Hello to all my music loving friends in the warm California desert!  The winter music scene is now happily fully engaged again and the great live music is playing all over the Coachella Valley.  I wanted all to know that "The Jeff Stover All-Star Big Band" Starring Frank DiSalvo will be presenting a tribute celebrating Frank Sinatra's 102nd Birthday on December 12 at the Indian Wells Theater.    Frank DiSalvo is always a treat to hear but nothing can match the magic of Frank singing Sinatra arrangements backed by an 18 piece Band! 

This event is sure to be a sellout so get your tickets in advance at: brownpapertickets.com.  

CE Review: John Vanore's "Stolen Moments": Celebrating Oliver Nelson

  

  

Philadelphia Composer/Trumpeter John Vanore has been an appreciative fan of Legendary Composer/Arranger Oliver Nelson for over 50 years.  Vanore encountered Nelson's music first-hand one summer via the National Stage Band Camp at Indiana University with Nelson himself conducting the band. Vanore recalls, "I'd never heard anything like that.  It was just unbelievable. It was that kind of moment where you're just taken by everything about it.  His writing was never bombastic big band writing; there was so much more content, and that touched all my buttons as an analytical thinker.  It was the turning point for me".

This new CD titled " Stolen Moments: Celebrating Oliver Nelson" was named for Nelson's best known composition.  John Vanore has done a marvelous job of writing, arranging and adding his own voice to songs written by Oliver Nelson.  In John's words, "My charge was to re-imagine and arrange for a unique ensemble in the spirit of Oliver and invigorate the repertoire".  Mission accomplished!  John put together a group of hand picked world-class musicians.  His band, "Abstract Truth" has a unique make-up with two French Horns and just two Saxophonists.  The band produces a group sound that is both fresh and new, while at the same time familiar.  This CD is a magnificent example of creative band arranging that celebrates the talents of Oliver Nelson and the brilliance of Composer/Arranger, John Vanore.

Playlist: 
1. "Self Help Is Needed"
2. "A Taste of Honey"
3. "Stolen Moments"
4. "El Gato"
5. "St. Louis Blues"
6. "Blues & The Abstract Truth"
7. "Greensleeves"
8. "I Hope In Time A Change Will Come"
9. "Reuben's Rondo"

Supporting Players:
Steve Wilson- Alto, Soprano Sax, Flute
Bob Mallach-Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet
Tony Kadleck, Augie Haas, Jon Owens, Dave Ballou, John Vanore-Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Ryan Keberle-Trombone 
Dave Taylor-Bass Trombone
George Barnett, Adam Unsworth-French Horns
Mike Richmond-Bass
Danny Gottlieb-Drums
Jim Ridl-Piano
Greg Kettinger-Guitar
Beth Gottlieb-Percussion

I found an interesting "YouTube" that tells the story of this CD from the perspective of the players involved in its making.  I found it interesting how excited these veteran musicians were to participate in this recording.  The background music from various tracks on the CD is also wonderful to hear.  Enjoy!
  

Tyler Reese "Reminiscence"

Tyler Reese is a guitar virtuoso who at age 24 is playing, writing and producing wonderful music that seems remarkable to achieve for someone at his age.  His new CD "Reminiscence" contains some of the best composing, arranging and guitar playing that I have heard in years.  Tyler wrote and arranged all the songs on "Reminiscence" and also co-produced the CD with Jeff Silverman.  "Reminiscence" was just released this month and it is already getting radio play and excellent reviews.  It's easy to understand why.  The music is refreshing and his playing is crisp and emotional. Tyler studied Classical Piano from age 3 through age 18 and studied Jazz Guitar from age 13.  He majored in Performance and Jazz guitar at the Berklee College of Music.

This CD showcases all of Tyler's musical talents with aspects of Smooth Jazz,  Fusion and Rock and Orchestral sounds.  If you love Guitar playing at it's highest level, you must buy a copy of this CD.

Supporting Musicians:
Guitar, Tyler Reese
Bass-Gary Grainger, Carl White
Upright Bass, Mark Fain
Drums, Toby Fairchild
Percussion, Matthew Bulgess
Piano Synth, Paul Rucker
Violin, Viola, Tim Lorsch
Trombones, Roy Agee
Trumpets, Vinnie Ciesielski
Saxes, Tyler Summers

Playlist:
1. "Moving On"
2. "Breaking Point"
3. "Out of Orbit"
4. "Reflections"
5. "Astrotermination"
6. "2Funk"
7. "Escapade"
8. "Reminiscence"
9. "Headed Out"
10. Emancipation"
11. "Moving on  "Radio Version"

Enjoy the two "Youtube" cuts that I have attached.  The first one is "Reminiscence" the title tune of this CD.  It's a wonderful emotional tune that reminds me of Jeff Beck days.  The second cut is "Breaking Points" that highlights Tyler's dexterity.  I know you will enjoy both!

