CD Review: Fred Hersch & esperanza spalding, "Alive at the Village Vanguard"

 

I am sure a lot of the readers of this blog are familar with Fred Hersch and esperanza spalding (stylized in all lower case at artist's request).  Both artists are acclaimed as two of the most inventive Jazz performers in music today.  Fred Hersch is the senior of this creative duo, but Fred never shows his musical age because he loves to keep reinventing himself.  He has released CDs as a single, duo, trio and with large bands and orchestras.  In my opinion, his work reinventing standards through his own emotional feelings puts him in a rare group of Jazz performers.  And yet, Fred can and does play all other genre of Jazz at the very top level of performance and style.  I would consider Fred Hersch as the Jazz renaissance man, never confined to any particular area of music.

Joining Fred on this CD "Alive At The Village Vanguard" is esperanza spalding.  While five-time Grammy Award-winner esperanza spalding is much younger than Fred Hersch in age, she is so talented that she performs at a similar creative and musical level as Fred.  On their new CD recorded live at the historic and internationally known Village Vanguard, both performers delight their Jazz audience with beautiful and creative performances that will become Jazz classics in future years.  These two spactacular musicians playing together is a wonderful treat for all Jazz lovers both young and old proving that Jazz at its finest level has no age barrier.  If it is good, it's good for everyone.  The chemistry between these two Jazz giants is very apparent to anyone listening to their CD.    And recording it live a the Villiage Vanguard is a super treat.  Fred offers, "This recording sounds like you're in the best seat in the Vanguard for a very live experience.  You can really feel the vitality of the room, of the audience, and of our interplay.  We decided on the word "Alive" for the album title as you can really feel the intimacy and energy of the performance."

esperanza spalding has this to say about partnering with Fred on this CD, "Playing with Fred feels like we're in a sandbox.  He takes his devotion to the music as serious as life and death, but once we start playing, it's just fun."  In turn, Fred offers this about esperanza, "I don't think anybody's heard esperanza sing like this.  She's a fearless vocalist, and is one of the biggest talents I know.  She's got a huge reach in her intellectual knowledge and is a big thinker in both her projects and in her outlook."

I selected two songs from this album for you to sample.  The first is a well-known Hersch composition with lyrics by Norma Winstone titled "A Wish".  The second song is their particular take on the Gershwin classic, "But Not For Me".  Both songs will highlight the creativity of both of these world class musicians.  

                                                                            "A Wish"

                                                                     "But Not For Me"

 PLAYERS:

Fred Hersch- Piano

esperanza spalding- Vocals 

PLAYLIST:

1. But Not For Me

2. Dream Of Monk

3. Little Suede Shoes

4. Girl Talk

5.Evidence

6. Some Other Time

7. Loro

8. A Wish

CD Review: Jeremy Monteiro, "Sings"

Pianist and Vocalist Jeremy Monteiro has just released his 47th album titled "Sings".  Jeremy is known as Singapore's "King of Swing" and has spent his last 46 years as a performer, educator, and prolific recording artist.  Jeremy Monteiro is a master of Jazz Piano and has performed with many of the world's greatest Jazz instrumentalists including James Moody, Benny Golson, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker and  Lee Ritenour just to name a few.  But Monteiro has also worked with some of the greatest Jazz Vocalists including Jon Hendricks, Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Kelly, Cassandra Wilson and Carmen Bradford. 

"Sings" represents Jeremy Monteiro's first full Vocal album and it's a very satisfying CD to listen to.  "Sings" includes 10 classic standards that never gets old.  The Great American Songbook is always warming and comfortable everywhere in the world and especially in Singapore.  Even though you can hear a slight accent when Monteiro sings, he is no stranger to the meaning of the lyrics.  The story of each song's lyric appears clear and bright.  His phrasing is perfect and shows he fully understands the composer's intent when writing these  beautiful songs. 

As you listen to the two songs from this CD that I have attached, notice Monteiro's gentle approach to each melody that provides the perfect setting for the brilliant lyrics.  Also, notice the musicianship of the group of European and Asian Jazz musicians Monteiro brought together for the album.  They are all master professionals who also understand music from the Great American Songbook. 

Even thought Monteiro published 46 CDs before releasing his first Jazz Vocalist CD, it was worth the wait. Congratulations Jeremy,  on creating this fine CD.  I would also suggest to my readers to do some research to access Jeremy Monteiro's other Jazz Piano albums.   He is a world class Jazz Pianist who every Jazz lover should experience.  I have added a "YouTube" of  a live performance of Jeremy Monteiro and Jazz Brasileiro performing a stunning rendition of "Manha de Carnival "that some know as "Black Orpheus".

