CD Review: The Mark Masters Ensemble, "Night Talk", The Songs of Alec Wilder

Brilliant Arranger and Bandleader, Mark Masters has just released his latest CD, " Night Talk" performed by "The Mark Masters Ensemble".  The topic of this CD is the songs of composer Alec Wilder who is considered to be one of the favorite composers of the 20th century.  Wilder's songs have been recorded by singers Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee and Mildred Bailey.  His songs have also been performed by Stan Getz, Keith Jarrett and Fred Hersch.

Mark Masters has always selected the finest Jazz musicians to join his Ensemble and he invited one of the great Baritone Sax voices of our time, Gary Smulyan to lead the charge.  According to Masters, "A great instrumentalist like Gary is akin to a singer, so I just wanted to let him play the melody and make it his own".  The result is the creation of a wonderful new piece of creative music.

What makes Mark Masters' approach to arranging so special is that Mark uses the music he carefully selects for his Ensemble as a starting place and then recomposes the material so it becomes original and new again!  Mark states " There's no point in taking somebody else's melody and leaving it completely intact".  "Listen to all those great records Sinatra made.  He had such reverence for the song."

Be sure to take a good look at the players in the Ensemble listed below,  they all are without a doubt some of the great musicians performing today!

Mark Masters has long been recognized as one of the great Jazz Arrangers of the last decade.  He formed his first Ensemble in 1982.  Master's life is wholly dedicated to Jazz including founding the non-profit American Jazz Institute that supports not only Jazz history but includes a local 24 hour Jazz station located in Indian Wells California,  KAJI/FM 95.3.   KAJI is a low frequency radio station lead by noted Jazz Broadcaster, Alan P. Schwltz and it can be reached from anywhere in the world at:  WWW.AmJazzIn.Org.

Playlist:
1. You're Free
2. Don't Deny
3. Ellen
4. Moon and Sand
5. Baggage Room Blues
6. I Like it Here
7. Night Talk
8. Lovers and Losers
9. I'll Be Around

Players"
Mark Masters- Arrangements, Production with Thomas Burns
Gary Smulyan- Baritone Sax
Bob Summers- Trumpet
Don Shelton- Alto Sax, Alto Flute, 
Jerry Pinter- Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax
Dave Woodley- Trombone
Ed Czach- Piano
Putter Smith- Bass
Kendall Kay- Drums

I have selected two songs from "Night Talk" that I want to share with you.  The first is an interesting Alec Wilder tune you may not be familiar with, "Baggage Room Blues".  This solid Blues tune was also recorded live by Stan Getz and Chet Baker.  The second "YouTube" is  an uptempo arrangement of the standard "I'll Be Around".

                                                        "Baggage Room Blues"

                                                             "I'll Be Around"

CD Review: Mayita Dinos, "The Garden Is My Stage"

Mayita Dinos has just released her debut CD, "The Garden Is My Stage".   The songs Dinos has included in the CD were guided by her love for landscape design and her mixed heritage.  She was born in Puerto Rico to a Puerto Rican mother and a father of Greek and Turkish ancestry.  Dinos is also a successful landscape designer who has spent many years appearing on various shows on the HGTV and DIY networks as landscape expert.  Dinos explains "a beautiful garden is like a lush symphony composed of colors, shapes, and textures.  Her love of flowers has combined with her soft sensitive voice to create new beauty for some wonderful lyrics she gives new life to.

Dinos was singing in various venues around Los Angeles, including at jam sessions hosted by Cathy Segal-Garcia, the prolific singer, recording artist, and primary arranger.  Segal-Garcia who has produced a number of CDs for vocalists, became her producer and brought on board Guitarist Dori Amarilio as her co-producer and primary arranger.  In addition to these talent musicians,  Segal-Garcia and Amarilio brought together some of the best musicians in Southern California.  The result of putting this outstanding group of musicians behind Dinos' wonderful voice and vocal interpretation  is the creation of a verbal painting for the listener.

