CD Review: Anthony E. Nelson Jr., "Swinging Sunset"

Saxophonist and Composer Anthony E. Nelson Jr. is a young and talented musician who grew up in Essex County New Jersey.  In and around the Newark area Anthony was fortunate to hear some of the best Jazz and R&B musicians performing in the 1990's.  That was where he heard Jimmy McGriff and fell in love with the Organ as a Jazz instrument.  His instrument of choice is the Tenor Sax and Nelson's playing is influenced by some of the Jazz giants in Jazz history.  For his latest album, "Swinging Sunset " Nelson says, "I wanted to honor the cats who knew how to do an organ trio right.  But I also wanted to pay homage to the great sax players that shaped my understanding of music.  I have a great love for artists like Gene Ammons, Houston Person, Stanley Turrentine and other sax giants without whom I wouldn't be the musician I am today".   Nelson's sax playing is very accessible because it's lyrical with a deep warm sound.  He approaches a tune like a singer approaches a song lyric. 

This is Anthony E. Nelson's 5th CD as leader and proves that he can reach across generational and genre lines.   The Baptist church has played a major role in his life, and his spirituality is reflected in his each of his CDs.

Nelson is joined by two veteran musicians, Cecil Brooks III on Drums and Kyle Koehler on Hammond B3 Organ.  This wonderful CD is an excellent example of why Jazz Organ Trios are so popular.

I have attached two "YouTube" songs for your listening pleasure.  The first song is "Canadian Sunset" written by Eddie Heywood and brought into Jazz history by Gene Ammons.  Being a Sax player myself, I have always been drawn to Ammons' version of this song.  Nelson's phrasing and tone pay homage to one of his and our Jazz heroes, the great Gene Ammons.  The second song "Uno Mas Por Roberto" is an original composition written by Nelson for his uncle Bob who speaks fluent Spanish.  Nelson says the song has a Soul/Bossa vibe.

Playlist:

1. Canadian Sunset

2. One More Once

3. Girl Talk

4. Uno Mas Por Roberto

5. These Foolish Things

6. Minor Chant

7. Mildew

8. Why Did I Choose You

9. One A Misty Night

10. Three Little Words

11. Walk With Me

12. Last Call

Players:

Anthony E. Nelson, Jr- Tenor Sax, Compositions

Kyle Koehler- Hammond B3 Organ

Cecil Brooks III- Drums   

                                                                      "Canadian Sunset"

                                                                  "Uno Mas Por Roberto"

CD Review: Keith Oxman and Houston Person Release "Two Cigarettes in the Dark"

Saxophonist, Composer and Educator Keith Oxman has produced some great Jazz CDs over the years by collaborating with some of the greatest Jazz players including Tenor Saxophonist Dave Liebman, Trombonist Curtis Fuller and Alto Saxophonist Charles McPherson.  On his newest CD release, "Two Cigarettes in the Dark", Oxman has brought in the esteemed Tenor Sax player, Houston Person to join him.  Jazz giant Charles McPherson wrote the liner notes for "Two Cigarettes in the Dark" pointing out the stylistic contrast between the sounds of the two Tenors, comparing "Keith's long, flowing lines" to "Houton's warm, rich tone".   This CD has a warm and relaxed vibe and these two superb Tenor players melded perfectly together in every cut on the album.  No competition here, just mutual respect for each other's musical skills.

The playlist is interesting in that it featuring Originals, Standards and Vintage Tunes.  Keith brought along veteran Vocalist Annette Murrell to sing two of the Standards, "Everything Happens to Me" and "Crazy He Calls Me".   She sings these ballads like she has lived them.  Her rich, deep voice is filled with life experience and, she fits perfectly between these two Tenor greats! 

Players:

Keith Oxman- Tenor Sax

Houston Person- Tenor Sax

Annette Murrell- Vocals

Jeff Jenkins- Piano

Ken Walker- Bass

Paul Romaine- Drums

Playlist:

 1. "I've Never Been In Love Before"

2.  "Voss Is Bass"

3. "Everything Happens To Me"

4. "Two Cigarettes In The Dark"

5. "Bossa For Baby"

6. "Murphy's Law Impacts L.E.A.P."

7. "Crazy He Calls Me"

8. "Wind Chill"

9.  "Sweet Sucker"

10. "Murrellancholy" 

  "I've Never Been In Love Before"

                                                       "Everything Happens to Me"