CD Review: The Scott Silbert Quartet, "Dream Dancing"

The Scott Silbert Quartet has recently released a new CD, "Dream Dancing" that is a tribute to celebrate the 100th birthday of Zoot Sims. Zoot Sims led the way forward for American Jazz for many decades. There were no gimmicks or tricks involved with Zoot Sims’ style. His approach was effortless swing with a big, warm tenor sound. Even today — 100 years after his birth — he is still considered one of the tenor sax giants of Jazz. Silbert writes in the album notes, “Zoot always brought an air of fun, humor and warmth to his small group recordings, always melodic and always swinging, without any pretense. Zoot’s style didn’t change over the years — it matured beautifully.”

Scott Silbert has put together a wonderful playlist of classic songs for this tribute album that includes several beloved standards, and it also showcases an original Silbert composition, “Blues for Louise,” which he wrote for Louise Sims. If you are a long-time fan of Zoot Sims or just discovering him now, this album is sure to please!

The players in the Scott Silbert Quartet are perfect to project the style and spirit of Zoot Sims. Leading the charge is Scott Silbert himself, playing with warm, smooth tones that feels almost effortless. The rhythm section — Amy Shook on bass and Chuck Redd on drums — performs beautifully, swinging when necessary without ever overpowering the music. The final member of the Quartet, pianist Robert Redd, pulls the entire group together with his sensitive phrasing and subtle harmonic support.

“Dream Dancing” from the Scott Silbert Quartet is a wonderful addition to any jazz lover’s collection — a thoughtful, heartfelt tribute that both honors Zoot Sims’ legacy and stands proudly on its own artistic merits.

 Playlist

1. Dream Dancing – 07:19

2. Louisiana – 05:16

3. It’s That Ole Devil Called Love – 05:51

4. Deep In A Dream – 06:35

5. All Too Soon – 05:39

6. You Go To My Head – 05:50

7. Blues for Louise – 03:40

8. Someday Sweetheart – 04:17

9. Low Life – 07:10

10. Round My Old Deserted Farm – 05:20

11. Shadow Waltz – 05:33

12. Ballad For Very Tired and Very Sad Lotus Eaters – 06:22

13. Wee Dot – 04:35

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 Players 

• Scott Silbert – tenor & soprano saxophones

• Amy Shook – acoustic bass

• Robert Redd – piano

• Chuck Redd – drums

I have attached two cuts from "Dream Dancing".  The first is the title tune, "Dream Dancing" written by Cole Porter and the second is a hard swinging composition written by J.J. Johnson, "Wee Dot" that you will love!

                                                                      "Dream Dancing"

   

                                                                            "Wee Dot"

CD Review: "Ted Rosenthal Trio, "Classics Reimagined: Impromp2"

 

All jazz lovers owe it to themselves to know the remarkable pianist and composer Ted Rosenthal. For decades, Rosenthal and his gifted jazz trio have been producing some of the most compelling jazz recordings of our time. With Classics Reimagined: Impromp2, Rosenthal delivers his 18th release as a leader, a follow-up to his acclaimed 2010 album Impromptu that deepened his exploration of jazz through classical themes. 

What Rosenthal achieves on Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 is nothing short of magical. He shines a spotlight on beloved classical melodies, completely reimagining them through his jazz sensibilities. Every track on this release is a musical gift to the jazz world — expressive, inventive, and deeply felt. I have often said that the line between classical and jazz is very thin, and after listening to Rosenthal’s vivid musical imagination, he provides ample proof of this idea.

As Rosenthal himself explains:

“I have often heard classical themes as being ripe for jazz treatments. Setting these melodies with embellished jazz harmonies comes naturally to me. Finding a satisfying form for improvisation and rhythmic groove that makes the whole treatment work without sounding forced or contrived is key.” 

And Rosenthal lives up to this ideal on every track. What could be rigid or academic becomes sumptuous, spontaneous, and exciting.

 The Players

• Ted Rosenthal — piano (leader, arranger, improviser)

• Noriko Ueda — bass (anchoring harmony and rhythmic drive)

• Quincy Davis — drums (responsive, swinging, intuitive)

Adding further color to this project are two jazz luminaries:

• Sara Caswell — violin (featured on several tracks with profound lyricism)

• Ken Peplowski — clarinet (whose warm, expressive tone deepens the reinterpretations) 

The chemistry among these players is palpable throughout the album. Ueda and Davis provide a foundation so secure that Rosenthal’s flights of fancy feel effortless, while Caswell and Peplowski bring emotional depth and tonal contrast that elevate several pieces to new heights.

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Playlist 

     1. Waltz in C-Sharp Minor 

     2. Slavonic Dance 

      3. Mazurka In A Minor

      4. The Old Castle (feat. Ken Peplowski)

      5. Vocalise (feat. Sara Caswell)

      6. Allegretto from Symphony No. 3

      7. “Pathetique” Sonata, 2nd Movement

      8. “Pathetique” Sonata, 3rd Movement

      9. Salut d’Amour (feat. Sara Caswell)

     10. Je Te Veux (feat. Sara Caswell)

     11. Waltz in A-Flat Major (feat. Ken Peplowski)

For anyone who loves jazz piano,  or just craves bold musical conversation, Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 is an essential listen — and a rewarding experience from start to finish.

I have attached two songs from this CD, the first is a Chopin composition, "Waltz In C-Sharp Minor" and the second is  a Dvorak composition "Slavonic Dance".  I know you will enjoy these tracks and encourage you to pick up this CD and make it part of your Jazz collection. 

                                                                "Waltz In C-Sharp Minor"

                                                                                F. Chopin

                                                                      "Slavonic Dance"
                                                                            A. Dvorak