape, and that poor tape played itself to ribbons.
The Tunes
Secrets
No Matter How I Get
La Luz
The Truth Song
I Found You
Mr Scoots
4/5
So long until November ending.
I broadcast every Friday from 10:00 pm GMT and on Saturday and Tuesdays at 10: 00 pm.If you would like to join me, click on the following: DJ Shabash Jazz Broadcast
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You can leave comments or email me at shaft144@djshabash.com.
