Zeitgeist Reviews - KARNATAKA, SUSAN HEDGES, TERRY MUNDAY, THE THURSDAY CLUB, ESSENTIAL JAZZ

CD OF THE WEEK

SUSAN HEDGES - Crimson Love / On Velvet Rope

I know I'm way behind the times here, but sometimes a CD is just so good you have to tell people about it.

Ach, there ought to be a law. 15 years old and releasing a record like this. Mind you, her debut CD came out when she was 13, so she's cracking on a bit now. In a nice touch, this album is a double, with CD1, "Crimson Love," containing all original material, while CD2, "Velvet Black," sees Susan covering some old songs and some specially written ones.

The self penned CD (with regular writing partner Paula Wright and Gary Hall) sees Susan tackling her own blindness ("The Fighting Kind"), the temptation to stray ("Candlelight") and the oh, shit they're reading my mind again "Stony Mountain Man". Susan accompanies herself, playing piano, harpsichord, Fender Rhodes and organ on the album and the invited guests add a warm and full blooded sound. It's not country, it's not folk, I can't stand the term Americana, so it just sits in singer/songwriter territory. But more Joe Ely than Nick Drake.

Over on CD2 there's some Townes Van Zandt, Son Volt, Cowboy Junkies, Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, a cracking take on Tom Waits "Come On Up To The House" and a bit of Nick Cave gospel. Grab a hold of ten copies and pass them out to people you would like to be your friend.

Karnataka

Karnataka

Terry Munday

Terry Munday

The Thursday Club

Late Night Jazz

KARNATAKA - Delicate Flame Of Desire

A long time ago in a faraway land I was told that I wouldn't like Karnataka because I loathed Clannad and wouldn't be able to pronounce their name in finest Baccaruda style. And they were right. I do loathe Clannad and still can't pronounce Karnataka. I always end up saying Karnakata instead. So they and I meandered through different pathways before I accidently walked in on this, their 3rd CD, playing. And lo, I was smitten. For this is outstanding.

If there is a more affecting vocalist than Rachel Jones working in a progressive idiom then that laurel is hidden under several bushels. And musically, Karnataka are operating in symphonic Yes territory, always an interesting place to be.

Amont the stand out tracks are "Time Stands Still", a synth led track with some powerful harmonies. Some more exemplary harmonies pop up on "After The Rain", with Jones and Ann-Marie Helder blending seamlessly. "One Breath Away" is unusual and almost out of context, with almost a dance (in a Norman Whitfield as opposed to Norman Cook way) vibe. But the best is saved for last. "Heart of Stone" kicks in at ten minutes plus, but not a moment is wasted in it's three piece suite. A little bit of prog, a few moments of ethereal calm, and then let's rock. Absolutely phenomenal.

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TERRY MUNDAY – The Liberty Project

It's quite remarkable how one mans musical journey can take him from working with ex-Clash drummer in the quasi goth / rock outfit Blood Simple, to the expressive and intimate guitar work of "The Liberty Project". But plying his craft in the Middle East and Spain has managed to add an incredible depth of expression to his work.

Mixing up the various vibes of rock, blues and Latin, but tying it down with a traditional melodic sensibility, makes this an absolute peach of a CD, twisting and turning at every opportunity leaving you wondering where you'll end up next. Fortunately, it's always omewhere interesting. If the term guitar virtuoso leaves you cold, I suggest you shun your prejudices and give this a damn good listening.
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THE THURSDAY CLUB – You Saved Me EP

If this is the Lucy who sings backing vox with Jason Ensa & the Lobsters of Freedom, then it’s a crime against humanity that her voice hasn’t been pushed up front before now. And if it’s the same Lucy Moxon who sang on the SK single, "Geezer Style", then it’s even more of a crime. For the four tracks here are absolutely stunning. Mind you it could be the Lucy
Moxon who works for Pertemps:-)

Her voice is silky smooth and soulful, especially on the lithesome lead track. Mind you, I’m sure L Herman would have something to say about the ‘original’ track “Night Time”, even with it’s angelic vocal. Bringing a new dimension to soul music, this is one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.

You can contact Jason Ensa at

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VARIOUS - Late Night Jazz:The Essential Album

A timely release with the recent rekindling of interest in jazz and, covering the easier on the ear strand, rather than scaring people away with hard bop. It also encompasses both veterans and the new kids on the block.

Don't see the fuss myself, but the David Beckham of jazz, Jamie Cullum, is here with "A Time For Love", a cut from his debut, student loan financed CD.

The ever divine Jane Monheit is present and correct with "My Foolish Heart", so I'm happy. As is Stacey Kent with a tremendous version of "Thanks For The Memory".

However, Late Night Jazz also tries to open the ears of those drawn in by the smooth jazz stylings with Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock and Art Pepper, amongst others, representing the old school.

It's called Late Night Jazz for a reason, though, with the like of Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind being given the Mel Tormé treatment.

It's very mellow and might draw in some of the chillout brigade alongside the Parkinson viewers (yes Michale Buble is here). With 26 tracks on offer here, it's a bargain chock full of quality.

- buy it from Amazon

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