PLAYERS:

Jeremy Monteiro- Piano & Vocals

Tony Lakatos- Saxophones

Wesley Gehring- Guitars

Jens Bunge- Harmonica

Ben Poh- Bass

Hong Chanter Techatananan- Drums

The Jeremy Monteiro Jazz Sinfonietta Strings

PLAYLIST:

1. Candy

2. Smile

3. Josefina

4. Moon River

5. Blame It On My Youth

6. Let's Fall In Love

7. You'll Never Know

8. Walkin My Baby Back Home

9. My Romance

10. Softly As I Leave You

  

                                                                               "Candy"

                                                               "Walking My Baby Back Home"

                                                                 " Manha de Carnaval"

                                                  

                                                                   

CD Review: Joyann Parker, "Roots"

Its been quite a long time since I reviewed a country Blues album on this blog, but I just couldn't pass by Joyann Parker's new CD, "Roots".  Blues singer and composer Joyann Parker has an immensely powerful voice and is a world-class composer.  Her songs tell powerful stories, and when she sings you can feel her Blues and Rock and Roll roots.  Her music is uplifting and some times humorous.  I have attached her composition "Stay Home Mama" that I know every mother will relate to.  Joyann is a classically trained pianist with a degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.  "Roots" is more than a Blues album, it showcases Joyann's ability to perform and compose at the top level in many different genres of music including Blues, Rhythm & Blues,  Rock and Roll, Country Rock and Gospel. 

Joyann Parker has a strong, brassy, clear voice and everything she composes and performs is real and believable.   Her talents include mastery of the keyboard, Vocals, Guitar, Composing and Arranging.  She is a mega star in all aspects.  "Roots" is another classic Blues album from Joyann and follows her critically acclaimed 2021 release "Out of the Dark".  I know you will enjoy her singing and songs on "Roots".  I have attached another cut from her album, "Faintly Optimistic" which is written and performed in the style of musician Bob Seger.  

According to Parker, "Every time I make a record, I think, "Oh, maybe I should make it more in a particular vein.  Maybe a Blues project that can be marketed to the Blues audience.  But I can't do that. My roots are everything. I go everywhere, but it's still me, and I'm cool with that".  Well, Joyann Parker, we are cool with that too!

PLAYLIST:

1. Roots

2. Faintly Optimistic

3. Wash It Away

4. Closing Someone Else's Blinds

5. What's Good For You

6. Juxtaposition

7. Old Flame

8. Ain't Got Time To Cry

9. Forsaken

10. Miss Evangeline

11. Going Under

12. Stay Home Mama

13. Sconnie Girl 

PLAYERS:

Joyann Parker- Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboard, Compositions, Arrangements

Mark Lamoine- Guitars, Background Vocals

Tim Wick- Keyboards

Chris Bates- Bass

Bill Golden- Drums, Percussion

Scott Graves- Trombone

Rich Manik- Saxophone

Dave Foley- Trumpet

Steve Roehm- Marimbo

Cierra Hill- Strings

Paul Odegaard- Trumpet

Chris Silver- Mandolin

Patricia Lacey- Background Vocals

Nester Theba- Background Vocals

Sarah Morris- Background Vocals

Chris Kroeze- Background Vocals

                                                                    "Faintly Optimistic"

                                                                       "Stay Home Mama"

                                                             

CD Review: Audrey Silver, "Oklahoma"

"Oklahoma" has always been one of my favorite musicals and it Jazz Vocalist and Song Writer, Audrey Silver also has a deep love for this classic American musical.  Therefore her lastest CD release, "Oklahoma" is a special present for me and my readers.   Silver's "Oklahoma" is her fifth CD as leader. Audrey Silver studies every lyric in the same way an anthropologist studies newly discovered ancient bones.  She wants to get the full understanding of what the lyricists are saying.  As you listen to the two songs from this CD that I have attached, I think you will agree with me.

Audrey Silver is a professional Jazz Vocalist in everyway!  She is always looking for great music and lyrics that put forth a story and then she performs these songs by adding her own Jazz interpretations.  When you combine with Silver's ability to sing with her clear, creamy voice, the results are always spectacular.  She brings are own special phrasing to each familar song that causes a rebirth of pleasure for listeners young and old.

I want you to read a quote from Christopher London which was published in the JazzTimes, "If a name ever fit a performer, it is Silver's, for her voice is like pure sterling.  Her phrasing is exquisite, her clarity and enunciation on par with the great Jo Stafford and her breath control-a talent so often, and so wrongfully, overlooked-rivals Sinatra's".   London's quote is exactly how I feel about Audrey Silver.

                                                             "Oh What A Beautiful Day"

                                                                     "Out Of My Dreams"
PLAYERS:

Audrey Silver- Vocals, Native American Flute, Producer

Bruce Barth- Piano, Arrangements

Peter Bernstein- Guitar

Adam Kolker- Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet

Kahlil Kwame Bell- Percussion

Sarah Zun- Violin

Adda Kridler- Violin

Kaya Bryla-Viola

Maria Jeffers- Cello 

All songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein 

PLAYLIST:

1. Oklahoma

2. Many a New Day

3. Oh What a Beautiful Mornin

4. I Cain't Say No

5. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top

6. Out of My Dreams

7. People Will Say We're in Love

8. Kansas City

9. Boys and Girls Like You and Me

10. Oklahoma (Reprise) 

 

 

CD Review: Ivan Lins, "My Heart Speaks"

 

If you have never heard of Ivan Lins before, get ready to meet one of the most treasured and recorded Brazilian composers in the world.  The promo information about Ivan Lins described him as a world-class Melodist.  I looked up the word, melodist, and its described as "a composer of melodies".  In my opinion, this definition falls short for Lins because Ivan Lins' melodies are sophisticated and lush and reflect on his heros Carlos Lyra and Jobim.  

