Mellow pseudo-jazz albums provide perfect sound for all occasions
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As my schedule has become increasingly skewed away from math and science, I've tried to find ways to incorporate music into studying nonetheless. Music tends to relax me, and I find that - provided I can still be productive - I'm less stressed about my work with some good music playing. I started with classical music, piano renditions of Broadway and good ol' Miles Davis, but recently I graduated to albums with lyrics.
While I'll never be able to combine Fleetwood Mac or J-Lo with Kenneth Waltz, Sam Huntington, et al, three debut albums released within the past year provide the perfect subtle background for effective studying. What's more, they're all fabulous to listen to actively as well. For the benefit of those who suffer from the same affliction, I provide a brief introduction to three artists who may soon be your favorite study buddies.
The Gabe Dixon Band
On a Rolling Ball
Gabe Dixon (lead vocals, keyboard), Winston Harrison (bass, vocals), Jano Rix (drums, vocals) and Chandler Webber (sax, vocals) comprise the GDB. This foursome got their start at the University of Miami in 1999, where they were one of the most well-loved bands on campus. Shortly thereafter, they cut their debut indie album, More Than It Would Seem, and then moved to New York to work college campuses throughout the Northeast. On a Rolling Ball marks the major record label debut for the group, as part of Reprise Records.
Dixon writes most of the band's songs himself, and his longtime admiration of Elton John is instantly apparent in his work. (On the band's Web site, http://www.gabedixonband .com, Dixon writes, "When I discovered Elton John, I wanted to be him...") Songs like "Bird Dancer" and "Your Last Fool" sound essentially like Elton against a jazzier background. Really, GDB is best described as Elton John meets Miles Davis meets Stevie Wonder, with an occasional dash of Paul Simon ("Beauty of the Sea").
Make no mistake: These boys are no Elton. The lyrics especially are somewhat disappointing, relying on clichéd phrases and heavy repetition. In fact, when I try to listen to this album for its own sake, I usually skip three or four tracks. However, their sound is perfect to study too - unobtrusive, with awesome instrumentals and a mellow sound.
Norah Jones
Come Away With Me
I introduced you to she-who-needs-no-introduction in a prior column, but I really can't say enough good things about her. The 23-year-old released her debut record in 2002, an exquisitely underplayed creation that found a permanent home in the top 10. Nominated personally for five Grammys, plus an additional three for her album team, Jones sweeped the Grammys on Sunday, taking home all eight awards for which she was nominated, including Best New Artist, Song of the Year ("Don't Know Why") and Album of the Year. Not too shabby for a debut, especially one so notably outside the mainstream.
Come Away With Me is best described as crossover jazz, blending elements of jazz, soul, country and folk-pop. Jones, in addition to vocals, provides the piano and lyrics to two of the best songs on the album, the title track and "Nightingale." Singing in a sultry whisper, Jones provides the perfect unobtrusive background when you're studying.
Jones, however, deserves to be listened to actively, and I guarantee she won't disappoint. While many of the lyrics tend to be repetitive and minimalist, her true genius shines through in her vocal presentation. In addition to the songs getting radio attention ("Come Away With Me," "Don't Know Why" and "Nightingale"), I recommend "Feelin' the Same Way" and "Shoot the Moon."
Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé
Unlike Norah Jones, you've probably not heard much about this 25-year-old from Vancouver. He released his self-titled debut album on Feb. 11, and in just two short weeks he has become one of my listening staples. This mellow crooner makes for great study music, blending with stellar instrumentals to form a soothing album covering a half century of swing.
Bublé has a unique ability to take some of the greatest jazz songs from the past and make them into creations entirely his own. This album announces the arrival of a major new talent who can infuse familiar music with a fresh and original sensibility. The handsome, brooding young man on the liner notes looks like he should be the new Justin Timberlake, but when he begins to sing you realize that this guy can really swing.
At times, Bublé sounds a bit like old Blue Eyes himself, and at others he invokes thoughts of Elvis. The influence of executive producer Paul Anka is also pretty obvious. Covering a broad range of music, he mixes perennial favorites, such as "Fever" and "The Way You Look Tonight," with more recent hits, like Van Morrison's "Moondance," the Lou Rawl hit "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" (my personal favorite) and "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart," which he performs with the Bee Gees themselves. Also very good is his radio single, "That's All," and the Latin-infused "Sway." With such a strong debut, perhaps he will be next years' Jones at the Grammys.