At My Desk

The work comes in
I sit in awe,
Should I keep up
Or break the law.

J.A.Scott

CD Review: Thisbe Vos - "Sophistication"

For this months CD review, I decided to turn my attention to a newer jazz artist I discovered. Her CD is one of those I like to listen to at the end of the day, very relaxing and satisfying. Included within is a variety of great new songs, as well as some old favorites, redone in her own particular (classic jazz) style.

The first track on the CD is 'House of Make Believe', where Thisbe imagines her perfect man. "He's the warmest, kindest, sweetest man of all". Who hasn't tried to imagine their perfect mate? This fantastic song, will have you dreaming of yours.

'After You've Gone' is another great song written by Thisbe. As the title suggests, its about that forlorn feeling when someone you love has gone away and you hope they come back soon. Another great song to either contemplate or just listen and enjoy.

'Sophistication' is the title track and deservedly so. It's quite the snappy song, very enjoyable. As far as sophisticated, it's right up there with a wardrobe filled with perfectly fit suits and matching ties. Yes, I sort of borrowed that line from the song. "I hope you know what to do, 'cause I think I'm in love with you."

Another of my favorite songs written by Thisbe is 'I am all right'. A great song to remember if ever anyone tries to break your heart. Following the indomitable spirit of this song, you'll be able to tell that foolish person, "I am all right, I am okay, I'm just doing swell. So goodbye now and farewell."

A few of the other great songs written for this CD are 'Pordenone', a tribute to an Italian Village of the same name. 'When I Come To You', is a much slower song, but just as enjoyable as the rest of the outstanding music on this CD.

Outside of the original songs, I also love the tribute songs. 'Frim Fram Sauce' is a personal favorite of mine. Despite it sounding like a novelty song, it's been performed by many great artists, so Thisbe is in great company here.

When I first started getting into jazz, one of the first CD's I owned included the song 'They Can't Take That Away From Me'. So hearing it redone is a distinct pleasure of mine. Also any fan of Fred Astaire might recognize this from the 1937 film, "Shall We Dance".

Musical great Bessie Smith, has performed 'Baby Won't You Please Come Home', and Thisbe has followed in her footsteps remarkably well. Sure, some of the lyrics are slightly altered, but it's the same great song.

As the CD draws to a close, we are treated to 'Our Love Is Here To Stay'. Another great jazz song, performed by many of the best including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles and many, many more. Now add to the list, Thisbe Vos.

As you can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this classic sounding jazz CD. What a great addition to any music collection. The enchanting, soul stirring melodies found within are sure to improve and enhance any mood. Almost as magically as when a 'Foggy Day In London Town' can suddenly have the sun shining everywhere. And yes, that wonderful song is included as well.

CD Notes:
Credits: Thisbe Vos - Vocals, Gary Matsumoto - Piano, Henry Franklin - Upright Bass, Donald Dean - Drums, Nolan Shaheed - Trumpet, Larry Flahive - Piano, George Harper - Saxophone, Geoff Nudell - Clarinet
Recorded: No Sound Studio - Pasadena California

Thank to everyone involved
for all the wonderful music.

Thisbe graciously autographed my CD.

The Smile

I see her and I wish there was,
a reason she saw me.
But I am nothing special
and nothing for her to see.

Unrequited and ignored,
but there's something still worthwhile.
Though she doesn’t know it,
I cherish her lovely smile.

I realize she doesn’t know,
and probably doesn’t care.
Being without her hurts,
and why I feel despair

We could be two feet apart,
though it is more a mile,
I am not seen and so depressed,
and then I see her smile.

I know she is better off,
though her attention I would prize.
I have nothing of value.
And worthless in her eyes.

She sends her gaze to someone else,
a man with more appeal.
He may deserve her more than me,
But her smile I will steal.

J.A.Scott

Chicago: Streets & Stores

For me, nothing says Chicago like an abandoned building. Nice brick work.

Make that two abandoned buildings. But you gotta love the structure! Curse the hanging wire, I need to photo-shop that out.

