So I got a bit behind with this, partly because one of the programs I was using to put mp3's as normal CD's decided to stop working, meaning I could only listen to them while at the computer which wasn't terribly convenient. So this is for week 4 but this should really be week 6. So I'm back on track now, and time to catch up on what I've listened to for the past few weeks. For the ones I haven't listened to for a bit, I've had another listen just to bring myself up to speed and remember the album. But as this time around I am less 'in the moment' some these are a bit short and sharp. I might do these every few days until I catch up to the right week. So maybe by next week (my intention is to get these blogs up on a Sunday or Monday) I should really be up to week 7. Will see how I go.

Count Basie - The Atomic Mr. Basie (1957)
Some nice jazz here. It's nearly all instrumental, and while there is nothing I can fault with this album, it feels like something that would be good background music as opposed to something that I would would want to focus on and listen to. That said, I did find myself thinking about a tune from this album several hours after I last listened to it, which I guess says something. I still don't think I will be revisiting this album in the future though. Nothing wrong with it, it just isn't wowing me.

Machito - Kenya (1957)
Some more jazz, but this time infused with some Cuban congo drum beats. As compared to Sabu who I reviewed last time, the drums generally take a bit more of a back seat and the brass instruments are usually front and centre. There is some variety however and the drums do sometimes step up and steal the limelight. It's an all instrumental affair, but that is just fine. Maybe as I learn more about jazz I might revisit this album, but I'm a bit undecided at this stage as to whether it will hold my interest long term.

Tito Puente - Dance Mani Vol 1. (1957)
I wonder if they released any other volumes in this supposed series? The version I have of this was missing some songs, but the ones I had gave me a good enough impression. It's a very jazz filled list this time! This time though there is less of the lazy long solo brass sections; there is usually always a beat in the background, and as the album title might suggest, it feels like these were intended for dance numbers instead of lounge music. Even though I'm tempted to move my body involuntarily while this album is playing, I'm still not enthralled by it. But who knows, I've been intending to take up dancing with Megan so I may end up dancing to something like this!

So yeah, a short one while I get myself back on track and fully focused. It's much easier to listen to these in the car and be more absorbed than playing them on the computer while trying to read your guys blogs or doing whatever else on the internet!

I'm too lazy to do it for this one, but I might include album artwork for future blogs.