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Jay-Z Vol.2 Hard Knock Life (Roc-A-Fella/Def-Jam) I said it once and I'll say it again: Jay-Z gets me. Every release to date has been filled to the rim with high-end references to the world of money, power and respect. Mostly money, though, and you and I both know that it gets a little tired after a while. But there's definitely something about the Jigga and his butta-smooth delivery that sets him apart. Another good reason to check this is sideman Memphis Bleek, who rips a track here and there, backing Jay-Z nicely. I can do without the poppy tracks though. Besides, Premier deserves more than one song. 6.5/10 (Scott C) Vesta Relationships (PolyGram)
Ted Hawkins Love You Most of All (Evidence) Venice Beach's Ted Hawkins is simply amazing on this posthumous release. Because Hawkins was a street performer, his repertoire is a bit lacking, the intention being to bend that passerby's ear and get his money in the guitar case. But his Sam Cooke-like voice, on shmaltzy hits like "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Blowin' in the Wind," and "Dock of the Bay," sounds like it came from the centre of the Earth. The only instrumentation is a lonely acoustic guitar, giving his incredible, soulful voice that much more room. 9/10 (Johnson Cummins) Jean Beaudet En Concert (DSM/Unidisc) Superb pianist Beaudet is back with an excellent follow-up to his Musiques Intérieures, also with Daniel Lessard and Michel Ratte. Unlike that studio session, this one, as the title implies, was recorded live at La Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur. All but one piece was written by the leader and that one, Landesman and Wolf's "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most," is inventively reconstructed by the trio. If you're unfamiliar with Beaudet's work, check out both CDs. 8.5/10 (Len Dobbin)
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Surprise, surprise, Chaka-esque belter Vesta has reinvented herself as a jazz singer. Well, actually more like a jazzy R&B singer, with help from contemporary jazz musicians Lee Ritenour and Gerald Albright. The more mature sound is cool, but her vocals are a little too restrained. I mean, this is a woman who can hold a candle to Chaka, yet on this set she practically gives up the fire for a warm, comfortable glow. Which makes the sparks that do fly on this set all the more precious. 7.5/10 (Gerard Dee)