CD Review: "Monday Morning" By Herb Silverstein

                                                           

Herb Silverstein is a renowned ear surgeon, inventor, author and Philanthropist. These are impressive talents to be on anyone's resume but what impressed me and caused me to post this blog was Herb's talented ability to write fresh and wonderful music.  Herb has written 10 original songs for his latest CD, "Monday Morning", and these songs have such strong structure and melody that I had to share this information with my readers. "Monday Morning" according to Herb is "a melange of leftover weekends, of fresh beginnings, of creating jump starts to the perpetual motion of life". This is a Jazz album that is new, easy to listen to, memorable and will make you want to play this CD again and again.

Herb Silverstein, in addition to having a wonderful ability to write great Jazz music also plays top-notch piano. He is supported on the CD by four wonderful and experienced players. I am sure any one of them would an outstanding performer on their own CDs. Jeff Rupert was on Tenor Saxophone and provided a wonderful classic Tenor sound and imagination. His credits include dates with Diane Schuur, Mel Torme, Benny Carter and Maynard Ferguson. Larue Nickelson provided excellent work on Guitar. Richard Drexler was on Bass and Marty Morell was on Drums providing a strong foundation for the group and the songs on this CD. This CD was released on January 14, 2014 and should be added to any Jazz buff's collection.

CD Review: "Yeah......About That" by Johnny Hodges

I just listened to a remarkable new CD from Trumpeter Johnny Hodges which highlights his ability not only as a Trumpet player but also his talents as a composer/arranger and sound engineer.  John has been playing Trumpet since the 5th grade but don't be fooled by the fact that this is his first solo release.  Johnny has paid his dues over the years performing as a sideman for musical greats across many different types of music and sound.  Just a few of the notable artists he has worked with include: Paul Anka, The Temptations, The Four Freshman, Clark Terry, Roy Clark, Diane Schuur, Vic Damone and Johnny Mathis.

This CD has a funky jazz-inspired sound on some exciting new music that Johnny has composed and arranged.  He also produced all the rhythm programing and the Brass. A virtual one-man band with the feel of a big and serious jazz group.  Bryan Cook added his Trumpet to the mix on track 8, "First Try" and Jeff Barone played some serious guitar licks on Tracks 3 & 8.

I especially liked Track 1, "Dixie Twister", Track 3, "Cozumel" and Track 5, "Para Ti, Mi Amor". There is no doubt that Johnny Hodges is an excellent songwriter, arranger, sound engineer and jazz Trumpet player. This is pure and simple a great jazz CD with a modern but disciplined sound that won't disappoint any Jazz fan.  This CD was released on August 21, 2012.  In my opinion this CD is worthy of a  Grammy nomination. This proves that Jazz is still alive and well in the USA in year 2012.