Neil Cowley Live At Montruex One Of 2013′s Best Live CD Recordings, Too

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Eagle Rock Entertainment recently released what is easily one of the year’s best live recordings in the form of Neil Cowley Trio Live at Montreux 2012 on Blu-ray.  The award winning trio’s performance was released on a variety of formats including CD.  Those who have not picked up this performance on DVD or Blu-ray will be especially impressed by the CD portion as it follows the same rundown as the visual recordings of the show.  There are few words to fully describe the trio’s performance other than perhaps “stunning” and “beautiful.”  The musical landscapes painted by the trio in its performances of songs from its most recent full length studio release, ‘Face of Mount Molehill’ (2012) show everything that makes a live performance so special for audiences. 

Even in audio format, audiences get a recording in Neil Cowley Trio Live at Montreux 2012 that will take them to another world.  Listeners need just turn on this record and close their eyes, and they will be able to see every note jump from the page and into their minds.  It’s not often that a band, artist, or group can have such an incredible effect either on a studio or live record.  But Neil Cowley Trio has managed to do just that with this live recording.  That is especially the case for anyone that is new to the sounds of this group of musicians.  The post song banter by Cowley seems to have been taken out of this half of the presentation.  But that’s a minor loss, as the music more than makes up for the other’s absence. 

Since this portion of the group’s Montreux performance is audio only, one can only go so far as to critique its sound quality. It goes without saying that the audio recording presented on this disc is crystal clear.  Every note and every beat is audible.  And given the proper attention, every note and every beat can have its very own meaning, making the record that much more enjoyable.   

Neil Cowley  and his band mates—Rex Horan (bass) and Evan Jenkins (drums)—along with the band’s touring musicians have proven with this recording with a single shadow of a doubt that this band has picked up right where the famed jazz/fusion group Yellowjackets left off with its 2011 album, Timeline.  While the members of Yellowjackets are out on the road in support of Timeline, Neil Cowley and company are keeping appetites of that band whetted with this new release.  It would be quite interesting, as a matter of fact, to see the two acts perform together if they haven’t done so.  Such a live bill would be quite the treat for fans of modern jazz and of either group.  Until such time, the band is set to perform at a pair of European jazz festivals next weekend.  A performance at the annual Love Supreme Festival in Lewes, United Kingdom is also currently on the group’s tour itinerary. Fans of the Neil Cowley Trio can get all the latest tour dates and more when they “Like” the group’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/neilcowleytrio or check in at the band’s official website, http://www.neilcowleytrio.com.

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Eagle Rock Closes Out National Jazz Appreciation Month In Style With Neil Cowley Trio Live

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

When the Montreux Jazz Festival started nearly forty-five years ago, it featured solely jazz artists.  But things changed during the 1970’s.  Now decades later, the Montreux Jazz Festival has come seemingly full circle with the release of the newest recording in its series with Eagle Rock Entertainment from the Neil Cowley Trio.  Neil Cowley Trio Live at Montreux has brought this world renowned festival back to its roots with its own brand of modern jazz that in its own weird way could actually lead to inadvertent comparisons to a rather non-jazz act in Ben Folds five.  Cowley leads the trio, expertly weaving stories from his fingertips as they ease their way across the piano’s keys.  And band mates Rex Horan (bass) and Evan Jenkins (drums) add in their own special spice to make this performance both a wonderful introduction to the band for first time fans, and an equally welcoming performance for those who are more familiar with the band’s sound.

The set list that fills Neil Cowley Trio Live at Montreux 2012 is taken largely from the band’s most recent full length studio album, The Face of Mount Molehill.  Though, there are some extra songs from the trio’s other LPs tossed in for good measure, too.  Something that should be noted instantly about this release is this is one of those performances that is more than just a concert.  It fully embodies the term musical experience.  Yes, there are separate songs listed in the show’s order.  But the musicianship of the trio from one song to the next makes every song meld so easily into the next.  All three musicians are so talented at their craft that by the time the show has ended, viewers won’t have even realized just how much time has passed.  This is the sign of a concert in which the performer (or in this case, the performers) has done everything right, and made a concert that is truly memorable to say the least.  And that is meant in the most complimentary fashion possible.

