Dave Brubeck Quartet: The Dave Brubeck Quartet At Carnegie Hall
Columbia/Legacy C2K 61455

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Overall Enjoyment

The Dave Brubeck Quartet At Carnegie Hall is presented here as two complete sets from a single concert recorded in 1963. The first thing you notice on this disc is the amazing sound quality. This recording puts you dead center about 10 rows back, yielding a realistic soundstage with consistent placement of all four musicians and exceptional detail that never seems to get lost in the mix. Interestingly, the liner notes mention, "All musical notes and phrases remain unedited." The second thing you notice is the quality of the performance. Brubeck’s piano structures are always sharp, yet never too aggressive. Paul Desmond’s unique alto-saxophone sound is impeccably full bodied and his phrasing is perfect. Joe Morello’s drumming is brilliant, but never overstated. Brubeck’s best-known standards, "Blue Rondo a la Turk," always sound upbeat with adventurous improvisations that last just long enough to elevate the compositions to the next level. Brubeck's brief narratives between tracks further complement this performance, providing some excellent insights into the music being played.

Delirium: Poem
EMI Nettwerk 30189

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You could easily accuse synth-wizard Bill Leeb of selling out and going after the market carved out by Michael Cretu’s Enigma. You could also say he’s ripping off Dead Can Dance. And in either case you would be correct. But the fact remains that some pretty notable artists, including Matthew Sweet, thought enough of this Front Line Assembly front man to contribute their distinctive vocals to his record. The result is a guilty pleasure that isn’t unlike eating too many Lindt dark-chocolate truffles in one sitting. "Terra Firma," "Myth," and "Daylight" all contain tasty hooks, which are enough to keep you blissful for the duration of the record. Listen to the record too frequently, though, and you’ll realize that, like too many confections, overindulgence can leave one feeling a bit queasy.

Bob Marley & The Wailers: Exodus (Deluxe Edition)
Tuff Gong/Island 314 586 408-2

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Arguably the most popular and significant reggae album ever recorded, this long-awaited reissue includes five additional studio tracks from the same 1977 studio session, a second CD containing live tracks from the Exodus tour of that same year, and five studio pieces with producer Lee Perry. A quarter century after the fact, Marley’s lyrics about the assassination attempt on his life, as well as his messages of love, are clearer than ever. The alternate version of "Waiting In Vain" is so good that it makes you wonder why it wasn’t included as the album version. The same applies to "Roots." The additional tracks here aren’t filler; they’re genuine. Sonically, this remastering offers a more robust bass foundation, along with clearer vocals that add excellent definition between Marley’s voice and the backup singers. In addition, Junior Marvin’s lead guitar appears more pronounced in the mix and various percussion instruments have a more spacious sound. Exodus is still fresh after 25 years in the can.

Jars of Clay: The Eleventh Hour
BMG/Essential 10629

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This Christian rock group has continued to surprise me with their fresh approach to rock. Ever since picking up their album Frail, I have enjoyed cuts like "Liquid," "He," and "Tea and Sympathy." The Eleventh Hour carries on this streak of writing smart, emotion-filled songs with catchy instrumental accompaniments. And, while their arrangements occasionally sound reminiscent of bands like the Goo Goo Dolls, the majority of these songs have a heart-felt honesty that escapes mainstream rock. Excellent production values just add icing to the cake.

Alphaville: Salvation
Metropolis 162

Musical Performance
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Overall Enjoyment

There was a violinist I used to work with who despised synthesizers. He just didn’t consider them serious instruments. I completely disagreed with him. Synthesizers are no different than a cello, drum, or two sticks being struck together. Manipulated by a talented musician, modulated sounds can elicit just as much emotion as the strings bowed on a violin -- and Salvation proves it. Bubbling, gyrating, and layered, the sounds on this CD are big and beautiful. There are times when some of the songs seem a bit overwrought and have too much going on, but on the whole, tracks like "Point of Known Return," "Inside Out," and "New Horizons" make the whole CD shimmer with energy. And some tracks even have the added depth of an orchestra with violins!