CD Review: Kellye Gray, "Rendering"

"Rendering" is a new CD released on June 30, 2017 by Jazz vocalist, Kellye Gray.  The first time I played this CD I was literally stunned by the soulful and powerful voice and style of Kellye Gray.  The feel and sound of the songs on this CD are nothing short of superb.  Kellye has had a long and rewarding career and has recorded over seven albums as a leader.  Her first recording "Standards in Gray" was released 25 years ago to rave reviews and it launched her music career.  This album had been out of print for over 23 years when the record label that owned the rights gave her ownership
of the master.  This pushed Kellye to look back at her artistic life and she decided to re-record many of the same songs that appeared on that first release.  The title of her new CD, "Rendering" came from the dictionary definition, "A depiction or interpretation; work of art or performance that portrays something".  This CD is a work of art that portrays Kellye's growth as an artist.  To complete the circle for listeners of this new CD, Kellye also re-released "Standards in Gray" and packaged the two CDs together as a kind of snapshot of then and now.

According to Kellye, "As a Jazz musician, the most exciting thing about the music is its spontaneity, so this new CD was recorded before a small live audience with open mikes and no headphones.  All the tunes were done in one take with no stopping".  The results are spectacular!  Every song on this CD is a winner, Jazz vocals just about perfect.  Kellye Gray is "Sinatra" like in the way she handles lyrics,  she takes words and turns them into real life moments.

Supporting Kellye on this CD is a group of great Jazz professionals, Pamela York, Piano; David Craig, Bass; Sebastian Whittaker, Drums; Warren Sneed, Saxophone; Andre Hayward, Trombone.  Trying to select one track to share with you was near impossible because there is so much good stuff on this CD.  So I attached two "YouTubes" for you to savor.  The first one is a Billie Holiday inspired song "Don't Explain".  The second "YouTube" is the Blues classic, "I've Got A Right To Sing the Blues".

Playlist
1.  "Don't Explain"
2.  "I've Got A Right To Sing The Blues"
3.  "Morning"
4.  "Out Blows Me"
5. "A Time For Love"
6.  "God You Make Me Wonder"
7.  "How Long Has This Been Going On"
8.  "How Insensitive"
9.  "Good Morning Heartache"

CD Review: Yoko Miwa Trio, "Pathways"

The new CD from "The Yoko Miwa Trio" is simply wonderful Jazz.  Planist/Composer Yoko Miwa's performance is nothing short of spectacular!  Her sense of melody and phrasing even when improvising is perfect.  She plays with clarity and spontaneity even when she is exploring new places in each song. The listener experiences something new in each song and there is the sense that every improvised note is in the right place.  She is joined on this CD by Bassist Will Slater and Drummer Scott Goulding who she has been playing with for over 15 years.  It shows because the three players are in lock step knowing and anticipating every move each makes.  At times, it feels like one voice because the fit is so strong.  The Trio plays in the Boston area almost every weekend so they have a lot of time to write and try out new material.

The CD features the songs of Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Marc Johnson and four songs written by Yoko Miwa.  The brilliant musical dexterity and Phrasing from all three players on the CD is sparkling and refreshing.  I know there are a lot of people who just don't get what Jazz is all about.  It's not easy to explain what makes Jazz so exciting,  but if you listen to this great CD, I feel confident you will find the answer.

Players:
Yoko Miwa, Piano
Will Slater, Acoustic Bass
Scott Goulding, Drums
Brad Barrett, Acoustic Bass (Track 8)

Playlist:
1. "Log O'Rhythm"
2. "Lickety Split"
3. "Court and Spark"
4. "The Goalkeeper"
5. "After You"
6. "Lantern Light"
7. "Was It Something I Said"
8. "Dear Prudence"


I have attached a "YouTube" of "The Yoko Miwa Trio" playing the first cut from the album, "Log O'Rhythm".  This song was composed by Marc Johnson who performed as the Bassist for "The Bill Evans Trio".  It's a master class in Jazz performance.  Enjoy!

