WEMU wrapped up February and kicked off March with sixteen excellent choices for “our most played” category. “The Messenger” by guitarist Kevin Eubanks for Detroit’s Mack Avenue Records was at the top of the list where it deserves to be. Kevin came from a great jazz family in Philadelphia. From this essential foundation, Kevin Eubanks became one of Los Angeles’ in demand recording artists and the leader of The Tonight Show Band. After cooking in the cauldron of these experiences, Kevin Eubanks emerged with a strong individualistic sound on jazz guitar, borrowing liberally from the blues. He is more than ready to share his own musical message. You might recall his spellbinding concert at the 2012 Detroit Jazz Festival with saxophonist Bill Pierce and bassist Rene Camacho. For “The Messenger”, percussionist Joey De Leon and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith complete the group with rhythms and hefty textures. Vocalist Alvin Chea adds another dimension – especially his bass-baritone scat reminiscent of Bill Cosby on the tune “420”. The Messenger by Kevin Eubanks has it all: jazz with soul, finesse and the occasional smile.
WEMU “SWEET SIXTEEN” February 25 to February 3, 2013
1. KEVIN EUBANKS “The Messenger” (Mack Avenue Records)
2. JOSÉ JAMES “No Beginning No End” (Blue Note Records)
3. WOLFF & CLARK EXPEDITION "Wolff & Clark Expedition" (Random Act)
4. HARRY CONNICK, JR. “Smokey Mary” (Columbia)
5. JASON MARSALIS VIBES QUARTET “In A World Of Mallets” (Basin Street Records)
6. AGUANKÓ “Elemental” (PKO Records)
7. JESSE DEE “On My Mind / In My Heart” (Alligator Records)
8. BEN HARPER WITH CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE “Get Up!” (Stax Records)
9. THE JAMES HUNTER SIX “Minute By Minute” (Fantasy / Go Records)
10. AARON NEVILLE “My True Story” (Blue Note Records)
11. MENAHAN STREET BAND "The Crossing" (Dunham Records)
12. NEXT COLLECTIVE "COVER ART" (Concord Jazz)
13. CHESTER “CT” THOMPSON “Mixology” (Doodlin’ Records)
14. ROBBEN FORD “Bringing It Back Home” (Provogue)
15. THE SLIDE BROTHERS “Robert Randolph Presents The Slide Brothers” (Concord Records)
16. TAKUYA KURODA “Six Aces” (www.takuyakuroda.com)
~ COMPILED BY LINDA YOHN & LAWRENCE GLENN