The song selection for this show is a big part of its success.  Audiences will also enjoy the banter between Cowley and the audience in attendance.  His wit is something of an acquired taste.  But for those who get it, they will find themselves laughing at his jokes and even his stories behind the songs.  One of the funniest of those stories is about a friend of the band who according to Cowley, looks like a greyhound, thus the title of the song, ‘Hug The Greyhound.’  It’s something that audiences have to hear for themselves.  While the story is interesting to say the least, the song in question is one of the best from the entire performance if only for that anecdote.  There are plenty of other anecdotes which Cowley shares.  But that is, again, something which viewers will have to hear for themselves when they pick up this performance.

The songs and the stories shared about them are a big part of what makes this recording so interesting and enjoyable whether one is new to the music of the Neil Cowley Trio or not.  What recording would be complete without proper audio and visual recording?  Just as has been the case with all of its previous releases, Eagle Rock Entertainment has presented to audiences yet another performance (along with Montreux Sounds) that excels in the quality of both its audio and video.  Viewed on an HDTV and Blu-ray player (and even a surround sound home theater system), it proves to be quite the viewing experience.  And combined with such an impressive set list and performance, it goes without saying that Eagle Rock has garnered itself yet another recording that will come year’s end will definitely be on the list of the year’s Top Live Recordings.  It will be available in stores and online Tuesday, April 30^th.

As of this point, the band only has one definite concert date set in support of this album.  The band is scheduled to perform at the Nerve Centre in Londonderry, U.K. on May 4^th.  For more tour dates and all the latest news from the band, fans can “Like” the band on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/neilcowleytrio.  Fans can also keep up with all the latest from the band on its official website, http://www.neilcowleytrio.

Stray Cats Live Recording Another “High Note” For Eagle Rock, Montreux Sounds

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision/Montreux Sounds

Eagle Rock Entertainment and Montreux Sounds have churned out some of the year’s best live recordings ever since the two groups originally formed their partnership.  Now, with the release of Stray Cats: Live at Montreux 1981, the two companies have released another impressive piece of history from the history of the famed music festival. 

Stray Cats: Live at Montreux 1981 presents Brian Setzer and his brothers in the Stray Cats in one of the trio’s most iconic performances.  As renowned as the Montreux Festival is, it is a bold statement for the Stray Cats to have been invited to perform.  It was a statement of belief not only in the band, but also in the old school rockabilly style sound.  Setzer and company made festival founder Claude Nobs and the audience more than proud with this performance, as the group kept the audience moving from start to finish.  Even when the band finished its main set with its classic hit, ‘Rock This Town’, the audiences still wanted more.  And the band gave the audience exactly what it wanted.  For that matter, it gave the audience what it wanted four more times.  The band came back for four encores, as that’s exactly what the audience wanted.  Cheers filled the room throughout the performance, even after Setzer and band mates Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom finally left the stage for the last time.

The band’s set was just one part of the overall success of this recording.  That the footage survived for over three decades is impressive in itself.  It will bring back a sense of nostalgia for fans who remember this iconic band from its heyday, and will introduce new audiences to one of the most important bands in the rebirth of the rockabilly style.  Seeing the old recording style itself is the video equivalent to listening to a record on vinyl.  It’s simply a wonderful feeling.  And it’s a feeling that any rockabilly fan or music fan in general can enjoy any time they want now that this release is available now both in stores and online.  It can be ordered online direct via the Eagle Rock Entertainment website, http://www.eagle-rock.com.

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Etta James Live At Montreux 1993 Another Fitting Tribute To Late Blues Legend

Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Etta James Live at Montreux 1993 is a wonderful companion to the recently released single disc compilation, chronicling her performances from 1975 – 1993.  While the audio portion of this collection was a fitting posthumous tribute to Etta, this new video portion is that much more of a tribute.

On the surface, what makes this new DVD and blu-ray release even better than the CD is that it expands on the CD’s presentation.  It boasts the same songs from the CD.  It also features a whole bevy of extra songs that weren’t included on the CD.  Included among those extra songs are instrumental takes on ‘Funky Good Times’ and ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ just to name a couple.  There are far more extra songs for fans to enjoy, too.  It’s fitting that this whole chronicle opens with ‘Funky Good Time.’  Fans new and old alike will know from both the title and the…well…funky good music (Yes, that bad joke was intended) that they’re in for quite the experience.

