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Various House Proud Vol. 1 (Distance/Fusion III) Distance Records are big on that happy, fluffy house sound that incorporates lots of vocals and jazzy accents. So, if you're into gospel, then this may appeal to you. But wailing divas lose their edge when light keys and xylophones are added into the mix. Mixed by Harry "Choo Choo" Romero and Jose Nunez, this is one for those days when you just want some inoffensive noise happening in the background. 7/10 (Krista)
En Vogue Best of (Warner)
Grenique Black Butterfly (Motown/Universal)
Various Eyes Wide Shut Original Soundtrack (Warner/Reprise)
John Nugent West of Flatbush (NY Jam), Taurus People (Jazz Focus) Nugent, a tenor-playing native of Newfoundland, is heard on these two releases with the same rhythm section that he used for his memorable appearance at this year's Jazz Fest. After a time as an important member of Montreal's jazz scene, Nugent moved to Brooklyn, where he continues to hone his considerable skills as a player and composer. Bruce Barth, Doug Weiss and All Foster are the group's other members and reedman David Liebman guests on the second session. Both discs 9/10 (Len Dobbin)
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This archetypal '90s girl group set the pace for the slew of girl bands that appeared in their wake. When the original four members--Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones, Cindy Herron and Dawn Robinson--turned the brilliant "Hold On" (with the killer a cappella intro) into the summer jam of 1990, it was the beginning of some of the sweetest vocal harmonizing since the Emotions. It's the type of soul chemistry that still stands a cut above. 8/10 (Gerard Dee)
The enchanting jazz-soul chanteuse Grenique brings much style and sophistication to the table on her debut set. Beginning with the righteous title track and ending with sultry "Should I (Jazzapella)," Grenique spins varied musical tales of substance. In between, the superior laid-back jam "Let Go," the intriguing "Star of a Story" and the introspective "Trials and Tribulations" provide examples of innovative lyricism and musicianship. Totally pleasing. 8.5/10 (Gerard Dee)
Stanley Kubrick has always been thought of as a director who used music beautifully, melding it adeptly with his visuals. His final Eyes Wide Shut is no exception, from György Ligeti's disturbing "Musica Ricercata, II," which you'll recognize from the trailers, to Jocelyn Pook's "Masked Ball" composition, which sounds something like the moans of a group of cows in heat. An odd combo, for sure--I don't quite know if Chris Isaak really works here--but appreciation of soundtracks like this only grows with repeat listens. 8/10 (Matthew Hays)