I think that in this respect Roon is unique. You will not find an alternative to it. But the reason is rather that it's not (just) clever algorithms, but simply a lot of manual work that the people at Roon put into it to maintain the metadata. That costs money. In my opinion, they should be paid for that.
One could say the same about AI, and plenty of news and other sources are currently suing the AI vendors for using their content without paying for it.
I suspect that pretty much anything Roon can do in the way of metadata can be done using AI. Perhaps someone is already working on a Roon-like UI with an AI backend.
Here's a simple prompt and response from Bard.
> write an article about the album "you are there" with Roberta gambarini and Hank jones
A Spirited Duet: Roberta Gambarini and Hank Jones Paint Timeless Jazz Masterpieces in "You Are There"
Released in 2007, "You Are There" is not just an album by Roberta Gambarini and Hank Jones. It's a masterclass in the art of jazz vocal artistry, an intimate conversation between two musical giants, and a timeless testament to the enduring power of melody and storytelling.
Gambarini, with her crystal-clear vocals and nuanced phrasing, inherits the legacy of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, yet injects her own charm and interpretive depth. Each song becomes a personal narrative, her voice gliding effortlessly from playful swing in "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me" to the aching introspection of "Lush Life."
And then there's Hank Jones. A legend in his own right, Jones weaves magic on the piano, his touch both delicate and thunderous, his every note a conversation with Gambarini's vocal melody. He's not just an accompanist; he's an equal partner, pushing and pulling the music, adding emotional colors and improvisational flourishes that leave you breathless.
The album's strength lies in its simplicity. Recorded in a single afternoon without rehearsals or overdubs, "You Are There" captures the raw energy and spontaneity of a live performance. Each song feels like a rediscovery, a fresh take on classics like "Stardust" and "Deep Purple," alongside lesser-known gems like the title track, a Johnny Mandel ballad that blossoms under Gambarini's touch.
Their musical chemistry is palpable. There's a telepathic understanding between them, a dance of anticipation and response that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Gambarini stretches out on a phrase, and Jones fills the space with a perfectly placed chord. She throws in a playful scat, and he dances around it with a shimmering run. It's pure jazz joy, improvised poetry played out in real time.
"You Are There" is more than just an album; it's an experience. It's a warm embrace on a rainy day, a glass of fine wine in a dimly lit room, a late-night conversation with an old friend. It's a reminder that jazz, at its heart, is about connection, about the magic that happens when two souls come together and create something beautiful, something that transcends time and genre.
So, if you're looking for an album that will transport you, that will make you fall in love with the art of jazz all over again, put on "You Are There" and let Roberta Gambarini and Hank Jones take you on a journey. You won't be disappointed.
Here are some albums similar to "You Are There" by Roberta Gambarini and Hank Jones:
- Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson: This 1938 collection features Billie Holiday at the peak of her powers, backed by the impeccable Teddy Wilson orchestra. The album includes timeless classics like "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit," delivered with Holiday's signature blend of vulnerability and strength.
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www.discogs.com
Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson album cover
- Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: This 1956 album is a meeting of two of jazz's most iconic figures. Fitzgerald's scat singing and Armstrong's gravelly vocals blend perfectly on playful tracks like "Can't We Be Friends" and "You Make Me Feel So Young."
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www.udiscovermusic.com
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong album cover
- Carmen McRae with Bud Powell: This 1958 album features Carmen McRae's smoky, expressive vocals backed by the legendary pianist Bud Powell. The album includes a mix of standards and originals, all delivered with McRae's characteristic intensity and intelligence.
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www.dustygroove.com
Carmen McRae with Bud Powell album cover
- Nina Simone Sings the Blues: This 1967 album showcases Nina Simone's raw power and emotional depth. She tackles blues classics like "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" and "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair" with a ferocity that is both mesmerizing and unsettling.
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www.amazon.com
Nina Simone Sings the Blues album cover
- Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown: This 1954 album features Sarah Vaughan's soaring vocals backed by the Clifford Brown quintet. The album includes a mix of ballads and uptempo numbers, all delivered with Vaughan's signature virtuosity and grace.
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en.wikipedia.org
Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown album cover
These are just a few suggestions, and there are many other great albums out there that you might enjoy. If you're looking for something specific, like a particular style or era of jazz, I'd be happy to give you some more recommendations.
I hope this helps!
