CD Review: Keith Oxman Returns to the Heart of Jazz with “Home”

 

                            Keith Oxman Returns to the Heart of Jazz with “Home”

Acclaimed tenor saxophone player Keith Oxman has released a terrific new CD titled "Home". I was immediately reminded of how much pleasure it is to listen to a master saxophone player like Keith Oxman as soon as I started listening to this recording. Keith’s style of Jazz playing is what many of us grew up with, and thankfully, it never gets old. His tone, phrasing, swing and melodic sense are absolutely dead-on perfect.

Listening to Keith and his supporting players perform on “Home,” it truly does bring the listener back to their own Jazz home, that comfortable musical place that has been providing security, warmth and satisfaction to Jazz fans for a good part of our lives. There is no unnecessary flash here, no chasing trends, just beautifully played straight-ahead Jazz performed by musicians who completely understand the tradition and know how to keep it alive.

Oxman wrote eleven original compositions for this CD and added two well-chosen covers. The music reflects some of the strongest emotional parts of his life, making this one of his most personal recordings to date. The opening track, “True Lou,” was written as a loving tribute to his father, and several of the other originals honor family members, close friends, fellow professors and mentors who helped shape both his life and career. You can hear that emotional connection throughout the entire recording.

One of the things I especially enjoyed about “Home” is how relaxed and natural the playing feels. Keith never overplays. Every note serves the song, and the entire band sounds completely connected from beginning to end. Trumpeter Derek Banach adds a warm and lyrical voice throughout the album, while guitarist Clint Dadian gives the recording a slightly different texture than many traditional hard bop sessions. The rhythm section of Bill McCrossen and Todd Reid keeps everything grounded with tasteful, swinging support. Together they sound like musicians who truly enjoy listening to each other.

Oxman still teaches at Denver’s East High School, which means some very lucky young musicians get the opportunity to learn from a true Jazz master every day. Jazz musicians and composers like Keith Oxman are a big reason why American Jazz is still alive and well today. They continue to respect the roots of the music while still creating fresh and deeply personal performances.

I attached two songs from “Home.” The first is the title tune, “Home (When Shadows Fall),” which immediately gave me the feeling of home the very first time I heard it. I was unfamiliar with the song before hearing this version, but it is a beautiful composition and performed wonderfully by Keith and his band of master-class musicians. The second song, “True Lou,” was written in honor of Keith’s father and perfectly captures the warmth and sincerity that runs throughout this entire recording.

“Home” is the kind of Jazz album that reminds listeners why they fell in love with this music in the first place.

Playlist: 

1. True Lou
2. Hardenesque
3. Serenata
4. Don’t Throw In The Powell
5. Home (When Shadows Fall)
6. Pam
7. Cousin Steve
8. Stray Killer
9. The Jazz Brothers Visit Curtis Street
10. Detective Acosta and the Case of the Misplaced Square
11. Owen’s Defense
12. Opus for Wherda
13. An Extraordinary Rose

Performers:

• Keith Oxman – Tenor Saxophone
• Derek Banach – Trumpet
• Clint Dadian – Guitar
• Bill McCrossen – Bass
• Todd Reid – Drums

                                                              Home (When Shadows Fall)

                                                                True Love 

                           

CD REVIEW: Chris Rottmayer & Kelsey Wallner Create Pure Jazz Magic on Playing Favorites

          Chris Rottmayer & Kelsey Wallner Create Pure Jazz Magic on Playing Favorites

 

"Playing Favorites" is a terrific new Jazz CD recently released by Pianist Chris Rottmayer in collaboration with Vocalist Kelsey Wallner. The idea for this album emerged from a 2025 festival booking in Madison, Wisconsin. Chris and Kelsey had worked together previously in Madison and decided it was time to do an album together.

