CD Review: Graham Dechter: "Major Influence"

 Guitarist, Composer and Arranger Graham Dechter has recently released his 3rd CD as a leader.  It is at times hard to believe that Graham Dechter is still in his twenties because he has made such a big impression on the Jazz world over the last 15 years.  Graham was hired  by John Hamilton and John Clayton to join the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra at the age of 19.  He was only 22 when he released his first recording as leader, "Right On Time" that received rave reviews.  His second release "Takin' It There" was on the Jazz Week chart for 22 weeks including 12 weeks in the top five spot and two weeks at number 1.  

For this new CD Graham brought what many Jazz lovers, including me, think is one of the best rhythm section performing today,  John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton.  The icing on this Jazz cake was the addition of Tamir Hendelman.   These three magnificent Jazz musicians have been making some of the best Jazz music together for years and adding Graham Dechter as leader has produced another brilliant Jazz CD.

Graham wrote and arranged all but one of the tunes.  He also co-arranged the classic "Pure Imagination" with Jeff Hamilton. According to Graham, "After completing seven originals and co-arranging "Pure Imagination with Mr. Hamilton, I came to the realization that every song on this recording, whether consciously or subconsciously, was dedicated to and/or directly influenced by one or more of my musical heroes"; Herb Ellis, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, George Shearing, Art Blakey, Larry Goldings and Thelonious Monk.

Graham Dechter has a busy schedule on the Jazz circuit including appearing with many of the most popular Jazz musicians performing today including Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Cole, Michael Buble, Leon Russell and Charles Aznavour.  He was also featured on the soundtrack for the hit film "La La Land".

We all look forward to many more Jazz sounds from Graham Dechter in the future!

I have attached two "YouTubes" videos with cuts from "Major Influence" for your listening pleasure.  Both are original compositions by Graham.  The first is entitled "Reference" and the second is "Bent On Monk".

                                                                        "Reference"

                                                                        "Bent On Monk"

PLAYLIST:

1. Orange Coals

2. Reference

3. Major Influence

4. Moonithology

5. Minor Influence

6. Pure Imagination

7. Bent On Monk

8. Billy's Dilemma

PLAYERS:

Graham Dechter: Guitar, Compositions, Arranging

Tamir Hendelman: Piano

John Clayton: Bass

Jeff Hamilton: Drums, Production

                                               

                                                                       

CD Review: Beverley Church Hogan "Can't Get Out of This Mood"

Vocalist Beverley Church Hogan was ready to kick-off her singing career at the age of 21when she relocated from Montreal to Los Angeles.  She was offered a recording contract with Capitol Records that required her to tour for 58 weeks.  At this time she was married and had a one-year-old baby.  After much thought and discussion, Beverley surprised everyone including Capitol Records by turning down the contract.  For the next forty years she dedicated her focus on being a mother, a wife and a businesswoman.  It was a decision she never regretted!

Then in 2002, she found her way back to music when she was invited to sing at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood.  The night was a huge success and she surprised many of her friends who never knew about her talent for singing.  The Catalina event has since become an annual event with every seat always filled.  She continued singing for the next 12 years and when she turned 83, she decided it was time to make her debut CD.

Beverley enlisted the help of musicians she had the highest respect for and the first one she asked was John Proulx who was asked to arrange, produce and play for the project.  Many readers of this blog know how talented John Proulx is because he has preformed live at Pete Carlson Golf and Jazz Club in Palm Desert many times.  Proulx gathered some of the "Best of the West" for this CD starting with Trumpet and Flugelhorn master Ron Stout.  Ron Stout is joined by the great young guitarist, Graham Decter, Reedman Doug Webb, Bass Player Lyman Medeiros, Drummer Clayton Cameron and Percussionist Kevin Winard.  Beverley also asked Producer Barbara Brighton to help produce her vocals.

The mix of songs on this CD are outstanding.  A few songs from the "Great American Songbook', including one from Bobby Troup, "You're Looking at Me".  Plus some contemporary composers including Chris Caswell, Rene Marie and Stephen Sondheim's famous "Losing My Mind".  Also on the CD is a terrific song composed by John Proulx with Lyrics by K. Lawrence Dunham, "Stuck in a Dream".

Beverly's primary focus is on presenting her own special interpretation of the Lyrics.  "I want to connect to the listener, and I hope the story I'm telling in song evokes memories and emotions that are meaningful to the audience".

Remarkably, at 83, Beverley's voice is strong and clear.  While it is sad that she waited so long to record her first CD,  at the same time, Jazz vocal lovers should rejoice to  have the chance to hear her sing on her CD, "Can't Get Out Of This Mood".  Please keep singing, Beverley,  I can't wait to get to listen to your next CD!

PLAYLIST:
1. "Take My Breath Away"
2. "Losing My Mind"
3. "You're Looking At Me"
4. "Can't Get Out Of This Mood"
5. "Wait Till You See Me"
6. "I Know You By Heart"
7. "I'm Through With Love"
8. "Speak Low"
9.  "Stuck In A Dream"
10. "Time After Time"

I located a "YouTube" of Beverley singing the Stephen Sondheim gem, "Losing My Mind".