CD Review; John Daversa, "Wobbly Dance Flower"

John Daversa is without question one of the most creative and talented Jazz Trumpet playerS performing today.  But that is just the tip of the Jazz iceberg. Daversa's new Album, "Wobbly Dance Flower" is his newest project that proves his composing and arranging skills are also outstanding.  Daversa's Album just released on September 22, 2017 is filled with substance and heart and the music is pure fun, exactly what John believes music should create.  He also believes that making music is about relationships, so he brought some of his old friends together to join him to make the music.  John's key collaborator on the Album is legendary sax and bass Clarinetist Bob Mintzer.  Daversa and Mintzer give the listener a master class in dexterity and the art of Jazz that every young Jazz student could learn from.

John Daversa has a great reverence for the Jazz tradition, but he's not content to rehash old tropes.  He wanted to imbue "Wobbly Dance Flower" with substance and heart, but also wanted the music to be fun and engaging.  He has accomplished both objectives in this Album!  Daversa composed all of the songs on this Album with the exception of the bebop standard "Donna Lee".  We have frequently heard that "Jazz is a dying art" but Daversa's playing and composing let everyone know that the reports of the death of Jazz are greatly exaggerated!  This Album should be heard and studied by all young aspiring Jazz players.

PERSONNEL:
John Daversa, Trumpet, EVI
Bob Mintzer, Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet, EWI
Zane Carney, Guitar
Joe Bagg, Piano, Hammond B3 Organ
Jerry Watts, Jr, Bass, U-Bass
Gene Cole, Drums

TRACKS:
1. "Ms Turkey"
2. "Donna Lee"
3. "Be Free"
4. "Brooklyn Still"
5. "Wobbly Dance Flower"
6. "Jazz Heads"
7. "Meet Me At The Airport"
8. "You Got A Puppy?'
9. "Extra Credit"

I have attached a "YouTube" of John Daversa's group playing the first cut of the CD, "Ms Turkey"  that says it all about the creative writing, arranging and playing style of John Daversa.  Hope you enjoy it!

CD Review: Josh Nelson, "The Sky Remains"

Josh Nelson, Jazz Pianist /Composer/ Teacher is teeming with superb musical talents.  I seem to run into him everywhere, at concerts performing with his own band, on many amazing new CDs that he participated on and at concerts where he is performing as part of another band.  Born and raised in Southern California,  Josh has just released his newest CD, "The Sky Remains" that contains 10 story-driven compositions he has written based on past, present and future LA history.  The wonderful songs composed for this CD were meant to be an historical tribute to Los Angeles, the city he loves.  The music is bright and fresh and even listeners who have never been to LA are sure to fall in love with his creative music.  I previously knew he was a great Jazz Pianist but his writing and arranging for this CD are as good as it gets!  Josh's skills at performing Jazz Piano put him in constant demand from other performing Jazz musicians who recognize his wonderful talents.
Don't be fooled by Josh Nelson's relatively young age.  He is a proven pro who has performed with some of the most respected names in Jazz, including Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan and Peter Erskine.  Josh toured with Natalie Cole for 6 years and continues to tour with vocalist Sara Gazarek and accordionist Richard Galliano, among others.

Josh as you would expect has selected a group of world-class Jazz performers to join him on this CD.   They are listed below.  The CD was released on September ł5th, 2017 and I give it my highest recommendation. It's Jazz at its finest!

PERSONNEL
Josh Nelson, Piano, Nord Electro 3, Vocal
Anthony Wilson, Guitar, Vocal
Kathleen Grace, Vocal
Lillian Sengpiehi, Vocal
Josh Johnson, Alto Sax, Flute
Chris Lawrence, Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Brian Walsh, Bb flat Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Larry Goldings, Hammond B3 Organ
Alex Boneham, Bass
Dan Schnelle, Drums
Asron Serfaty, Percussion

Playlist:
1. "Bridges and Tunnels"
2. "The Sky Remains"
3. "On The Sidewalk"
4. "The Architect"
5. "Ah, Los Angeles"
6. "Lost Souls of Saturn"
7. "Pitseleh"
8. "Pacific Ocean Part"
9. "Run"
10. "Stairways"

I have attached a "YouTube" of Josh Nelson and his band playing the first cut from this CD, "Bridges and Tunnels".  Absolutely beautiful music!  It was recorded at the Blue Whale in LA.