Quite the experience is exactly what audiences get in this performance.  It’s one more live recording that epitomizes the importance of live shows.  It’s one thing to hear an artist’s studio albums and live shows on CD and/or mp3.  But it’s the actual seeing a performance that brings it all together.  An artist’s stage performance helps to bring everything together.  An artist’s stage performance really helps to capture the emotion of a song even better than a studio recording.  And Ms. James did that and more in these compiled performances.

Audiences see with this compilation of performances so much emotion from her.  That’s especially the case in ‘A Lover is Forever.’  There’s a certain gentility in her voice and her stage presence that adds that much more feeling to this song.  The same thing applies to her performance in the bonus song, ‘Hard To Handle.’  Seeing her really get into the song, feeling it, will get audiences into it, too.  Both with these songs and every other performance included in the new DVD and blu-ray, fans get a performance that’s a fitting tribute to this music legend.  Etta James Live at Montreux 1993 is available now in stores and online.  It can be ordered direct via Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website, http://www.eagle-rock.com. 

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Jazz legend’s “Overtime” goes into overtime with new bonus

Courtesy: Eagle Eye Media/Eagle Rock Entertainment

Music is supposed to be fun.  This is one of the sentiments expressed in the interview segments included on the new blu-ray re-issue of Lee Ritenour’s 2005 dvd release, “Overtime.”  It’s also the sentiment that best describes the brand new re-issue.  “Overtime” was fun in its original dvd release seven years ago.  Now that it is seeing a re-issue on blu-ray today, it’s just as fun, if not more so.

Today’s brand new re-issue of “Overtime” presents the original performance from Ritenour and company exactly as it appeared on the ’05 dvd release.  It even includes the separate interview segments with the band members that can be viewed separately or as part of the entire show.  Fans get an added bonus this time around.  Included as a bonus feature of sorts, is a set of songs from Ritenour’s performance at the 2011 Montreux Jazz Festival.  As impressive as that set of songs was, it will be no surprise if Ritenour’s complete Montreux show is eventually released to blu-ray, too. 

While fans wait in hopes that Ritenour’s 2011 Montreux show will eventually get its own full release, those who perhaps haven’t had the opportunity to experience his music live get a wonderful full concert experience from this set that clocks in at just over two and a half hours.  The case for the disc reads that the show’s run time is nearly three hours.  But in reality, it actually runs just over two and a half hours.  Even at two and a half hours, that time passes right by with ease.  Between the inclusion of Ritenour’s career spanning setlist, side interviews with the band, and the casual conversation between the band members during the show, explaining various songs, audiences get a really enjoyable experience.  The show was taped at Enterprise Studios.  But the setup and the band’s interaction gave the illusion that the show had taken place in some swanky club.  Everybody involved in creating that positive vibe is to be highly commended.  And the same can be said for all involved in making the group’s 2011 Montreux Jazz Festival show come to life.

The bonus set from the 2011 Montreux Jazz Festival is a great addition to this re-issue.  One of the best pieces from this set would be from pianist Dave Grusin, in the form on ‘The Firm.’  Grusin’s control of the piano on this song is simply incredible.  And there’s some great scatting on ‘Lay it Down’ that will conjur thoughts of Ella Fitzgerald.  ‘Wes Bound’ and ‘Stolen Moments’ both added their own elements to the set, too.  While the bonus set consists of only four songs, those four songs alone show that years after Ritenour and his bandmates first started making some of the jazz world’s best music, they are still leaders in both the jazz world and the music world in general.

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The Raconteurs rock the house on ’08 Montreux show

The Raconteurs could very well be the future of rock.  This Nashville, TN based band started as a side project for its members–Jack White (guitar/vocals), Brendan Benson (Guitar/Vocals), Patrick Keeler (Drums), and Jack Lawrence (Bass)–in 2005.  It reached what could be considered the pinnacle of its career very quickly when it was invited to perform at the famed Montreux Jazz Festival in 2008.  The Montreux Jazz Festival was founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs.  Since its founding, it has spread from jazz to nearly every genre of music, featuring many of the music business’ top names.  Among those names are the likes of Carlos Santana, and Phil Collins just to name a couple.  Now the Raconteurs can add their name to the list of legends who have played the iconic festival.  And fans can enjoy the band’s performance, too, beginning Tuesday, June 19th, thanks to Montreux Sounds and Eagle Rock Entertainment.