CD Review: Katie Thiroux Debut CD "Introducing Katie Thiroux"

Bassist/Singer/Composer Katie Thiroux released her first CD on February 3, 2015 titled "Introducing Katie Thiroux".  Before I even listened to this CD, I read the liner notes and knew this CD from Katie Thiroux would be terrific.  Soon after I was able to see Katie in person when she performed with the Larry Fuller Trio and Graham Dechter at "Pete Carlson's Jazz For Jazz Lovers Series".  When I first listened to Katie's CD, I was so focused on her beautiful voice and singing style, I somewhat overlooked her great Bass playing.  However, at the Graham Dechter concert,  Katie's Bass brilliance was in full view.  Katie told me that she had always loved Ray Brown and that she had spent some time working with John Clayton.  At the concert, she played a couple of great Ray Brown arrangements,  and if you closed your eyes, you might have thought is was Ray Brown or John Clayton playing.  The audience loved her Bass playing and she received many rounds of applause every time she played a solo riff.

Katie Thiroux is a multi-talented musical threat, she sings with great style as good as any of the best Jazz singers around today and her Bass playing would be welcomed in the best Jazz groups.
Katie studied with the great Jazz Vocalist Tierney Sutton.  So she has had guidance from two Jazz giants, Clayton and Sutton.  The results of her years of study are evident in her Bass playing and her singing, she is one of the best around in both categories.  Here is a quote from John Clayton "Katie has developed into a swinging and "Killer" Base player!  Of course, I heard her talent and advanced abilities when she was younger, but her playing now is something else--It's at another level. I'm talking about the level of playing that allows the groove to feel right, the arrangements well thought out and rehearsed and the performance to be tight".  Quite a compliant from one of the Best Bass players in Jazz history!

True of all the very best musicians, Katie has put together an impressive group of musicians to join her quartet on her debut CD.  Graham Dechter, a celebrated guitarist was at nineteen the youngest member of the acclaimed Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.  In addition, his credits include work with Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, John Pizzarelli, singers Jon Hendrick, Nancy Wilson and Kurt Elling.  Not too bad for someone that is only in his late 20's, don't you think?  Saxophonist, Flutist, Composer, Arranger and Music educator, Roger Neumann added a wonderful warmth to Katie's singing and Bass playing.  Matt Witek a former student of Grammy-winning Drummer, Jeff Hamilton was on Drums, and you can tell he must have been a wonderful student.  His Drum work is excellent, both creative and solid at the same time.

Katie has written three interesting instrumentals for her CD.  "Ray's Kicks" is  dedicated to Ray Brown.  Katie says she was inspired by a pair of Ray's stylish shoes that were gifted to her.  "Rosebird" was written on the framework of Earl Hines's "Rosetta" and Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite". "Can't We Just Pretend" is a beautiful ballad with an Ellington flavor and it's delightful.

This may be Katie Thiroux's first CD but she has already established that she has established place to be among the Jazz giants in years to come!

                Playlist:
1. "There's A Small Hotel"                                         2. "Don't Be On The Outside"
3. "A Beautiful Friendship"                                        4. "Wives and Lovers"
5. "I'm Old Fashioned"                                               6. "Ray's Kicks"
7. "The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else)"      8. "Rosebud"
9. "Can't We Just Pretend?"                                        10. "Shiny Stockings"
11. "Oh What A Beautiful Morning"

I found a "Youtube" video of Katie singing "Wives and Lovers" for your hearing pleasure.

CD Review: "Where Do You Start" with Bill Cote

In a normal month, I receive 10 to 12 new CDs to review. Usually, I discover at least a couple that I really like. The CD I received today titled, "Where Do You Start" with vocals by Bill Cote accompanied by the wonderful Tamir Hendelman Trio is stunningly good!  Bill Cote is a successful businessman and lawyer who has been singing and performing informally for quite a long time.  He has been an avid Jazz supporter and counts among his close friends several Jazz luminaries. It is clear that he must have been a very good listener because his deep rich voice and phrasing skills are polished and professional.  His voice and impeccable phrasing reminds me of the great Johnny Hartman.  The songs he personally selected are nothing short of sensational.  Bill shared that he had been thinking about these songs for years and "Each song resonates with him for a myriad of different reasons".  Bill's singing fills each song with a deep emotional connection that gives life to the melody and the lyrics that transfers to the listener.  My only question to Bill Cote is "Bill, why did you wait so long to record your first CD?

Tamir Hendelman, the award-winning pianist who is a regular in the spectacular Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra did all the wonderful arrangements.  Tamir is one of my favorite pianists ever since I first heard him playing with The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.  His arrangements are perfect, and his piano solos are impeccable examples of great Jazz playing.  Joining Tamir are a group of some Southern California's best Jazz musicians, including Joe LaBarbera on Drums, Bob Sheppard on Sax and Flute, Graham Dechter on guitar and Martin Wind on Bass.

