You'd be forgiven for not knowing about these Studio Ghibli commissioned jazz reworkings of much-loved classic soundtracks with the three-piece All That Jazz being one of Japan's best kept secrets until now. Originally put together by the power-house animation studio for a series of jazzed-up covers, the group took off with their simple yet moving set-up of piano, bass and drums, and afterwards went on to do another record of anime classics. Sprinkled with complementary instruments, the project is tied together by the soothing vocals of Yukiko Kuwahara. On this second record, you can find the main theme of Spirited Away, three cuts from My Neighbour Totoro, the theme to the more recently appraised Only Yesterday and carefully curated tracks.
The period from around 1950 to 1965, when B.B. King released numerous recordings on RPM Records and Kent, can be considered not only the earliest but also one of the most glorious chapters in the career of this blues giant. This album, originally released in 1964, is Kent's ultimate "greatest hits" compilation - the most powerful collection of B.B.'s early masterpieces.
Legendary drummer Bernard Purdie returns with his first new album in six years-and his first as an octogenarian. This ambitious all-vocal album showcases Purdie's rich and versatile grooves, spanning R&B, jazz, AOR, and bossa nova, distilling the essence of his sophisticated rhythm. Featuring an all-star lineup including Bill Champlin, Robben Ford, Chuck Rainey, and Christian McBride, this album is a masterclass in groove-driven musicianship. With his signature deep and soulful drumming, Purdie delivers an unparalleled rhythmic experience that guarantees pure bliss. This is the ultimate essence of drum accompaniment-an extraordinary new album from the one and only Bernard Purdie, proving that age is just a number.
