CD Review: Katherine Farnham "Alquimia"

 Vocalist, Pianist, Arranger and Composer Katherine Farnham has released her first Latin Jazz CD, "Alquimia".  The first song on the CD that I listened to was "Tango" and I was knocked out by her powerful and clear voice.  The last time I reacted this way to a new voice was after I heard Christina Aguilera sing at age 15.  Katherine Farnham has one of the brightest new voices singing today and singing is only one of her talents.  She composes wonderful music and lyrics and then combines them with creative arrangements.  She is on her way to becoming a megastar.  Katherine gathered 9 songs for this album, some originals and some popular Latin songs.  Two songs I have attached were written and arranged by Katherine Farnham.   Katherine has the ability to sing in four-octaves and is classically trained.  Over the past few years she has been awarded twelve music awards and no doubt there will be many more in her future.

"Alquimia" is a Latin Jazz album but its musical qualities will call out to you even if you don't speak Spanish.  Great music and singing needs no translation.  

Katherine's supporting cast includes and features four-time Grammy Nominee Denny Joist,  well known and beloved Latin artist Guinga and Latin Grammy winner Nestor Torres.

This is an outstanding new Jazz CD released by an outstanding young and talented woman!

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for your listening pleasure both composed by Katherine.  The first tune is "Tango" and everything about this song is special, the vocals, the music and the lyrics and the second song is "Discricao".  

                                                                        "Tango"

                                                                         "Discricao"

PLAYERS:

Katherine Farnham- Vocals, Piano,Keyboards, Percussion, Composing and Arranging

Nestor Torres- Flute

Denny Joist, Andres Canola, Guinga- Acoustic & Electric Guitars

Roy Vogt- Bass

Marcus Finnie & Rich Adams- Drums

Andres Canola & RIch Adams- Percussion

PLAYLIST:

1. Tango

2. Onde Esta Meu Amor

3. Discricao

4. A Vox do Mundo

5. Besame Mucho

6. Eternidad

7. So Tinha De Ser Com Voce

8. Discricao (Extended Verison)

9. A Vox do Mundo (Acoustic Version)

CD Review: Doug MacDonald "I'll See You In My Dreams"

 

Multi-talented Guitarist Doug MacDonald has released a new CD, "I'll See You In My Dreams" and it's exactly what the best of American Jazz is about.  Doug has included a group of standards and two of his own original compositions on the CD.  In addition, he has brought with him one of the finest Jazz trios performing today, Pianist Tamir Hendelman, John Clayton on Bass and Jeff Hamilton on Drums.  Doug's life evolves around music.  He is always experimenting with music both old and new, recording new CDs, composing and an MC at a local Southern California radio Jazz show.  Doug performs almost nightly in every part of Southern California to the delight of his thousands of fans.

If someone new to Jazz had any questions about what American Jazz is all about they need to listen to Doug's new CD.  Doug and the three musicians playing on this CD have performed some of the greatest music in the country.   All four musicians are outstanding whether playing solo or playing in a group.  

Doug offers these reflextions on why he did this recording. "In the mid-eighties I was a member of the Snooky Young/Bob Cooper Sextet, The Jack Sheldon Group and played in an early version of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Now here we are almost 40 years later, together again".  We are also delighted that Doug, Tamir, John and Jeff got together again!

I have attached two "YouTube" videos from this CD.  The first is the Matt Dennis/Tony Adair standard, "Will You Still Be Mine" and the second is a delightful Blues tune "New Mark".

                                                                  "Will You Still Be Mine"

                                                                       "New Mark"

PLAYERS:

Doug MacDonald- Guitar

Tamir Hendelman- Piano

John Clayton- Bass

Jeff Hamilton- Drums

PLAYLIST:

1. I'll See You In My Dreams

2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

3. Don'Cha GO Way Mad

4. My Ship

5. New Mark

6. Easy To Love

7. Tis Autumn

8. More Yesterdays Than Tomorrows

9. Will You Still Be Mine

CD Review: Jorge Garcia "Dedicated To You"

 

Cuban-born master Guitarist, Composer and Arranger Jorge Garcia has released a new CD that is dedicated to many of the esteemed musicians he has collaborated with in past years.  The list includes Tony Bennett, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Chuck Redd, Jon Faddis and Ignacio Berroa.  On his new CD  released in February of this year, Garcia celebrates his collaborations with two other Jazz icons, the late alto saxophonist Richie Cole and Harmonica wizard Hendrick Meurkens along with some of his favorite local musicians from South Florida.

You may not be familiar with Jorge Garcia's body of work as I wasn't but after listening to just the two cuts I have attached from his new album, you will quickly become a big fan.  Garcia demonstrates on his new CD how he can brilliantly move from Be-Bop, Brazilian, Latin, Ballads and Standards seamlessly.  His perfomance skills are at the highest levels.  I was also very impressed with Garcia's compositions.  They are rich and have depth, clarity and melody.   No wonder all the super musicians I have listed above wanted to record with him.  

On the two songs from "Dedicated To You" that I have attached I need to mention the outstanding support that Drummer James Cotmon and Bassist Jamie Ousley contributed to Garcia and his new CD.  

Jorge Garcia has produced a first-class stylish Jazz CD and picking only two wonderful songs from this album was very difficult.  You need to add this CD to your collection. It's one of the best I have heard in many months.

The first tune I attached from "YouTube" was "This One's For Richie".  It was especially written by Garcia to showcase Richie Cole's alto melodic mood over a swinging medium tempo.  Garcia contributes a great solo using a hollow-bodied Guitar.  The second tune is another Garcia original "With You Always".  The song is a warm Brazilian composition that demostrates the fine chemistry between Garcia's Guitar and Hendrick Meurkens's Harmonica.  Also notable on this track is the contribution from Drummer James Cotmon and Bassist Jamie Ousley. 

