CD Review: The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo, "Hangin' Out"

 

Jazz Tuba Player Jim Self has joined musical forces with Guitarist John Chiodini to record their new CD, "Hangin' Out".  I have been a fan of Jim Self ever since I heard an absolutely beautiful CD he recorded with master Harmonica player, Ron Kalina.  The CD was titled "The Odd Couple" and it's still one of my favorites.  Let's be serious, how many Jazz CDs feature a Tuba player?  And yet, the talented John Self continues to produce wonderful Jazz.  Self is joined by the talented Guitar player, John Chiodini and while paring of a Tuba with a Guitar which is certainly unusual, I think they pull it off perfectly.  "Hangin Out" contains an unusual assortment of tunes that is not surprising considering the long list of well-known artists both Self and Chiodini have performed with over the years.  Both performers also included one of their original compositions.  

This CD is a very sensitive and intimate musical conversation between the two master-class musicians.  In addition, they have asked four equally master musicians: Scott Whitfield on Trombone, David Angel on Baritone Sax,  Tom Peterson on Tenor Sax and Ron Stout on Trumpet & Flugelhorn,  to join them on several songs. 

I want to mention that in addition to playing the Tuba on this CD, Self also plays an instrument called a Fluba.  Self describes this instrument as a tuba-sized Flugelhorn.

I have attached two "YouTubes" of two cuts from the CD.  The first one will surprise you, a Tuba and Guitar playing Stevie Wonder's gem "Sir Duke".   The second one is the classic "It Could Happen To You" with Self and Chiodini joined by their four special guests.  It's a treat!

Playlist:

1. Hangin' Out

2. Spain

3. Lydian Afternoon

4. Dindi

5. Sir Duke

6. Another Thing

7. Felicidade

8. Everything Happens To Me

9. Up Jumped Spring

10. I Walk A Little Faster

11. Modal I Tease

12. Just the Way You Are

13. It Could Happen To You

Players:

Jim Self-F Tuba, Fluba, CC Tuba

John Chiodini-Electric and Acoustic Guitars

 

Special Guests:

David Angel-Baritone Sax

Tom Peterson-Tenor Sax

Scott Whitfield-Trombone

Ron Stout-Trumpet & Flugelhorn

 

 

                                                                   "Sir Duke"

                                                             

 "It Could Happen to You"