My World. - sound recording reviews

Ebony, June, 1993 by Lynn Norment

GOOD news for audiophiles! Sony Music has reissued Miles Davis' classic Kind Of Blue (Columbia MasterSound) recording on a remastered, 24 karat gold-plated CD with sound that rivals, if not surpasses, the original recording. A 1987 reissue was deemed disappointing by music lovers and critics alike, so Sony remastered the 1959 sessions after locating a superior first generation tape and perfecting a new 20-bit "super bit mapping" system that exceeds limitations of the standard CD 16-bit format. In spring 1959, Davis and his sextet recorded five tunes during two sessions. Rather than construct his tunes on minor and major chords, Davis structured the compositions around modes. And the sextet--Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers, James Cobb, John Coltrane, Bill Evans and Wynton Kelly--responded superbly without prior notice or rehearsal. What resulted has been called a "radical new adventure in jazz form," a classic recording that captures the pure spontaneity of Davis' genius.

To celebrate Ella Fitzgerald's 75th birthday, Verve has issued a three compact disc compilation of the legendary scatter's work titled Ella Fitzgerald--First Lady Of Song. Fitzgerald's career started in 1934 when, at age 16, she won an Amateur Night competition at the Apollo Theater. During the late-30s and early 40s, her career took off with the guidance of mentor, band leader Chick Webb, who had Fitzgerald perform regularly at the Savoy Ballroom. Disc I features '50s Fitzgerald tunes, including "Too Darn Hot" and "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." On Disc II are "Summertime," "Oh, Lady Be Good" and "Let It Snow," while Disc III offers "A Night In tunisia," "It Don't Mean A Thing" and other tunes recorded in the '60s.

Ray Charles continues to delight and entertain on his up-tempo new album, My World (Warner Bros.). On 10 exhilarating tunes, the veteran showman continues to infuse his music with social messages, smooth productions and rhythmic funk. Kicking off with the percolating title song, Charles, with his signature raspy voice, launches into a diverse repertoire. Memorable tunes include the catchy "None Of Us Are Free" and the gospel-flavored "One Drop Of Love," both of which deliver pertinent social messages. On the pleading gospel tune, "So Help Me God," Charles is backed by a choir.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Dionne Warwick, Friends Can Be Lovers (Arista); Cassandra Wilson, Dance To The Drums Again (Columbia); Buddy Guy, Feels Like Rain (Silvertone); Norman Connors, Remember Who You Are (Mojazz); Aaron Neville, The Grand Tour (A&M); Posse soundtrack (A&M); Heavy D & The Boyz, Blue Funk (MCA); P.M. Dawn, The Bliss Album? (GeeStreet); Nicholas, Inspirational Sounds (Command); and D.F.W. Mass Choir, Another Chance (Malaco).