MEZZOFORTE - Live in REYKJAVIK 2007 (2008 Released)
Mezzoforte were formed over 30 years ago.. In fact, they were only teenagers when they created Iceland's first international chart-hit, GARDEN PARTY in 1983. 25 years later, Mezzoforte are back to celebrate the quarter-century anniversary of the single and are ready to release their 12th album, followed by tours of Europe and Asia. The DVD, Live in Reykjavik features 20 songs recorded by Mezzoforte in a special 10 piece version of the band during 3 concerts in Reykjavik, Iceland in March of 2007. Bonus material consists of footage from rehearsals as well as a slide show of photos spanning the band’s career. Bonus material includes footage from rehersals, old videos and photos covering the band’s 30 year history. Recorded and filmed in Borgarleikhus, March 26 & 27, 2007 - Iceland
LEVEL 42 - RETROGLIDE Tour 2006 - 2007 (2008 released) DVD9
Filmed live at the New Theatre, Oxford, on 31/10/06, Retroglide is a recording of Level 42's last English show on the 2006 tour of the same name. The show is chock full of pitch perfect 4 part harmony vocals, fantastic guitar work from Mark's brother 'Nathan', great Sax solos from Sean Freeman, some complicated grooves from Gary Husband - one of the best British funk drummers around, wonderful additional percussion from Kwaku Dzidzornu and of course longest serving members Lindup and King sharing vocal duties and really showing talent on their instruments. The live sound is wonderfully mixed and monitored although some older fans feel the bass is hidden to low in the mix. I think this may be due to the fact that King is using his Retroglide and Black Beauty Status basses that fans of the old Jaydees and Alembics are disapproving of. Personally - I think it's great. I always think that King will overcrowd with his lines and get in the way of the vocal but I suppose that is something he has worked on over the years by doing both at the same time and nailing the balance every time. The original feel, sound and flavour of the studio tracks is still present but with new twists and turns musically. Good light show too!
HIROMI UEHARA - Live at SAN JAVIER JAZZ Fest 2008
Few artists have caused an impression since their debut album as the young Japanese pianist & composer Hiromi Uehara. Spectacular in her concerts, she attacks the keys like a cyclone. With the strength of nature, transmitting energy & passion when the song requires it or radiating sensibility & sweetness in ballads. She is also a great & prolific composer, as shown by her five albums: Another Mind, Brain, Spiral, Time Control or The very Latest one Beyond Standard. in which the two usual members or her trio bassist Tony Grey & drummer Martin Valihora are joined by the fantastic guitarist David Fluczynski forming the group Hiromi's Sonicbloom, who will also accompanying on her return to Jazz San Javier. Where she left some very good memories
after her performance in the eight edition of the festival.
KEIKO MATSUI - Live 2001
Discover Your Sense of Jazz" with keyboardist and composer, Keiko Matsui as she performs on BET on Jazz: The Jazz Channel at Black Entertainment Television Studio II in Washington, DC. This exclusive "Jazz Central" concert features Matsui playing her unique blend of jazz and new age instrumental compositions before a live studio audience, plus an interview with the artist. Tracks: Night Hawks' Dream, Doll, Kappa, Bridge Over the Stars, White Gate, Night Waltz, Forever Forever, Foot Steps, Safari, The Wind and the Wolf, Light Above the Trees. This renowned Japanese pianist is one of the major practitioners of a New Age-jazz fusion. Performing on BET's fantastic jazz showcase, "BET On Jazz," Matsui plays several original compositions, and even graces the viewer with a candid interview. Her eleven song set includes "Doll," "Bridge Over The Stars," and "Safari."
