Now Playing, #3

 

When was the last time you listened to "Frampton's Camel?" When was the last time you spoke of Peter Frampton without mentioning "I'm In You?" Well, let me get right to it. It wasn't Peter Frampton's fault that "Frampton Comes Alive" was successful. The song "I'm In You" and the cover photo might be his fault, but most of that record is pretty damn good. As a matter of fact, I love all of Frampton's records before "I'm In You," including that damn live album. Even "Where I Should Be," the flop that followed "I'm In You" has some great music on it.

But, back to "Frampton's Camel."

 

 

I pulled this out because "Don't Fade Away" popped up on the iPod and I forgot how much I loved that song. One pass through all of "Frampton's Camel" and aside from the stiff Stevie Wonder cover, I found myself loving every track. My point? Don't take these old stalwarts for granted. 

 

 

 

 

 

And speaking of old stalwarts, there is a new 50th anniversary edition of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" that was just released. Your first reaction might be, "There is nothing there I haven't heard before." But I'm here to tell you, once again, the genius who is Kevin Gray, has created a new masterpiece with his exclusive mastering for this set.

This is not going to turn into a debate on the merits of this recording. We've been there before. This is preaching to the choir members who love this record. 

You MUST purchase the new vinyl cut of "What's Going On!"

I am not embarrassed to say, it brought me to tears.

How Kevin Gray is able to create a master that feels as if you are in the Hitsville studio witnessing this landmark recording as it happened is a miracle of engineering. Congas, strings, bass lines that you once thought of as just a part of the songs, now come at you from places you might not have realized existed in songs you have heard hundreds of times.

This new edition is, in a word, stunning!'

 

 

 

 

Finally, on this third installment of "Now Playing," a new Blue Note Tone Poet was just released. This is a record by Sonny Red called "Out Of The Blue." I have seen this record around, and I am sure I carried the CD in the shop. But I don't recall ever hearing it.

I was drawn to it by DJ Pari's review on Instagram.

Here is some of what he said:

"Red was a fine alto saxophonist who unfortunately never made it past obscurity, and like so many others living the jazz life, he died too young, at age 48. Recorded during two sessions in December 1959 and January 1960, "Out Of The Blue" may be Red's best known title, and possibly his best work released under his name.

I’ve always been a fan of Red's tone, it's deep and sharp, and quite soulful, without sounding too much like Cannonball. On the first six tunes, Red is supported by Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam Jones on bass and Roy Brooks on drums. The saxophonist's own "Bluesville" may be the most popular track here, but I most enjoy the subtle balladry in Red's reading of the standard "Stay As Sweet As You Are."

The new Tone Poet release is of course, fantastic. They all are. But, this session in particular was a lovely surprise.