Customer Reviews

Live East/West: Birdland/Yoshi's 2CD Set

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In memory of Bob Z, an Amazon reviewer.
Jacqui Naylor's CD "Birdland- East, Yoshi's West" was sent to me by Ruby Records because someone read my review of another artist and liked my words. "How good could this CD be," I thought. Well, after 24 tracks I know. Jacqui Naylor is a fabulous artist. And, her co-writer, arranger, piano, organ and electric guitar player, Art Khu is an artist to be congratulated. It was the music that first grabbed me. The sweet, strong chords that bounce and reverberate off the walls, and then that voice, that has an edge, a crisp contrast to the smooth melody of the song.

A seemingly smart move, 12 tracks from the East, New York City at Birdland, a famous jazz club and then another 12 tracks to the West at Yoshi's in Oakland., California. The first track from the East, "City By The Bay" is, of course, San Francisco and we learn of the love of the city and what it means to Ms Naylor. Most of the songs on the East Coast are written by Naylor/Khu. This is a team that takes jazz seriously - "Before I'm Gone" and "Peace In My Lifetime" are my favorites. Tough, take no prisoner, and wishes that should come true. On the West Coast, Ms Naylor loves Carole King and her rendition of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" has her take but the flavor is easy to recognize. Of the two coasts- neither is a favorite, each has its own style and substance. The jazz flavor with rhythm and blues overtures and a hint of gospel.

Jacqui Naylor grew up on California and learned to love jazz through her parent's antique jazz instruments. She went to college to study clothes design, but somewhere along the way she discovered that jazz and singing was really her first love. While she took up her new love singing of the jazz; she continued her work with design and this brought her to New York City. A city she has learned to love. She has sung in both coasts and traveled extensively. Her talent lies not only in her style that emulates Billie Holiday and June Christy, but in her writing. My toes tapping to the beat of "the Wind" and her new love, "in that fine café, you took my breath away".

"JazzTimes" proclaims it best, "In the never-ending 'next big thing' sweepstakes, bet on Jacqui". And I would add Art Khu. The next best thing to being there in a jazz hall or cabaret is listening to this CD. Highly recommended. prisrob

Jacqui Naylor is a strong creative force on the music scene and we are better off for it! Her talent is extraordinarily exquisite and she performs with all her might, sharing her raw, honest emotion with the audience to create an experience you deserve to experience! This CD is an excellent example of her exceptional talent. This is also a great CD to start off with if you're not yet familiar with Ms. Naylor's unusually strong talents. Why? Because Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, George and Ira Gershwin, Pink Floyd and the team of Rodgers and Hart ALL co-exist peacefully in Jacqui's rather extensive repertoire. Jacqui possesses the rare ability to keep an open mind and therefore she chose to expose herself to many different styles of music. Few people truly achieve this open-mindedness. Jacqui then excels when performing her songs in a very intimate vocal jazz session that leaves you thirsting for more! Her open minded qualities combined with her natural talents produce a superior performance many other singers could only hope to equal. Her voice itself is a musical instrument; she has a broad vocal range and she even writes her own lyrics to some of the songs here! Her deportment is sensuous, unruffled-and this only serves to strengthen her performance even further. Indeed, her strong presence demands attention; but this is not a bad thing because giving her your total attention is as easy as breathing!

The CD opens strong with "Thank You Baby," a sumptuous love ballad celebrating the joys of her love for another. She sings "Money" by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame very well. Then there's the song "Once In A Lifetime," from the movie Down And Out In Beverly Hills. "We'll Fly" has an especially good arrangement. Jacqui's performance of "But Not For Me" has a creative, thoughtful and even upbeat (!) arrangement. "It'll Be Fine" seems to be her expression of her own self-confidence. The two CD set ends so beautifully with "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight!"

Jacqui is aided well by her team. Art Khu does a great job on the piano on "Cheese Puff Daddy;" and look for Alison Evans and Rebekah Ekberg on background vocals. Art also plays the electric guitar and the organ on this two CD set. Other band members also work hard to enhance the concert.

Despite the fact that the two CD set was recorded at different times on the two opposite American coasts (CD one recorded live at New York's Birdland; CD two at Yoshi's in Oakland, California) Jacqui's performance is quite strong and consistent throughout. Critics listening to Jacqui have been reminded of great talents including Billie Holiday and Ella. I sincerely believe that Jacqui is in this class and I highly recommend this two CD set for jazz fans; lovers of all music; and those who want to experience Jacqui's gift for the first time.

