Plenty of great music currently around for those who like their soul with a jazz twist and for those who dig jazz with a soulful groove. Leading the present attack is East Coast label NuGroove Records which is home to a wonderful set on genial keyboardist BOB BALDWIN. BOB’S album, ‘Newurbanjazz.com’ boasts a stellar guest line up which includes NAJEE, MARION MEADOWS, FRANK McCOMB, IKE STUBBLEFIELD, PHIL PERRY and JOCELYN BROWN who offers a dynamic new take on her classic ‘Somebody Else’s Guy’. Same label also has a fine jazz piano album on GAIL JOHNSON called ‘Pearls’, a funk-fuelled set – ‘Up Front’ – from in-demand bassist MICHAEL MANSON, and – for those who like their jazz a little lighter – ANDRE DELANO’S ‘My So Fine’. Over at Heads Up/BPM, ‘Dukey Treats’ is a new set on the legendary GEORGE DUKE. The great man is in fine form on it and even leads the vocals on a number of cuts. Equally interesting is ‘The L.A. CHILLHARMONIC’ album. This one’s been put together by top West Coast session guitarist RICHARD SMITH and the LP features other top sessioneers like ALEX ACUNA, ERIC MARIENTHAL, JEFF LORBER and PATRICE RUSHEN. Label for that, by the way, is Artistry Music. Full reviews on all these albums on www.soulandjazzandfunk.com very soon.
