Sapphire Blue

Amazon.com
It is said that the sins of the father are visited on the sons, but sometimes Junior's sins are visited on poor dad. Players like Larry Carlton, David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, and Eddie Van Halen developed new, personal sounds and techniques on their instruments that have since been bastardized by dozens of less-talented offspring, often leading to an unfair denigration of the progenitors. Carlton's smooth, singing guitar tone has been adopted by a legion of hacks who would never be able to create the inventive solos the LA session ace supplied to Steely Dan (see: "Kid Charlemagne"), nor the revolutionary textures he bestowed upon Joni Mitchell (see: all of Court and Spark). Granted the requirements of radio have occasionally softened his own edge; but offered the chance to record anything he wants results in Sapphire Blue--a horn-section driven, blues-based outing that reminds us why he is, well, Larry Carlton. From the opening romp of "Friday Night Shuffle," to the closing down-home acoustic/harmonica duet of "Take Me Down," this disc offers undiluted guitar soul with no concessions to the "smooth jazz" canon. Any doubts will be quickly dispelled with one listen to the title tune, where drummer Billy Kilson (Dave Holland) is allowed to go brilliantly berserk under the climax of Carlton's final solo. Throughout, Carlton's greasy playing rivals some of his best work with the Crusaders, providing a textbook for a new generation of guitarists. Let's hope that this time they learn the right lessons. --Michael Ross

Sapphire Blue,Larry Carlton,RCA,Contemporary Jazz,Crossover Jazz,Fusion,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Smooth Jazz

Average customer rating: A fusion between jazz and blues? It's a great album. Five stars for Larry and the band, three for the production Smooth blues Best work in years!

Sapphire Blue Larry Carlton Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fire Wire Fingerprints Larry & Lee Journey Collection ASIN: B00012FX54 Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

1. Friday Night Shuffle
2. A Pair of Kings
3. Night Sweats
4. Sapphire Blue
5. 7 for You
6. Slightly Dirty
7. Just an Excuse
8. Take Me Down

Amazon.com

It is said that the sins of the father are visited on the sons, but sometimes Junior's sins are visited on poor dad. Players like Larry Carlton, David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, and Eddie Van Halen developed new, personal sounds and techniques on their instruments that have since been bastardized by dozens of less-talented offspring, often leading to an unfair denigration of the progenitors. Carlton's smooth, singing guitar tone has been adopted by a legion of hacks who would never be able to create the inventive solos the LA session ace supplied to Steely Dan (see: "Kid Charlemagne"), nor the revolutionary textures he bestowed upon Joni Mitchell (see: all of Court and Spark). Granted the requirements of radio have occasionally softened his own edge; but offered the chance to record anything he wants results in Sapphire Blue--a horn-section driven, blues-based outing that reminds us why he is, well, Larry Carlton. From the opening romp of "Friday Night Shuffle," to the closing down-home acoustic/harmonica duet of "Take Me Down," this disc offers undiluted guitar soul with no concessions to the "smooth jazz" canon. Any doubts will be quickly dispelled with one listen to the title tune, where drummer Billy Kilson (Dave Holland) is allowed to go brilliantly berserk under the climax of Carlton's final solo. Throughout, Carlton's greasy playing rivals some of his best work with the Crusaders, providing a textbook for a new generation of guitarists. Let's hope that this time they learn the right lessons. --Michael Ross

Customer Reviews:

A fusion between jazz and blues?.......2007-04-11

This album shows me that Larry Carlton does the project of his life, it was dedicated to his grandaughter, great musica and I condsider it a fusion between blues and jazz.

It's a great album. .......2006-07-16

I've recently just started listening to Jazz and am building a collection, slowly. Sapphire Blue was recommended to me by a fellow guitar player, knowing I really like the blues as well. Regardless of anyone's whining that this is steeped in blues, I personally love it. The blues runs, and jazzy backings are a great mix. Larry Carlton is fast becoming a favorite.

Larry Carlton & Steve Lukather No Substitutions Live in Osaka was my first time hearing LC, and that blew me away. Sapphire Blue did NOT let me down.

Definitely a 5 star album. I highly recommend it

Five stars for Larry and the band, three for the production.......2005-08-19

Let me start out by saying that Larry Carlton plays his ass off on this disc, as does the rest of his band. He's always been able to play the blues like this, and it's about time he did it on record.

Something about the production doesn't do it for me, though. Larry's tone is spectacular (as always), but it seems like everything else is way too far in the background. The horns, especially, sound thin and compressed, without punch. There's some sort of synth strings over the top of the horns on some of the tracks which really doesn't need to be there. The Hammond organ doesn't growl; it purrs.

If this group put out a live record, it would be amazing.

Smooth blues.......2005-03-17

Blues has been so absorbed into the musical main stream, so exploited and explored that there's no way to get out of the cliche. So why not embrace it and play every cliche in the book?

This is blues to go with your double latte with extra sugar. To me this music has all the appeal of processed cheese. Slick, squeaky-clean music performed with the surgical precision of a studio ace.

