What a novel idea! You have a great jazz club with an assortment of eclectic talent sharing their music with an appreciative audience, so why not record the experience and share it with the world? Well that’s exactly what the management of Café Du Nord in San Francisco have done with Market Street, a live compilation of jazz standards and original music.
Does A Shot In The Dark ring a bell ? It was the Munsters theme song written by Henry Mancini. Johnny Richards’ fresh arrangement gives it new life. It’s a wonderful opener and a showcase for the Tim Hesla Big Band horn section, with superb solos by Peter Anastos on trumpet and David Slusser on tenor sax.
Ledisi gives a heart-rending vocal to the classic Stormy Weather. She is more than ably supported by the Rob Rhodes Trio. The piano solo is, well, it’s what makes jazz music great. It’s full of expression, not too cluttered, and has plenty of space and nuance. Close your eyes and let your ears take you to your favourite jazz club.
The quality of music on this CD will satisfy most music lovers. The performances have an energy that is difficult to capture. There’s a wide range of music styles. You’ll find freestyle progressive jazz on 3Ply., a laid-back minimal approach on Delta Bound., a ragtime swing on I Wonder Who’s Boogin My Woogie., a rockabilly boogie on The Bachelor Boogie and a foray into the world of Latin music with the mambo Baila Mi Guaganco.
There’s a quirky version of Night And Day that is sure to raise a smile at the very least. The phrasing is quite comical and the timing an interesting choice. To add to the variety there’s a spoken word performance by Beth Lisick called Monkey Girl which is quite arresting.
Café Du Nord’s live compilation is a great idea and I’m sure this won’t be their last offering.