Duke Ellington Blues In Orbit

Wow! I never really thought much about Duke Ellington. 

Tunes of the great composer, pianist, and band leader would zip in and out of my life on the radio or old movies, with me rarely paying any attention where they originated. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a stack of Duke Ellington CDs among Jim's collection, and decided to listen to one. 

Blues In Orbit was released in 1988 by CBS Records Inc. as part of its Columbia Jazz Masterpieces series. The CD case proudly states the collection is  " Digitally Remastered Directly From The Original Analog Tapes" of the original 1960s album. It does hum, with the bass rattling the walls at a normal level. The jazz-swing compilation has been remastered over 10 times between the 1988 version and 2017.

The CD includes the original tunes from the album, and had some room to include a few later pieces. Fourteen titles making up the list include:

• Blues in Orbit
• Track 360
• Villes Ville Is the Place, Man
• Brown Penny
• Three J's Blues
• SMADA
• Pie Eye's Blues
• C Jam Blues
• Sweet & Pungent
• In a Mellotone
• Sentimental Lady
• Blues in Blueprint
• The Swingers Get The Blues, Too
• The Swinger's Jump

I really enjoyed this CD. Made me want to get up and dance.  My toes are still tapping.  If you would like to know more about "the jazz legend" Duke Ellington, visit the official site here.

Or for a traditional taste of his music, listen to the YouTube post below.

Bobby McFerrin Simple Pleasures

Imagine, if you will, a 7-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl, happily dancing to the sounds of Bobby McFerrin's Simple Pleasures. I found the CD among Jim's collection, and it instantly took me back to when the kids were little, and their Dad played tunes simply for their enjoyment.

Released in 1988 by  EMI-Manhattan Records, the album includes McFerrin's version of memorable hits like Don't Worry, Be Happy; Suzie Q, and Sunshine of  Your Love. They even sang and danced to his rendition of  Lennon and McCartney's Drive my car, with special emphasis on the "beep beep, beep beep, Yah!" I remember a fun time was had by all. The CD includes five originals, including Simple Pleasures and Don't Worry, Be Happy.

The jazz vocalist and conductor has collaborated with jazz and classical artists as well. He's won 10 Grammy awards and is known for his vocal technique. His recording career begins with his first album Bobby McFerrin in 1982 and continues on through spirityouall released in 2013.  He is known for breaking the music rules, much to everyone's enjoyment. Read all about him here.

Chick Corea Compact Jazz

Jim loved, loved, loved the music of jazz musician Chick Corea. He idolized the 22-time Grammy winning jazz legend, pianist and composer. I think if dreams really could come true, he would have been a musician just like Chick. I, on the other hand, had to work to see the good in his work. Which is why I dreaded listening to Chick's Compact Jazz.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear many good and artistic sounds, but was taken aback by its erratic combinations. The beautiful music was so intense, I had the feeling of being caught in a very busy day at work. Although I heard his compositions many times, I did not recognize it beyond the wild sounds.

Released in 1987 on the Polydor label, the CD includes the following:

• Captain Marvel
• Captain Senor Mouse
• Armando's Rhumba
• 500 Miles High
• Love Castle
• Vulcan Worlds
• No Mystery
• Spain

So dear Jim, I'm afraid we will continue to "agree to disagree" on this artist. While I recognize his talent, and quite beautiful sections, the music of Chick Corea just doesn't come together for me. Listen to a few of the tunes here.

Perspectives The Columbia Jazz Sampler

Oh, I remember some of these and the soft sound of jazz floating down from Jim's office. I often recognize music, but have a difficult time recalling the name or artist. Jim would be proud that musically illiterate wife could at least recall the tunes.

Perspectives The Columbia Jazz Sampler CD provides a delightful mix of soft, and sometimes toe-tapping, jazz from well-known jazz artists, including:

• Wynton Marsales - April In Paris
• Kimiko Itoh - Dindi
• Arthur Blythe - 
• As Of Yet
• The Zawinul Syndicate - No Mercy For Me (Mercy, Mercy, Mercy)
• Jean-Luc Ponty - New Resolutions
• Harry Connick, Jr. - Little Waltz
• Grover Washington, Jr. - Shivaree Ride
• Wayne Shorter - Daredevil
• Paquito D'Rivera - The Magic City (Miami)
• Harrison / Blanchard - Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
• Kirk Whalum - Glow
• Branford Marsalis - Just One Of Those Things
• Full Circle - Sorcerer's Apprentice

Recorded back in 1987 for Columbia (when Jim was switching to CDs from vinyl records).  I'm surprised I enjoyed the CD. It's good relaxing music.