Yes Carlton sounds good. He's a great player. (and Michael Rhodes bass sounds darn good too) So settle in. It may be the best blues you ever went to sleep to.

Best work in years!.......2004-11-06

This is Larry Carlton the way we used to hear him...evokes "Room 335" and "Strikes Twice". Fat, stinging and yet soulful guitar tone, that makes you want to run and get your guitar and play along (however badly!). No one is as smooth as LC, no one bends like he does, and no one can do justice by imitating him! The King of Smooth...get this CD...

Average customer rating: Elana kats chernins ragtime and blues post modern ragtime meets palm court

Ragtime & Blue Manufacturer: Signum UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gardens of Anna Maria Luisa de Medici Ballets Russes Diamond Music ASIN: B0009A414M Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. Alexander Rag
2. Green Leaf Prelude
3. Russian Rag
4. Get Well Rag
5. Blue Rose
6. Eliza's Aria
7. Backstate Rag
8. Birthday Rag
9. Brothers
10. Peggy's Minute Rag
11. Reflections
12. Cocktail Rag
13. Butterflying
14. Sunday Rag
15. Nostalgic Piece
16. Bucharian Melody
17. Revolving Doors
18. Suburban Rag
19. Sapphire Rag
20. Tranquil Interlude
21. Mute Princess
22. Slicked Back Tango
23. Removalist Rag
24. Melancholic Piece

Customer Reviews:

Elana kats chernins ragtime and blues.......2007-03-12

This album is very good its so nice and peacfull and beutifull, put it this way 'iam normally a heavy metal fan but this album is amazing' i can easily fall asleep listening to this, buy and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

post modern ragtime meets palm court.......2006-04-11

A terrific suite of small pieces suffused with melancholy underneath even the most upbeat melodies. This is a composer with whom I was unfamiliar until seeing a San Francisco Ballet piece choreographed to music from this CD. The program notes to BLUE ROSE which was a World Premiere in the 2006 season say in part:

"On the heels of his decision to create one new work for the 2006 Repertory Season, Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson launched into a second premiere for the Company, Blue Rose. After hearing composer Elena Kats-Chernin's CD Ragtime and Blue, Tomasson couldn't resist. "It's fun-it has a kind of joy to it," he says, and you don't doubt him for a minute-just talking about the music brings a smile to his face." Yu may be able to read more at the SF ballet website www.sfballet.org

Unfortunately the CD seems to be available only via a UK label but it's worth waiting for - I've had it spinning every evening in the two weeks since it arrived.

Average customer rating: THIS CD ROCKS, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT Fine Collection of Original Blues Ditties

Sapphire Blue Larry Carlton Manufacturer: Jvc Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00009KM3L Release Date: 2003-06-30

Tracks:

1. Friday Night Shuffle
2. Pair of Kings
3. Night Sweats
4. Sapphire Blue
5. 7 for You
6. Slightly Dirty
7. Just an Excuse
8. Take Me Down
9. Room 335 [*]

Album Description

Japanese edition of 2003 album for the guitarist & his Sapphire Blues Band, featuring 9 tracks including 1 bonus track, 'Room 335'. Victor.

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: "Room 335 (Blues Version)".

Customer Reviews:

THIS CD ROCKS, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT.......2003-12-10

Larry Carlton has really outdone himself on this CD - for the generation who only know of Larry's beautiful and melodic - but ultimately subdued smooth jazz albums, this is a CD to party to! Pour yourself a martini and enjoy...

Fine Collection of Original Blues Ditties.......2003-09-24

With so many disappointments in modern music, Larry Carlton came through with the real blues on this new CD. Thank you Larry. Each song has a different feel and approach. All of them have the classic sound of Larry's Gibson 335. In addition to fine blues playing, Larry must have included about 25 guitar tricks within the tracks. He is one clever guy. This is a fine CD worth the money. I would have given it 5 stars if he had a bit more muscle in his guitar tone.
Also, if you haven't purchased a copy yet, PLEASE do yourself a big favor and buy Larry's "On Solid Ground" CD. It will make your fur stand up !

Average customer rating:

The Sapphire Blues Steven W. Fine Manufacturer: Misplaced Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CADL5E Release Date: 2001-07-24

Tracks:

1. Sapphire Blues
2. Take a Little Bit
3. Movin On
4. Autumn Leaves
5. Headed for the Yellowstone
6. Malibu Bob
7. Tickled Pink
8. Homeless Love
9. Missed It by That Much
10. Back to You

Average customer rating: NEW AND UNIQUE RECORDING FOR KIDS BIRTHDAYS

Sapphire Blue Birthday Album ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00004R8LH Release Date: 2000-01-01

Tracks:

1. Invitation Song
2. Birthday Party Land
3. The Jewels Jam
4. Five Reasons (Why I Like My Birthday)
5. Animals
6. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
7. Bumpylumpygigasaurus
8. Party Food
9. Wishing Happy Birthday to You
10. Candle Blow-Out March
11. Dress Up
12. We're So Happy We Can Dance
13. Goodbye-Farewell Song
14. : Musical Chairs Medley (Bonus Track)

