Battle of the Bands Results - Lily Was Here

It seems when it comes to my faovurite jazz artists, I tend to draw battles one-sided. Again, this was not intentional. I honestly thought it could go either way. This battle, more than the Krall battle of weeks ago, I thought would be fair. Turns out, not so much.

First Round Picks were all thrown towards Candy Dulfer. Voters in the first round were Stephanie, Shady, Arlee and Robin.

The second round saw 75% of the votes going to sweet Candy.
Candy Dulfer Second Round - Michele, Dixie, Chrys
Silvermoon received one vote from Birgit.

The third round was entirely thrown towards Candy Dulfer once again. This time votes were received from Mike, Mary, Cathy and Kim from ReInintaged.

The final battle gave one more vote to Silvermoon, via Janie. However, the rest of the votes were captured by Candy; John, Stephen and FAE.

So without further hoopla,

the winner with a final score of 14-2 is....


Winners Circle
Congratulations to Candy Dulfer and her Sax
The following video, she assists Van Morrison on a Moondance



Top Comments

Stephanie Faris - I've heard that song before! I didn't know the name of it. I'm going to vote for #2--Candy Dulfer and David A. Stewart. The first one sounds like something you'd hear in a club and that music always seems obnoxious to me. Like an ear assault.

Arlee Bird - This was a totally new song to me. I like it! Interesting Battle. Both versions have merit to my listening sensibilities. I enjoyed the synth-jazz version by Silvermoon--the trance style is cool, but I'm not always in the mood for it. The real jazzier version by Duffer and Stewart was definitely the cooler and more musical of the two. I go with the second version.

Birgit - I give my vote to Silvermoon, I like the temp more because I never got into the sax the way it was played in the '80's-always had a tinge of sleaze to it:)

Chrys Fey - The first one was neat with the techno feel to it but a woman sax player won me over. My vote goes to Candy Dulfer.
Mary Burris - Candy and David A Stewart get my vote. I loved the smooth saxxyness.

Cathy Kennedy - This was an easy peasy pick for me. I didn't watch the videos. The first contender was too electro-technical. I wanted the jazz mood you're currently experience and Candy delivered on that.

John Holton - Candy Dulfer's version of this is classic. Because I felt that way, I wanted to hear if Silvermoon did anything different, and whether or not I liked it. Yes to the first question, no to the second. Candy Dulfer for me.

Janie Junebug - I vote for Silvermoon because their version makes me want to dance with Willy Dunne Wooters even though we don't dance.

Stephen T. McCarthy - Jazz is my favorite musical genre, but only because it begins with "J" and so does "J"effrey. The Silvermoon version started out pretty good but it became so monotonous so quickly - with that Electronica-TechnoPop sound - that by the 1:15 mark, the honeymoon was over. At the 2:22 mark, I hit the "Stop" button because I could take no more of that "repetitiously monotonous sameness".

farawayeyes - I clicked the first one off at exactly the 1:13 minute mark and I listened to the second one twice. You can guess (easily) which one I vote for.


Once again, thanks to everyone who stopped by and placed a vote.
Come back again for a new battle March 1st
Who will you vote for?
What song will I choose?
Which artists will battle it out?
Stay tuned.

Don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see who won their battles.

FAR AWAY SERIES
STMcC PRESENTS 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
TOSSING IT OUT
JANIE JUNEBUG RIGHTING AND EDITING
YOUR DAILY DOSE
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
NOVEL BREWS
QUIET LAUGHTER
BE_REINVINTAGED
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS
eViL pOpTaRt

Are you currently in the BOTB and don't see your name in the list above? Let me know in comments and I'll include it.

Krall

Some have told me
I'm not very smart.
But I think you should
only trust your heart.

You would love me
if you only knew,
My love is only
all for you.

There's no other
that I prize,
and you could tell
if I looked in your eyes.

But you ignore me,
my eternal gloom.
As if you discovered
the girl in the other room.

Truthfully I tell you,
this is no con.
there is no other
from this moment on.

Cancel the restraining order,
especially tonight's.
Or must I endure
more quiet nights.

J.A.Scott

Jazzy Evening

Smooth and easy
saxophone.
Light and mellow,
all alone.

Listen now
to set the mood,
and rectify my
attitude.

Close my eyes
I drift away,
troubles vanish
from this day.

Takes me far
away to see,
forgetting problems
is the key.

Life simply has
more pizzazz,
when you include
your daily jazz.

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.

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: Diana Krall - "Steppin Out"

I really only discovered jazz in the late 80's. At the time, it was a new genre for me and I didn't immediately take to it. Oh, I liked it, though initially I was introduced to Spyro Gyra and that was all I had to go on. But my musical tastes were just beginning to mature. I found a local jazz station, listened for a while and loved what I heard. It wasn't long before I was looking for CD's from some of the artists I heard. Diana Krall was one such artist. How could I go wrong? She's beautiful and I loved her music. Though 'Steppin Out' was not my first Krall CD, I imagine I would have fallen in love with her music just as much with this CD as any other. Starting off, the first track is 'This Can't Be Love'. The song is fast paced enough to pull you right in and her piano is excellent. As an additional bonus, the bass is awesome and drums can't be beat. (That was a drumming joke for you).

The second track is 'Straighten Up and Fly Right', a Nat King Cole song. Of course I didn't know that at first, you see my jazz knowledge was, is - still growing. In fact, to be honest, there are probably a lot of songs I'm unfamiliar with. But as I continue to grow in my jazz exposure, I'm sure to identify more and more. But I digress, I apologize.

'I'm Just A Lucky So and So' is another great song if you are into the faster paced songs. But if you are not, you'll appreciate the much slower 'Body and Soul'. A perfect song to sit back in a relaxing chair, drink in hand, and just meditate on the music. '42nd Street' starts off slowly as well, but picks up nicely. Mind you, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with slower songs, I just have to be in the right mood for it. Towards the end of the song, it mellows out once more which leads nicely into 'Do Nothin Till You Hear From Me', another great sassy song Diana performs well.

Other great instrumental songs are 'Big Foot' and 'Jimmie'. As we approach the end of the CD, we are treated to 'Frim Fram Sauce', another great playful song. Anyone familiar with Nat King Cole will surely recognize it. The CD is rounded out at the end with 'As Long As I Live'. A great song, and one that will only leaving you wanting more of Diana Krall. Never fear, she has many CD's to choose from.

Conclusion: If you like jazz, be it vocal or instrumental, this is the CD for you. Maybe not the best of her CD's, but then again who am I to judge? It's Diana's first CD and as such, a very rewarding listen. I highly encourage you to pick this up.


Other CD Notes:
Vocals, Piano: Diana Krall
Bass: John Clayton
Drums: Jeff Hamilton

Recording Dates: October 18, 19 1992

Candy

Candy is sweet
It’s tasty and good
If offered to me
You know I would.

The urge to resist
Is never intent
I’d never reject
This wonderful tempt.

Teasing me with it
Is very malicious
I can’t abstain
It’s far too delicious.

A great reward
Any time of the day
Evening, noon or
Lights first ray.

Candy is music to my ears.

J.A.Scott