Chris brought in two very talented friends to join him and Kelsey on this CD; Bass player Clark Sommers and Drummer Matt Endres. I have to admit that when Chris Rottmayer, Clark Sommers and Matt Endres are playing together the sound is as good as it gets for Jazz Piano trios. These three musicians are at the top of their Jazz game. And when you add in the glorious voice of Kelsey Wallner, the music becomes magic.

I liked everything about "Playing Favorites". The playlist is loaded with great Brazilian music from Ivan Lins, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Dori Caymmi plus some outstanding standards. The album has a very natural and intimate feel, almost like sitting in a small jazz club listening to four musicians completely locked in with one another.

I particularly liked how the standard, "Everything Happens To Me" was arranged and sung by Kelsey. Her phrasing is relaxed and confident, and she never over-sings the tune. Chris’s piano playing throughout the album is sensational. His touch, voicings and harmonic ideas constantly push the music forward while still leaving room for the melody to breathe. Clark Sommers and Matt Endres are equally impressive, creating grooves that swing hard while also bringing tremendous subtlety and taste to the quieter moments.

The second tune that really caught my attention was Jobim’s "One Note Samba", which highlights Kelsey’s personal love for Brazilian music. The rhythm section settles beautifully into the Latin groove and Kelsey sounds completely at home with the material. There is an elegance and sophistication throughout the performance that makes the track one of the highlights of the CD.

I also enjoyed the trio performances on Kenny Barron’s "Voyage" and Cedar Walton’s "Firm Roots". These instrumental tracks allow Chris, Clark and Matt to stretch out and demonstrate just how well they communicate musically. The interplay between these musicians is first class Jazz playing.

Another pleasant surprise on the album is hearing Kelsey Wallner’s original compositions, “I’m Too Sweet” and “Love Ain’t Free.” Both songs fit naturally alongside the standards and Brazilian classics, and they give listeners another look at her talents as both a vocalist and songwriter.

"Playing Favorites" is one of those albums that feels timeless from the very first listen. The performances are classy, swinging, melodic and filled with genuine emotion. If you are a fan of great piano trio Jazz, outstanding vocals, and Brazilian influenced arrangements, this CD deserves a spot in your collection.

Players

• Chris Rottmayer – piano
• Kelsey Wallner – vocals
• Clark Sommers – acoustic bass
• Matt Endres – drums

Playlist

1. Everything Happens To Me
2. One Note Samba
3. Voyage
4. Velho Piano
5. On The Street Where You Live
6. Firm Roots
7. Sail Away
8. I’m Too Sweet
9. Love Ain’t Free
10. Love Dance
11. Never Will I Marry 

 

                                                        "Everything Happens To Me"

            

"One Note Samba"    

    

CD Review: “The Re-Collection” — Jaana Narsipur Turns Memories Into Jazz Art

           “The Re-Collection” — Jaana Narsipur Turns Memories Into Jazz Art

Vocalist Jaana Narsipur has released her second album titled, "The Re-Collection". Jaana likes to say she was an “80s kid,” and she has picked some beautiful but somewhat underappreciated songs from artists that shaped her early musical life. First and foremost, Jaana is a wonderful storyteller. She sings with emotion and conviction about the lyrics of the songs she loves. But she doesn’t stop there. Her arranging skills, which she applies to these classic 80s songs, are fresh, creative, and work beautifully in uncovering the stories hidden inside the lyrics.

Jaana has had excellent training that allows her to interpret great songs and lyrics at a very high artistic level. You probably will recognize most of the songs on this album, but I promise you that when you hear Jaana sing them, they will feel new again and bring you a great deal of pleasure.

Jaana studied classical voice and piano and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice and Music History from Northwestern University. In 2013 she completed her Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance at the Aaron Copland School of Music. She also holds a Music Education degree from DePaul University. She has clearly paid her dues preparing for a recording career, and now she is fully ready to show what she can do.