If you love Brazilian music, this CD will instantly become one of your go to albums.  There are 11 stuningly beautiful  Ivan Lins songs on "My Heart Speaks" backed by the 91 piece Symphony of Tblisi, capital of the Republic of Georgia.  "My Heart Speaks" was released on September 15, 2023 and features Jazz Vocal icons Dianne Reeves and Jane Monheit,  rising Star Singer Tawanda and Trumpeter Randy Brecker.  Ivan Lins has recorded nearly 50 albums since 1970 and has won four Latin Grammy Awards.

This CD was released by Resonance Records and its founder, George Klabin.  Resonance Records specializes in publishing previouly released recordings by Jazz icons, and they deserve recognition for their efforts advancing the cause of Jazz.

Ivan Lins has brought in Los Angeles-based Composer and Arranger Kuno Schmid to write all the orchestral charts and they are all a perfect fit for Lins' compositions.  Lins' core band on this album included  Josh Nelson on piano.  Nelson's playing has been described as lyrical, harmonically rich, and elegant in DownBeat and his performance on this CD validates this praise.  The Guitarist was Uruguayan Leo Amuedo who has played along side Lins for over a decade. Cuban Carlitos Del Puerto was on Bass. He founded the Grammy-winning Latin band, Irakere. 

I have attached two "YouTude" videos for your listening pleasure.  The first is the title tune from this CD, "The Heart Speaks" (Antes e Depois" that is perfomed with guest Jazz Vocalist, Dianne Reeves. This song was first recorded instrumentally in 1995 by Trumpeter Terence Blanchard on his album of Lins' songs.

The second "YouTube" is the tune "I'm Not Alone" performed by the young and very talented Tawanda.  In 2022, Tawanda was the winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.  She is a wonderful Jazz singer who I am sure we will hear much more of in the near future.  The English lyric for this song was written by Oscar and Grammy winner, Will Jennings who wrote the lyric for "Up Where We Belong" and "My Heart Will Go On".   

                                                         "The Heart Speaks" (Antes e Depois)

                                                            "I'm Not Alone"   (Anjo de Mim)

PLAYLIST:

1. Renata Maria

2. The Heart Speaks 

3. Nao Ha Porque

4. I'm Not Alone

5. Congada Blues

6. E Isso Acontece

7. Easy Going

8. Corpos

9. Missing Miles

10. Rio

11. Nada Sem Voce

PLAYERS:

Ivan Lins- Composer, background singing

Kuno Schmid- All Arrangements

The Tblisi Symphony Orchestra

Josh Nelson- Piano

Leo Amuedo- Guitar

Carlitos Del Puerto- Bass

Mauricio Zottarelli- Drums and Percussion

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Dianne Reeves

Jane Monheit

Tawanda

Randy Brecker

CD Review: Debbie Spring, "Tocamos"

 

You don't usually hear Jazz musicians playing in a Jazz group including a Viola however, when you listen  Debbie Spring's recent CD, "Tocamos" it is a breath of fresh air.  Debbie Spring is a classically trained Viola player of the highest skill level, and she plays a five-string viola that in itself is rare.  At first glance, the Viola looks very similar to a Violin.  Both are tuned in perfect fifths.  Debbie gives us insight into what the differences are.  The Violin tuning is G, D, A and E.  While the strings of the Viola are tuned one fifth lower than the Violin,  C, G, D and A.  In addition, Debbie has added a high E string to her instrument to be able to play closer to the the range of a Violin. 

Debbie Spring has written all of the compositions for her CD except "Fragile" which was composed and recorded by Sting.   She performs her music in a technically flawless manner and her songs are very lyrical and accessible to the listener.   Her tones on the Viola produce a beautiful, warming and mellow sound.  Her classical background and her dexterity and creativity while playing her Viola reminds us that the line between Classical and Jazz is sometimes hard to identify.  Good music is never limited by genre and Debbie Spring's composing and performing make that point very clear.  One of her favoite gigs was touring with Shakira, "I loved playing with Shakira. I'm a Jazz musician at heart and Shakira didn't dictate what I was supposed to play.  She let me improvise, and I had some of the most fun trading riffs with her on the stage".

I have attached below two "YouTube" recordings from her album.  The first is a tango titled, "Tango Y Mas".  The inspriation for this song came as a result of Debbie's many trips to Argentina with Shakira where she fell in love with the music.  Debbie brought in two-time Grammy winner, Howard Levy who is a widely acknowledged master of diatonic harmonica to give the tango a different direction.  It's a beautiful piece of creative music.  The second song is "Senegal" which was written in 5/4 time and is supported by Rusty Heck on Bass and David Schanzer on Percussion with rhythms captured in West Africa.     