I could have attached any of the 13 songs on this CD because everyone is interesting and beautiful in its own way.  I decided to pick "Spanish Harlem" because Dinos approach to this old chestnut gives new life to the lyric telling us "how beauty thrives even in challenging environments".  The second "YouTube" I chose was the classic Freddie Hubbard composition, "Little Sunflower".  Dinos explains that  the song "is a metaphor for a flower seeking light in the darkness".   It's stunningly beautiful!  I have heard this song played as an instrumental many times and especially by my friend, Steve Madieo, who played this song on his Trumpet as good as anyone.  I had never heard the lyric to this song and, I love it even more now.

Playlist:   
1. Ornithology
2. Come Back As A Flower
3. Pannonica
4. Woodstock
5. Lullaby of the Leaves
6. Un pats con el nombre de un rio
7. Little Sunflower
8. Double Rainbow
9. La Lola
10. A Flower is a Lovesome Thing
11. Spanish Harlem
12. Willow Weep for Me
13. Agua de beber

Players:    
Mayita Dinos-Vocals
Biil Cantos-Piano
Rich Eames-Piano
Gabe Davis-Acoustic Bass
Hussain Jiffry-Electric Bass
Dori Amarilio-Guitar
Michael Hunter-Trumpet & Flugelorn
Alex Budman-Flute, Clarinet, Soprano Sax
Steve Hass-Drums
Tiki Pasillas-Drums & Percussion

                                                                  "Spanish Harlem" 

                                                             "Little Sunflower"

CD Review: Antonio Adolfo "BruMa: Celebrating Milton Nascimento"

Pianist, Composer and Arranger Antonio Adolfo has released a terrific new CD, "BruMa: Celebrating Milton Nascimento".  The CD is dedicated to the compostions of talented Milton Nascimento who is  renown as one of Brazil's foremost singers-songwriters.  Adolfo has been friends with Nascimento for over 50 years and has worked with him many times over the years  He has always had the highest admiration for Nascimento's composing and singing.  Adolfo finally decided it was time to record and dedicate an album of Nascimento songs.   Adolfo had this to say about Nascimento's music, "his compositions broke traditional harmonic and rhythmic patterns, with his modalism and some odd rhythmic meters, all in a spontaneous, intuitive and natural way".  

When I first played this CD, I was intending to skip through the playlist and hear a little of each tune. However, my plan never worked out.  From the moment I started playing "BruMa" I just sat back and enjoyed every note of these great songs.  This album is so comforting, the listener can just lay back and enjoy all the songs the first time.  The compostions are remarkable thanks to Nascimento but the arrangements are just as remarkable, thanks to Antonio Adolfo.  Adolfo's approach to these wonderful songs will bring magic to the listener's ears!  The arrangements are lush, soulful and understandable.  No hidden message in this music, just beautifully arranged melodies together with interesting harmonies.

Adolfo has gathered some of Brazil's most talented musicians to assist him in recording this CD. Many of them have performed with him for years.  The CD opens with the song, "Fe Cega, Faca Amolada" which translates to "Blind Faith, Sharp Knife".  It features a fine tenor Sax solo by Marcelo Martins followed by an explosive Drum Solo by Rafael Barata.  I know you will love this  performance and I have attached a "YouTube" so you can hear it for yourself.

I have also attached a "YouTube" of one of the ballads on this CD, "Outubro" (October) that is wonderful piece of listening music.  This great Nascimento song was recorded by Wayne Shorter on his super album, "Native Dancer".  I can only say again that the music on this new CD is very special and you will enjoy every one of the nine songs.  I know it's only July but this CD would make a great present for any of your friends who love exceptional Brazilian music.  Antonio Adolfo is a remarkably multi-talented Pianist and Composer!