I especially like Jaana’s smoky voice and the phrasing she applies to the songs she loves. Her arranging is a master class for young singers looking to breathe new life into classic material. She understands that interpretation is not about simply recreating a song, but about discovering new emotional colors hidden inside familiar music.

One of the highlights for me was her version of  “Here Comes The Rain Again” written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart and made famous by Eurythmics. Listening to Jaana’s interpretation was like hearing the song for the very first time. She slows the emotional pulse of the piece just enough to let the lyric breathe, and the result is deeply moving.

Another standout track is “Breakout,” the hit associated with Swing Out Sister. Jaana gives the song a sophisticated jazz treatment while still preserving the infectious spirit that made it popular in the first place. It is fresh, stylish, and beautifully sung.

What makes this album work so well is that Jaana never approaches these songs as nostalgia pieces. Instead, she treats them as timeless compositions worthy of reinterpretation. That takes confidence, maturity, and imagination — qualities she clearly possesses in abundance.

This is an album that both jazz fans and lovers of intelligent pop music should enjoy. “The Re-Collection” proves that great songs never grow old when they are placed in the hands of an artist with creativity, taste, and emotional honesty.

Playlist

1. “Breakout”
2. “In Your Eyes”
3. “Time and Tide”
4. “Holding Back the Years”
5. “Behind Closed Doors”
6. “Love and Anger”
7. “With or Without You”
8. “Here Comes the Rain Again”
9. “You Can’t Get What You Want”
10. “Sister Moon”

Personnel

• Jaana Narsipur — Vocals, Arrangements
• Wayne Tucker — Trumpet 
• Meg Okura — Violin and featured on  “Here Comes the Rain Again”
• Sean Nowell — Tenor Sax
• Nicki Adams- Piano, Musical Director
• Marco Panascia- Acoustic and Electric Bass
• Joe Abba- Drums, Djembe, Cajon, Percussion
• Alex Jeun- Trombone
• Hannah Selin- Viola
• Laura Masferrer- Cello

                                                            "Here Comes The Rain Again"

                                                                    "Breakout"

Gino Amato Returns with Latin Crossroads 2: American Standards Reimagined Through the Fire of Latin Jazz

 

Pianist and arranger Gino Amato has released his second album in the "Latin Crossroads" style, “Latin Crossroads 2.” I reviewed the first "Latin Crossroads" album on February 1, 2025, and the response from my followers was excellent. It seems that listeners immediately connected with Amato’s concept of blending familiar American songs with the irresistible pulse of Latin rhythms.

Gino has an amazing talent for taking American standards—and even some well-known pop favorites—and infusing them with vibrant Latin grooves. To accomplish this transformation, Amato assembled an impressive 11-piece band, adding top vocalists and highly skilled instrumentalists. He then crafted some brilliant arrangements that give these beloved songs a completely new Latin identity.

"Latin Crossroads 2" is every bit as strong as the first Crossroads album. Once again, it exposes the listener to the wonderful rhythms and grooves that define Latin jazz. Amato creates a musical bridge for those who love American standards, allowing them to connect with the beauty, color, and rhythmic vitality of Latin music.

When Gino Amato prepares his arrangements, he is laser-focused on detail—rhythmic precision, harmonic color, and the quality of the musicians performing the music. He consistently brings in the best of the best, making the quality of the musical product his top priority. Over 38 musicians and vocalists contributed to this recording, and the result is a musical experience that can transport any jazz lover to a better place.

I have attached two songs from "Latin Crossroads 2".

The first is the Paul Simon classic “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard.” Amato transforms the tune into a joyful Jazz mambo that swings from the first note to the last. The vocals from Arnold McCuller and Matt Cusson bring an infectious energy to the arrangement, while the band locks into a tight Latin groove.

The second selection is one of my personal favorites and also a favorite of many jazz instrumentalists, “Tangerine.” This tune is most often performed as an instrumental, so it was quite refreshing to hear the lyric brought forward by the vocal ensemble in Amato’s arrangement. The treatment gives the song new life while maintaining the charm that has made it a jazz standard for decades.