 

                                                                      "Tango Y Mas" 

                                                                            "Senegal"

PLAYLIST:

1. Mockingbird

2. Fragile

3. Summer

4. Tocamos/English

5. Bossa Minha

6. Tango Y Mas

7. Senegal

8. Tocamos/Spanish

PLAYERS:

Debbie Spring- 5 String Viola, Compositions

Hal Roland- Piano, Keyboards, Vocals Track 2

Rusty Heck- Bass and Compositions Track 4 & 5

Ettienne Fuentes Jr- Drums

Scott Marischen- Harp Track 2

Phil Fest- Guitar Track 5 

Howard Levy- Harmonica Track 6

David Schnazer- Percussion Tracks 2,5,6,7  Keyboard Track 7

Julio Matta- Percussion Tracks 4 & 8

Eddy "Oriente" Balzola: Vocals Tracks 4 & 8, Composition Tracks 4 & 8w 

                                                

CD Review: Mike Jones, Penn Jillette and Jeff Hamilton, "Are You Sure You Three Guys Know What Your're Doing?"

 

Pianist Mike Jones whose day job over the last 21 years has been being musical director and opening act with the legendary magicians Penn & Teller at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.  Jones is a graduate from the Berklee College of Music and has performed at numerous Jazz clubs in Boston and New York.  He has published more than 12 albums as a leader and is a straightahead pianist whose heros are Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum. He can handle Jazz standards with ease and grace.  Mike would be a perfect lead in any Jazz trio but he is really at his best playing with one of the very best drummers performing today, Jeff Hamilton.  I have done many reviews of Jeff Hamilton on this blog and all his Cds are great.  I think Jeff's work with Diana Krall has been fantastic and "The Diana Krall Live in Paris" recording with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is still one of my all-time favorite albums.  The third member of the group became famous not because of his Bass playing but because he is one of the most respected and irreverent magician of his generation.   Penn and Teller have headlined one of the most successful Las Vegas shows for over 30 years. However there has been another love in Penn Jillette's life that started late in his life at age 48 when he decided he had to learn how to play the upright Bass.  As soon as Penn honed his skills on the Bass he started playing with Jones as part of the opening of his show.  As you will hear on this CD, he has become skilled at playing upright Bass.

The idea of the CD came about when Hamilton dropped by to see the Penn and Teller Show and suggested that the three of them record together.  One would think that such a seasoned performer like Penn Jillette would not have stage fright playing with anyone, however Jeff Hamilton is Penn's favorite Drummer and he suddenly came down with a case of the jitters.  "Penn freaked out" Jones recalls, "He was as nervous as I've ever seen him with quotes like "This is absurd and I'm out of my league".  Penn's concern contributed to the title of the CD "Are You Sure You Three Guys Know What You're Doing?". Happily for us, this trio recorded this CD and it is a delight to listen to.  The playlist gives all three musicians the room to stretch their musical Jazz imaginations and musical skills.  This Cd is a perfect example of why the Piano Jazz trio has always been a favorite with Jazz lovers.  

Playlist:

'S Wonderful

Doxy

What A Difference A Day Makes

The Girl From Ipanema 

Watch What Happens

On Green Dolphin Street

You've Changed

Perdido

Medley: I'll Close My Eyes and Close Your Eyes

Gone With The Wind

Blues For Burns 

Players:

Mike Jones- Piano

Penn Jillette- Bass

Jeff Hamilton- Drums

   

                                               
                                                               " 'S Wonderful"

                                                                    "Gone With The Wind"

CD Reveiw: Eric Goletz, "Standard-ized"

Muti-talented Trombonist, Pianist, Composer and Arranger Eric Goletz released his third CD as leader and it's a beauty.  Jazz Trombone is a beautiful instrument when played at the professional level Eric provides.  His tone and dexterity are warm and hot all at the same time.  Until Eric released his first CDs, "Into The Night" in 2021 and his second CD  "A New Light" in 2022, Eric had already made his succefull mark as composer and sideman.  Since taking over control of his own CDs, he has already established himself as one of today's Jazz performing super-stars.  His arrangements on "Standard-ized" are exciting and brilliant.  They bring new life to a list of not only sensational Jazz standards but some comtempory gems too.  Eric skillfully re-imagines modern Jazz standards and classic songs out of the Great American Songbook with hip arrangements and great band sounds.

I can't say enough about the quality of the players on this CD or the creative mix of the playlist Eric has put together for "Standard-ized".  He chose music composed by Stevie Wonder, Charlie Parker, Horace Silver, Michel Legrand, George Gershwin, and Stanley Turpentine.  Once you listen to Eric's CD, I guarantee you will be longing for more.  I hope Eric puts a Standard-ized II on his "To Do" list.

I usually only attach two songs from the CD I am reviewing but not this time.  Eric's exceptional talents just can't be covered with two songs so you are treated to 3 songs off the CD.  The first song attached below is a Charlie Parker original composition, "Now's The Time".  It will let you hear Eric's sensational arrangement and the swing band.  The second song is an old chestnut, "Just In Time" and you will marvel at the tempo, the arrangement and Eric's fine Trombone work.  And I couldn't resist attaching Stevie Wonder's classic "Overjoyed" so you could hear Eric's melow Trombone tones doing justice to this comtempory gem. 

