CD REVIEW: Chris Rottmayer & Kelsey Wallner Create Pure Jazz Magic on Playing Favorites

          Chris Rottmayer & Kelsey Wallner Create Pure Jazz Magic on Playing Favorites

 

"Playing Favorites" is a terrific new Jazz CD recently released by Pianist Chris Rottmayer in collaboration with Vocalist Kelsey Wallner. The idea for this album emerged from a 2025 festival booking in Madison, Wisconsin. Chris and Kelsey had worked together previously in Madison and decided it was time to do an album together.

Chris brought in two very talented friends to join him and Kelsey on this CD; Bass player Clark Sommers and Drummer Matt Endres. I have to admit that when Chris Rottmayer, Clark Sommers and Matt Endres are playing together the sound is as good as it gets for Jazz Piano trios. These three musicians are at the top of their Jazz game. And when you add in the glorious voice of Kelsey Wallner, the music becomes magic.

I liked everything about "Playing Favorites". The playlist is loaded with great Brazilian music from Ivan Lins, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Dori Caymmi plus some outstanding standards. The album has a very natural and intimate feel, almost like sitting in a small jazz club listening to four musicians completely locked in with one another.

I particularly liked how the standard, "Everything Happens To Me" was arranged and sung by Kelsey. Her phrasing is relaxed and confident, and she never over-sings the tune. Chris’s piano playing throughout the album is sensational. His touch, voicings and harmonic ideas constantly push the music forward while still leaving room for the melody to breathe. Clark Sommers and Matt Endres are equally impressive, creating grooves that swing hard while also bringing tremendous subtlety and taste to the quieter moments.

The second tune that really caught my attention was Jobim’s "One Note Samba", which highlights Kelsey’s personal love for Brazilian music. The rhythm section settles beautifully into the Latin groove and Kelsey sounds completely at home with the material. There is an elegance and sophistication throughout the performance that makes the track one of the highlights of the CD.

I also enjoyed the trio performances on Kenny Barron’s "Voyage" and Cedar Walton’s "Firm Roots". These instrumental tracks allow Chris, Clark and Matt to stretch out and demonstrate just how well they communicate musically. The interplay between these musicians is first class Jazz playing.

Another pleasant surprise on the album is hearing Kelsey Wallner’s original compositions, “I’m Too Sweet” and “Love Ain’t Free.” Both songs fit naturally alongside the standards and Brazilian classics, and they give listeners another look at her talents as both a vocalist and songwriter.

"Playing Favorites" is one of those albums that feels timeless from the very first listen. The performances are classy, swinging, melodic and filled with genuine emotion. If you are a fan of great piano trio Jazz, outstanding vocals, and Brazilian influenced arrangements, this CD deserves a spot in your collection.

Players

• Chris Rottmayer – piano
• Kelsey Wallner – vocals
• Clark Sommers – acoustic bass
• Matt Endres – drums

Playlist

1. Everything Happens To Me
2. One Note Samba
3. Voyage
4. Velho Piano
5. On The Street Where You Live
6. Firm Roots
7. Sail Away
8. I’m Too Sweet
9. Love Ain’t Free
10. Love Dance
11. Never Will I Marry 

 

                                                        "Everything Happens To Me"

            

"One Note Samba"    

    

Pre-Release CD Review: Frank Wess, "Magic 101"

When I was playing sax at age 15, two of my earliest influences were Lester Young and Ben Webster. As I reflect back, one of the reasons I love these two Tenor sax players and many others from this golden area of Tenor Sax players was because each one of them had the ability to play ballads in a way that would bring the lyric to life. According to the liner notes I read, "Both Young and Webster always said that they always thought about the lyrics to each song as they played". In this CD, Frank Wess brings new life to some gold plated standards, remaining loyal to melody, projecting the emotion of the lyrics and yet producing a new version of songs we have listened to our whole lives.

If you were a fan of the post-World War II Tenor Sax greats, you will get great pleasure listening to this New CD.  Frank has selected a splendid assortment of 7 songs including 4 ballads, and three other classic Jazz tunes.  Frank is supported by a very accomplished rhythm section consisting of Kenny Barron on Piano, Kenny Davis on Bass and Winard Harper on Drums.

By the way, not that you could tell from Frank Wess' fabulous playing, but he is 91 years of age!  My personal thanks to Mr. Wess for giving new life to all the great Tenor memories that have been stored in my memory since I was a teenager.

          Songs on the CD
Say It Isn't So                                       Berlin
The Very Thought of you                    Noble
Pretty Lady                                           Wess
Come Rain Or Come Shine                  Mercer & Arlen
Easy Living                                          Robin & Ranger
Blue Monk                                           Monk
All Too Soon                                       Ellington

This CD will be available in June 2013.