Published June 2000

REVIEWED BY GARNET GIBSON

GREG OSBY
The Invisible Hand (Blue Note)

Saxophonist Greg Osby continues to display his masterful skills on his ninth Blue Note CD as a bandleader. On "The Invisible Hand" Osby's latest, he has recruited the veteran skills of Andrew Hill (piano) and Jim Hall (guitar), the result is Osby's characteristic blend organic compositions and expressive instrumentation. Osby doesn't stray into the fusion of the past (3D Lifestyles, Black Book) but still soars, sometimes over the heads of listeners, with his cerebral compositions. It appears that the presence of the elder players keeps the project anchored in contemporary jazz areas.


SHAZZ
SHAZZ (Sony Music)

Shazz has a sound that fits firmly into the genre of Alternative Dance music. With soulful saxophones over mellow funky drumbeats (Batignolles Square) or piano solos driving over high-hat house beats (El Camino) it all sounds good. The problem with many of the tracks is the simple drum programming that is even close to identical on "Carry On" and "Love You My Way." House beats prevail and provide a fun, buoyant dance vibe that is sometimes accentuated well with vocals ("Carry On") but not so well others ("Pray.")


JANE BUNNETT & THE SPIRIT OF HAVANNA
Ritmo + Soul (EMI Music)

Still strongly infused with the "spirit of Havana, Cuba," Bunnett is
becoming a sort of icon for the blending of jazz and Afro-Cuban music. This CD is arguably Bunnett's best work to date and will further establish her as a fine saxophonist and flutist. The collection features many strong compositions that exude a joy for the music and not merely expressions of artistry, making it a very entertaining listen. "Joyful Noise" and "The River / El Rio" are pure pleasure, danceable and enjoyable for their excellent horns, acrobatic percussion and enthusiastic vocals. Bunnett's long-time friend and playing companion shines on piano throughout but most notably on "Osain." "Journey Back" is also a favourite as it features the composing and trumpet play of Larry Cramer melded beautifully with the flute of Bunnett and the soulful vocals of Dean Bowman.


BEBEL GILBERTO
Tanto Tempo (Ziriguiboom/Crammed Disc)

Bebel Gilberto offers a mix of Bossa Nova music that is soft and soothing. As a collection, the compositions are relaxing and ambient, providing more of a peaceful mood rather than vibrant entertainment. Daughter to prestigious Brazilian musician Joao Gilberto, Bebel is true to her roots singing sweetly throughout with an airy voice that was trained by her mother Miucha. "Close Your Eyes" is distinct because it has some English vocals and it is one of the few up-tempo tracks. Title track, "Tanto Tempo" and "Lonely" are indicative of the rhythmic styling for their mellow tempo, soft Latin vocals and smooth instrumentation.