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: 3D Jazz Trio "I Love To See You Smile"

The 3D Jazz Trio is made up of three wonderful musically-talented women, Jackie Warren, Amy Shook and Sherrie Maricle who are also close friends.  The music they make is not hard to love or understand.  It's just great swing American Jazz!  In my opinion, it's what a Jazz trio is all about.  These three musicians play as one strong unit fitting together perfectly to produce beautiful swinging music.   The anchor of the group is pianist Jackie Warren but Bassist Amy Shook and Drummer Sherrie Maricle are towers of musical strength in their own right. 

This trio of musicians has received many awards for their musical skills and work.  Jackie Warren won the Cleveland Jazz Award and is an Educator at Tri-C College.  Amy Shook is a critically acclaimed Jazz Bassist, Clinician, and Composer.  Sherrie Maricle won the Kennedy Center Mary Lou Williams Lifetime Achievement Award along with the Ovation Award for Best Music Direction.  She was also twice named the New York University Music Department Teacher of the year.  And I am awarding them the Best Swing Jazz Trio Award for 2020!

I have listed below the great playlist they have selected for "I Love To See You Smile".  A wonderful mix of outstanding standards that this trio brings new life to.

Playlist: 

1. I Love to See You Smile

2. Besame Mucho

3. Moonglow

4. B ack at the Chicken Shack

5. Angel Eyes

6. Recado Bossa Nova

7. When You and I Were Young

8. L.O.V.E.

Players:

Jackie Warren- Piano

Amy Shook- Bass

Sherrie Maricle- Drums

I have attached a "YouTube" video of the 3D Jazz Trio playing the Randy Newman composition I am sure many of you will remember, "I Love To See You Smile".

   

"I Love To See You Smile"