PLAYERS:

Jorge Garcia- Guitar, Compositions, Arranging

Richie Cole- Alto Sax

Rick Doll- Bass on 1,2

James Cotmon- Drums

Jamie Ousley- Bass on 3,4,6

Gino Castillo- Percussion

John Yarling- Drums 4

Paul Banman- Piano

Hendrick Meurkens- Harmonica

Wendy Pedersen- Vocals

PLAYLIST:

1. Minority

2. This One's For Richie

3. With You Always

4. Somewhere Over The Rainbow

5. You Fascinate Me

6. S'Wonderful

7. Dedicated To You

         

                                "This One's For Richie"

                                                                   "With You Always"

CD Review: Owen Broder, "Hodges: Front and Center, Vol 1"

 

When I first started listening to Jazz the first saxophone player who captured me was Johnny Hodges. I discovered him entrenched in the Duke Ellington Orchestra.  I loved Johnny's alto sound and his melodic solos and that love has stayed with me over the years.   Saxophonist Owen Broder pays tribute to Johnny Hodges in his new CD "Hodges: Front and Center, Vol 1".  Broder has taken a deeper dive into Hodges' music world an focused not only with his work with Ellington but also into Hodges' work with small groups particularly two 1959 releases, "Back to Back and Side By Side".  

In developing the Hodges Project, Broder carefully selected some outstanding musicians that were well versed in both modern Jazz and the vintage styles that is this album's focus.  The band features trumpeter Riley Mulherkar, Carmen Staff on Piano, Barry Stephenson on Bass and Bryan Carter on Drums.  The result produced a totally enjoyable journey back to the golden years of Jazz and a overdue reminder of the brilliant Saxophonist Johnny Hodges.  The sounds on this CD will remind all Jazz fans that good Jazz never gets old!

Owen Broder is based in New York City and he is involved in multiple music projects. His debut album, "Heritage" was praised by DownBeat Magazine as a "Transcendent work of art".  His quintet Cowboys and Frenchmen has received critical acclaim for its three full-length recordings.  Broder is a member of the Grammy nominated Anat Cohen Tentet and the Manhattan Saxophone Quartet.  He teaches Jazz Theory and Jazz Arranging at Portland State University.

I have attached a "YouTube" video of a terrific Broder arrangement of Ellington's signature song "Take The A Train" that showcases his arranging skills and also his playing excellence.  All of the tunes on this CD are great, including his arrangement of "Royal Garden Blues' an"Ballade for the Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters".   The CD's release date is October 14 and would make a perfect Christmas gift for any Jazz lover.

                                                                      "Take The A Train"

PLAYERS:

Owen Broder- Alto and Baritone Saxphones, Arrangements

Riley Mulherkar- Trumpet

Carmen Staff- Piano

Barry Stephenson- Bass

Bryan Carter- Drums

PLAYLIST:

1. Royal Garden Blues

2. Viscount

3. 18 Carrots for Rabbit

4. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter

5. Digits

6. Ballade for the Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters

7. Take the A Train

8. Just a Memory

9. You Need to Rock.

CD Review: Joel Quarrington, "The Music Of Don Thompson"

 

World-class Classical Bassist Joel Quarrington has joined with Pianist, Bassist, Composer and Arranger Don Thompson to create a unique musical joining from the Classical and Jazz world.  All the music was specifically written by Don Thompson for this project with the exception of "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square".  

This CD is a master piece of beautifully composed music and Joel Quarrington's performance on Bass is beyond description.  Joel's improvisation, dexterity and tone are at a level that few Bass players can even dream of.  Joel Quarrington is a former bassist for the London Symphony Orchestra and one of the premier classical Bassists in the world.  In this new CD, "Joel Quarrington, The Music of Don Thompson" Joel gets to bring his Bass skills to the world of Jazz.  The result is a spectacular 45 minutes of wonderful, exciting music.

Don Thompson, the Pianist and Composer of the memorable music for this CD has also played Bass for over 60 years and had this to say about Joel Quarrington's Bass performance "I've played Bass for over sixty years and the problem for any Bass player, any musician actually is to make the music more important than the instrument.  Bass is, for most of us a difficult instrument that can be very hard to get along with.  My own Bass (and I have a great Bass) will only let me play when it feels like it and even then, my playing is a compromise between what I want to play, and what it will allow to play.  Joel is one of the very few Bass players I've ever heard, Jazz or Classical, that has the technique and the total understanding of the music he needs, to be able to put the music before himself."

John Patitucci had this to say after listening to this CD "Joel Quarrington is an incredible Bassist whose sound, virtuosity and emotional depth are striking.  His unique command and flexibility make playing Bass on this extremely high level sound so effortless and easy.  Indeed, it makes me want to throw my bow in the fireplace!!!!!"

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to enjoy.  The first is a joyous arrangement and performance of the standard "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" that allows you to watch Joel and Don perform the full glorious 10 of music.  The second is a Don Thompson original composition, "Egberto" which was inspired by Don's love of Brizilian music and dedicated to the great Brazilian musician Egberto Gismonti.

                                                     "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square"

                                                                          "Egberto"

PLAYERS:

Joel Quarrington- Double Bass

Don Thompson- Piano, Compositions, Arranger

Travis Harrison- Double Bass 2

 Joseph Phillips- Double Bass 3

Roberto Occhipinti- Double Bass 4

PLAYLIST:

1. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

2. Another Time, Another Place

3. Egberto

4. A Quiet Place

5. Quartet 89 for Bass Quartet

   

 

CD Review: Orlando Haddad & Patricia King, "Minas Beatles in Bossa

Orlando Haddad and Patricia King Haddad are long time partners in marriage and music.  They formed their group Minas in 1978 at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.  They began playing in the Eastern United States before moving to Brazil.  They returned to the US in 1984 to continue building their reputation as one of the most sought-after Brazilian groups of its kind.  Multi-talented Orlando and Patricia Haddad are Composers, Vocalists and Instrumentalists who are comfortable in Brazilian Jazz, Folk and Classical genres. 

