MUSIC

By Dean Poling

The Valdosta Daily Times

A COLLECTION OF MY BEST RECOLLECTION: George Jones

Given his legendary career and storied life, the title of this George Jones collection is appropriate. And it is a fine representation of his decades of hits: “The Race is On,” “Why Baby Why,” “Finally Friday,” “The Window Up Above,” and possibly the greatest country song ever recorded, “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today.” This album features a dozen songs, 10 classics and hits, and two songs never before released. “A Collection of My Best Recollection” is a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store recording, available in the restaurant chain’s gift shops. This is vintage George Jones featuring the original recordings, a fine retrospective of the legendary country crooner’s career.

REMEMBERING THINGS TO COME: Nick Kadajski’s 5 Point Perspective

“Phantom Energy” opens saxophonist/composer Nick Kadajski’s latest CD. This instrumental song features a blazing sax, wailing and full of sonic passion, a fine groove with Kadajski’s alto sax being backed by fellow Perspectives Ben Cassorla, guitar; Sean Moran, guitar; Brad Maestas, bass; Brian Adler, drums. Though Kadajski’s album, he allows each of his fellow musicians plenty of room and time to shine. Later songs take a more traditional jazz stance: solId but not as captivating as the arresting “Phantom Energy.” This instrumental album takes some long swings into epic songs, with six tunes coming in at more than six-and-a-half minutes each. “2 is 1” weighs in at 10 minutes, 2 seconds. Still, an impressive jazz perspective.