With "Latin Crossroads 2", Gino Amato once again demonstrates that creative arranging and thoughtful musical direction can breathe new life into familiar songs. By blending classic American repertoire with the rhythmic sophistication of Latin jazz, Amato has produced an album that is both innovative and deeply enjoyable for jazz listeners.

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Playlist 

1. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (Paul Simon) – feat. Arnold McCuller & Matt Cusson

2. I Only Have Eyes for You (Harry Warren / Al Dubin) – feat. Kandace Springs

3. When I Fall in Love (Victor Young / Edward Heyman) – feat. Kings Return

4. Moonlight in Vermont (Karl Suessdorf / John Blackburn) – feat. Kevin Osborne

5. Tangerine (Victor Schertzinger / Johnny Mercer)

6. No Moon at All (Redd Evans / Dave Mann) – feat. Janis Siegel

7. I Love Paris (Cole Porter) – feat. Veronica Swift

8. What a Wonderful World (Bob Thiele / George David Weiss) – feat. Arnold McCuller

9. Someone to Watch Over Me (George & Ira Gershwin) – feat. Janis Siegel

10. Windmills of Your Mind (Michel Legrand / Alan & Marilyn Bergman) – feat. Matt Cusson

11. Scheherazade (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)

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Musicians 

Piano
Gino Amato
Oscar Hernández

Bass
Ruben Rodriguez

Drums
Vince Cherico

Percussion
Samuel Torres

Trumpets
Manuel “Maneco” Ruiz
Chris Rogers

Trombone
Doug Beavers
Juanga Lakunza

Saxophones
Bobby Franceschini – Tenor Sax
Mitch Frohman – Baritone Sax

Flute
Itai Kriss

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Additional Musicians

Joe Locke – Vibraphone
Lou Marini – Tenor Sax
Aaron Heick – Alto Sax / Flute
Peter Reit – French Horn
Leonardo Suarez-Paz – Violin
Jonathan Weber – Violin
Alejandra Mahave – Viola
Danny Miller – Cello
Tuck Lee – Oboe
Alyssa Reit – Harp
Ira Siegel – Guitar

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Vocalists

Featured Vocalists
Arnold McCuller
Kandace Springs
Matt Cusson
Kevin Osborne
Veronica Swift
Janis Siegel

Background Vocalists
Aubrey Johnson – Soprano
Janis Siegel – Alto
Lauren Kinhan – Alto II
Kevin Osborne – Baritone

Kings Return:
Vaughn Faison – Tenor
J.E. McKissic – Tenor
Jamall Williams – Baritone

Gabe Kunda – Bass 

                                                     "Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard"

                                                                "Tangerine"

“Convergence – Reckless Meter: Six Masters of Modern Jazz Playing as One”

 

This month's review is on a new CD released by the modern jazz ensemble Convergence, and it's a winner! Convergence has been entertaining jazz fans in Colorado for more than 30 years. If you’ve never heard this band play before, you are in for a real treat.

This band features six very seasoned, highly professional musicians who, in addition to being top-level players, are also outstanding jazz composers. They write modern jazz songs that are beautiful and easily accessible even to the novice jazz listener. There is a strong sense of melody and structure in their writing, but plenty of room for creative exploration and improvisation.

My first impression when I played the songs on this CD was that this group of six musicians performs like they are all from the same family. The musical communication between them is effortless. Even though Convergence takes a fearless approach to improvisation, they remain tightly connected in the music they create. That level of cohesion only comes from years of playing together and trusting one another musically.

Pianist Eric Gunnison sums up the spirit of the group perfectly: "This band has always been about connection, with each other, with the audience, and with the music itself. Convergence is more than a name; it's how we approach everything we do musically."

And you can hear that connection throughout "Reckless Meter". The band blends sophisticated writing with energetic solo work and the kind of ensemble precision that only comes from decades of shared experience.