I have always been a fan of good covers of great music.  In their new CD "Minas Beatles in Bossa" this talent duo presents the case very well.  Combining songs written by the Beatles with the Brazilian sounds and American Jazz touches has produced a beautifully listening CD that will please any audience.  The arrangements on this CD are terrific, new and creative, taking traditional rock and roll song to a new level for a new generation.

American Patricia King Hadad's earlist musical influences were formed listening to Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 while Brazilian Orlando Haddad fell in love with the Beatles and credits them as the inspriation for becoming a musician and later immigrating to the the US.   Together they have creative a terrific sound and given new birth to some of our favorite Beatles songs.

PLAYLIST:

1.Blackbird

2.Come Together

3, She Loves You

4. Day Tripper

5. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

6. I Will

7. Can't Buy Me Love

8. Eleanor Rigby

9. Within You Withhout You

10. Here Comes The Sun

11. Norwegian Wood

12. With A Little Help From My Friends

13. In My Life

14. Get Back

PLAYERS:

Orlando Haddad-Vocals, Guitar, Berimbau

Patricia King Haddad-Vocals, Piano, Keyboards

Jim Stager-Acoustic and Electric Bass

Tom Cohen-Drums

John Swana-EVI, Flugelhorn, Trumpet

Andrew Neu-Saxes and Flute

Cyro Baptista-Percussion, Berimbau

Jordan Haddad-Vocals

Rob Hyman-Accordion

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for your listending pleasure that will give some the satisfying sounds on this CD.  The first is "Eleanor Rigby" and the second song is "Get Back". 

                                                                       "Eleanor Rigby"

                                                                        "Get Back"

CD Review: Nica Carrington, "Times Like These"

 This month's review is focused on Jazz Vocalist Nica Carrington and her debut album, "Times Like These".  A native New Yorker, Nica was exposed to Jazz by her father who was a Jazz enthusiast and worked on the promotional side of the music business but also played several instruments.  Nica was lucky to have access to her father's vast record collection and was always drawn to musicians she considered more lyrical, like Chet Baker, Miles Davis and Wes Montgomery.  She also loved Jazz singers but was especially drawn to Frank Sinatra.  "I fell in love with Sinatra when I was 10 years old and especially withh his "Only The Lonely" album.  I really love his phrasing and ability to tell a story without vocal acrobatics."  Perfectly said in my opinion and Nica has followed the Sinatra roadmap in developing her own style.  

Nica has selected a group of "Great American Songbook" classics for "Times Like These".  Mostly torch songs that require great phrasing and sensibility in order to make them believable for the listener.  Nica does a great job on all the songs in her album and is helped along by three of the most talented and sensitive professional musicians performing today.  During the Covid lockdown Nica had been taking voice lessons via "JazzVoice.com" with Los Angeles-based Vocalist, Pianist, Composer and recording artist, John Proulx.  She choose Proulx to be her Pianist, Arranger and Producer for her debut album and then added Bassist Chuck Berghofer and Drummer Joe LaBarbera to complete her trio.  These three seasoned professionals mix perfectly with Nica's rich deep voice and contribute greatly to her wonderful phrasing.  They support but never overwhelm Nica who performs in the spotlight by herself in bringing new life to these old chestnuts. 

I have attached two "YouTubes" for you to listen to.  The first is "When Sunny Gets Blue" written by Marvin Fisher and Jack Segal and the second is a standard written by Carl Fischer and the great Frank Lane, "We'll Be Together Again".  

If you love the beautiful standards and great Jazz singing, you will love "Times Like These".

PLAYLIST:

1. Skylark

2. Left Alone

3. When Sunny Gets Blue

4. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

5. We'll Be Together Again

6. The Summer Knows

7. You Don't Know What Love is

8. Angel Eyes

9. The Shadow Of Your Smile

10 Here's To Life

PLAYERS:

Vocals- Nica Carrington

Piano, Arranging- John Proulx

Bass- Chuck Berghofer

Drums- Joe LaBarbera

                                                           "When Sunny Gets Blue"

                                                             "We'll Be Together Again"
                                                           

CD Review: Manny Kellough And Friends Speaking of Jazz (East Coast to West Coast)

 

Drummer Manny Kellough has had a wide-ranging career including performances with Billy Preston, Ray Charles, Freddie Hubbard, Carmen McRae, Quincy Jones and even the Rolling Stones.  On his new CD Manny has gathered some of his favorite Jazz instrumentalists and singers from both the East and West coasts.  The results are a delightful mix of Jazz sounds that fit perfectly in the finest traditions of American Jazz.  It's always nice to listen to some of the newer Jazz performers of today who are experimenting with new styles, sound and phrasing, but it's so nice to come home to good old American Jazz.   Manny Kellough has led his own band during the past 20 years, is always enthusiastic about uplifting the playing of his sidemen and being an integral part of music rather than feeling compelled to feature himself excessively.   

I have selected two cuts from this great album from "YouTube" for your listening pleasure.  The first song is the Jazz classic "How High The Moon" performed by the musicians from the West coast made up of Gary Brown on Bass, Matt Clark on Piano, Mann Kellough on Percussion and vocalist Azure McCall whose voice and phrasing is perfect for this song

The second song is "Happy Swing in "F" written by Manny Kellough and William Knowles and performed by the East Coast group of Manny Kellough on Percussion, Antonio Parker on Alto Sax, Michael Thomas on Flugel Horn, William Knowles on Piano, Wes "Suga" Biles on Bass.  I hope you can detect some differences in style between East coast and West coast Jazz when listening to this CD.