“The Raconteurs Live at Montreux 2008″ is the latest in a series of archived concerts released thanks to a partnership between Montreux Sounds and Eagle Rock Entertainment.  This show is just one more performance that shows audiences why the Montreux Jazz Festival is among the elite live music festivals each year.  From the general presentation of the concert to the packaging to the actual concert itself, “The Raconteurs Live at Montruex 2008″ is another top notch recorded performance from the famed festival.

Audiences who pick up the blu-ray presentation of this concert are rewarded with a crystal clear picture.  And getting to see that picture on a widescreen HDTV makes the experience that much better.  Anyone with the room and means to get a surround sound home theater system will appreciate the variety of sounds that the band presents even more.  The songs in question cover both of the albums released by the band in 2008.  Those songs range from the almost Nirvana-esque opener, ‘Consoler of the Lonely’ to the largely bluesy ‘You Don’t Understand Me’ to the country/bluegrass stylings of ‘Old Enough.’  Fans who were in attendance at the time of the recording rocked out to the show.  And now fans will be rocking out at home thanks to the mix of musical stylings.

The band’s setlist was impressive to say the least.  But it wasn’t all that made this show so enjoyable.  As with Bachman & Turner’s upcoming “Live at Roseland Ballroom” release, The Raconteurs keep the energy throughout the almost 90-minute set.  The blu-ray case lists the show at an hour and forty minutes.  That is likely including the show’s end credits.  But from the opening moments to the last notes, the show runs just shy of an hour and a half.  That aside, the band keeps the energy flowing from beginning to end.  It’s obvious that the audience in attendance appreciated and fed off of that energy.  And audiences will do the same in watching the show in the comfort of their own homes.

The show’s setlist and presentation make for one more great show from the Montreux Jazz Festival’s archives.  There’s one more aspect of this show that makes it enjoyable for fans of The Raconteurs.  That factor is subtle.  But it’s great to experience another show that has no foul language at any point.  That seems to be a standard for the Montreux Festival.  And the festival organizers are to be highly commended for that standard.

“The Raconteurs Live at Montreux 2008″ is just one more in the long list of releases already released and planned for release in 2012.  While it may be one more release in the list, one thing can be said of this latest release.  And that’s that Eagle Rock and Montreux Sounds have continued to set the bar for live recordings this year.  Congratulations to both companies for that.  And thank you to both for continuin to make it so difficult for this reviewer to choose a list of the year’s best live recordings.  That is, of course, meant in the most complimentary way.

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“Satchurated: Live in Montreal” one of 2012′s top 3 live releases

Courtesy: Epic Records/cine musica

Summer is here.  And that means that the annual tours are making their way across the country fast and furious.  The problem is that with all the tours out there, who has the money or the means to even try to make them all?  For that matter, what are fans to do when their favorite band and/or artist doesn’t make a stop in their city?  This is where the importance of live recordings comes in to play.  Anyone out there who is like this reviewer has seen their favorite act(s) shun their city in favor of other markets time and again.  So live recordings become that much more important to being able to experience given acts live.  And one of the best of this year’s live recordings is Joe Satriani’s recently released live blu-ray “Satchurated:  Live in Montreal.”

“Satchurated:  Live in Montreal” is not Joe Satriani’s first live recording.  But it is one of his best yet, if not his best yet.  This live show is as close as fans will come to a career retrospective from Satriani.  The show clocks in at just under two and a half hours long.  And it lifts from nearly every one of the fourteen albums that this guitar legend has released in the twenty plus years that he has been making music.  That includes more than half of the songs from his most recent album, “Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards.”  The whole show kicks off with the hit, ‘Ice 9′ from his album, “Surfing With The Alien.”  All the hits are there, including:  ‘Satch Boogie’, ‘Summer Song’, ‘Crowd Chant’, ‘The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing’ and so many more.

