Tamir Hendelman
Destinations
Resonance Records
www.resonancerecords.org

Christian Howes with Robben Ford
Out Of The Blue
Resonance Records
www.resonancerecords.org
By George W. Harris

This upstart label has put out more than its share of first rate stuff. Here are the latest that you should keep an ear open for:

LA based pianist Tamir Hendelman is known around town as THE go to guy for creative and reliable work. Known best for his work with the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, the Jeff Hamilton Trio and for backing up vocalists like Jackie Ryan, Hendelman finally puts out his own disc, and it’s a beaut. Teamed with Marco Panascia/b and Lewis Nash/dr, Hendelman delivers a dozen cleverly arranged originals and standards that mix Eastern European romance with infectious swing. Almost all of the songs begin with intriguing Russian novel-like intros; “Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams” for example chimes like a chandelier before rustling in the wind of a rapid tour de force. There’s a symbiotic relationship between Hendelman’s piano and Nash’s brushwork throughout this conversational disc, most aptly displayed on “Soft Winds” while Hendelmans exoticism flows convincingly on “Israel Waltz” and “Babushka.” Completely at home on 42nd St or in St. Petersburg, Hendelman delivers a world class first opus.

Hendelman also shows up on Christian Howe’s latest release that also includes the impressive team of Kevin Axt/b, Bobby Floyd/key, Ric Fierabracci/b, Foel Rosenblatt/dr and special guest Robben Ford/g. The disc leans towards the fusion side of life, with heavy hitting material like “Bobby’s Bad,” “Gumbo Klomp” and the bluesy title track. A boppish romp through Chick Corea’s “Fingerprints” feels right at home with the gospel-tinged “Seek And Ye Shall Find” showing the breath and width of Howe’s eclecticism. The closing duet with Floyd on the lovely “Sweet Lorraine” have you begging for more of the same. Maybe next time.