PLAYLIST:

1. Generosity

2. Secret Love

3. Nothing From Nothing

4. Katrina Ballerina

5. I Thought About You

6. Smile

7. Happy Swing in "F"

8. When I Fall In Love

9. How High The Moon

10. East Of The Sun

11. Foggy Day

PLAYERS:

East Coast:

William Knowles-Piano, Co-Producer

Wes "Suga" Biles-Bass

Antonio Parker-Alto Sax

Michael Thomas-Trumpet, Flugel Horn

Jullian Hipkins-Vocals

Manny Kellough-Percussion

West Coast:

Matt Clark-Piano

Gary Brown-Bass

Azure McCall-Vocals

Ashley Kellough-Vocals

Manny Kellough-Percussion

                                                                  

                                                                "How High The Moon"

                                                              "Happy Swing in "F"                        
  

CD Review: Craig Davis, "Tone Paintings"

 Pianist Craig Davis is a major player in the Pittsburgh Jazz scene.  He recently released his new CD, "Tone Paintings: The Music of Dodo Marmarosa". Dodo Marmarosa was a major performer in the 1940s and was compared to the giants of bebop pianists like Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk.  He worked in bands led by most of the major swing-era bandleaders, including Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw.  He worked with legendary musicians including Lester Young, Barney Kessel, Lionel Hampton, Slim Gaillard and Mel Torme.  But things changed quickly by the end of the decade for Marmarosa due to health reasons and he became a near recluse for much of the rest of his life 

 Craig Davis has been on a mission to raise Dodo's profile in Jazz history.  Both Davis and Marmarosa perform by blending both classical influences and progressive Jazz into one voice.  On his new album,  Davis offers his beautiful interpretations to ten classic Marmarosa tunes as well as a new song he wrote dedicated to Marmarosa.  Davis explains "Dodo's story really resonated with me because he was such an enigmatic figure.  He never got the recognition he deserved beyond having a flurry of fame in the forties.  I thought maybe I could help bring his music to light".  Davis goes on to say "We share similar stylistic interests.  I love bebop and of course he was a bebop innovator, and we're both classically trained and bring those influences to our music. He also tried to push the art form forward a little bit and not just kind of settle on what was popular. Dorsey didn't like him because he was too progressive, but Artie Shaw loved it.  All the music on this CD is musically beautiful! 

Davis brought two of the finest musicians in modern Jazz today to join him,  John Clayton one of the most accomplished Bass players in Jazz history and Jeff Hamilton one of the tecnically proficient Drummers in the Jazz world.  I am sure most of you are more than familar with John and Jeff and know that if they agree to participate in a new CD, it will always produce great sounds.  

I found two cuts from the CD on "YouTube" for your listening pleasure.  The first is "Dodo's Bounce" which gives both Clayton and Hamilton a lot of room to show their stuff.  The second one is "Mellow Mood" a song written by Marmarosa when he was 14 years old.

                                                                  "Dodo's Bounce"

                                                                   "Mellow Mood"

Playlist:

1. Mellow Mood

2. Dodo's Bounce

3. Dodo's Blues

4. Escape

5. A Ditty For Dodo

6. Opus No. 5

7. Compadoo

8. Dary Departs

9. Tone Paintings

10. Battle of the Balcony Jive

11. Dodo's Lament

Players:

Piano-Craig Davis

Bass-John Clayton

Drums-Jeff Hamilton

CD Review: Juan Carlos Quintero, "Table For Five"

 If you are a big Latin music fan or are new to Latin music, I think you will enjoy Juan Carlos Quintero's  CD, "Table For Five".  This CD was released in January of this year but I didn't get a chance to listen to it until recently. Quintero was born in Medellin, Colombia and his sound reflects the colorful sounds and diverse rhythms of his birthplace.  What attracts me to Quintero's music is his clarity when improvising on his Guitar.  His playing always seems to have direction and planning even when he is improvising.  His music is beautiful, jazzy and understandable.  His latin rhythms are enjoyable and happy.

Quintero is extremely musically talented.  He started his own label called Moondo Records in 2000. The purpose of his label was to create a nurturing, supportive environment for artists. In 2021, he released the critically acclaimed "Caminando"  about which the London Jazz News said, "The music in question is spirited, uplifting and dance-inflected and will surely have broad appeal, within and beyond the boundaries of Jazz".  I wish I could have written such a dead on description of Quintero's music because that's what I felt when I listened to his CD for the first time.

The musicians Quintero gathered to join him on this album are longtime friends and master Latin musicians.  Their playing fits Quintero's style of music perfectly.   Eddie Resto on Bass, Joe Rotondi on Piano, Aaron Serfaty on Drums and Joey DeLeon on Percussion.  

The CD playlist contains Jazz standards, two Quintero original compositions and a few gems from the Great American Songbook.  It all works wonderful together!

I have picked two cuts from the CD that are on "YouTube".  The First is "Mambo Balahu" written by legendary Cuban percussionist Armando Peraza.  The second is a Quintero original "Table For Five" and it's beautiful.    

                                                            "Mambo Balahu"    

                                                                   "Table For Five"

THE PLAYLIST:

1. Alone Together

2. Mambo Balahu

3. The Gentle Rain

4. Manha De Carnaval

5. Table For Five

6. Song For My Father

7. Porque Si Quieres

8. Days of Wine and Roses

9. Giant Steps

10. Beautiful Love

PLAYERS:

Juan Carlos Quintero- Guitar

Aaron Serfaty-s Drums

Joey DeLeon- Percussion

Joe Rotondi-Piano

Eddie Resto-Bass 

CD Review: Keith Oxman and Frank Morelli, "The Ox-Mo Incident"

This review covers a new CD from Tenor Saxophonist Keith Oxman and Bassoon virtuoso Frank Morelli and their delightful quartet.  Ok, when was the last time you heard a Bassoon playing Jazz?  My guess is never or quite a while ago.  Bassoon players are usually found in Classical music environments,  but no longer.  Keith Oxman and Frank Morelli have joined forces to bring us "The Ox-Mo Incident".  

