WRUV Reviews

Leisure Class- Parents Night at the Leper Colony
Release date: 2010Nov02
Label: Leisureco
Rating: 4/5

While this is not a new release, I’m puzzled as to why it took so long to make to WRUV. Regardless, this album is a compilation of tracks recorded from 1979-1994. Leisure Class is one of Detroit’s underrated gems and it shows in these tracks. “Thing Called Truth” is an excellent opener with a highly melodic approach. Think jazzy punk rock. Several bands come to mind but otherwise, it’s an unique sound. Basically, if you enjoy jazz and enjoy punk rock, you’ll appreciate this mash-up. Other great tracks include “There” (slow and jazzy with a break in the middle), “Weekend Punk” (one of the shorter tracks, raw with that awesome 70s punk sound), “Sorry I Made You Cry” (reminds me a lot of a ska track without the poppiness), “Tuberculosis is Back” (more of that 70s Detroit sound with perhaps a touch of the Sex Pistols), “It’s All True” (upbeat and makes me want to dance) and “Ready to Receive” (a long, smooth number). This is a very interesting compilation and I would recommend it for people looking for a break from the usual punk rock chaos.

FCC: Check
Try: 1,4,10,13,14,16, 19

John Zorn, composer of genre-crossing avant-garde pieces here presents a more conventional side. One Spanish reviewer was clearly disappointed at how accessible the music is. Highly lyrical works w/ John Medeski (p) Kenny Wollesen (vibes) Trevor Dunn (b) and Joey Baron (d). Play all!

A master with beau coup “chops”, the late Patterson(p) plays Tin Pan alley & jazz standards with dazzling dexterity in this solo release. Cuts #9-16 are “binaural stereo versions” of cuts #1-8. Sure, they sound sonically different, but I don’t get it, but then I’m not a tech geek. The music, however, is impressive. A piano giant at his best, notably at the warp speed of his playing on some of the pieces. EXCELLENT

2-CD set produced & arranged by Bob Belden whose name should appear at the top in my opinion, but Miles’ name can still sell. Having said that I think this is an EXCELLENT recording. 25 great musicians of Jazz, Latin & International fame participate here.Total of 16 tracks(10 are mostly extended making for some fine playing). 2 by Miles and 1 by Gil Evans hence the connection to the title.

A fresh look at the harmonies/rhythms of the great American songbook. All arrangements by Rosenthal(p). VERY GOOD

Abbasi(gt) gathers his regular trio & invites two of his well known Indian playmates, Iyer(p) and Mahanthappa(as) in a romp through 7 original compositions by Abbasi. All are mostly extended cuts, w/a definite Qawwali(Pakistan) tinge which is his ethnic background.  EXCELLENT

2-CD set recorded in a live solo performance in Brazil in April 2011. Typical Jarrett workings. Thoughtful, reflective, abstract sound structures & modern day counterpoint.

Watts has two quartets. One from the States & this one from Europe. A mix of jazz standards & original compositions from Watts(ts) & Koebberling(dr). Recorded in Germany on Watts’ label. Tunes played in his own particular relaxed style.

Murray has performed in over 150 albums. This project is a salute to Cole’s two albums in Spanish(1958) & Portuguese(1962). Cole did not speak either language & neither does Murray though both used musicians from Cuba & Portugal in their recordings. Not explained in liner notes as to why Murray’s Cuban ensemble was recorded in Bueno Aires. This is another example of Murray’s constant exploration of different styles of play during his long career. VERY GOOD

Lotz, a Dutch multi-flautist, leads his quartet in a mix of pensive ballads(#1&8), rockish(#2), brooding(#4), quirky jazz (#5-Rollin’s “Oleo”), ethereal/spacey(#6) to an almost 10 min. piece over a field recording of pygmies in a gentle rain shower(#7). Fine playing in a variety of compositional settings. Accessible w/a twist.