CD Review: “The Sweetest Sounds”, A Remarkable Debut, Isabella Isherwood Brings Fresh Life to the Great American Songbook

 

Jazz vocalist, pianist, and actor Isabella Isherwood is only 23 years old, yet she performs with the poise, confidence, and musical maturity of a seasoned jazz professional. The Sweetest Sounds is her debut album, but her approach to selections from the Great American Songbook is nothing short of spectacular. Her ability to communicate the meaning of every lyric with remarkable sensitivity, combined with her warm, clear, and expressive voice, makes it hard to believe she is only 23 years old.

Isabella began her musical education at the age of four, studying classical piano. Even at that early age, she was immersed in jazz through her grandfather, Jerry Libby, a Detroit-based pianist and club owner whose independent label, Sabrina Records, was founded in 1964. That early exposure to the great jazz recordings clearly helped shape the artist she has become.

Although still at the beginning of what promises to be an outstanding career, Isherwood has already built an impressive résumé that includes performances in concert halls, jazz festivals, and international tours. I believe she is destined to rise quickly into the top tier of today's jazz vocalists. In addition to her work as a jazz artist, Isherwood is an accomplished actor and co-founder of a theater company. That theatrical background gives her vocal interpretations an added depth, allowing her to tell each song's story with honesty and conviction.

Joining Isherwood on this recording are three exceptional Chicago musicians: Mike Allemana on guitar, Joe Policastro on bass, and Alejandro Salazar on drums. Their tasteful, sympathetic accompaniment provides the perfect foundation for Isherwood's vocals while allowing each musician opportunities to shine.

The Sweetest Sounds is an exceptionally impressive debut recording. Isabella Isherwood has already demonstrated the artistry, musical intelligence, and emotional maturity that many performers spend decades trying to achieve. I have no doubt she is on her way to becoming one of the major voices in contemporary jazz in the years ahead.

I have attached two selections from The Sweetest Sounds. The first is "I Love Being Here With You," which Isherwood describes as “A love letter to Chicago—the clubs, the city, the musicians who raised me, my band, and the audiences who come out to listen." The second selection is "The Song Is You." Both performances beautifully showcase the talent and artistry of this remarkable young vocalist.

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Playlist

1. Devil May Care
2. The Sweetest Sounds
3. Till There Was You
4. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
5. This Time The Dream’s On Me
6. My Buddy
7. The Song Is You
8. Time Heals Everything
9. Love Is A losing Game
10. Teach Me Tonight
11. Round Midnight
12. I Love Being Here With You

Personnel

• Isabella Isherwood – vocals, piano
• Mike Allemana – guitar
• Joe Policastro – bass
• Alejandro Salazar – drums    

                                                              "I Love Being Here With You”

                                                                “The Song Is You"

CD Review: Kenny Barron Trio: “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon” — A Jazz Treasure Finally Comes to Light

Elemental Music has released a never-before-heard 1995 concert recording, “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon,”featuring Kenny Barron on Piano, Ray Drummond on Bass and Ben Riley on Drums. The recordings were captured live on August 12, 1995, at the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, during the trio’s European tour. The tapes were preserved for more than 30 years in the Jordi Suñol Archives before finally being released.

This music is so wonderful and inspiring, and it’s amazing to me to consider that this music was recorded over 30 years ago. The music still sounds new, innovative and exciting. That is one of the great things about Jazz: when the musicians are this good, the music never gets old!

I have found that in a lot of Piano Jazz Trios, the Pianist—especially with the talent level of a Kenny Barron—can tend to overpower the Bass and Drums. But The Kenny Barron Jazz Trio recorded here sounds like one voice rather than three musicians playing together. That, to me, is what makes this recording so special.

Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond and Ben Riley were three extraordinary musicians, but they were also extraordinary listeners. There is a remarkable sense of communication throughout this recording. Drummond’s bass is never simply there to keep time, and Riley’s drumming is never just accompaniment. They are constantly responding to Barron, and Barron is responding right back to them.

If someone asked me, “What’s so special about Jazz?” I would play a cut from this album and, within a short time listening to this music, I am sure they would have their answer.

And what a trio this was!

Ray Drummond was a master Bass player whose playing combined tremendous technique with warmth, swing and a wonderful melodic sense. Ben Riley, who was famously associated with Thelonious Monk, brought an incredible sense of time and subtlety to the drums. Together with Barron, they created a trio that could swing hard, play with incredible delicacy and, most importantly, listen to one another.

Here’s what master Bass player Ray Drummond had to say about Kenny Barron:

“Even before I met Kenny, he was clearly one of THE Pianists. He’ll attack any piano and make it sound like Kenny Barron. I’ve always admired his sense of harmony and melodic development—redeploying melody in complex ways. He’s so flexible and knowledgeable that he’s authentic in any style of the Jazz Universe.”

Kenny Barron adds:

“On a personal level, it was a great trio. I can’t recall a sour moment. I loved the way Ray played—solid, with great time and personality. The way he and Ben grooved together was perfect. If this concert turned into something special, it happened organically. When momentum builds, it’s because of everyone’s contribution. It was a group effect.”