Oxman and Morelli give the listener the feeling that these two gifted musicians have known and worked with each other for years but the fact is they barely knew each other prior to this recording session. But what they did know was that each of them was a highly skilled and experienced musician.  Oxman offers, "Frank is just an unbelievable musician.  So I was really excited when he suggested this.  Even though Jazz might not be his musical field, good musicians are good musicians.  And when somebody's as good as Frank, there's got to be something there."

Frank Morelli Studied at the Manhattan and Juilliard Schools of Music and was the first Bassoonist awarded a doctorate by the Juilliard School. He is a member of the Orpheus Camber Orchestra and the woodwind quintet Windscape.  He serves on the faculties of  The Juilliard School, Yale School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, SUNY Stony Brook and was recently named Distinguished Lecturer in Woodwinds at the Aaron Copland School of Music.

Keith Oxman burnished Tenor sound is born of a love of classic players like Sonny Stitt, and Charles McPherson who he has played with.  He has also played with Jazz giants Art Blakey, Buddy Rich, Jack McDuff, Phil Woods and Dave Brubeck,  He recently reunited with his iconic Denver brand the Jazz Worms to release the quintet's first new album in nearly three decades.

"The Ox-Mo Incident" is a totally relaxing and enjoyable CD experience and I highly recommend it.  The successful combining of Jazz with Classical again proves that good music has no boundaries.       

I have attached two "YouTube" cuts from "The Ox-Mo Incident" CD that are well- known standards we all know and love.  The first is from the brilliant composing team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top".  The second is from the equally brilliant composing team of Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner, " I Could Have Danced All Night".

                                                     "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top"

                                                          "I Could Have Danced All Night"

Playlist:

1.  Happy Talk

2. Full Moon and Empty Arms

3. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top

4. Baubles, Bangles and Beads

5. The Ox-Mo Incident

6. Three for Five

7. Stranger in Paradise

8. Poor Butterfly

9. A Wasp in Search of a Hart and Lung

10. Pavane

11 I Could Have Danced All Night

Players:

Keith Oxman-Tenor Saxophone

Frank Morelli-Bassoon

Jeff Jenkins-Piano

Ken Walker-Bass

Todd Reid-Drums 

                

    

CD Review: Eric Goletz, "A New Light"

Virtuoso Trombonist, Arranger and Composer Eric Goletz released his second CD as a leader earlier this year.  The CD is titled, "A New Light" and the CD does shine a new light on the immense talents of Eric Goletz. Eric composed and arranged eight new terrific compositions for this CD along with leading the band and performing wonderful improvisations on his Trombone.  The CD has a fresh, happy feel and Eric's compositions and arrangements are nothing but genius.  When listening to this wonderful group of musicians and these brilliantly written compositions, it reminds me of the big band music of the past, the present and the future all playing together!  

Eric began studying classical piano, guitar and music theory from the age of six with private teachers, but at age 14, he fell in love with the sound of the Trombone in his father's band, and he knew from then on that music was going to be his life's work.  

Goletz also began composing music at a young age and was soon writing and arranging music for the various groups he was involved with.  Goletz says, "I think of music as having endless possibilities.  It's a journey where you can never be absolutely sure where it will lead. Although my background is in Jazz and  Classical music, I spend much time listening to other forms of music such as Pop, Rock, Country, Motown, Funk, Latin and even Heavy Metal.  There's always something new to learn, and I try to keep an open mind to the simple joy of listening to music"  Certainly sage advise for every musicians to remember.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos of two original Goletz's compositions that are part of "A New Light".  The first is "Greene Street Groove" which has a funky, bluesy feel and the second is "Don't Gimme That", that features solos buy Goletz on Trombone, Randy Brecker on Trumpet and Allen Farnham on Keys.  I know you will love both of these swinging big band tunes.

PLAYLIST: 

1. Prelude: Before the Light

2. A New Light

3. Edge of Night

4. Dig

5. Enchanted

6. Greene Street Groove

7. Sunrise, Sunset

8. Song for Elizabeth

9 Don't  Gimme That!

10. The Mirror

11. Postlude: After the Light

PLAYERS:

Eric Goletz: Trombone, Keyboards, All Compositions except "Dig", "Sunrise, Sunset", and "Song for Elizabeth" , Arranging

Randy Brecker: Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Jim Ridl: Piano

Allen Farnham: Keyboards

Henry Heinitsh: Guitar

Marco Panascia: Bass

Steve Johns: Drums

Joe Mowatt: Percussion

Trumpets: Tony Gorruso, Freddie Maxwell, Kent Smith

French Horn: Will DeVos

Alto Sax: Bob Magnuson

Trombones: Erick Storckman, Chris Rinaman

Bass Trombone: Jonathan Greenberg

Tuba: Matt Ingman

Violins: Robin Zeh, Paul Woodiel

Violas: Michael Roth, David Gold 

Cello: Sarah Hewitt-Roth

                                                                   "Greene Street Groove"

                                                                  "Don't Gimme That"

CD Review: Cece Gable: "Next Year's Song"

Today I am reviewing a new CD from Vocalist CeCe Gable.  CeCe has gathered a fine group of veteran musicians to join her on her CD, "Next Year's Song".  CeCe Gable has a believable voice that tells the

listener that she has lived every lyric she sings.  Harvie S the Bassist and Producer for "Next Year's Song" says "She's an honest singer".  That's what I hear also.  The CD contains a wonderful playlist of songs that all have one thing in common, great story-telling lyrics.  

Joining CeCe are a group of super-star musicians that any Vocalist would love.  On Piano is the remarkable Alan Broadbent, on Bass is Harvie S, on Guitar is Ron Ben-Hur and Matt Wilson is on Drums.  They provide the perfect support for CeCe's voice and style.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos so you can hear this wonderful singer for yourself.  The first song I selected was the evergreen uptempo version of "Just One Of Those Things".  Written by Cole Porter in 1939 the song and lyric still sing to me.  The second song is "Moments Like This".  I was not familiar with this song but CeCe does a great job expressing the message of the lyric.   

