Zucchero is one of my all-time favorite musicians
585698
This is a wonderful Zucchero CD.  I have an extensive library of his music and this one rates right at the top.  I love the mix of musicians he appears with and all the songs hit my sweet spot for enjoyable music.
3502570
This is a great collection of David Friedman. I am not too suprised to see it on Amazon, though. I was lucky enough to meet him through an old friend and got to hear it before it was remastered. I had it on casette tape long before I was able to find it on cd, at a local tea house no less! What a great guy! I am so happy for him and best wishes on any future endeavor. This music has played a strong role in my life, from quiet nights alone to playing "For Erin" in my wedding ceremony. His music's simplicity and complexity, classic piano mixed with ambient nuances have found a place in nearly every aspect of my life.
Thank you, David, and keep it up!
4197508
Yello has to be one of the most underrated bands, at least in the US.  Throughout the years they have consistently produced unique, quirky techno mixed with acid jazz with a theatrical feel.  This is not an exception here.  Great work.
3514508
I saw the Fred Hersch trio at the Vanguard and he was one of the best, most emotionally powerful and subtle players I had ever seen. Then a friend of mine gave me this album. All I can say is wow. He is a profoundly talented player but in a very deep, quiet and intensely emotional way - in the manner of Bill Evans but his voice is totally unique. Because of his style, this would definitely work as background music for a dinner party, but it really needs to be listened to closely and on a good stereo to appreciate the artistry. And if you ever get the chance, try and see him live and enjoy the intimate experience of sharing this exquisite beauty with others.
4408350
Craig Chaquico is one of the most underrated guitarists and songwriters of out time. Formerly of Jefferson Starship, he has blossomed into one of the most melodic and joyous musicians in the entire jazz world. His songs are unlike anyone else you have ever listened to, and every one of his instrumental albums displays this talent. Check out any of his other CD,s post Starship, and he will instantly become one of your all time favorite musicians. His music is absolutely beautiful.
265068
I simply love this band there is so much to love here. Start off the music of Frank Zappa and these wonderful arrangements by Ed. It doesn't stop there Ed has put together what has to be the best big band around today. They are tight and right on the money they do Frank's music justice. This the forth cd of Frank's music by Ed and his band. What great songs Inca Roads always a favorite of mine Little Umrellas, Uncle Meat, The Black Page and so much more. Once we see what a great composer Frank was. This is only half of story here because this release has two cds and the second one is all Ed's songs which fit perfectly with the music on the first cd. It has the perfect blend of music styles all played beautifully by this band. Now if you love big bands and the music of Frank Zappa this release is for you. Once you hear this you to will fall in love with this band. You can get all of not only Ed's music plus the music of Frank Zappa right here at Amazon my music store.
1725
There's so much I could write about this unf**kingbelievable, diverse, original, and goodie-packed record. I'm hoping that one of you Wilco fans happened to fall upon this Amazon page when looking up Wilco guitarist Nels Cline. Folks, Nels and Carla are so musically intelligent and so full of emotion, and when they compose music together, there is no better pair of musically-inclined (no pun intended) adults.  Carla is most famously known for her band The Geraldine Fibbers, which, in many ways, is a better listen than Scarnella, but when it comes down to it, Scarnella's only studio album is much more of a masterpiece than the two Fibbers records.  There is so much going on here musically that it's impossible to believe Carla/Nels when they says this album only took a week to come up with.  Every song on this album has so much to it that each can be isolated and studied for a Master's thesis.

Even though Carla's voice reaches pure bliss on this album much more than once, my favorite track is the instrumental entitled "Improvisation #1", and when you hear it, you'll very much realize there's no f**king way this was an improv. No way.

Support Carla's music career. And tell Nels to start making music with her again, even if it means he drops Wilco.
2716303
I listen to Gospel music while I'm playing with the computer.  This album is one of my all time favorite ablum to listen to.  It enriches the soul and brings back memories of an easier time.  Floyd Crameer was one of the greatest piano players of all time.  His talent will surely be missed.  I can't say enough about this album for it was put together so well that all you have to do is put it on and drift away from the cares of the world.
4023312
I have a few of the Mushroom Jazz series now and bought this copy as a gift.  He's sampled and blended jazz and chillout music and mixed it with a variety of beats that are everything from lounge cool to street hop.  The tone of his work is uplifting and I find myself ready to do creative work when I hear his work (I'm an Ad man & screenwriter - no I'm not holding a cocktail right now but it could fit with the vibe of some of the music).  I will eventually buy all of the Mushroom series.

