Genre: jazz-rock
Rating: 3 stars ***
Title: Session II
Company: Yamaha
Catalog: YDO-7901
Year: 1979
Country/State:
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG
Comments: promo pressing; gatefold sleeve; no insert
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 5073
Price: $9.00
Not being a big fan of adult contemporary jazz I probably wouldn't have bought this set had somebody told me it was jazz oriented. My loss since this is actually a pretty good collection. While I've never done any research into it, the album seems to have been a promotional project aimed at showcasing Yamaha products in the hands of an all star cast of jazz performers. Produce by Hiroshi Kawakami, the album was recorded at Wally Heider's Los Angels (sic) Studio and features some sterling sound. Even if you don't really like the genre, played over a quality stereo, or with a good paid of headphones and you're in for a treat. Musically the album featured a largely instrumental set, mixing originals and covers. Tracks like 'Puzzle People' and 'The Baron' showcased a rather funky sound that would not have sounded out of place on your local lite jazz station. Lead guitarist Lee Ritnenour and drummer Alex Acuna acquitted themselves quite well throughout. Curiously the three side one instrumentals were far more impressive than the three side two vocal performances.
"Session
II" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Puzzle People (instrumental) (Ernie Watts) -
2.) The Baron (instrumental) (P. Kelley) -
3.) Fly by Night (instrumental) (Dave Grusin) -
(side
2)
1.) Single Again (Sandy
Linzer - Denny Randell) -
2.) All Night Lover (Jerry Ragovoy - Len Robrts) -
3.) Souvenirs/Tahiti, Tahiti (instrumental) (Marc Chantereau - Pierre Alaion Dahan / Slim Pezin) -