                                                          "Just One Of Those Things' 

                                                                 "Moments Like This"

Playlist:

1. Next Year's Song

2. No Moon At All

3. Two For The Road

5. Like A Lover

6. I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life

7. The Last Goodbye 

8. My Romance

9. Moments Like This

10. Come Rain Or Come Shine

11. From Me To You

Players:

CeCe Gable: Vocals

Alan Broadbent: Piano

Harvie S: Bass

Roni Ben-Hur: Guitar

Matt Wilson: Drums

The Diva Jazz Orchestra, "Diva Swings Broadway"

Since their premiere performance 29 years ago, the Diva Jazz Orchestra has toured the world to critical and popular acclaim.  They have performed in Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and The Newport Jazz Festival just to name a few of the most prestigious music venues they have performed in.  Chances are some of you, especially the big band lovers, don't know about them.  But you should because the Diva Jazz Orchestra is one of today's best performing big bands. The quality of music they perform is at the highest level and the arrangements are new and exciting!  This group of talented musicians make music that will remind you why you always love the big bands of past years.  

The band's focus on their new CD is on some of the best songs from the greatest Broadway shows.  We all will recognize the songs they have selected but Diva gives them new life with reimagined arrangements that will knock your socks off.  The music Director of the Diva Jazz Orchestra is Sherrie Maricle who also plays Drums on the CD.  If you follow "The Music Man Blog" you probably remember Sherrie Maricle from her marvelous Drumming for the 3D Jazz Trio on the CD "I Love To See You Smile" that I reviewed in September of 2020.

I loved the songs and sounds on this CD,  it is simply straight-head big band Jazz at its finest level.  The CD was released on March 17, 2022.

I have attached two "YouTubes" from "Diva Swings Broadway".  The first is from the 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway show "Oklahoma".  The wonderful arrangement was created by Bass player, Noriko Ueda.  The second selection is a Scott Whitfield arrangement of the 1956 Lerner and Loewe classic, "My Fair Lady'.  Sherrie Maricle added these comments in her liner notes, " This is Scott Whitfield's  "barn-burner" arrangement that serves as the perfect foil for our virtuosic and fiery alto saxophone soloists. Building on their momentum, I added my solo voice to the mix to drive the song to a rousing finale."

                                                             "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin"

                                                          "Get Me To the Church On Time"

PLAYLIST:

1. Heart

2. Pure Imagination

3. The Man I Love

4. With Every Breath I Take

5. The Sound of Music

6. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin

7. Seventy-Six Trombones

8. Love Who You Love

9. Get Me to the Church on Time

 PLAYERS:

Sherrie Maricle-Musical Director, Drums

Noriko Ueda-Bass

Tomoko Ohno-Piano

Alexa Tarantino-Soprano/Alto Sax, Flute

Mercedes Beckman-Soprano/Alto Sax, Flute

Roxy Coss-Tenor Sax, Clarinet

Laura Dreyer-Soprano/Tenor Sax, Clarinet

Leigh Pilzer-Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Clarinet

Liesl Whitaker-Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Jami Dauber-Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Rachel Therrien-Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Barbara Laronga-Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Jennifer Krupa-Trombone

Sara Jacovino-Trombone

LeslieHavens-Bass Trombone

Annette Aguilar-Percussionist on Tracks 2 and 6

 

 

CD Review: Ermelinda Cuellar, "What A Difference A Day Made"

 Jazz Vocalist Ermelinda Cuellar has just released her new CD, "What a Difference a Day Made".  The CD contains a wonderful mix of two originals and re-imagined Jazz standards.  Ermelinda has a very interesting background that has influenced her musical career.  Born to Peruvian immigrant parents, Ermelinda was exposed to a variety of music at a very young age.  Her parents worked often at lavish parties in Texas where she watched in amazement as musicians created beautiful sounds and this experience convinced her that a music career was what she wanted.  She went on to graduate from the Moores School of music at the University of Houston with a degree in Opera Performance and worked professionally in Opera and musical theatre for many years before focusing her direction on Jazz.  Once arriving in the Jazz world, Ermelinda knew this was the perfect career direction for her and she began finding her own unique sound. "What a Difference a Day Made" is her tribute to her love and study of Jazz vocals.  

Ermelinda Cuellar has a clear, strong voice and her phrasing is flawless.  When she sings it comes out clear, relaxed and comfortable.  She has the talent and experience to become a staple vocalist on the world Jazz scene.  I personally congratulate Ermelinda for the massive effect she has put in to get herself to this high level of vocal Jazz performance.  

Ermelinda has selected a group of some of the best musicians performing in Texas to join her.  She allows plenty of space in her CD for these professionals to shine and the mix with her vocals makes this CD even more enjoyable.

PLAYLIST:

1. Man with a Horn

2. Sabor a Mi

3. Al Mal Tiempo Buena Cara

4. I Could Have Danced All Night

5. Midnight Sun

6. Angelitos Negros

7. What a Difference A Day Made

8. Duerme Nino

9. Who's Crying Now

10. Historia De Un Amor

11. Alone Together

PLAYERS:

Ermelinda Cuellar-Vocals, Composer

Gilbert Sedeno-Piano

Greg Petito-Guitar

Anthony Caceres-Bass

Andre Hayward-Trombone

Marlon Simon-Drums & Percussion

(In Memory of) Anibal Ambert-Percussion

I have attached two "YouTubes" for your listening pleasure.  The first song is the classic Latin favorite "Sabor a Mi".  The second song is "I Could Have Danced All Night" with a Latin rhythm and Ermelinda Cuellar reminding me of one of her heroes, Ella Fitzgerald.

