I’ve been listening to a fair amount of Herbie Hancock lately. I picked up River: The Joni Letters several weeks ago after it won the Album of the Year at the Grammies in February. The album, a tribute to Joni Mitchell, contains vocals from Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner, Norah Jones and Leonard Cohen. Apparently this is only the second time a jazz album won the Album of the Year award. Very cool.
River is one of the strongest jazz albums I have purchased since I went on a Johnny Hartman buying streak last year. It is a very straight-forward album without being predictable.
The title song, River, featuring vocals by Corinne Bailey Rae feels like a warm pair of jeans coming out of the dryer. So comfortable and smooth and welcoming.
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh I wish I had a river
I made my baby say goodbye
This is good stuff, folks. You should check it out.
- Dave
