Kathleen Loves Music

Joe Lee Wilson > It’s You or No One

After having the time of my life playing Farfisa organ in blue eyed rock/soul bands during high school, I decided George Martin and Jerry Wexler were my new role models. I’d become a “record producer”. Having no actual idea what that meant, my buddy Tom Pomposello and I borrowed a few dollars and started Oblivion Records. We’d record blues records to slake his passion and jazz records for my recently invented one.

Four LPs later a few of my college radio pals kept ragging me that I’d missed the session of a lifetime when I was out the hot July night Joe Lee Wilson played live at WKCR-FM on Sharif Abdus-Salaam’s program.

I hadn’t particularly liked most jazz singing before (or since) but this tape blew me away and we immediately made plans to release it (difficult when you’re completely broke and most of the other records you’ve released didn’t [Read more…]

Aaron Neville > This Is My Story/We Belong Together

It was bound to happen. Baby boomers have heard their favorite songs on the radio so darn much they’re searching for newer, fresher versions. Being ahead of the curve as usual, I started my quest about 20 years ago with this fabulous EP of doo-wop covers by the original he-could-sing-the-phonebook guy Aaron Neville.

It was hard to pick the best of the five original tracks (and there are four bonus tracks on the CD reissue) –I really feel like posting all of them– so I gave you a two-fer medley (originally by Gene & Eunice and Robert & Johnny). If you don’t already know Aaron maybe you’ll get the impulse to buy lots more of his stuff. Even the dross is worth it.

–Fred
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So let’s get back to Jason’s jazz primer.

I know next to nothing about Duke Ellington other than the dozens of records I have of his that I love. This one is my favorite. (And as I route around for internet info, many agree.) Recorded in 1957, this is a low-key, stunning track with his full group, and a rare Duke piano solo. I’ve never had any interest in the ‘big bands’ of jazz, but Ellington actually used his as an orchestra, and when the stars are aligned there’s nothing more beautiful.

I can’t give any tips to steer you towards the ‘best’, but iTunes is a great place to audition. Pick a sound that suits you and buy. In the meanwhile, Ellington Indigos is a great place to start.

I thought I’d take a jazz break for a couple of completely unrelated pop songs that have re-turned me on lately.

The Toys > A Lover’s Concerto
The Toys were truly a one-hit wonder. A great underrated producer, Bob Crewe (The Four Seasons, Mitch Ryder), took Bach’s Minuet in G, put on a Motown bass lined married to a girl group trio, and presto! one of the greatest tracks of one the greatest pop years (1965).

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