I picked up my copy of East/West after attending Jacqui Naylor's sensational performance at the Plush Room (April 2005). So we had the benefit of an up-close in-person treatment of many of the songs in this album--actually a double disc delight. We then took the album with us on a three day trip the next day--so we got a good chance to savor it. Here's what I think.

Quality production, top rank musicians, a singer who is threatening Diana Krall's supremacy in versatility and is head to head with Karrin Allyson in singing the blues. The venues on the East and West coasts are known to jazz people everywhere--great idea to combine them. If you go to jazz shows then you'll know that these rooms bring out the best in the artists. Nevertheless, there is nothing to replace seeing Jacqui and her group in person. Superb.

I grabbed the West disc for my car, my wife grabbed the East disc for her car--what a way to ensure family harmony! Among the many, many songs, you'll realy enjoy "Don't Let the Bastard Get You Down" and "Thank You Baby". The live audience loved Jacqui's introduction when she told about KCSM playing the Bastard song and getting phone calls prtesting the B-word! (In the Bay Area!!)

This talented lady does June Christy one better and that is saying something. After the live show I told her she had an instinct for the blues. Then I heard East/West and there it was! Thanks Jacqui!

Here's an "inside story" which you might enjoy. I emailed Jacqui before her Plush Room show and asked her to sing "Tell Me More, and More, and Then Some" which is on her first album ("Jacqui")and she obliged in the live show. Let me tell you, that brought the house down. AFTER the show I was a block away and people were STILL telling me how they loved the song and the show. So buy "Jacqui" and buy "East/West". In other words, we have a star on our hands, ladies and gents.

There few times in ones life when you consciously are aware of being part of something truly magical and great. Sitting almost suspended in time, afraid to breathe for fear of bursting the bubble of the experience. That was me last night at Yoshi's. The room is a cave. Big , curved and comforting. All sense of the outside world is gone and you are transported to what I can only assume it was like "back in the day" when times were simpler and music was just that, music.
Jacqui Naylor walks on stage like she is coming over to borrow a cup of sugar, have a cup of coffee and oh yes charm you into forgetting anything and everything you may have been thinking up until that moment. She is everyone's next door neighbor. The girl who baby sits last minute on a Saturday night. The woman who is there to lend some soothing. The artist who without demand or urgency tells you a story with the help of her gifted playmates. And what a gifted ensemble it is.
It is difficult to distinguish if the song is great, she is great, the band is great...It was all great. Everyone on that stage shared the spotlight with tremendous generosity and humbling grace. It was obvious that there is connection and respect for one another. Jacqui's voice being her instrument uses it to create sounds, words, inflections, feelings. The line is superb. She tells stories in her music. She draws you in with her personal little asides, sparkling little expressions, making you feel she is talking to you and only you.
Smashing is what she calls what she does. Smashing being laying a Gershwin lyric over a Hendricks riff. Or using an AC/DC melody played enchantingly on a violin as the lead to the familiar My Funny Valentine. Making each songs meaning new and fresh and as if you have never heard it before, and yet you know the words so you can sing along (in your head please). Her original songs are remarkable and obviously heart felt. Nothing syrupy or contrived. That would be vulgar on Jacqui and not Jacqui at all. Her songs fit her like a pair of jeans or that cashmere sweater that finds it way on you when you are on the couch watching a movie on a rainy night. Smashing!
I must go on about the band.....WOW! What a combo! Her arranger, Art, is so there for her and watches every move and plays every keyboard with precision and ease. Jacqui unselfishly gives ample time to each of her "guys". Knowing they are as important to her performance as she is. She is a true lady; warm, generous and allowing. A showcase of musicians sharing their gifts, not just playing notes. Each one secure in their ability and never showy or hoggish. The saxophone player had this adorable smile on his face the entire night. A sign that he was truly enjoying himself and was there, in the moment, as we all were.
After two encores, that easily could have been three if not turned into another set as the audience did not want to leave, we are gently reminded of the world and that we must go back into it. Back into the sounds of the trains and traffic and LIFE. But we enter it knowing that there is true talent out there. And her CD's waiting to be purchased and signed by Jacqui. Yes! She is that unassuming and giving. She calls it a shameless plug; I call it a treat, a necessity. It is like leaving a great party with a memento, not just a memory. Jacqui's sweetness and joy for what she does is her gift to us. The gift of encouragement and hope. We are the ones leaving with the cup of sugar, if not pure gold!

