Marcus Miller – A Night in Monte-Carlo

March 11, 2011 / No Comments / Tags: heads up, herbie hancock, marcus miller, monte carlo, raul midon, roy hargrove

(Concord Jazz)


Bassist extraordinaire Marcus Miller was requested by the principality of Monte-Carlo to perform at its 2008 jazz festival, the result is the new release, A Night In Monte-Carlo. Miller’s deep, low notes are accompanied beautifully by the strings and horns of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic. He’s also joined by the phenomenal singer, songwriter and guitarist, Raul Midon, who performs one of his own very popular tunes, as well as Miller’s arrangement of the spiritual “Amazing Grace”. While Midon has been known more for his vocal talents, his guitar skills heard here are just as impressive. The fantastic trumpeter Roy Hargrove joins Miller and the orchestra and delivers a gorgeous rendition of “Amandla”, a Miller compostion recorded by the great Miles Davis, as well as a beautiful take on the classic “I’m Glad There Is You”. Miller, who also picks up his bass clarinet on several tracks, is joined by piano great Herbie Hancock on his rendering of “Strange Fruit”. Also performing on the date are saxophonist Alex Hon, drummer Poogie Bell, pianist Federico Gonzales Pena and turntable scratchologist DJ Logic. It’s amazing music from what sounds like an incredible night. 

Click here to listen to a clip of “So What”.

Tracks: Blast, So What, States of Mind, I Loves You Porgy, Amandla, I’m Glad There Is You, Medley: O Mio Babbino Caro/Mas Que Nada, Your Amazing Grace, Strange Fruit.

Website: http://www.marcusmiller.com