Another trip to the used book and CD store

I went one day this week on my lunch break to the used book and CD store.  Found half a dozen old issues of Harper’s magazine from the Nixon Administration in the “freebie” bin outside the door where “rejects” go, but they’re food for another diary.  I also went to the 95 cent CD rack and grabbed half a dozen CDs of folks I hadn’t heard of before.  Here’s the latest result of my “panning for gold:”

The runts of the litter:

“Radio Face” – The Bob Smith Band – 1991

The opening tune, “Diner for Sale,” reminded me of the theme of some forgotten TV show.  Several of the other songs made me want to open wide, swish, and spit for the nice dental hygienist.  At least it was less painful than a root canal.  Just like every other “smooth jazz,” “soft jazz” (or whatever term the marketing folks are using this year) album you may have heard.  I barely got my 95 cents worth; hopefully I’ve saved you a buck.  

“Visions of an Inner Mounting Apocalypse: a fusion guitar tribute” – 2005

Something told me not to buy this CD, even at 95 cents.  I should have listened.  The title refers to the classic 1971 jazz fusion album by John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, “The Inner Mounting Flame,” and in fact all the tunes are by McLaughlin.  Sounded like a bunch of friends who loved fusion got together in the basement with their instruments and decided over some beers (or pot – the ideas you get while high always seem so profound, and then later, not so much…) to record a CD.  Note to self:  Would you buy a CD by an unknown tribute band doing covers of the Beatles or Led Zeppelin?  Then why did you think this might turn out OK?

The OK pup:

“Clairvoyance” – Dan Siegel – 1998

Another “smooth jazz” type album, and well done if you like that kind of thing.  A good album to play at work in your reception area, softly in the background, or during dinner if having your parents over, or for friends who can’t handle Miles Davis.  

Good Solid CDs

“Reality” – Julian Joseph – 1994

I was a little concerned for the first minute or so; the first track starts out a little rough and the balance between instruments is a little off (some sound far away compared to others) but about 2 minutes in it gets good and generally stays that way.  Very nice interpretation of “Body and Soul.”  Mostly piano, bass, drums, and sax(es), but J.J. has a vocal track, “Reality.” as well.  Not a great voice, but the man can play piano. Interesting melodies and unexpected chord progressions.  A good one overall.

“The Eternal Now” – The Don Houge Quintet – 1994

Hogue plays saxes, and is joined by piano, guitar, bass, and drums, all folks I’ve never heard of.  If the last CD was straight-up jazz, this one has a warmer, sort of California feel, with a touch of funk here, of Brazil there.  A dinner for two CD – not as romantic as Bossa Nova, but OK for kicking back with your significant other and some wine.  Nice, but not boring.

The pick of the litter:

The W.E.S. Group” – (self titled) – 2002

This is the second CD by Will Smith (not the actor), who changed the name of his group from “The Will Smith Quartet” both to avoid confusion (and legal action?) and because he doesn’t want to be limited to a quartet.  This CD features Smith on saxes, and trumpet, piano, bass, drums, and percussion as well.  These folks combine the musicianship and musical sophistication of “Reality” and the warmth of “The Eternal Now.”  Definitely the pick of this litter.  I’ll be looking for more CDs by Mr. Smith for sure.  Recommended!

So there you have it.  Got lucky this time – 50% good stuff, and one other that I’ll probably keep “just in case.”  What lucky musical finds have you had lately?