CD Review: Lou Caimano & Eric Olsen "Dyad Plays Jazz Arias"

I have always thought that all genres of music are interrelated which allow them to be different and yet linked together.  There have been many examples recorded by musicians that blend Classical into Jazz and now Lou Caimano and Eric Olsen have blended great Opera Arias into beautiful and refreshing new Jazz performances.  Alto Saxophonist Lou Caimano and Pianist Eric Olsen have used their remarkable improvisational skills to turn beautiful operatic melodies into wonderful Jazz performances.

This talented duo has been performing together for 16 years under the name of "Dyad" which is defined by Webster's as "two persons in a continuing relationship involving interaction".  There are five arias that were arranged by Olsen with Caimano sharing credit on two Arias including Delibes' "Flower Duet".  Joining Dyad on this CD are two additional musicians, Randy Brecker on Trumpet and Flugelhorn and Ted Nash on Tenor Saxophone.

Lou Caimano and Eric Olsen are world class musicians, arrangers and composers that are at the top of their game.  They make wonderful, intelligent music that can't be classified, it's just a treat for any listener!  This CD is available online at Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby and I highly recommend you order one.  It will provide magical music for your ears that will never get old.

                                                                   PLAYLIST

1. "Finch'han del vino"- (W.A. Mozart) Arr. Eric Olsen with Randy Brecker, Trumpet

2. "Habanera"- (Georges Bizet) Arr. Eric Olsen

3. "Meditation"- (Jules Massenet) Arr. Lou Caimano, Eric Olsen

4. "Seguidilla"- (Georges Bizet) Arr. Eric Olsen

5. "Do Not Enter A Word"- (Samuel Barber) Arr. Eric Olsen with Randy Brecker, Flugelhorn

6. "Flower Duet"- (Leo Delibes) Arr. Lou Caimano, Eric Olsen with Ted Nash, Tenor Saxphone

7. "Dio! mi potevi scagliar"- (Giuseppe Verdi) Arr. Eric Olsen with Ted Nash, Tenor Saxophone
    
I have attached "Youtube" highlight excerpts from their new CD "Dyad Plays Jazz Arias" that will showcase their creative talents and give you an idea of the beautiful music they have produced for their new CD.

CD Review: Larry Newcomb Quartet, "Live Intentionally!"

I recently reviewed some absolutely brilliant Jazz musicians who apply their trade mostly on the West Coast, so I was very happy when I was asked to review a great new CD from a master guitarist from the East Coast, Larry Newcomb.  Larry's new CD, "Live Intentionally" was recorded live.  I have long believed that live recordings capture the spirit and emotion of the players and Larry believes that also.  According to Larry "Live Intentionally! was recorded live. I wanted to capture the spontaneous intensity and energy of playing Jazz without a safety net. I also wanted to test my own performance and improvisatory skills in real time."  Bravo, Larry,  your new CD does all of the above and more.  The CD contains a mixture of wonderful standards like "All The Things You Are" and "Have You Met Miss Jones" and three Larry Newcomb original songs.  Larry is joined on this CD by three top level Jazz musicians, Dmitri Kolesnik on Bass, Jimmy Madison on Bass and Eric Olsen on Piano.

I will end with a quote from another of my New Jersey favorites and one of the very best guitarist in the history of the instrument, Bucky Pizzarelli. "Larry Newcomb is a master guitar player and a life-long student of the instrument.  You manage to get a great tone consistently and that isn't easy.  You have terrific talent, and a very good sound. You have mastered the guitar". Bucky is recovering from some heart problem and we all wish him a speedy recovery!

I found a "Youtube" of Larry playing "Be My Love" for your listening pleasure.