John Klemmer - Finesse
John Klemmer’s Finesse Electra/Asylum Records 1983, is a true classic.
Recently while at the home of the host of The Urban Music Scene perusing his vast and impressive vinyl collection and enjoying a complementary glass of Shiraz
I first heard Finesse in 1983, the dawning of what we now call ‘Cool Jazz’ on the Bay Area station 102.9 KBLX the ‘Quiet Storm’.
Having grown up on jazz, I did not need to hear it again. I immediately
went out to snag a copy. And so my only copy (please do not laugh!) is
a still functional cassette of the 1983 recording that is in pristine
condition and plays well in the Bose system of my old Mercedes E320. I
have yet to get a copy on either CD or to my IPOD.
The Brazilian jazz influenced Finesse
has eight delightful tracks - all of which are not only soothing but take
you away from where ever you are: to exotic locations such as Palma De
Mallorca, Sao Paulo, or the Isle of Capri - a blind man’s paradise.
All tracks Finesse,
Man & Woman, Sometimes, The Greatest Love Of All, Heart, The Sun
The Moon and The Stars, Beloved, and But Are You Beautiful Inside? are produced by John Klemmer.
John
Klemmer is on the tenor saxophone, echoplex, analog phaser, and
vocals. The album also features such jazz notables as Roy McCurdy on
drums (Cannonball Adderley’s Quintet); jazz, pop, and classical bassist
Bob Magnusson, veteran keyboardist Russell Ferrante on the Korg 01W and
Roland 760 sampler and Steve Forman on percussion - whose interests in
African forms, Afro-Cuban, Asian, Blue Grass, Brazilian, Cajun,
Classical, Country, Indian, Jazz, Gospel, Hip Hop, Middle Eastern,
styles are quite apparent on this set.
Finesse
is relevant; it encapsulates rich layers and textures with a soulful
tone that evokes emotion without lyric. Replenish your soul, provide
yourself with prompt relief: this twenty six year old album is one of my
all time favorites added to a list that includes Miles, Thelonious,
Blakey, Coltrane, Joe Pass etc… Please go get this to add to your
collectibles. I guarantee that you’ll not regret this! Expectations are
fulfilled - there are no diminished returns.
Andre Singleton
The Urban Music Scene
hello,
nice review of John. thank you.
you can get a cd of finesse on amazon.com etc. in a "2 for 1 cd". "Finesse" & "Magnificent Madness" together on 1 cd. the whole cd is also downloadable at iTUNES & AMAZON.COM as well. or. you can purchase directly from WOUNDED BIRD RECORDS.
Jason Edwards Touch Mgmt.-John Klemmer
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Hi all. You guys really rule.
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