"The Very Thought Of You"
Music Man Blog
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
CD Review: Kenny Barron Trio: “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon” — A Jazz Treasure Finally Comes to Light
"The Very Thought Of You"
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
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
- An Occasional Man
- Emily
- Devil May Care
- I Thought About You
- When I Drink
- Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West
- Detour Ahead
- Audubon Zoo / Iko-Iko
- Fair Weather
- Take The Wrinkles Out Your Birthday Suit
- Analog
- Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love
- 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
Sunday, August 16, 2026
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
- Mr. Kicks
- You Make Me Feel So Young
- Strange Meadowlark/Skylark
- Hello Love
- Dream
- I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
- Early In The Morning
- I'll See You In My Dreams
- 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”)
“Mr Kicks"
Sunday, July 12, 2026
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:
- True Lou
- Hardenesque
- Serenata
- Don’t Throw In The Powell
- Home (When Shadows Fall)
- Pam
- Cousin Steve
- Stray Killer
- The Jazz Brothers Visit Curtis Street
- Detective Acosta and the Case of the Misplaced Square
- Owen’s Defense
- Opus for Wherda
- An Extraordinary Rose
Performers:
- Keith Oxman – Tenor Saxophone
- Derek Banach – Trumpet
- Clint Dadian – Guitar
- Bill McCrossen – Bass
- Todd Reid – Drums
True Love
Sunday, June 21, 2026
CD REVIEW: Chris Rottmayer & Kelsey Wallner Create Pure Jazz Magic on Playing Favorites
Chris Rottmayer & Kelsey Wallner Create Pure Jazz Magic on Playing Favorites
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
- Everything Happens To Me
- One Note Samba
- Voyage
- Velho Piano
- On The Street Where You Live
- Firm Roots
- Sail Away
- I’m Too Sweet
- Love Ain’t Free
- Love Dance
- Never Will I Marry
Thursday, May 21, 2026
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
- “Breakout”
- “In Your Eyes”
- “Time and Tide”
- “Holding Back the Years”
- “Behind Closed Doors”
- “Love and Anger”
- “With or Without You”
- “Here Comes the Rain Again”
- “You Can’t Get What You Want”
- “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
Friday, May 8, 2026
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.
Playlist
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Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (Paul Simon) – feat. Arnold McCuller & Matt Cusson
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I Only Have Eyes for You (Harry Warren / Al Dubin) – feat. Kandace Springs
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When I Fall in Love (Victor Young / Edward Heyman) – feat. Kings Return
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Moonlight in Vermont (Karl Suessdorf / John Blackburn) – feat. Kevin Osborne
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Tangerine (Victor Schertzinger / Johnny Mercer)
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No Moon at All (Redd Evans / Dave Mann) – feat. Janis Siegel
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I Love Paris (Cole Porter) – feat. Veronica Swift
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What a Wonderful World (Bob Thiele / George David Weiss) – feat. Arnold McCuller
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Someone to Watch Over Me (George & Ira Gershwin) – feat. Janis Siegel
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Windmills of Your Mind (Michel Legrand / Alan & Marilyn Bergman) – feat. Matt Cusson
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Scheherazade (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)
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
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
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
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