Album Description

The Sapphire Blue Birthday Album contains 13 lively, fully orchestrated original birthday songs for children under the age of nine, plus a bonus instrumental track for playing Musical Chairs! The original lyrics to each song, as well as fun activity/game ideas are printed in the CD booklet to create a complete birthday party and wonderful celebration for children, their stuffed animals and imaginary friends. The musical styles vary for each song to include polka, tango, march, calypso, jazz, and ballad. Thirty-two tracks of music (vocals, instruments and other creative sounds) were recorded to develop this rich musical album and the hilarious lyrics encourage children to participate in their own birthday celebration. This is the second album in the Jewels and the Gems musical series for children. The first album (also available on Amazon.com) is the Jewels and the Gems, Ruby Red Album and contains a terrific collection of traditional folk songs. Neither Julia "Jewels" Blagden nor Jewels and the Gems" are related to the rock singer, Jewel in any way whatsoever.

Customer Reviews:

NEW AND UNIQUE RECORDING FOR KIDS BIRTHDAYS.......2000-03-04

IF YOU HAVE 5 OR 6 YEAR-OLD CHILDREN YOU WILL WELCOME THIS ALBUM IN YOUR HOUSE. KIDS FROM 2 TO 8 ALL LOVE IT WITH A DIFFERENT FAVORITE SELECTED BY EACH OF THEM. TRY THE GAMES SUGGESTED. AT THE END YOU CAN PLAY MUSICAL CHAIRS AS THE ALBUM PROVIDES SPECIAL MUSIC WITH THOSE SURPRISE MOMENTS WHEN YOU HAVE TO SIT DOWN.

Average customer rating: KID GLOVE BLUES *****AWESOME*****

Sapphire Blue Larry Carlton Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000DG04O Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

1. Friday Night Shuffle
2. Pair of Kings
3. Night Sweats
4. Sapphire Blue
5. 7 for You
6. Slightly Dirty
7. Just an Excuse
8. Take Me Down
9. Room 335 [*]

Album Description

Asian edition of the jazz guitarist's blues inspired import exclusive album includes one bonus track, 'Room 335'. Nine tracks. EMI. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

KID GLOVE BLUES.......2004-12-28

TOO BAD SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA... Has No Radio Stations to play this fabulous, sexy feeling, smooth fingering of a Blues Album. A Jazzy feel with the Heart of the Blues. The "WAVE" is missing out on this one.
A very pleasing experience guaranteed! JUST GET IT AND ENJOY!

*****AWESOME*****.......2003-10-30

This is one of the best guitar CDs I have ever heard. Larry is one of the top jazz guitarists in the world and anyone familiar with his work will be blown away by these instrumental gems. Larry's liner notes state "I have wanted for many years to do a 'blues oriented' CD. For 'Saphire Blue' I had complete creative freedom." I assume his desire for creative freedom has something to do with the fact that this cd is only available as an import. Don't let the price scare you - it's worth every penny.

Larry maintains an upbeat jazz/blues focus while showcasing his brilliant dexterity and encyclopedic knowledge of various styles. My personal favorites are "Night Sweats" and "Take Me Down". The former begins with ominous keyboard changes that bring to mind "Come Together" by the Beatles and progesses into slow, simmering jazz groove that could have been lifted from a Steely Dan CD. The later is an acoustic guitar/harmonica exchange between Larry and his old buddy Terry McMillan. I immediately thought of "Black Water" by the Doobie Bros. Other highlights include the title track which has a B.B. King feel to it and the bouncy bonus track "Room 335". The stellar backup musicians include Reese Wynan (formerly with Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble) on B-3 organ, Mark Douthit on tenor sax and excellent horn arrangements by Jim Horn. I would give this CD 10 stars if I could - it's really that good! Can't wait to see him in concert 11/15.

Average customer rating:

Sapphire Blue Larry Carlton Manufacturer: Bmg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000DIJM4 Release Date: 2003-09-29

Tracks:

1. Friday Night Shuffle
2. Pair of Kings
3. Night Sweats
4. Sapphire Blue
5. 7 for You
6. Slightly Dirty
7. Just an Excuse
8. Take Me Down
9. Room 335 [*]

Album Details

Asian Version featuring a Bonus Track: "Room 335".

Average customer rating:

Sapphire Blue Larry Carlton Manufacturer: Victor Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000DBPGM Release Date: 2003-01-01

Tracks:

1. Friday Night Shuffle
2. Pair of Kings
3. Night Sweats
4. Sapphire Blue
5. 7 for You
6. Slightly Dirty
7. Just an Excuse
8. Take Me Down
9. Room 335 [*]

Album Details

Asian Version featuring a Bonus Track: "Room 335".

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2. Smooth Jazz at Midnight
3. Soul Station [Original recording remastered]
4. Spread Love Like Wildfire
5. Straight, No Chaser [Enhanced]
6. Sunday at the Village Vanguard [Live]
7. Tears of Joy
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9. Texas Hold'em
10. The Best of the Blue Note Years

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