The Joys of Jazz and Instrumental Music

Music Wed. In honor of the holiday, I am going to indulge in a second posting this week. Back in the 60s and 70s, every band featured one or two instrumental numbers on their albums to share (and oft times show off) their musical chops. Since modern pop artists have no such chops, the instrumental songs on albums died about 30 years ago. But I am here to declare that instrumental music is awesome, and I have three cuts to prove my case. First, is the great Jeff Beck, featuring my current favorite bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, on the indescribably eery and ethereal "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" (http://youtu.be/qMryWoRRqUc) and (http://youtu.be/VC02wGj5gPw) - yes, I gave you two versions because one is a wild jam at Crossroads 2007 where Tal goes nuts when Jeff turns her loose, and the second is a more refined version showcasing Jeff's mystical way of pulling notes from a guitar. Next, we will shift to a cover of one of my Top 5 Stevie Wonder songs, "Moon Blue", as covered by the David Reinhardt Trio and featuring Cyrille Aimee on vocals (http://youtu.be/1KAr3K3NtT0) - Ms. Aimee's vocals are passable, but wait until the end when she scats. Then she shows her artistry - all I can say is wow! Finally, we end with a version of a 60s sugary pop classic, "Sunny", that is given a lift by the Rosenberg Trio featuring David Reinhardt (http://youtu.be/iK4GF2GD1XI) - Messrs. Rosenberg and Reinhardt trade solos, never losing the song or each other. Sheer Brilliance. I always like to leave you with a little unexpected treat, so I want to share a recent discovery of Sting's haunting song "Fragile" featuring Sting and Stevie Wonder (http://youtu.be/Oi5FC2Mf-Bo) - keeping with our theme, this song features a virtuoso harmonica solo by Stevie that reminds us that John Popper is not the only one who can make this odd little instrument meaningful and beautiful. Enjoy! One last tip - if you love funky female bassists, check out rising star Alissia Benveniste on her composition "Let it Out" (http://youtu.be/ggPooXtzUD0) - pretty funky stuff for a music student!