I think that last statement really says it all: “It was a group effect.”

That group effect can be heard from the opening notes of the album. The trio moves effortlessly through standards, ballads, original compositions and music associated with Thelonious Monk. There are ten performances spread over two CDs, and each one gives the musicians room to stretch out and communicate.

The opening selection, “Oh, Look At Me Now,” immediately gets your attention. It swings, it has energy, and it gives you an early indication of just how closely these three musicians are listening to one another.

There are also beautiful moments of tenderness. Kenny Barron’s treatment of “The Very Thought of You” is a wonderful example of how a great Jazz musician can take a familiar song and make it sound fresh and personal.

The album also includes two Thelonious Monk compositions, “Ask Me Now” and “Shuffle Boil,” giving Barron an opportunity to demonstrate his deep understanding of Monk’s music while still putting his own unmistakable personality into the performances.

Another special moment is Barron’s solo performance of “Silent Rain.” It gives us the opportunity to hear his extraordinary harmonic and melodic imagination without the trio around him. Then, when the trio comes back together, you are reminded once again how much these musicians have to say to one another.

I have attached two songs from “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon” for you to enjoy!

The first is from composer Joe Bushkin, “Oh, Look At Me Now.”

The second song is the tender ballad “The Very Thought of You” from composer Ray Noble.

If you are a fan of the Piano Jazz Trio, I strongly recommend that you seek out this recording. If you are new to Jazz, this is also a wonderful place to start.

“So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon” is more than a recording from the past. It is a wonderful reminder that great Jazz does not have an expiration date.

Put this album on, close your eyes, and listen to three great musicians having a musical conversation.

That’s Jazz!

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PLAYLIST

CD 1

1. Oh, Look At Me Now — Joe Bushkin / John DeVries
2. Up Jumped Spring — Freddie Hubbard
3. Shuffle Boil — Thelonious Monk
4. Time Was — Al Stillman / Lew Brown
5. Silent Rain — Kenny Barron
6. Ask Me Now — Thelonious Monk

CD 2

7. Nikara’s Song — Kenny Barron
8. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top — Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II
9. The Very Thought of You — Ray Noble
10. Canadian Sunset — Eddie Heywood / Norman Gimbel

PLAYERS

Kenny Barron — Piano
Ray Drummond — Bass
Ben Riley — Drums

Recorded: August 12, 1995
Location: Brycheiniog Theatre, Brecon, Wales
Festival: Brecon Jazz Festival
Label: Elemental Music
Release: 2026
Format: 2-CD Deluxe Edition

Produced by Zev Feldman and Jordi Suñol. The recording was restored and mixed by Marc Doutrepont and mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. The release includes liner notes and tune annotations by noted jazz journalist and historian Ted Panken.

 

                                                                "Oh, Look At Me New"

                                                               "The Very Thought Of You"

CD REVIEW: Chuck Bergeron’s “Bass & Face” – Intimate Musical Conversations Between Bass and Voice

World-class bassist, composer and educator Chuck Bergeron has released his latest album, Bass & Face, a unique and highly creative project featuring duets between Bergeron’s bass and ten marvelous jazz vocalists. What a great idea—bass and voice together sharing a musical conversation.

Bergeron has spent more than four decades performing in settings ranging from intimate small groups to powerful big bands, and along the way he developed a deep appreciation for the art of jazz singing. Most interactions between bassists and vocalists take place within larger ensembles, where the bass serves primarily as part of the rhythm section. But during several years living in Seattle, Bergeron worked regularly with vocalist Kendra Shank, who always set aside a portion of her performances to share the spotlight with the bassist. She referred to those special moments as “Bass & Face,” and that inspiration eventually became the foundation for this remarkable recording. The featured singers are Janis Siegel, Sheila Jordan, Kevin Mahogany, Pete McGuinness, Roseanna Vitro, George Rabbai, Deborah Silver, Lisanne Lyons, Kate Reid and Nicole Yarling.

“Pianists and guitar players get to do that sort of thing all the time,” Bergeron says. “The harmonic range of the bass is a bit more limited, so it’s rare that I get that opportunity—but I really loved it. It’s a really naked and vulnerable situation and requires a different approach to playing the instrument.” The results of Bergeron’s inspiration are a treat for serious fans of jazz singing and bass playing alike.

What makes Bass & Face especially enjoyable is the intimacy of the performances. Recorded live without overdubs, the album places the listener directly inside these musical conversations. The sparse settings allow the lyrics, phrasing and emotional nuances of each vocalist to shine while highlighting Bergeron’s melodic and supportive bass work.

Bergeron also adds a few talented musicians here and there, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the album without disturbing its intimate character. Percussionist Richie Bravo fits perfectly with vocalist Janis Siegel on “An Occasional Man,” while George Rabbai contributes both trumpet and vocals on the delightful rendition of “I Thought About You.” Additional contributors include guitarist John Hart, saxophonist Charles Pillow, drummer John Riley and pianist Phil Strange.