Playlist:

1. Now's The Time

2. Just In Time

3. Caravan

4. Nutville

5. Nature Boy

6. Train Shuffle

7. Jungle Juice

8. Mayreh

9. The Summer Knows

10. Summertime

11. Sugar

12. Windmills of Your mind

13. Overjoyed

14. Now's The Time Outro

Players: 

Eric Goletz- Trombone, Piano (Tracks 9,12,13) Compositions, Arrangements

Special Guests:

    Don Braden- Soprano Sax

    LaJuan Carter- Vocals

Henry Heinitsh- Guitar

Jim Ridl- Piano

Brian Glassman- Acoustic & Electric Basses

Marco Panascia- Electric Bass (Track 12)

Steve Johns- Drums

Joe Mowatt- Percussion

The Strings:

    Robin Zeh- Violin

    Paul Woodiel- Violin

    Michael Roth- Viola

    David Gold- Viola

    Sarah Hewitt-Ross- Cello

    Brian Glassman- Contra Bass   

 

                                                                        "Now The Time"

                                                                        "Just In Time"

                                                                            "Overjoyed"

CD Review: Anthony E. Nelson Jr., "Swinging Sunset"

Saxophonist and Composer Anthony E. Nelson Jr. is a young and talented musician who grew up in Essex County New Jersey.  In and around the Newark area Anthony was fortunate to hear some of the best Jazz and R&B musicians performing in the 1990's.  That was where he heard Jimmy McGriff and fell in love with the Organ as a Jazz instrument.  His instrument of choice is the Tenor Sax and Nelson's playing is influenced by some of the Jazz giants in Jazz history.  For his latest album, "Swinging Sunset " Nelson says, "I wanted to honor the cats who knew how to do an organ trio right.  But I also wanted to pay homage to the great sax players that shaped my understanding of music.  I have a great love for artists like Gene Ammons, Houston Person, Stanley Turrentine and other sax giants without whom I wouldn't be the musician I am today".   Nelson's sax playing is very accessible because it's lyrical with a deep warm sound.  He approaches a tune like a singer approaches a song lyric. 

This is Anthony E. Nelson's 5th CD as leader and proves that he can reach across generational and genre lines.   The Baptist church has played a major role in his life, and his spirituality is reflected in his each of his CDs.

Nelson is joined by two veteran musicians, Cecil Brooks III on Drums and Kyle Koehler on Hammond B3 Organ.  This wonderful CD is an excellent example of why Jazz Organ Trios are so popular.

I have attached two "YouTube" songs for your listening pleasure.  The first song is "Canadian Sunset" written by Eddie Heywood and brought into Jazz history by Gene Ammons.  Being a Sax player myself, I have always been drawn to Ammons' version of this song.  Nelson's phrasing and tone pay homage to one of his and our Jazz heroes, the great Gene Ammons.  The second song "Uno Mas Por Roberto" is an original composition written by Nelson for his uncle Bob who speaks fluent Spanish.  Nelson says the song has a Soul/Bossa vibe.

Playlist:

1. Canadian Sunset

2. One More Once

3. Girl Talk

4. Uno Mas Por Roberto

5. These Foolish Things

6. Minor Chant

7. Mildew

8. Why Did I Choose You

9. One A Misty Night

10. Three Little Words

11. Walk With Me

12. Last Call

Players:

Anthony E. Nelson, Jr- Tenor Sax, Compositions

Kyle Koehler- Hammond B3 Organ

Cecil Brooks III- Drums   

                                                                      "Canadian Sunset"

                                                                  "Uno Mas Por Roberto"

CD Review: Ben Cassara, "What A Way To Go"

 

New York based Vocalist Ben Cassara released his new album, "What A Way To Go" in late December of 2022.  Ben is a cabaret and Jazz club singer whose singing will bring you back to when Jazz clubs in both NYC and LA were having their finest hour.  His voice and his interpretion of Lyric and Music is exceptionally good in my opinion.  No noise here, just pure understanding of lyrics performed in a traditional Jazz method.  Cassara sounds cool and calm on his CD and he brings along some of the finest musicians to support him.  The Arrangements from Josh Richman and Ronny Whyte are refreshingly good.

The Playlist Cassara put together for his CD are classic Jazz vocalist examples of cool music.  He draws heavily on the lyrics of Dave Frishberg while including two terrific songs from Jobim.  I have attached a "YouTube" of Cassara singing Jobim's "Living On Dreams" which includes English lyrics by Susannah McCorkel.  

It is so wonderful that gentle Jazz voices like Ben Cassara's can find small and intimate Jazz clubs in which to perform in major cities across the country.  He understands the messages that great songs have and he sings like he is telling a story to his audience.  Sadly, today there are not a lot of Vocalists who can pull off singing lyrics that are sensitive and tell a story.  Ben Cassara is a shining example of what makes Jazz cabaret singing so wonderful, and I am happy to support him and get the word out to my Jazz friends.