For those of you who appreciate ElectroSwing as a style, check this out.  If you like Jazz and hip hop in any of their formulations you must at least listen to a few tracks.  If you've vibed on RJD2 or Jurassic 5, you MUST hear this stuff.
2867913
Actually, I have listened to this album for weeks on end, without tiring of it. If you love Bill Evans, as who does not, imagine how he would sound if he were known mainly as a gifted player of Brazilian music. Brackeen, a non-Brazilian, in fact plays many other types of music -- the album she did with Toots is a gem-of-an-example -- but in this album she shows a lyrical gift for the music of Brazil that results in some of the happiest piano music you will ever hear. There is percussive genius in her playing as well, enhanced by bassist Eddie Gomez and an amazing drummer and a percussionist whom I had never heard of before. I have perhaps five hundred jazz albums, and this is one of my very favorites.
2001245
I have been following many artists on YouTube over the years, even before Google Purchased it. But this is the first time I have come across an artist that I liked enough to purchase their music and not just one song but the album. These men are remarkable with their talent. Every song is a new Journey into music itself and brings back the true feeling of being immersed in music.
266351
I SIMPLY LOVE ALL OF ZUILL BAILEY'S MUSIC.....HE'S AWESOME!!!!! I HAVE PURCHASED ALL OF HIS MUSIC AND IF I HAD TO CHOOSE MY FAVORITE ONE, I'D HAVE A HARD TIME......LARA DOWNES TOGETHER WITH SIMONE DINNERSTEIN: ZUILL COULDN'T HAVE PICKED BETTER PIANISTS TO ACCOMPANY HIM...
3141526
I heard an interview with Lyle Ritz on NPR and some samplings from the album. I thought about it every so often for about a year and finally bought it on Amazon.  It is haunting and seductively beautiful.  And it has become one of my all-time favorites.  When I play cuts from it for friends, they always comment on it.  I ask them what instrument they think it is.  They never guess the ukulele.

Lyle, when will we get more?
3314449
last summer my husband and sister and brother-in-law were in sf at ghiradelli square where we heard john h clarke for the first time.  we sat and listened to him play.  my brother-in-law bought two cd's.  i loved the wood and string and asked him if i could copy it.  but then i felt so guilty for stealing this from him (clarke) that i ordered a copy from amazon.  i think i listen to it at least 5 times a day.  i love the melodies that he has created but especially, his playing technique.  i hope he keeps producing more music.  i especially love the strings in the background.
3990592
When Scolohofo (John Scofield on guitar, Joe Lovano on tenor and soprano saxophone, Dave Holland on bass and Al Foster on drums) put this album out back in 2002, I literally whooped with joy. I only bought the album because of Scofield and Lovano, to be totally honest, but I became a firm Dave Holland and Al Foster fan as a result of it.

Produced by the band and co-produced by Eli Wolf, each of the eleven songs on here is brilliant. My two favourites, the upbeat "The Winding Way" - all ten and a half minutes of it - and the beguiling ballad "Bittersweet", I could play back to back all day but the rock-influenced "New Amsterdam" (in terms of Scofield's playing, at least) - another big adventure twelve and a half minutes long - and "In Your Arms", another ballad are also up there.

Scofield's guitar blends so well with Lovano's gentle, wispy (especially on soprano) saxophone tones. They've done quite a bit together already and I really wish they would do something together again soon. Actually, I thought this super group formation was going to be a regular thing (like Fourplay but with more 'traditional' jazz leanings) but six years later I'm still waiting for another Scolohofo album.

Dave Holland is a legend in his own right and really needs no introduction but watch out for his intro to "The Winding Way". It raises a smile every time I hear it. And all I can say about Al Foster (check out his solo towards the end of "The Winding Way" also) is that it's difficult to believe that the person playing here only has two arms and two legs. He's all over the place, playing one style one minute and another one the next, but it all sounds great. I'd never heard of him before this album but I've had an eye out for him ever since.

I'm surprised to see that only seven people have posted reviews for this album but I still doubt there's a Scofield or Lovano fan out there that doesn't have it already. I recommend it very highly to anyone considering jazz quartets. See what happens when four jazz giants get together. The songwriting duties are shared virtually equally with everyone writing three each, except for Al Foster who contributes two. Great songs all of them though, with melodies I can easily hum along to and have fun doing it. A true classic.
25300
I am a 'late bloomer' when it comes to this amazing, jaw-dropping group of musicians having discovered them on the movie, "Jack Goes Boating."  I wish I would have known about them from the beginning for then I wouldn't have gotten tired of the same old music out there and almost stopped listening.  There are really no words good enough to describe their music and everyone that listens to Devotchka knows how multi-talented this group is.  One listen and you will know too.  The only problem I have is they have spoiled me in regards to other music; there is none that measures up or even comes close for that matter, to the sound, the energy of the band members who all mesh together so perfectly, Nick Urata's beautiful, fall-in-love-with voice that is so soul-stirring you can't get it out of your head!  But, most of all, I love the joyful feeling their music gives me.  It leaves you wanting to hear everything they've ever done and yes, I DO have every album and want more!!
2824602
Luis's compositions are moods and flavors that are elegant and tasty. His songs are like no one else's. Unique and yet hauntingly familiar, especially the moodier pieces. The energetic tunes make me move despite myself. The rhythmic ferocity and taste of the musicians supporting Luis make this album a real treat. The closer I listen, the more I like the album.  I loved the first album, "Cafe Ole," and have been waiting with more than anticipation for "Spanish Kiss." It was worth the wait and then some. And I am delighted Luis is now with a label that is making him write and release his songs with increased regularity and frequency. Again soon, Luis.