Though jazz makes a limited appearance on A Little More Vodka, it’s not because it doesn’t have some wonderful musical offerings. Mostly, it is because in general, lyrics help tell the story of a video, and in this case-as with most Snarky Puppy performances-the music /is/ the story. That was true a year ago, with Thing Of Gold from the groups Ground Up offering and remains so today with Family Dinner. Family Dinner – Volume 1 was released in March…
Read MoreThere have been many times where a singer has flown under the radar (at least my radar) until suddenly making a big name for themselves. I’m hopeful that this is Kaz Simmons time, with the release of the wonderful long-player, Signs (October 2013). For The Love Of Big L is from Signs and highlights the blending of so many styles, vocal jazz, 70’s pop and more. Kaz Simmons loves Brazilian rhythms, and those are here too. Late, the lead off…
Read MoreTouches of vocal jazz and blues echo throughout iSeo Pompaelo’s I Lost Count from her August 2013 EP, Red Garden. iSeo’s voice is somewhat reminiscent of Sade, though truly iSeo is decidedly immersed in her own unique sound. The video from 2012 (seen here) is sparse and simple, highlighting iSeo’s guitar and vocal, while the EP version is a bit richer, adding in tasteful keyboards, xylophone, a bit of echo to the early and late vocals, and just a touch of percussion…
Read MoreCombining a penchant for jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and powerful vocals and harmonies, Lake Street Dive have a commanding presence, noted here with You Go Down Smooth from the band’s 2011 Live At The Lizard Lounge long-player. At home with pop gems, old favorites or original material, Lake Street Dive could be comfortable in your living room, a jazz club, a pop venue or on stage in an open-air concert. They are at once intimate and accessible. In May…
Read MoreBen Marcato and his Mondo Combo have been making jazz, rhythm and blues, and cool jams for 20 years now. Here on this original work from 2012, Second To None, you get the full force of the instrumentals-all full of perfect jazz inflection and bluesy goodness-plus, at 3:46 or so, you get a minute and a half of Ben Marcato’s wonderful vocal. You can find a boat load of Ben Marcato tunes on his bandcamp.com site and it’s all worth every penny…
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