                                                                     "Sabor a Mi"

                                                             "I Could Have Danced All Night"

   

CD Review: "3 More Sounds Play Ray Charles"

 3 More Sounds is one of my favorite Jazz trios!  They are out with another winning CD, "3 More Sounds Play Ray Charles".  This prolific trio continues to make outstanding music!  And it's no wonder, since the 3 remarkable musicians involved are at the highest level of musical performance.  Robert Turner never fails to impress his listeners with strong overtones of his hero, Gene Harris.  Henry Franklin provides incredibly strong bass lines and solos and the third member of this trio, musical veteran Carl Burnett provides the final solid rhythm support for the group.  These cool cats can play anything and it always comes out great!

This CD is a tribute to the late and great Ray Charles.  It's hard to describe the talents of Ray Charles but let's start with Ray's unique vocal delivery and soulful phrasing.  How do you duplicate Ray's approach in an instrumental recording?  Look no further than this new CD that 3 More Sounds has recorded. They capture the brilliance of Ray Charles performing some of the songs he made famous. 

3  More Sounds should win an Emmy for this CD.  It's the kind of music you can listen to all night and it never gets old.  Robert Turner, Henry Franklin and Carl Burnett you rock! 

I attached 2 "YouTube" videos for your listening enjoyment.  The first is an up-tempo version of "Let the Good Times Roll" and the second is the Percy Mayfield gem, "Hit The Road Jack".  Please support this wonderful trio and music in general by buying this CD.  You will be playing it for years to come! 

Playlist:

1. Let the Good Times Roll

2. Unchain My Heart

3. Hit The Road Jack

4. Georgia on My Mind

5. Moonlight in Vermont

6. Halleluja I love Her So

7. Cry Me a River

8. I Can't Stop Loving You

9. Drown in My Own Tears

10. Hit the Road Jack (Alt)

Players:

Robert Turner-Piano 

Henry Franklin-Bass

Carl Burnett-Drums 

                                                                       "Halleluja I Love Her So"

                                                                       "Hit The Road Jack"

CD Review: The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo, "Hangin' Out"

 

Jazz Tuba Player Jim Self has joined musical forces with Guitarist John Chiodini to record their new CD, "Hangin' Out".  I have been a fan of Jim Self ever since I heard an absolutely beautiful CD he recorded with master Harmonica player, Ron Kalina.  The CD was titled "The Odd Couple" and it's still one of my favorites.  Let's be serious, how many Jazz CDs feature a Tuba player?  And yet, the talented John Self continues to produce wonderful Jazz.  Self is joined by the talented Guitar player, John Chiodini and while paring of a Tuba with a Guitar which is certainly unusual, I think they pull it off perfectly.  "Hangin Out" contains an unusual assortment of tunes that is not surprising considering the long list of well-known artists both Self and Chiodini have performed with over the years.  Both performers also included one of their original compositions.  

This CD is a very sensitive and intimate musical conversation between the two master-class musicians.  In addition, they have asked four equally master musicians: Scott Whitfield on Trombone, David Angel on Baritone Sax,  Tom Peterson on Tenor Sax and Ron Stout on Trumpet & Flugelhorn,  to join them on several songs. 

I want to mention that in addition to playing the Tuba on this CD, Self also plays an instrument called a Fluba.  Self describes this instrument as a tuba-sized Flugelhorn.

I have attached two "YouTubes" of two cuts from the CD.  The first one will surprise you, a Tuba and Guitar playing Stevie Wonder's gem "Sir Duke".   The second one is the classic "It Could Happen To You" with Self and Chiodini joined by their four special guests.  It's a treat!

Playlist:

1. Hangin' Out

2. Spain

3. Lydian Afternoon

4. Dindi

5. Sir Duke

6. Another Thing

7. Felicidade

8. Everything Happens To Me

9. Up Jumped Spring

10. I Walk A Little Faster

11. Modal I Tease

12. Just the Way You Are

13. It Could Happen To You

Players:

Jim Self-F Tuba, Fluba, CC Tuba

John Chiodini-Electric and Acoustic Guitars

 

Special Guests:

David Angel-Baritone Sax

Tom Peterson-Tenor Sax

Scott Whitfield-Trombone

Ron Stout-Trumpet & Flugelhorn

 

 

                                                                   "Sir Duke"

                                                             

 "It Could Happen to You"

CD Review: Kristina Koller, "Get Out of Town"

Jazz Vocalist Kristina Koller has released her third album, "Get Out of Town".  The theme of her new CD is a fresh new focus on the music of Cole Porter combined with Kristina's unique approach to phrasing and arranging.  If you are expecting the usual treatment of Classic Cole Porter evergreens you will be disappointed.  Kristina Koller likes to take well known and some not so well known standards and give them a new birth.   The results are wonderful!  As you listen to her performance of Cole Porter songs you get the comfortable feeling that you know the music but you also know you are hearing something new.  Koller's thought process in selecting the songs on the album and her stylistic decisions on the arrangements were driven by their universal appeal.   Koller states, "I choose songs that I can relate to, or believe they can be relatable to other audiences who don't typically listen to Jazz.  I've always wanted Jazz to reach a broader audience.  I select songs and try to arrange and perform them in a way that I believe are universally appealing".  Kristina Koller is a Jazz vocalist that can bring past and present music together to become the Jazz music of today.

Kristina is joined by her Jazz trio that has been performing with her for over 3 years.  Fima Chupakhin on Piano, Juan Chiavassa on Drums and James Robbins on Bass.  The Trio is perfectly matched to Koller's unusual vocal approach.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you listening pleasure.  The first one is an unpublished Cole Porter song "Why Don't  We Try Staying Home".  Koller discovered this tune along with a second one on the CD, "Greek To You" in a Cole Porter Songbook she found at the Strand Bookstore in NYC.  And some wonder why people come from miles away to spend hours looking at books at this classic NYC bookstore.  The Strand never disappoints!   The second selection is the title track and Koller's wonderful performance of "Get Out of Town".   Kristina Koller is a highly skilled modern Jazz Vocalist who is a great addition to today's Jazz scene.