I have attached two cuts from "Reckless Meter". The first song, “Big Boot,” is also the opening track on the album. It's upbeat, with sassy horns and killer solos. The rhythm section locks in immediately, while the horn section delivers the melody with punch and personality. It's the perfect introduction to get to know this outstanding band.

The second song I picked is the final track on the playlist and the title tune, “Reckless Meter.” This piece combines everything that is musically cool about Convergence into a single performance. The arrangement moves through shifting rhythmic ideas while the band maintains that tight ensemble sound that defines their music. It's a strong closing statement and leaves you wanting to go back and hear the entire album again.

For listeners who enjoy modern jazz that balances creativity with strong melodic ideas and masterful musicianship, "Reckless Meter" is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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Playlist

1. Big Boot – 6:19

2. Springaling – 8:00

3. Margaret Clara – 6:17

4. It’s One Or Not One – 6:14

5. Master Jake – 6:38

6. Cauldron – 10:59

7. Coyote Moon – 6:48

8. Reckless Meter – 9:21

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Personnel

• Eric Gunnison – piano

• Greg Gisbert – trumpet, flugelhorn

• John Gunther – saxophones

• Mark Patterson – trombone

• Mark Simon – bass

• Paul Romaine – drums

                                                                            "Big Boot"

                                                                    "Reckless Meter"

CD Review:

 

Guitarist and composer Jose Guzman and The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective have recently released their new CD, "Cortadito". This recording reflects Guzman’s rich musical heritage, combining the rhythms of Puerto Rico with the flavor and sophistication of modern jazz. The result is a vibrant and engaging album that highlights both the depth of Afro-Caribbean musical traditions and the creativity of contemporary jazz musicians.

If you are new to Afro-Caribbean jazz, this CD will serve you well as a primer on the subject. The rhythms are infectious and the arrangements are loaded with beautiful percussion and strong horn writing that immediately grab the listener’s attention. From the first track, it becomes clear that rhythm is the engine driving this music, and the band locks into grooves that are both exciting and musically sophisticated.

Guzman proves himself to be a versatile guitarist and composer throughout the album. I was particularly captured by the way he combines memorable melodies with Afro-Caribbean rhythmic structures, blending them seamlessly into a sound that feels both traditional and fresh. His guitar work sits comfortably within the ensemble, guiding the music while still allowing plenty of room for the horns and percussion to shine.

Another strength of "Cortadito" is the outstanding group of musicians Guzman has assembled. The supporting performers on this project are highly skilled professionals who understand this music deeply. The horn section delivers energetic and expressive solos while the percussion team creates a powerful rhythmic foundation that keeps the music moving forward with energy and color.

This CD also helps explain why Afro-Caribbean jazz has been gaining popularity with serious contemporary jazz fans in recent years. The combination of driving rhythms, strong melodies, and improvisational freedom creates music that is both intellectually satisfying and simply fun to listen to.

Everything about this recording has been done well—from the compositions and arrangements to the performances and production. It is a polished and highly enjoyable project.

You should definitely consider adding "Cortadito" to your jazz collection. I am sure you will find yourself playing it often. While I am by no means an expert in Afro-Caribbean jazz, I do know beautiful music when I hear it, and every song on this album is a winner.  I have attached two songs both written by Jose Guzman for your listening pleasure.  The first is "A Sunday Kind Of Day" played as a slow cha-cha..  The second song is "Orchard Downs" is an up-tempo tune that is named after the apartment complex that Guzman lived in during his time in Puerto Rico.

