back 
|
|
|
Discovery Records
specialist music - mail order |
|
• Marcus Miller, bassist, multi-instrumentalist, composer & arranger, likes unusual collaborations, and this new album “A Night in Monte-Carlo” is another different departure : paying with a septet, including a DJ on turntables, plus a 48-piece orchestra, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, including an 18-piece string section.
• But this orchestra is fully capable of playing in a hip, swinging style, with more than a touch of Arabic influence from their North African neighbours. The album - his first new release since the 2008 “SMV” album with three bass guitar leaders : Miller, Stanley Clarke & Victor Wooten - was recorded live in the opulent Monte-Carlo Opera house on November 29th 2008, with special guests Roy Hargrove and Raul Midón.
• Personnel : Marcus Miller : Bass, Bass Clarinet; Roy Hargrove : Trumpet; Raul Midón : Vocals, Guitar; Alex Han : Alto Saxophone; DJ Logic : Turntables; Federico Gonzalez Peña : Piano, Keyboards, Percussion; and Poogie Bell : Drums.
• They start, appropriately, with Marcus Miller’s own “Blast”, followed by Miles Davis’ "So What", "Amandla" written by Miller for Miles, Gershwin’s “I Loves You Porgy”, Raul Midon’s hit, "State Of Mind", Jimmy Dorsey’s “I’m Glad There Is You”, Miller’s “Your Amazing Grace” and Sergio Mendes’ "Mas Que Nada"
• Lastly a great bonus track : a version of the Billie Holiday classic "Strange Fruit", recorded at Miller’s Los Angeles studio, featuring him on bass clarinet with the incredible Herbie Hancock on piano.
|
|
Track Listing for A Night in Monte-Carlo
1. Blast!
2. So What
3. State Of Mind
4. I Loves You Porgy
5. Amandla
6. I’m Glad There Is You
7. Medley: O Mio Babbino Caro/Mas Que Nada
8. Your Amazing Grace
9. Strange Fruit
|
Reviews |
| Jazzwise - Mike Flynn |
| Overall though a commanding performance from this modern bass master. *** |
| The Evening Standard - Jack Massarik |
| Big budget concerts don't always guarantee artistic success, but this one lives up to most expectations. **** |
| Jazz Journal - Mark Gilbert |
| Execution is flawless and it was no doubt a tremendous spectacle in the flesh. |
|
|