The album is filled with inspired song choices ranging from beloved standards to lesser-known gems. Highlights include the beautiful reading of “Emily,” the clever and witty “Devil May Care,” the touching “Detour Ahead,” and a moving version of “Do You Know What It Means (To Miss New Orleans).” Throughout the program, Bergeron demonstrates why he is regarded as one of today’s most versatile and creative bassists.

I have attached two cuts from Bass & Face. The first is one of my longtime favorites, “Emily,” written by the great composer Johnny Mandel. The second is the timeless standard “I Thought About You,” composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

For fans of great jazz singing, thoughtful arrangements and masterful bass playing, Bass & Face is an album well worth hearing.

Playlist 

1. An Occasional Man
2. Emily
3. Devil May Care
4. I Thought About You
5. When I Drink
6. Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West
7. Detour Ahead
8. Audubon Zoo / Iko-Iko
9. Fair Weather
10. Take The Wrinkles Out Your Birthday Suit
11. Analog
12. Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love
13. Do You Know What It Means (To Miss New Orleans) 

Performers

Chuck Bergeron – Double Bass

Featured Vocalists

• Janis Siegel
• Sheila Jordan
• Kevin Mahogany
• Pete McGuinness
• Roseanna Vitro
• George Rabbai
• Deborah Silver
• Lisanne Lyons
• Kate Reid
• Nicole Yarling

Additional Musicians

• Richie Bravo – percussion on “An Occasional Man”
• John Hart – guitar on “Fair Weather”
• George Rabbai – trumpet on “I Thought About You”
• Charles Pillow – guest appearance
• John Riley – guest appearance
• Phil Strange – guest appearance 

   

                                                                        “Emily”

                                                                “I Thought About You"

CD Review: Mark Christian Miller’s “Strange Meadowlark” Soars with Storytelling, Swing, and Superb Musicianship

LA vocalist Mark Christian Miller recently published his fourth album as a bandleader entitled Strange Meadowlark. Mark has put together a wonderful collection of jazz standards and lesser-known gems, applying his own interpretations and unique phrasing to each selection. The material ranges from familiar standards by Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael to compositions by Oscar Brown Jr., Dave Brubeck, Henry Mancini, and Ned Rorem, giving the project both variety and depth.

Mark finishes this musical creation by bringing together a group of seasoned players who are all at the top of their musical games. The rhythm section is as good as it gets, with Joe LaBarbera on drums and Chuck Berghofer on bass. Seasoned pro Chris Dawson performs beautifully on piano, while Robert Kyle brings his lush tenor saxophone and flute playing to complete the rich musical landscape heard throughout the CD. The always wonderful Josh Nelson makes a special guest appearance, arranging and performing on “Early In The Morning,” and his contribution adds another dimension to an already outstanding recording.

Mark Christian Miller is a member of a relatively small group of jazz vocalists who have the ability to bring lyrics to life through their musical storytelling skills. Mark's voice is always warm and expressive, beautifully completing the musical picture he paints with his vocalizing. One of the qualities I most admire is his ability to communicate the meaning of a song without ever sounding forced or theatrical. Every lyric feels natural, honest, and believable.

The songs on Strange Meadowlark are a beautifully balanced mixture of swing tunes and ballads that allow Mark to showcase all of his vocal skills. Whether swinging effortlessly through up-tempo material or delivering a tender ballad, he remains completely connected to the story of the song. His phrasing is relaxed and conversational, yet always deeply musical.

I especially enjoyed his medley that combines Dave and Iola Brubeck’s “Strange Meadowlark” with Mercer and Carmichael’s “Skylark.” The pairing works beautifully, creating one of the most memorable performances on the album and demonstrating both Mark’s creativity and his ability to uncover fresh emotional meaning in familiar material. The result is one of the highlights of the recording.

I have attached a download of this song for your listening enjoyment. I have also attached Oscar Brown Jr.’s composition, “Mr. Kicks,” on which Robert Kyle gets to demonstrate why he is one of the most in-demand reed players on the music scene today. His tenor work on this track is exceptional and provides one of the album's strongest instrumental moments.

The album closes with the touching ballad “Sometimes,” where Mark accompanies himself on piano. It is a fitting conclusion to a recording that consistently places the song and the lyric above everything else.

This CD is a musical gift for any jazz vocal fan and could easily be used by any up-and-coming young vocalist as an instructional guide. Strange Meadowlark is a reminder that great jazz singing is not about vocal gymnastics—it is about communication, interpretation, and telling a story. Mark Christian Miller succeeds on all counts, making this one of the more enjoyable vocal releases of the year.

Playlist

1. Mr. Kicks
2. You Make Me Feel So Young
3. Strange Meadowlark/Skylark
4. Hello Love
5. Dream
6. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
7. Early In The Morning
8. I'll See You In My Dreams
9. Sometimes

Personnel

Mark Christian Miller – Vocals
Chris Dawson – Piano
Chuck Berghofer – Bass
Joe LaBarbera – Drums
Robert Kyle – Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Arrangements
Josh Nelson – Piano, Arranger (Special Guest on “Early In The Morning”)

                                                                  “Strange Meadowlark”

                                                                                  “Mr Kicks"

                                                    

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"