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# By Randy Williams Ontheshelves
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/b-y-r-a-n-d-y-w-i-l-l-i-a-m-s-ontheshelves-20080704/
- Published: 2008-07-04T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:05:09.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*Jewel, ‘Perfectly Clear’ Thelonius Monk, ‘Brilliant Corners’*

The singular style of this daughter of an Alaskan cowboy singer/songwriter resonates clearly as she comes full circle on this her seventh album. Owner of one of the best selling debut albums of all-time, the 12-time platinum “Pieces of You,” Jewel heads back to her country roots. The accomplished actress and painter wrote or co-wrote all the selections for the newly-launched Nashville-based independent label, Valory. Her single, “Stronger Woman” is currently in the Top 15 on Billboard as she heads out on tour joining Brad Paisley’s 42-date tour. (Valory) The quirky, improvisational piano player known for putting a fun spin on melodies and rhythms are in harmony here on this Japanese reissue of the great pianist’s 1956 album for the Prestige label. After nearly 10 years as a recording artist, this was his breakthrough album and it features the talents and original works of Monk alongside Sonny Rollins on tenor sax, Max Roach on drums, Ernie Henry on alto, Oscar Pettiford/Paul Chambers on bass, and Clark Terry’s trumpet on “Bemsha Swing.” (Riverside) Miles Davis, ‘Miles from India’

A cross-cultural celebration of the legendary jazz musician, this is a clever and ambitious look at Miles Davis. Incorporating the talents of over two dozen esteemed musicians and engineers, this two CD-set puts a sensational twist on such landmark recordings as: “Bitches Brew,” “In a Silent Way” and “Kind of Blue.” A compelling brew of sitars, tablas, mridangam, trumpets, saxophones, piano, bass, guitar and drums, this is a profound fusion of Indian classical and American jazz. (Times Square) Jessy J, ‘Tequila Moon’

The pretty musician’s engaging sax play and vocals along with some of those exotic Latin elements result in a smooth, fresh and inspired release. Moving easily between her original tunes “Tequila Moon," “Sin Ti-With Out You," “Fiesta Velada," “Running Away," and “PB n J” with two Latin staples “Besame Mucho” and Sergio Mendez’s “Masquenada," Jessy J offers an engaging array of moods and tempos. (Peak) UFO, ‘The Best of UFO (1974-1983)’

In tribute to the influential UK band that struck a pioneering heavy guitar rock structure laid down beginning in the mid ‘70s, Capitol is releasing a 19-track package of UFO. Presented chronologically, it is easy to see its influence on such bands as Metallica, Iron Maiden and Megadeth among others. Beginning with “Rock Bottom” from the band’s first Chrysalis release the impressive numbers roll on including: “I’m a Loser,” “Let It Roll,” “Love to Love” and “Too Hot to Handle.” UFO is great rock ‘n’ roll and here is their best. (Capitol)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 4, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/070408.pdf?ref=smdp.com)