Not my favorite photo, but I love street signs and the angle of the photo.

Here is a still shot from within one of the "greasy spoons" we visited. It was called Clarke's Diner and actually fairly charming. {1704 N Damen Ave}

Inside the Exchange (1524 N Milwaukee Ave), I found many wonders. I was debating getting the Blonde item you see on the shelf. I didn't this time. But maybe an excuse to return?

Just about ready to head home, this is a mural I spotted just before getting in the car. Had the guys wondering what I was doing. In the end, one of my favorite shots.

Chicago: Goose Island Brewing Company

During a recent trip to Chicago, I had the opportunity to tour the Goose Island Brewery. Who doesn't like to see how beer is made? Oatmeal Stout. Mmmmmm, one of my favorites.


To be honest, I wasn't very familiar with the beer company. Truth be told, I generally stick to either Import beer, or local breweries. But it's always nice to try something new for a change.


The tour was a bit smaller than I was accustomed to. A lot of us were crammed into a small space. But if you can get past that, it's an interesting tour set inside the actual pub where the beer is then sold.


During the tour we were able to enjoy whatever beer we already purchased up in the bar, while waiting for the tour to begin. Our tour guide enjoyed one as well as he described some of the uses of the various equipment.


After the tour was complete, came the taste testing. A selection of 6 different beers for available to sample, via taste, smell and looks. Also provided was a pint glass.


As we did our sampling, the tour guide was available to inform us of what each beer was, and what some of the additional ingredients were, outside the typical four; water, grains, hops and yeast.

CD Review: Jessy J - "Hot Sauce"

I typically listen to two types of jazz. One type I like to listen in the early morning with a cuppa. The other type is usually listened to late at night, when I'll be enjoying a nightcap. Usually, there is a slight distinction between the two. It's hard to describe, it's just a feeling I get when I listen to the music. But then I listened to Jessy J and her most recent album, 'Hot Sauce', where I have the hardest time trying to figure out when I enjoy her music most. This album is so versatile and full of surprises, it's one of the few CD's I can actually listen to at any time in the day.

Starting the CD is the dreamy 'Remember Last Night' tract. It's a great song to listen to in the early morning as one goes over the events of the past evening. Jessy J is fantastic on the sax and already a surprise in store for everyone. Featured on this piece is Paul Brown on the Guitar, what a great appearance.

By the time the title track shows up, 'Hot Sauce', I realize this is not simply music to wake up to. The song is just as the title suggest, HOT! One immediately wants to get up and dance. Perfect for a fun filled evening with the missis.

Rainbow Gold is another song preferable to listen to in the evening. It's got enough funk and jazz to keep one motivated in whatever task one may be working on, and yet still not too distracting if one simply wants to rest after the stressful day and simply unwind. The hidden gold available here is the inclusion of Joe Sample and Harvey Mason.

Switching gears once more, 'We Kissed', is another great song to listen to as the day is starting off. Perhaps the kiss this song refers to is what we are remembering from last night. In addition to playing sax, Jessy J sings, helping us remember exactly what the kiss from last night was about. "We kissed, in the moonlight. We danced, and we held each other tight. We smiled, for everyone to see; while we sang, our simply melody. We kissed."

Closing out the CD are a few more surprises. 'In A Sentimental Mood' features Saunders Sermons on vocals and 'Last Night' including both Joe Sample (on Piano, Organ and Keyboard) and Ray Parker Jr. on Guitar and background vocals. 'Last Night' is truly a fun song geared for any time of the day. Jessy J assists Ray Parker Jr. on vocals and leaves you wanting more, which is sort of ironic considering it has a built-in encore.

Truly, this is one of the best CD's I've purchased in quite a while. My final surprise of this review is you haven't run out and purchased yet. What are you waiting for? 'Hot Sauce' will make any Jazz collection complete.