This is an award-winning CD that will be released on April 15, 2014.  If you love songs out of the "Great American Songbook" sung by a seasoned singer who can make lyrics come to life, then you must buy this CD.  As a side note, Bill has included 16 cuts on this CD.  I haven't seen this many cuts on a CD in 20 years, and it still works real good for me.

                      Track Listing
1.  "Where Or When"
2.  "When Do The Bells Ring For Me"
3.  "Teach Me Tonight"
4.  "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life"
5.  "LA State of Mind"
6.  "Who Can I Turn To"
7.  "Satin Doll"
8.  "Where Do You Start"
9.  "Sunday In New York"
10. "My Funny Valentine"
11. "When Sunny Gets Blue"
12. "Never Let Me Go"
13. "On A Clear Day"
14. "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most"
15. "I just Found Out About Love"
16. "Indian Summer"

CD Review: Graham Dechter "Takin It There"

Graham Dechter

John Clayton, Graham Dechter, Tamir Hendelman and Jeff Hamilton

Listen up all my Jazz guitar fans!  New guitar sensation, Graham Dechter is in the house with his first lead album, "Takin' It There" and the sounds on it are just out of sight. Graham is in his early 20's but you would never know it from the great riffs and sweet sounds he gets out of his guitar. And if Graham's fresh sounds and arrangements are not enough for you, he comes prepared with sensational piano player Tamir Hendelman who is joined by two of my all-time living Jazz greats, John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on Drums. I have been in love with the music of Clayton and Hamilton ever since they teamed up with Diana Krall on perhaps her best Jazz album of all times, "Diana Krall, Live In Paris".  What comes to mind when listening to Graham and this group is fresh arrangements that are crisp and clean. This group of musicians could possibly be the best Jazz group playing today.

All four of these great musicians had a hand in the arrangements and Graham wrote two of the songs on the CD.  John Clayton also wrote "Grease for Graham" for the CD. If you know someone who loves great Jazz whether young or old, get them this CD. It is a high-end University course for anyone who wants to know the best of Jazz that being made today.

Graham Dechter and his group are touring around but mostly on the West Coast.  Check out Graham's site for his schedule.  This group is worth any effort to get to hear them in person. Congratulations, Graham for recording such a wonderful album and for bringing Tamir Hendelman, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton to the party! I have attached a "YouTube" clip of Graham playing "Takin' It There" from his album of the same name.

                                           

My Day At The Newport Jazz Party Explosion By Beverly Jensen Leys

A group of Jazz lovers from Palm Springs including my friend, Beverly Jensen Leys recently traveled to Corona Del Mar, CA to attend the 13th Annual "Newport Beach Jazz Party". I asked Beverly if she would do a "guest" blog and tell us what she saw and heard on the day she attended.

                                         My Day At The Newport Jazz Party Explosion
                                                      By Beverly Jensen Leys
On Saturday, February 16, my friends and I witnessed and enjoyed some of the world's finest musicians.  Our first stop was the beautiful and elegant Ritz Restaurant.  My friends and I had the perfect table right in front of the band which consisted of Graham Dechter on Guitar (my nephew) Llew Mathews on Piano and Scott Hamilton on Alto Sax.  They were a wonderful and exciting trio. We enjoyed every minute.

The following group was also trio consisting of Brian Nova, Doug Macdonald and Bruce Foreman, all of who played guitars with Danny Flahive on Bass.  They provided additional wonderful and exciting sounds.

We then strolled across the street to the Marriott for the big evening performances by the great musicians at the Newport Jazz Party.  Our table was not as close to the stage as we would have liked, but there was no problem hearing every musician.  First up was James Morrison from Australia who was fantastic on Trumpet, Bass and Trombone.  The always great, Jeff Hamilton Trio plus Brian Nova accompanied him.

The Jeff Hamilton Trio performed again with Jeff on Drums, Tamir Handelman on Piano and Christoph Luty on Bass.  WOW... what a band and after three tunes Jeff brought out a special guest, my nephew, Graham Dechter to play Guitar.  His playing was phenomenal and brought down the house.

Next was Ernie Andrews who is a great performer and singer.  He was backed by my dear friend Richard Simon on Bass, Jeff on Drums and Eric Reed on Piano.  They were fabulous!

The Last group was Houston Person on Tenor Sax, Ken Peplosky, Gary Foster, Chuck Berghofer and friends.

The entire Newport Explosion begins on Friday and goes until Sunday night.  We were only there for one day.......but what a day!!  We returned to Palm Springs around 3:00 a.m., and it was worth every minute.  We are already making plans to go again next year, and you should do the same.

Bob Scofield, Jane Bush Betty Johnson, Beverly Jensen Leys and Cliff Johnson
A/K/A  The Dynamic Five