I love this CD! I found myself humming "Thank you Baby" all day after listening to the CD. I really enjoy Jacqui's mixture of old and new especially the "compilation" songs (Black Coffee). Jacqui's voice is sweet and pure. Mixed with jazzy tunes and tender notes this is definitely one of my most favorite CD's to listen to.

So out of the blue, I get an email from Paula Shaw, from Ruby Star Records, telling me how much she enjoyed my review of one of Diana Krall's albums, asking me to listen to Jacqui and post my review of this album. I was flattered and most happy to oblige. After all, I'm not a professional reviewer. I'm just a music lover who likes to share my tastes with others. And my tastes in music are very eclectic. No fewer than half of the songs on this double CD are originals, penned by Jacqui and Art Khu, who also plays in her band. He also co-produced the album, along with Jacqui. These are some great songs, too. "Thank You Baby" kicks off the first part of this album, and it caught my attention very quickly. Since this is a live performance, the audience reactions are captured as well, and the recording is able to catch the intimate atmosphere at Birdland. She moves into "Once in a Lifetime", which was originally done by a band whose name escapes me at the moment. She does it well. "We'll Fly", another original song, follows. Jacqui also wraps her vocal cords around two Carole King songs, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", and "So Far Away". She makes them her own. One particular original song really caught my eye. "Don't Let the Bastard Get You Down" tells you not to let others drag you down. Yet another, "Cheese Puff Daddy", is another humorous tune... on the part that is sung. The rest is all instrumental, and the band soars! Art Khu's piano catches fire during this track. Awesome! Even Pink Floyd is represented here, with Jacqui's rendition of "Money". And yes, she leaves the naughty word in there! "Black Coffee", usually performed in a slowpaced, bluesy way, is done more upbeat here, and it works. She also does a great version of "My Funny Valentine", giving a nod to Led Zeppelin as the inspiration for the arrangement. All tracks were arranged by Art Khu, and as I mentioned, this live recording really rocks. The music is jazz with a strong pop twist. My only reservation is that, as good as the CD is, it doesn't capture all the nuances of the live performances. I would urge two things: there should be a hybrid, multichannel SACD of this fine album. Also, get more airplay. There are some great jazz channels available on Sirius and XM Satellite Radio, and the exposure would be valuable. In fact, Sirius frequently brings artists into their studios to perform live. What a venue that would be! But I strongly urge you to run...don't walk...to your local record shop and get this album. Better yet... order it right here at Amazon!

These CDs blew my mind! There is so much incredible music between these TWO live CDs and all GREAT AND CREATIVE!! The musicians totally rock and the songs that mix a rock song and a jazz song together is brilliant and give these cats a chance to stretch. I am sorry but her singing a Talking Heads tune over Birdland is some kind of amazing. Don't get me wrong though...the covers are very hip but the originals are even hipper or is that hepper? Check out "Don't Let the Bastard Get You Down", "City By the Bay" and "Thank You Baby" for a taste of something with a breath of fresh air. Her take on standards is equally impressive and Jacqui can sing a standard straight like the greats of yesteryear. Check out "But Not For Me", a Gershwin classic if you have a question as to whether this woman is truly a jazz singer. Jacqui Naylor is going to be famous and soon. This is something you want to get in on quick and tell your friends about. SHE IS THE REAL DEAL AND FRESH!!

The title of this two CD set refers to the two locations where this great music was recorded live. Birdland is a club in New York. Yoshi is a club in Oakland California. Jacqui Naylor entertains her audiences on both coasts with a mix of original compositions and a wide range cover songs

One of my favorite songs is her cover of the Gershwin tune But Not For Me. The amazing piano playing by James Khu and an equally superb performance by Jon Evans on bass is worthy of note here The Wind is a great original composition written by Jacqui Naylor. This song is about the yearning for companionship and the instant emotional connections a person can make with someone. I love the piano playing on this track. It is very subtle and lovely. I really liked the track It'll Be Fine. It is a song about following your own path in life and doing your own thing. Thank You Baby is a track Jacqui devotes to her husband. It is an excellent song about gratitude and devotion.