1 Remember the Night
2 Rio Grande
3 Hot Sauce
4 Rainbow Gold
5 'Till You Make Up Your Mind
6 Meant to Be
7 We Kissed
8 Leave Right Now
9 In Sentimental Mood
10 Last Night

Other CD Notes: Performances on the CD feature Jessy J on Tenor Sax and vocals. Helping out in one or more songs are: Marco Basci (Keys/Stings, Bass, Drum Programming), Paul Brown (Guitar, Drums), Jeff Caruthers (Keys, Guitar, Bass, Drum Programming), Deyon Dobson (Keys, Drum Programming), Josh Guinta (Drums), Gregg Karukas (Keys, Strings), Janis Liebhart (Background Vocals), Harvey Mason (Drums), Jon Notar (Piano), Ray Parker Jr. (Guitars, Vocals), Michael Ripoll (Guitars, Bass) Joe Sample (Piano), Nick Sample (Bass), Jordan Scannella (Electric Bass), Toni Scruggs (Background Vocals), Saunders Sermons (Vocals), Roberto Vally (Bass), Lawrence Young (Keys)

Recorded: Funky Joint Recording Studios; Sherman Oaks, CA

Where you can find Jessy J:
Official Website
Twitter
Facebook

CD Review: Martha Berner - "Fools Fantasy"

It's a rare treat to actually see one of my musical idols live. It's quite another thing to actually be introduced to, chat with and shake the hand of a musical talent before I even realize they will be a new idol of mine. Thus can be said of Martha Berner. You may have noticed a photography set I did a few months ago when I was invited by a friend to watch the taping of 'Brew City Bands', a cable access program dedicated to local bands. On this occasion, Martha Berner was in house.

What I didn't know at the time, was how much I was going to fall in love with her music. From the word go, I was entranced. But I digress, I'm supposed to be doing a CD review. To be fair, I'm actually setting up why I came to enjoy the CD so much and how I acquired it.

As I worked on my photo shoot I listened intently to each song, and grew to love the music more and more. Once the taping was done, there was an interview session where I got to learn a bit more about Martha. It was a great day, with great music, and I acquired a great new CD to enjoy. Martha is truly a Local Idol, and I didn't have to listen to Simon Cowell prattle on to find her.

Matha Berner & The Significant Others
Fools Fantasy

"Fools Fantasy" is the title track of the CD and immediately demands your attention with it's first few notes. What starts off with a somber cello solo soon picks up with Martha singing, soon to be joined in with the rest of the band. A great start to the CD, and a personal favorite of mine.

The song "All The Rockstars" starts a little different. This time Martha starts the song off, with her voice which draws you right in. Of course the rest of the band join in and you are treated to one fantastic song. The ending always tricks me though, as I tend to think the song has ended and another one starting. You'll understand what I mean when you listen to the CD. Because you WILL right?

Another favorite song of mine is, "Where Does The Day Go?" Not only do I ask the very same question several times a week, I also look for the answer to 'Where does the love go. When you throw it away?' A question addressed in the song. The ending of the song is just as interesting as anything else on the album. A very short pause, continues slowly, then quickly picks up pace. It's fantastic and I love it.

I don't need 'Fools Fantasy' to tell me how much 'People Are Crazy', but it's nice to hear someone else agreeing with me. The song of this title is another great musical piece. I've found it to be a real toe tapper, and a delight to listen to.

Another thing I love about this album, all the great musical instruments used. It's not your standard - guitar, drums, singer, type of music. It's all very original and thought provoking. Most songs have something very unique and interesting about them. I certain my review hardly does justice to this great piece of art.

Essentially, What I'm trying to say is I love this CD! I could continue praising each song, but what would be the point? You need to experience this for yourself!

1.) Fools Fantasy
2. Brave
3. Cry
4. All The Rockstars
5. Some Stay A While
6. Where Does The Day Go
7. Adore Me II
8. Wolves
9. Irene
10. People Are Crazy
11. Never Talked To Oz
12. Burning Candles

Where You Can Find Martha

Martha Berner & The Significant Others - Website

Facebook Page

Youtube Channel

For additional photos, check out the pictures from her performance on Brew City Bands.
*photos courtesy of Jeffrey Scott Photography