Playlist:

1. I Just Found Out About Love

2. Living On Dreams

3. What A Way To Go

4.  The Party Upstairs

5. Zanzibar

6. Fotographia

7. Let's Eat Home

8. Throw Me A Word

9. Secret Love

10. I Wish I Knew

11. I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

12. Wheelers And Dealers

13. Linger Awhile

14. I Think I fell In Love Today

Players:

Ben Cassara- Vocals

Josh Richman- Piano & Arrangements

Ronny Whyte- Piano & Arrangements

Harry Allen- Saxophone

Boots Maleson- Bass

Tim Horner- Drums

  

                                                                  " Living On Dreams"    

                            

                                                           "I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart"
                                                                

CD Review: Angela DeNiro with the Ron Aprea Big Band, "Swingin' With Legends 2"

 

Arranger, Conductor and Alto Sax genius Ron Aprea and Vocalist Angela DeNiro have recently published their new album, "Swingin' With Legends 2" which includes the marvelous singing from Angela DeNiro, The Ron Aprea Big Band with special guest artists, Randy Brecker, Ken Peplowski and Lew Tabackin.  The first "Swingin' With Legends" album was published in 1997 to outstanding critical praise!  Now 26 years later, Ron and Angela have published their second "Swinging With Legends 2" album and its a spectacular example of what Big Band music with a vocalist is all about.  This new CD swings and reminds us all of the golden years of Big Band Jazz so sadly missing from today's music scene.  The truth is that this music is still wonderful but very expensive to produce.  Thanks to Ron Aprea's and Angela DeNiro's relentless desire to keep Big Band music going, we can still enjoy this exceptional music today.  Ron and his big band featuring vocalist Angela DeNiro are still performing and recently appeared at several Jazz venues in the New York area including a recent performace at Birdland.

Ron Aprea has an amazing musical resume that includes a long-time association with his friend, Alto Sax giant Phil Woods back in the 1970s.  Ron and Phil remained close friends until Phil's death in 2015.  Ron composed and arranged "For Phil" as a tribute to his friend.  I have attached a "YouTube" so you can listen to Ron's tribute to Phil. It's a terrific arrangement with a vocal by Angela and some sweet Alto work by Todd Bashore.

I was first introduced to Ron and Angela by two California desert friends, Steve Madieo and Pat Rizzo.  Steve and Pat both played along side Ron when they were all living in New York many years ago. Ron's and Steve's friendship started when they both recorded with John Lennon and continued throughout their lives.

Ron and Angela were married in 1985 and have been making beautiful music ever since.  They both are dedicated to their music and have never let anything stop them from performing and recording sensational music.  The songs they selected for this album are perfect for anyone who loves the big band sound.  Ron Aprea's arrangements are refresing, new and inspiring as you will discover from Angela's major league vocals.

My personal thanks to both Ron Aprea and Angela DeNiro for continuing to make music for the rest of us to enjoy!  If you are a fan of the big band sound and great music in general, please buy this album and support this talented pair of world class musicians.  

PLAYLIST:

1. New York City Blues

2. You'd Be So Easy To Love

3. Hello Young Lovers

4. A House Is Not A Home

5. Willow Weep For Me

6. It Might As Well Be Spring

7. Don't Cha Go 'Way Mad

8. Two For the Road

9. That Old Black Magic

10. Come In From The Rain

11. On Green Dolphin Street

12. My One And Only Love

13. For Phil

14. The Curtain Falls

PLAYERS:

Angela DeNiro-Vocals

Ron Aprea- Arranger and Conductor

Todd Bashore- Alto Sax, Flute

Elijah Schiffer- Alto, Flute

Nathan Childers- Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet

Lee Greene- Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet

Doug Dehays- Baritone Sax, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet

Bryan Davis- Trumpet

Chris Persad- Trumpet

Matthew Timm- Trumpet

Shawn Edmonds- Trumpet

Wayne Goodman- Trombone

Matt Haviland- Trombone

Brandon Moodie- Trombone

Dale Turk- Bass Trombone

Cecilla Coleman- Piano

Tim Givens- Bass

Jonathan Mele- Drums

Guests:

Lew Tabackin- Tenor Sax & Flute (Track 6 & 8)

Ken Peplowski- Clarinet (Track 2)

Randy Brecker-Trumpet (Track 3)

  

I had a difficult time picking just two cuts from this CD.  The first one is the classic "You'd Be So Easy To love" and I think Angela vocal just excell.  For all vocalist, singing with a big band charging behind you is always a difficult task that few ever master.  Angela's voice and phrasing on this CD become one with this blazing band, never too little and never too much.  The second "YouTube" is the original Aprea tune, "For Phil",  composed by Ron as a tribute to the late Phil Woods.

                                                             "You'd Be So Easy To Love"

                                                                           "For Phil"

CD Review: Kenny Shanker, "Vortex"

 

A year ago I reviewed Kenny Shanker's CD, "Beautiful Things" and I thought it was an amazing collection of music.  It describes perfectly the kind of music Kenny Shanker selects and plays.  Kenny Shanker is not just a great Alto and Soprano saxophonist, he also plays Piano and is an award-winning composer.  On Kenny's newly released album, "Vortex" he has put together a collection of original compositions and Jazz standards. 

Kenny Shanker's style excites me in the same way I was excited when I first discovered Jazz from the Dave Brubeck Quartet in the late 50's.  Kenny's tone and phrasing reminds me of my all-time favorite Alto player, Paul Desmond.  "Vortex" combines some of Shanker's favorite supporting players and all 10 songs on the playlist are terrific.

For all the up-and-coming Alto players reading this review, Kenny Shanker gives private lessons on Sax and Piano and you can find out more about this exciting opportunity by going to his site, www.kennyshanker.com.