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Playlist

1. Orchard Downs

2. Holande Pa Uste

3. A Sunday Kind of Day

4. El Reloj

5. Witches Dance

6. Terminal 5

7. El Volcan

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Personnel

• Jose Guzman – guitar, compositions

• Victor Garcia – trumpet

• Brian Stark – tenor saxophone

• Ben Carrasquillo – trombone

• Andrey Goncalvez – bass

Percussion

• Javier Quintana – congas, barril

• Victor Gonzalez – bongos, bell

• Michael Rodriguez – timbales

• Jose Natal – barril

Additional Musicians

• Enrique Chavez – auxiliary percussion (on “Witches Dance”)

• Connor Frederick – trombone (on “Witches Dance”

                                                                    "A Sunday Kind Of Day"

                                                                         "Orchard Downs"

CD Review: James Judson, "Songs Of My Dreams"

Jazz Vocalist and Composer, James Judson has released his debut Jazz album, "Songs Of My Dreams".  James has a very interesting musical life story to tell about his involvement with music. He grew up in a large coal mining family in Boulder, Colorado surrounded by music.  His cousin taught him to sing when he was four and at five years old he made his first public appearance when Frankie Yankovic, aka the "Polka King" came to town and invited Judson on stage to sing.  His first public performance made a lasting impression on him and he started learning how to play drums and guitar.  By the time he was 13, James was working in a rock band as lead vocalist and drummer.  Later in high school, he joined a band playing weddings and state fairs and started developing his songwriting skills.  It looked like his music career would continue to be a huge part of his adult life, however,  he reached a point in his mid-thirties when he had to decide to continue with his struggling music career or focus on raising a family and demands of his construction business.  With 6 kids in his family, he knew he had to put his full energies into his business and he put his guitar and musical talents aside.  While his performing completely stopped, his love for music never died. 

In 2019, Judson was in Los Angeles to help with a construction project his daughter was working on when she introduced him to Don Taicher, a local singer, songwriter and rapper and the two became close friends.  This friendship reignited Judson's deeply buried musical desire and he wound up buying a guitar in LA and when he went back home he started playing again and working on his singing.

"Songs Of My Dreams" contains 13 songs consisting of 11 original songs and two standards.  It's interesting that after all the exposure Judson had to various types of music including rock that his writing style fits perfectly into the age of the crooners and the big bands they sang with.    His compositions have  wonderful melodies and lyrics that would fit Sinatra or Bennett perfectly.  Judson gathered a world-class group of musicians to join him on this CD and  created a CD that is a joyful trip back to the the sounds of the big bands of the forties and fifties and the crooners who sang with them.

I have attached two songs from "Songs Of My Dreams".  The first is a Judson original,  "Is There A Chance" that really swings and is one of my favorites.   The second is the classic, "The Shadow Of Your Smile".  I salute James Judson for having the strength and desire to rekindle his musical fire and sharing his beautiful songs with us!

PLAYLIST: 

1. Is There A Chance

2. The Shadow of Your Smile

3. Stars Past The Milky Way 

4. All Of Me

5. My Imagination

6. Can't Put A Price On Love

7. Kiss Me

8. The Winderful Night Before

9. Eternal Love

10. Holding On

11. Candlelight or Roses

12. Walking A Sidewalk

13. On And On

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PLAYERS:

James Judson – Vocals, Guitar, Compositions

Gary Matsumoto- Piano Max Haymer- Hammond B3, Fender

Tim Sonnefeld- Rhodes

Mike Gurrola, Dan Lutz, Charles Glenn-  Bass

Leddie Garcia- Percussion

Michael Campagna, Aaron Janik,Dan Fornero, Dave Richards, Mike Cordone- Trumpet

Bob Sheppard, Anton Sushev- Alto Sax

Bob Reynolds, Doug Webb- Tenor Sax

Jason Fabus- Baritone Sax

Erik Hughes, Ryan Dragon, Joshua Brown, Todd Eames- Trombone

Eliza James, Olga Ivanenko,Laurann Woods, Lily Honigberg-  Violin

Jennifer Wu, Troy Everett- Viola

Jean-Paul Barjon, Judy Kang- Cellos

                                                                    "Is There A Chance"

                                                            "The Shadow Of Your Smile"