The mega set list on this performance is just one part of the whole that makes “Satchurated:  Live in Montreal” the standout live recording that it is.  The songs are great.  And thanks to Mike Fraser (Aerosmith, AC/DC, Sliipknot, etc.) and everyone behind the scenes of the show, the finished product came out just as impressive as the set list itself.  The audio mix is spot on even for those who might not have a surround sound home theater system.  Though as impressive as the audio mix was, it’s enough to make a person want to buy a home theater system if only for the one show.  It should come as no surprise that the final mix was so impressive.  This show wasn’t the first time that Satriani and Fraser have worked together.  They also teamed up for Satriani’s albums, “Crystal Planet” and “Super Colossal.” 

The finished video presentation was just as impressive as the audio mix.  Even those who don’t have a 3-D TV get stunning clarity with the concert’s blu-ray presentation.  On top of that, the general shooting, helmed by the brothers Lamoureux–Pierre and Francois–will make audiences feel as if they’re right there in Montreal with the rest of the audience.  The brothers took the emotion of every one of Satch’s songs, and somehow adapted that energy to the filming, giving shots at just the right pacing to keep audiences hooked.  Combine the filming with the show’s setlist, and audiences will be pulled right into the show.  they won’t even realize that nearly two and a half hours have passed until the show is over.  That is the sign of a truly impressive live recording.

Joe Satriani has been making music for over two decades.  He has released fourteen albums, and earned numerous honors as a result of those albums.  Now, he can add one more honor to that already long list with the release of “Satchurated:  Live in Montreal.”  That honor is of having one of the top live recordings of 2012.  From the superior audio mix and video presentation to the career spanning set list, Joe Satriani has never looked or sounded better.

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Simply Red Live is Simply Fabulous

Eagle Rock Entertainment and the organizers behind the Montreux Jazz Festival signed a deal recently that has allowed Eagle Rock to release a number of classic performances from various acts that have performed at the famed festival.  Among the acts whose performances have already been released are Phil Collins and Carlos Santana just to name a couple.  Now, yet another wonderful performance has been released thanks to that partnership. That new release is “Simply Red:  Live at Montreux 2003.”

“Simply Red Live at Montruex 2003″ is a great fit for any of the many proms and other big parties taking place across the country as this school year winds down for both public schools and colleges.  And for those who perhaps grew up with Simply Red that might be parents, it’s just as enjoyable.  It’s excellently balanced with plenty of up-tempo pieces and slower, more romantic moments, too.  The show opens with a great up tempo jazz piece in ‘Sad Old Road.’  One wouldn’t typically associate Simply Red with jazz.  But this piece shows the band is just as capable with this style as well as the smoother pop/R & B stylings that made it famous.  It keeps the energy flowing after ‘Sad Old Road’ with the slightly funky ‘Enough.’  ‘Lost Weekend’ is another great piece for audiences to dance to.  It’s also one of many great chances for guitarist Kenji Suzuki to really shine.  And for those who want something a little slower, there’s the band’s rendition of the more sensual, ‘Night Nurse.’ 

‘Night Nurse’ isn’t exactly a slow jam.  But it is definitely a mood setter to say the least.  Now for those who want something more along the way of more pure romantic music, the band’s bonus 2010 Montreux show includes a great slow jam in ‘Heaven.’  This is one of those songs that a couple could put on for a slow, romantic dance, after bringing down the lights.  Whether it be for prom-goers or parents, this is one of the highlights of the entire presentation.  The band’s 2010 show itself is a a highlight, as it’s included as a bonus companion to the 2003 show.  It all wraps up with the cover of the famed 1972 Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes hit, ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now.’  To see and hear the audience singing and moving along to the band’s rendition is a moving experience.  The audience really got into it, singing along, arms swaying in the air.  One almost waits to see if any lighters go up in the air.

The combined set list from the band’s 2003 and 2010 show make for a great concert.  Add in the equally impressive video and audio mix on both the blu-ray and standard def dvd presentations, and audiences get an overall fabulous concert presentation.  In an era when it’s increasingly expensive to attend live shows in person, “Simply Red:  Live at Montreux 2003″ is one more welcome live home concert experience.  Whether experiencing Simply Red for the first time or the fiftieth, this live performance is a great addition to any fan’s home library.  Simply put, Simply Red is Simply Fabulous on this new home live release.

Fans can keep up with all the latest with Simply Red online at http://www.simplyred.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simply-Red/139028892624?sk=info and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SimplyRedHQ.

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