Forget going house to house for a treat! Back in 1973, Frank Zappa was one of the handful of artists creating a mix of rock and jazz that eventually became known as “fusion”. On the jazz side you had bands…
Month: October 2019
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****HIT THAT JIVE, JACK! Nat King Cole: Hittin’ The Ramp-The Early Years (1936-1943)
I don’t care if it was inspired by Nat King Cole’s 100th birthday celebration or the 50th anniversary of the first Mets World Championship, but this 7 disc collection of the fledgling years of Nat “King” Cole is an essential…
Randy Brecker & Ada Rovatti: Brecker Plays Rovatti-Sacred Bond
Trumpet legend Randy Brecker co-leads with saxist Ada Rovatti as they deliver some strong originals, bringing in friends and family. Daughter Stella Brecker is sweet as cider on the upbeat title track as Rovatti’s warm tenor and Brecker’s rich horn…
Daniela Soledade: A Moment Of You
Lovely Brazilian themes and pulses are served in both English and Portuguese by husky toned Daniela Soledade, as she seduces your ears with some traditional pieces as originals in a mix of settings. The core team of Nate Najar/g-b, Martin…
Pearring Sound: Nothing But Time
Trio leader and alto saxist Jeff Pearring declares in the liner notes that he, bassist Adam Lane and drummer Tim Ford have a goal to “push this trio’s boundaries of musical expression.” And push they do on these nine originals…
COOL AND CLEAN QUARTETS…Collusion: The Session, Fabrizio Sciacca Quartet: Getting’ It There
Vintage bopping sounds are served up by the team of Darrian Douglas/dr, Andrew McGowan/p, Jasen Weaver/b and Steve Lands/tp on this collection of team composed originals that sound like they came from the secret desk drawer of Horace Silver. Lands’…
Sheldon Pickering: Blessed Assurance
Pianist Sheldon Pickering takes on God’s Great Hymn Book and delivers intimate and dreamy meditations. His sublime touch is supplemented by folksy violin and guitar at times, making the eight traditional pieces as reflective as morning light shining through a…
Church On Monday: For Being There
Boogaloo moods are provided by this “live” feeling band of Elias Haslanger/ts, Dr. James Polk/B3, Scott Laningham-Kyle Thompson/dr, Daniel Durham/b and Tommy Howard/g that gives soulful reads of jazz standards. The rhythm section sizzles and the Hammond hums for Haslanger’s…
Yellow House Orchestra: Pop
Michael Cerda sings while playing guitar and bass as he leads a swinging salsa band through ten of his pieces. He shares the lead voice with Marco Bermudez, Carlos Cascante, Jeremy Boxch, Herman Olivera and Willy Torres on the Spanish…
Melissa Gardiner: Empowered
Melissa Gardiner sings and plays her trombone in an album dedicated to empowerment of women. She brings along guests Ingrid Jensen/tp, Tia Fuller/sax, Weedie Braimah-David Donley, Anthony Saturno/g and vocalists Sydnie Eure with Marissa ones along with a team of…