I picked two "YouTube" videos for your listening pleasure.  The first one was picked because it's beautiful but because it is also a simply a classic Jazz tune, "Autumn Leaves".   The second song was written by Dave Brubeck and titled "The Duke" and gave me a very positive reminder about how much I love  Dave Brubeck and his quartet.  

Players:

Kenny Shanker- Alto and Soprano Sax

Bill Mobley-Trumpet

Daisuke Abe- Guitar

Mike Eckroth- Piano

Yoshi Waki- Bass

Brian Fishler- Drums

Playlist:

1. Vortex

2. Lulu's Back in Town

3. Winter Song

4. Hunter

5. Ramble

6. Nightfall

7. The Duke

8. Cinnamon

9. Midnight Snack

10. Autumn Leaves    

                                                                    "Autumn Leaves"

                                                                            "The Duke"

CD Review: Darmon Meader, "Losing My Mind"

Vocalist, Saxophonist, Arranger and Composer, Darmon Meader has released his second solo project, "Losing My Mind".  When I received the promotion copy of this CD, I saw a photo of Darmon standing holding a Tenor Sax and I thought the music would feature the Tenor. However, as I got further into the promotional material, I discovered that while Darmon is an outstanding Tenor player, he is also a great Jazz Vocalist.  This album shines a light on classics from the Great American Songbook and Meader proves without any doubt that he has the vocal chops to handle these great songs.  He gives us a master class in the art of scatting.  His phrasing is dead-on and his voice has a soft comfortable feel that is the perfect match for the classics in this CD.  We also get to hear a couple of original Meader tunes that are wonderful. 

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to.  The first was written by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II, "The Song Is You" and you will love it.  The second is the title track, "Losing My Mind" written by Stephen Sondheim.  This CD is terrific and an example of current American Jazz that is easily assessable by any listener.

 Playlist:

1. It Could Happen To You

2. Losing My Mind

3. Last Call

4. Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise

5. Gaia's Lament

6. I hear Music

7. Lembra de Mim

8. The Last Thing On My Mind

9. Lovely Day

10. East of the Sun

11. All My Loving

12. The Song Is You

Players:

"The Song Is You"

    Vocal-Darmon Meader

    Piano- Andy Ezrin

    Bass- Jay Anderson

    Drums- Ben Wittman

    Alto& Tenor Sax- Darmon Meader

    Bari Sax- Steve Kenyon

    Trumpets- Frank Greene & Scotty Barnhart

    Trombones- Mike Davis & Jay Ashby

"Losing My Mind"

    Vocal- Darmon Meader

    Piano- Andy Ezrin

    Guitar- Romero Lubambo

    Bass- Jay Anderson

    Drums- Ben Wittman

    Flute- Steve Kenyon

    Clarinet - Darmon Meader

    Violins- Gina Buzzelli & Maria Rusu

    Cello- Cesar Colmenares & Teodore Tusu

                                                                    "The Song Is You"

                                                                    "Losing My Mind"

CD Review: Chloe Jean: "Fairy Tale Fail"

                

Jazz Vocalist and Songwriter Chole Jean has just released her new CD, "Fairy Tale Fail".  The CD playlist is very interesting because it combines five original compositions, covers of four classic standards and a latin arrangement of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy".  The playlist illustrates Chloe Jean's ability to perform across many music styles with the same high level of vocal skills.  Chloe lyrics are very personal and give us insight into her own life and experiences. Success in the music business environment today is beyond hard for artist. It's brutal and Chloe's title song, "Fairy Tale Fail" warns us that life does not have Disney endings.  "Prince charming may "pick you up, but eventually lets you down."Musicans performing today need unbelievable strength to keep pursuing their musical dreams.  Chloe like all musicians  experienced times when she questioned her motives about pursing music as a career.  Fortunately for us, she has worked through these dark periods and now has published proof of her skills as a Vocialist and Composer.  Her voice is strong and clear with a sort of bluesy quality to it.  Her phrasing is at times R & B inspired, but in her CD she proves without a doubt that she can handle time honored standards also with no problem.

Guitarist Ray Oviedo did a wonderful job producing and arranging this CD.   The supporting cast of musicians contributing to this CD are all seasoned musicians and performed at the highest level.  All and all, I found this CD very enjoyable and accessible.  I love Chloe's music and lyrics and thought she handled the standards perfectly.  If you are a fan of exceptionally good Jazz vocals make sure you buy this CD, and I am positive Chloe Jean will quickly become one of your favorites.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to that will present Chloe's talents clearly to you. The first is a cover of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy" that I found interesting. The second is an original titled "Crazy" that speaks to the insane behavior that one echibits when in love. 

