New Arrivals: Ten CDs from Venus Records
As the latest news at Eastwind Import, I’d like to let you know that 10 CDs have arrived from the Japanese independent jazz label Venus Records, and they are now available for you to purchase. All new recordings, superbly engineered and mastered in 24 bit. If you like good, straight-ahead jazz and good sound, click the links below and check them out!
Eric Alexander Quartet / Gentle Ballads II
A strong follow-up to the 2004 smash hit Gentle Ballads. One of the best tenor saxophonists operating today, Eric Alexander’s brawny, poweful tone is very attractive in this collection of ballads.
Francesco Cafiso Quartet / Seven Steps to Heaven
Do you know a 17-year-old alto saxophone “phenom” from
Russell Malone Quaratet / Wholly Cats
One of the best straight-ahead guitarists today, Russell Malone recorded this superb album in 1995 before he joined Diana Krall’s band. If you are a fan of good guitar jazz, this relatively unknown gem will delight you.
Eddie Higgins Trio / Dear Old Stockholm
Veteran pianist Eddie Higgins played 10 songs that were requested by Japanese fans, plus two of his own choosing. Beautiful songs, including the title track, beautifully played.
Sometimes called the “Jazz Messengers of the 21st century,” One For All is an all-star
Talented pianist and superb interpreter of the great American songbook, Bill Charlap has recorded many albums for the Japanese Venus Records. His combo with Jay Leonhart (bass) and Bill Stewart (drums) is one of my most favorite piano trios working today. This time I imported five of their CDs at once, recorded between 2001 and 2006.
Blues in the Night (2001)
The Things We Did Last Summer (2002)
Love You Madly (2003: Duke Ellington songbook)
Begin the Beguine (2005: Cole Porter songbook)
Thou Swell (2006: Richard Rodgers songbook)
Happy listening to you all!
Hi. Russell Malone is a great guitarist for sure. You state here that Wholly Cats was recorded in 1994, but then on the listing, it is stated that it was recorded in 1995. Also, Russell did not get his break with Diana Krall. He was well known as a great jazz guitarist before that. He was with Harry Connick Jr. in the early 90's and had already recorded two well-received albums, Russell Malone in 1992,featuring Harry on piano on a few tracks, and Black Butterfly in 1993. Sweet Georgia Peach was released in 1998, and is still considered one of his best recordings. He was also voted Best Jazz Guitarist by Downbeat Magazine in 1999. That was during the time he was recording and touring with Diana Krall. Kandie Webster in Washington State (jazzylover59)
Hi Kandie, thanks for the comment and cattching my mistake on the recording date. It is 1995 and I corrected my entry here. As for the break with the Diana Krall band, I am aware that he was already an established guitarist by then, but I still believe that he was exposed to many more jazz fans by recording and touring with Krall. I myself saw him for the first time at Krall's concert in Japan circa 1996. I had not even heard of him then and I was totally blown away. He may not have needed it, but I think he gained lots of new fans, including yours truly, this way.