COOLSTUFF
X A R T C I MUS
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All music is available on www.Amazon.com
DON MCLEAN Botanical Gardens
otanical Gardens is McLean’s 19th studio album, and first in 8 years. Intimacy can be found at the heart of this record, with Don penning personal numbers looking back on life, as well as his observations on youth and love. The inspiration for the project started years ago when he would walk in the beautiful gardens in Sydney, Australia near the Opera House. He would dream young dreams and find comfort and inspiration. The result is a raw, yet tight sound. In nearly 50 years, Don’s songs have become an iconic staple of American music. His biggest hit, “American Pie,” was recently recognized with high honors by BMI for achieving five (5) MillionAir certified airplay awards, along with “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” achieving three (3) Million-Air certified airplay awards. www.don-mclean.com.com
MIKE JONES & PENN JILLETTE The Show Before the Show
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n this album piano master Mike Jones is joined by bassist Penn Jillette, the verbal half of the renowned magic duo Penn & Teller. Jones is the musical director for Penn & Teller’s Las Vegas show playing both before the show begins and during the act. Jazzy renditions of standards make up the bulk of album, including such tunes as “Broadway,” “Have You Met Miss Jones,” and “There is No Greater Love.” Jillette grounds the music with apt playing, even providing some snappy solos. Let’s face it — it’s magical. www.jonesjazz.com/
ALEXANDRA JACKSON Legacy & Alchemy
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malgamating 20th-century Brazilian sounds with Chicago jazz and funk, singer Alexandra Jackson proves to be a sensitive, soulful vocalist well up to the task. The album pays homage to samba while mixing jazz, blues, soul, and bossa nova. She is supported by some of the most significant musicians in the genre. The mammoth project — bringing Brazilian music to mainstream — resulted in 23 tracks with more than 35 contributing artists in featured roles, and 100 musicians and engineers overall. www.AlexandraJMusic.com 38
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