                                                       "Why Don't We Try Staying Home"

                                                                "Get Out of Town"

PLAYLIST:

1. Get Out of Town

2. What is This Thing Called Love

3. Greek to You

4. It's All Right With Me

5. Why Don't We Try Staying Home

6. In the Still of the Night

7. Just One of Those Things

8. Every Time We Say Goodbye

PERFORMERS:

Fima Chupakhin- Piano

James Robbins-Bass

Juan Chavassa-Drums

CD Review: Tom Keenlyside, "A Night At The Espresso"

 Multi-talented and award-winning Flutist Tom Keenlyside has recently released a brilliant new Jazz CD, "A Night At The Espresso". Tom has brought together a group of sparkling great Jazz talents to join him in a celebration of his Jazz beginnings at a the Espresso Coffee House in Vancouver, BC.  Tom shares his fond remembrances of this time of his life.  "I would arrive home at my appointed curfew hour...11:00 pm and say goodnight to my parents.  When I was assured that they were asleep, I would crawl out my bedroom window, down the trellis, up to Granville Street, and take the bus downtown to the Espresso Coffee House, where I would remain until 5 or 6 in the morning.  What a scene! So exciting!  There, I would revel in the stories of the older cats, John Dawe, Nick McGowan, Rocky Weems...they all had stories to tell, and when they played in was like magic to my ears.  Those guys running through the changes of "Have You Met Miss Jones", " "Stella By Starlight", or "All the Things You Are"...And me, furiously struggling to keep up."

Tom has never lost his love for music and even though he developed into one of the most talented Jazz musicians of our time,  he never lets any opportunity to "sit in" go by.  That's how I got to know Tom.  I first ran into Tom in the Palm Desert California area while having dinner at one of the many local restaurants with live music.  Tom came into the restaurant with his lovely wife Nicki-Lea and it wasn't long before he joined the Trio playing flute as good as I have ever heard anyone playing Jazz flute.  To say that Tom's life has been totally dedicated to music is no overstatement.  Tom plays Flute and Tenor Sax, Composes, Arranges and sings in addition to his studio work with music production.  The best part of all is Tom is a wonderful, caring person with no personality attitudes; just genuinely a nice person.

The music on "A Night At The Espresso" will please any Jazz fan.  It's a cool mix of some great standards and some original compositions from Tom and Miles Black who also provides outstanding Piano work for this CD. I have selected two "YouTube" selections from this CD for you to sample.  The first one is the Cole Porter standard, "All Of You" that showcases the wonderful musicians Tom has brought together including  a great vocal from Melody Diachun.   The second is an original composition that I loved called "Dave".  To all my friends in the Coachella Valley CA area who get to hear Tom sit in all the time in the winter,  you need to absolutely buy this Cd to add to your Jazz collection.  And for any other real Jazz fan reading this, this is one of the best traditional Jazz CD's I have heard in a long time.  Thank you Tom for continuing to produce great Jazz for all of us!  

     

                                            

                                                                         "All Of Me"

                                                                              "Dave"

Playlist:

1. Skwest

2. Amor, O Misterio

3. All Of You

4. Speak Low

5. Ghost of A Chance

6. Garden Bay

7. But Not For Me

8. Lazy Afternoon

9. Cherokee

10 Pelo Amor De Musica

11. Dave

Players:

Tom Keenlyside-Flute

Miles Black-Piano, nylon string Guitar (Track 10)

Miles Foxx Hill-Bass

Bernie Arai-Drums

Brad Turner-Trumpet & Flugelhorn

Tim Porter-Guitar (Track i)

Melody Diachun-Vocals

                                                                                     

    

CD Review: Noah Haidu, Buster Williams & Billy Hart: "Slowly: Song for Keith Jarrett"

Today I have the pleasure of reviewing a beautiful new Jazz Trio CD from Noah Haidu honoring the memory and spirit of Keith Jarrett.  Noah features two wonderful musicians, Buster Williams on Bass and Billy Hart on Drums.  The combination of Noah's sensitive Jazz piano performance and his seasoned and talented rhythm section makes this CD a delight to hear. Keith Jarrett's approach to standards is a difficult goal for any pianist to achieve but Noah Haidu's long personal connection with Keith Jarrett's performances allows him to hit the target perfectly.

Jarrett's music carries great personal meaning for Haidu.  "My father and I had a tradition of going to hear Jarrett together for several years running.  My dad (who was largely responsible for introducing me to Jazz) passed away a week before Keith's final concert.  No one knew at the time of the concert that it would be Keith's final performance". 

Of his relationship to Jarrett's music Haidu says "I've never thought of myself as a pianist who plays like Keith.  However, his work has increasingly influenced my trio's approach in the last few years.  I'm getting  back to playing ballads, standards and increasingly find my own voice on standard repertoire.  That evolution has been inspired by Jarrett who plays standards with complete authenticity, never sounding like anyone else on this music."

There is one more quote from Haidu that I thought is very enlightening for any up-and-coming musician.   "These songs have a certain simplicity.  There's not a lot of pyrotechnics, everything depends on the band interaction,  you can't hide behind a complicated form or wild rhythms.  You have to make a statement, and everyone has to breathe together in the music".  This is sage advice for any Jazz trio!

Noah Haidu is an extremely talented musician and is also an excellent composer and arranger.  I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from him in the coming years!

I have attached two cuts from the CD that were posted on "YouTube".  The first is a stunning performance of the golden standard "But Beautiful" and the second is a song Noah composed "Slowly".  Both will give you a full example of Noah Haidu's musical talents.

                                             

                                                                             "But Beautiful"

                                                                        
                                                                                   "Slowly"