                                                                    "Bad Guy"

                                                                        "Crazy"

PLAYLIST:

1. Black Sheep

2. Cry Me A River

3. Fairy Tale Fail

4. I Left My Heart in San Francisco

5. Don't Know Why

6. Bad Guy

7. Free

8. Where Love Began

9. Crazy

10 First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

11. Blue Skies

PLAYERS:

Chloe Jean-Vocals, Compositions

David K. Mathews-Keyboard

Marc Van Wageningen-Bass

Peter Michael Escovedo-Percussion

Peter Horvath-Piano

Dan Feiszli-Bass

Billy Johnson-Drums

Jason Lewis-Drums

Mike Olmos-Trumpet

Norbert Stachel-Tenor Sax

Charles McNeal-Tenor Sax

CD Review: Chet Baker, "Blue Room"

Well do I have a surprise for all our Chet Baker fans, and who isn't?  You are in for a real musical treat.  The Archival Label, Jazz Detective has just released a two-CD set of previously unreleased studio performances from Chet Baker that were recorded in Holland in 1979.  The CD package is titled "Blue Room: The 1979 VARA Studio Sessions in Holland".  The first group of songs that were recorded in April 1979 included Pianist Phil Markowitz, Bassist Jean-Louis Rassinfosse and Drummer Charles Rice.  A second session on November 9th, 1979 feature Pianist Frans Elsen, Bassist Victor Kaihatu, and Drummer Eric Ineke.  

The quality of Baker's playing and singing on this two-CD set is at the highest level.  Honestly, I think it's some of his very best work.  The CD includes a booklet loaded with "Must Know" information about Chet Baker.  The booklet includes an overview by Dutch journalist Jeroen de Vale, Essays by Producer Zev Feldman, Frank Jochemsen and Edwin Rutten.  There are also interviews with sidemen Markowitz, Rassinfosse, and Ineke.  Trumpeters Randy Brecker and Enrico Rava and Pianist Enrico Pieranunzi have personal tributes included.  

What a miracle that these studio performances were found and recovered in excellent condition.  Pianist Markowitz who supplied masterful support and solos says "I'm grateful for the lessons I learned with him back then...This recording is really great.  Chet Baker's fans are going to be absolutely thrilled because he sounds unbelievable on this recording."

Randy Brecker one of the most highly respected Jazz Trumpet players performing today had some very interesting comments about Baker's Trumpet skills, "Boy, he got to the heart of the instrument like nobody else.  You hear him and you want to take everything from his playing, his whole conception, his sound, his melodic content.  He was really an improviser.  He played off the melody and he played what he heard.  To this day, I try to use all those elements.  I especially concentrate on playing less, rather than more."

Trust me,  this CD is Chet Baker at the top of his game.  If you are a Chet Baker fan, you have to buy this CD,  If you are new to Chet Baker this CD will make you a fan for life. 

I have attached two cuts from the album.  The first one is the opening tune on CD#1, "Beautiful Black Eyes".  It's a Wayne Shorter tune that features Baker playing as good as I have ever heard him.  It's a great piece of music.  The second tune has Chet Baker singing the song made famous by the Four Freshmen, "Candy".  It's clasic Chet Baker.

 Playlist:

CD#1

1. Beautiful Black Eyes

2. Oh, You Crasy Moon

3. The Best Thing For You

4. Blue Room

5. Down

CD#2

1. Blue Gilles

2. Nardis

3. Candy

4. Luscious Lou

5. My Ideal

6. Old Devil Moon

                                                            "Beautiful Black Eyes"

                                                                        "Candy"

CD Review: Mary Foster Conklin."These Precious Days"

 

Jazz Vocalist and radio host Mary Foster Conklin has released her fifth album, "These Precious Days" in February of this year.  The  theme of this CD features mostly outstanding women composers plus a mix of lessor-known but terrific Jazz and Pop tunes.  

Conklin has been playing music that celebrates women composers and lyricists on her radio show, called "A Broad Spectrum-the Ladies of Jazz", since 2016.  The program streams online every Sunday on WFDU.FM's HD2 channel at http://www.wfdu.fm which is broadcast from Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Mary Foster Conklin has a strong, clear voice and she has a real focus on the lyrics in the songs she selects. Her phrasing and understanding of the meaning of the lyric of every song she sings makes listening to her a real pleasure.  Master oil painters have often said that you need to have a connection to any painting you work on or it will project no emotional message.  The same is true for singing,  the very best Vocalists have an emotional connection with the the lyric.  Mary Foster Conklin not only sings songs that have lyrics she can relate too, she also chooses melodies that inspire her.  Both of these personal requirements show up on her new CD, "These Precious Days".  The collection of songs is wonderful and satisfiying to the listener.

I selected two songs on the album to attach for your listening pleasure that really appealed to me.  The first is "Summertime" but it's not the Gershwin classic.  This song was written by the great poet, Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson.  Conklin sings this song like she is telling her own story.   The second one is a relatively unknown song written by Dory Previn and her x-husband Andre Previn set to a samba tempo.  

Conklin has invited some very high-level musicians to join her on this CD.  John Di Martino is on Piano and wrote all the arrangements.  Sara Caswell plays violin and will be heard on the first cut, "Summertime".  Ed Howard on Bass, Vince Cherico on Drums, Guilherme Monteiro on Guitar and Samuel Torres on Percussion.

PLAYLIST:

1. Summertime

2. Some Cats Know

3. Just A Little Lovin

4. Come in From the Rain

5. Scars

6. Just For Now

7. A Little White Ship

8. Heart's Desire

9. Rainbow

10. Until It's time for You to Go

11. September Song   

 

   "Summertime"

                                                          

                                                                     "Just For Now"