Bela Fleck, Robin McKelle and Delfeayo Marsalis are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately …
JAKE SHIMABUKURO TRIO – TRIO (JAZZ): Four-string and it’s not a bass, yet in the hands of a master like Jake Shimabukuro, the ukulele makes a powerful and lasting statement. On the new album Trio, Shimabukuro teams up with Dave Preston on guitar and bassist Nolan Verner. The resulting sparks quickly make you forget this is just a trio of musicians. The melodic combination creates pop-infused, hook-laden jazz. Vocalist Rachel James from the band Dearing adds her vocal talents to the Fleetwood Mac classic “Landslide.” The song selection also includes the Pink Floyd classic “Wish You Were Here.” All of it serves to highlight the expertise of this trio; the album is a sheer delight.
BELA FLECK – THROW DOWN YOUR HEART: THE COMPLETE AFRICA SESSIONS (JAZZ): A very special re-release of Bela Fleck’s Throw Down Your Heart is set for March 27 on Craft Recordings. The Complete Africa Sessions covers the original territory of the 2008 release, but is now expanded with documentary film covering 14 additional performances. It’s a must-have for fans of Fleck, and clearly a labor of love for him. The 15-time Grammy-winning virtuoso teamed with various players from across the continent of Africa, providing an uplifting vision of how music unites. Toumani Diabate, the kora master, is also featured in a new duo album titled The Ripple Effect, which is also included in this deluxe package. “Nashville,” the Diabate album’s debut single, is an excellent taste of things to come. The elegant Throw Down Your Heart: The Complete Africa Sessions set is available in 2LP or 3CD/1DVD versions.
ROBIN McKELLE – ALTERATIONS (JAZZ/POP): There’s a danger in navigating well-worn pop standards. Singer Robin McKelle seems to jump into the challenge with both feet. The resulting album, Alterations, shows that fortune does indeed favor the bold. McKelle’s take on “Ordinary Love” makes sure not to copy the Sade original. Instead, she and producer/pianist Shedrick Mitchell utilize Robin McKelle’s expressive phrasing, as well as fantastic backing by drummer Charles Haynes and bassist Richie Goods, to create an enchanting experience from start to finish. Also, check out “Jolene.”
DELFEAYO MARSALIS AND THE UPTOWN JAZZ ORCHESTRA – JAZZ PARTY (JAZZ): The title of Delfeayo Marsalis’ new album pretty much sums it up. The slow-burning title track, sung by Tonya Boyd-Cannon, kicks things off in fine fashion while building anticipation for what’s to come. “Blackbird Special” moves the album into high gear and from then on, it’s “Katy bar the door.” Delfeayo Marsalis is a fantastic composer and producer, so he knows how to plan a music party. He does not disappoint. He even takes a few turns at the mic to dazzle us with his trombone. Each of the original compositions also entices, creating a vivid musical image so real that you can taste New Orleans.
CALIBRO 35 – MOMENTUM (FUNK): The album-opening “Glory Fake Nation” starts off like with a quick, churning groove. Make no mistake, Calibro 35 know how to bring the funk. The album’s first single, featuring Illa J, not only grooves but hits just as hard with its socially conscious lyrics. The live feel and expert production serves each of Calibro 35’s 10 new songs generously. There are so many elements contained in Momentum that repeated listening is a requirement.
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