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Essential., May 27 2010

Jarrett and Haden were reunited in 2007 during recording of a documentary about the bassist. After they played together informally, Jarrett invited Haden home, where they spent four days recording in Jarrett's studio. Given their recent histories of recording standards - Jarrett with his Standards Trio, Haden with his Quartet West - they unsurprisingly opted for songs from the Great American Songbook.
It's more than 30 years since the last recorded meeting of these two great names in contemporary jazz, and Jarrett has not made a studio album since 1998, preferring live solo or trio recordings.
Therefore, the recording is quite an event. As a concept, these piano-and-bass… Read more

A great album., Feb 28 2010

Young America's current embrace of what is now termed "old time" music - the jumble of blues, folk, country and jug band from the 20s and 30s - has scarcely extended to black musicians.
This youthful trio are a notable exception.
Their second album is a more playful, accomplished affair than their debut, applying banjo, fiddle and spoons to antique numbers but also turning Blu Cantrell's R&B hit "Hit 'Em Up Style" into a backyard stomp.
Tom Waits's "Trampled Rose" doesn't fare so well but classically trained Rhiannon Giddens delivers a lovely, a cappella "Reynardine", extending the group's reach from Carolina to old England. Neil Spencer

The Dublin soulstress is soon to go global with her sincere,crossover sound., Aug 31 2009

The Irish diva is soon to go global via her debut album on Atlantic.
This album from the young Dubliner was set to be released on Jive Records three years ago, but got shelved. Then, another label, Atlantic, took their time in deciding just when it should see be released.
"Let The Truth Be Told" reveals not only that capacious voice, but also a confident commercial songwriter - its collection of wholesome pop being penned entirely by Laura herself.
From soulful ballads through orchestral anthems (all pizzicato strings and sisterhood sincerity) to a clipped and sassy R&B swagger, her take on classic femme soul may not be rocking any boats, but earworms such as "Don't Stay" and… Read more