Album Reviews
Bruce Springsteen
`Working on a Dream'
(SonyBMG)
American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen is brimming with hope and optimism in his 24th album ``Working on a Dream.'' Featuring 12 new songs, Springsteen offers his thoughts and reflections on life and love. There is none of the usual political lyrics that people are used to getting from Springsteen.
He gets a little too sappy with ``Queen of the Supermarket'' and ``Surprise, Surprise.'' But perhaps the most moving song is ``The Wrestler,'' which was nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards and won the Golden Globe.
- Cathy Rose A. Garcia
The Blue Note 7
`Mosaic'
(Warner Music Korea)
To commemorate the jazz label's 70th anniversary, Blue Note created the Blue Note 7, a band composed of top jazz musicians such as pianist Bill Charlap, saxophonist Ravi Coltraine and trumpet player Nicholas Payton. Blue Note 7 is not just a tribute band but ``a cadre with cohesive compatibility, dealing with powerful music and reinterpreting it.''
``Mosaic'' is an exceptional album featuring fresh interpretations of jazz classics. ``Inner Urge,'' originally by Joe Henderson, has a new, pulsating arrangement, while Bobby Hutcherson's ``Little B's Poem'' is played with a flute that gives it a lilting sound. This album is a welcome addition to any jazz lover's music collection.
Charlie Jung
Upside Down
Guitarist Charlie Jung releases his first local album ``Upside Down.'' The selected songs are already well known among devout jazz aficionados, but Jung adds his contemporary feel to fire up the standard pieces. Jung works with several young musician ― jazz pianist Park So-hyung, bassist Kim Yeong-hu, and percussionist Cho Gyu-won ― to express the distinct modern color of his music.
``Every time we say goodbye'' stands out among the six pieces being the only song accompanied by vocals. Blues vocalist Park Jae-hong joins the mellow sound of Jung's guitar to create a serene yet powerful piece. The professional guitarist released an unofficial album in the United States entitled ``Alone Together'' and also played in the Jarasum International Jazz Festival
- Hwang Sung-hee