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Stevie
Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life"
Actually, almost any Stevie Wonder album from “Music of My Mind” to the present is great. A true artist. |
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James
Taylor's "October Road" This guy should be on a government grant. Consistently great songs, great singing, REALLY great playing and real performances. |
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D'Angelo's
"Brown Sugar" Most people think "Voodoo" is the one, but "Brown Sugar" has the man playing Hammond organ and, well, what can I say? He's great. |
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Ray
Charles’ "Tell the Truth" It was a live gig with the small band at an outdoor concert with one small tape recorder on the front of the stage and "Night Time is the Right Time", "Drownin' In My Own Tears", "Tell the Truth".... Ouch!! He wrote the book on how to nail a tag. |
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Lou
Rawls' "Tobacco Road" This was my textbook for vocal phrasing. The arrangements, Onzy Mathews, production, Nick Venet, and my teacher, the great Lou. Also, the "Black and Blue" album..... same sessions, I think. |
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Jimi
Hendrix's "Axis: Bold as Love” This was done just weeks after the first album, "Are You Experienced?" Man, "If 6 was 9" is outrageous. He re-wrote the whole thang. |
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Isley
Brothers' "Brother, Brother, Brother” I think this was the first time I realized what a monster Ronnie was/is. There are a ton of, believe it or not, Carole King songs on this record and they just smoked them. "Sweet Seasons" still stands out in my mind. Also included, "Pop That Thang". Ouch! |
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New
York Philharmonic Orchestra "Appalachian Spring" Aaron Copeland, Composer. Leonard Bernstein, Conductor. This music, including "Billy the Kid", was the first legit stuff that really used folk themes, and was, I think, the first really American compositions that didn't borrow from anyone but folk music of the times. Of course, there was Gershwin, Robert Service, etc.. Mostly players. Copeland brought it to the highbrows. Well, wait.... Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" still holds up like it was written last week. Awesome! |
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