The song Money is about how driven some people can become in trying to acquire wealth and material possessions. Jon Evans provides an excellent bass sound on this song. Before I'm Gone is a song about searching for a purpose in life. Bob Johnson enhances this track with his hypnotic saxophone playing. I loved it. City By The Bay sounds like a poem about Jacqui's Naylor's love of San Francisco. The cello playing on this track by Jessica Irvy is really good here. Her perfornance gives this song a nice romantic touch. Naylor performs a groovy rendition of the Led Zeppelin song Black Coffee. Jacqui takes a song from a rock genre and performs it in her own unique style. Julie's song is a very personal song about a lifelong friendship she cherrishes. I loved the music contained on these two compact discs. Jackie Naylor is a very talented performer and an insightful songwriter. This is great music.

If I had heard Jacqui Naylor's "East West", a 2 disc compilation recorded live at Birdland in NYC in 2003 and 2004 (disc 1) and at Yoshi's in Oakland, Ca at Christmastime in 2003 (disc 2) a year ago, I probably would have given it a 5 and a rave review. But I've gotten a little more jaded in the past year. There are just so many superbly talented yet relatively unknown jazz chanteuses out there, that I have to have something more than impressive eclecticism--which this album certainly is--to get to me.

I ran into this problem very recently with two very fine albums: Dena DeRose's "A Walk in the Park" and Kate McGarry's "Mercy Streets"; and I gave both 4 stars for that reason. I would do that to this album as well, but for these things:

1) The voice: Jacqui Naylor has one of the most arresting voices in all of jazz today. Thick, deep, and lush, at times she reminds me of Lady Day. But unlike Madeleine Peyroux, Ms. Naylor is not trying to copy Lady Day. At other times when singing more lightly (especially on the gorgeous set-ender,James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight"), she sounds more like Rickie Lee Jones. On the original cover of "So Far Away", she actually sounds like Carole King, but doesn't copy Ms. King at all. She's a vocal chameleon--but she always sounds very, very good.

2) The originals: I like her originals the best in this album,and she has a lot of them. "Julie's Song" is a great tome to a decades-long friend, whose friendship has waxed and waned but never died. "Calling You" has her brilliant accompanist and songwriting collaborator, Art Khu, showing off his considerable pianistic chops to maximum advantage. "Don't Let the Bastard Get You Down" and "Cheese Puff Daddy" are pungent, sardonic originals. "Peace in Our Lifetime" is exactly what the title implies, and is played that way. And in our never-ending quest to find a new Christmas song to play ad nauseum into a standard, may I suggest "Christmas Ain't What it Used to Be", complete with riffs from more famous carols?

3) The covers: There is only one "Great American Songbook" cover here, and it is the most swinging piece on the album: Gershwin's "But Not For Me." The Naylor-Khu duo picks some most interesting, more contemporary pieces to cover: Jimi's "Angel"; Pink Floyd's "Money"; Stephen Stills' "For What It's Worth"; and the legendary Gamble-Huff "Me & Mr. Jones", with a sex change from the famous rendition by Billy Paul for obvious reasons! This is the first time I've heard jazz covers of any of these, and while they don't all work, I give Ms. Naylor and Mr. Khu an "A" for effort. If jazz is to survive, it must quit re-mining and re-mining tin pan alley; and these musicians understand that.

4) A double album: With 24 selections to choose from, I can pick out the best 12 in my opinion, and easily come up with a 5-star album. That's not to say that all albums should be double-disced, or that my top 12 would be your top 12. But with 24 selections, there's enough really good stuff here to make this album stick in the memory for quite awhile. RC

The label sent me this double CD because of a review I had written of a Diana Krall release, perhaps one of those in which I bemoaned the qualitative reduction of the traditional jazz trio sound to syrupy string arrangements and overproduction. This CD is the antithesis of that. I am impressed both by the quality of Ms. Naylor's vocal work and the tasteful arrangements by Mr. Khu. I notice that another reviewer compared this release unfavorably to the most recent work of Madeleine Peyroux. I have the opposite reaction. Ms. Peyroux has a beautiful and distinctive voice, but I find that it overpowers the songs in a way that Ms. Naylor's vocal treatments do not. Indeed, Jacqui sings in a straightforward and accessible style in which the melodic quality of the songs that she has chosen shines through. Each song is its own world, which is as it should be. And the restrained instrumentation provides great backing for these songs, while also showcasing some wonderful artistry on the part of the band. I particularly liked the electric organ work on the Birdland portion of the release, and the solid background vocals of Alison Evans and Rebekah Ekberg. My favorite work is Naylor and Khu's "Don't Let the Bastard Get You Down", but all of the original songs are so good that I wished there were more of them and fewer covers. In summary, I would highly recommend this release for anyone who appreciates the earlier work of Diana Krall. It really is very good.