Players:
Antonio Adolfo- Piano, Arranging
Jesse Sodoc-Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Marcelo Martins- Alto Flute, Tenor Sax
Danilo Sinna- Alto Sax
Rafael Rocha- Trombone
Claudio Spiewak- Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion
Lula Galvao-Guitar
Leo Amuedo- Guitar
Jorge Helder- Double Bass
Rafael Barata- Drums and Percussion
Dada Costa- Percussion 

Playlist:
1. FE, CEGA, FACA, AMOLADA
2. NADA SERA COMO ANTES
3. OUTUBRO
4. CANCAO DO SAL
5. ENCONTROS E DESPEDIDAS
6. TRES PONTAS
7. CAIS
8. CAXANGA
9. TRISTESSE

CD Review: John Fedchock NY Sextet, "Into The Shadows"

Brilliant Trombonist John Fedchock will be releasing his tenth album as a leader with an all-star group of musicians who make up the John Fedchock NY Sextet.  John has written 5 of the 8 songs on his new CD, "Into The Shadows", solos on many of them and did all the arranging.  Talk about multi-talented musicians, John excells at anything he touches and this CD is no exception.  John has already had many Grammy nominations for his work with his New York Big Band but wanted to do somethhing in a  smaller format.  According to Fedchock, "Working with the sextet is the best of both worlds.  While still giving plenty of space for individual soloists, the configuration offers unique, creative writing options and maintains a sleek and mobile blend."  I totally agree!

Fedchock began his career in 1980 as Jazz Trombonist with the legendary Woody Herman Orchestra, serving as featured soloist, musical director and chief arranger for Herman's last two Grammy nominated CDs.  Herman said of Fedcock, "He's my right hand man.  Everything I ask of John he accomplishes, and I ask a lot".  Herman was noted for being a tough taskmaster and accepted nothing less than perfection from his band mates.  So this quote should be very impressive to any Jazz listener!

Take a look at the players participating on this CD.  Every one of them is a star in their own right.

Players:
John Fedchock- Trombone, Composer, Arranger
Scott Wendholt- Trumpet & Flugeorn
Walt Weiskopf- Tenor Sax
Allen Farnham- Piano
David Finck- Bass
Eric Halvorson- Drums  


Playlist:
1. "RSVP"
2. "Alpha Dog"
3. "Manaus"
4. "I Should Care"
5.  "Nature Boy"
6. "Into The Shadows"
7.  "Star Eyes"
8. "On The Edge"

This CD has 5 orginal songs composed by John Fedchock that are fresh and terrific Jazz tunes.  I have attached the first cut on the album, "RSVP" so you can hear the magical composing from John Fedchock.

The second cut is the band's take on the old chestnut, "I Should Care".  I love this recording because I think it has the feel of one of my favorite bands, The Kenton Band,   I am sure you will enjoy both selections!

CD Review: Vanderlei Pereira, and Blindfold Test, "Vision For Rhythm"

I have not published many Brazilian music reviews lately but that ends today with review a of the CD "Vision For Rhythm" from Drummer, Composer and Arranger Vanderlei Pereira.  This CD will be released on May 22, 2020 but I have attached a couple of cuts for your listening enjoyment.  Pereira has been in the U.S. for over 30 years and is considered a master of rhythms and technique.   Born in Macae Brazil, Pereira began playing Drums when he was 15.  He had an excellent high-level musical education earning a degree from the "Academia de Musica Lorenzo" in Rio de Janeiro and then performing with the prestigious "Orquestra Sinfonica Brasileira".   Sadly, Pereira inherited retinitis pigmentos aand became blind in his early thirties.  Happily, the loss of his sight did not stop Pereira's musical career.  While he could no longer work as a classical musician he concentrated on his work as a top Jazz and Samba Drummer going on to appear and record with many musical greats including Toots Thielemans, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim and Tito Puente just to name a few.

There are three Pereira originals on this CD and they clearly show Pereira's composing and playing abilities.  He is joined by a wonderful cast of players that I have listed below.  Of particular note is the vocal contribution to most of the tracks by Susan Pereira.  Her wordless vocals and scat-singing abilities add greatly to the overall sound of this CD.

Playlist:

Players:

I have attached two "YouTube" videos below, both Vanderlei Pereira originals that will give you the full favor of this terrific CD.  The first is "Ponto de Partida", (Point of Departure) and the second is "De Volta a Festa",  (Back to the Party).  If you love Brizilian music and who doesn't,  you will love the music of Vanderlei Pereira and his Band "The Blindfold Test!

                                                            "Ponto de Partida"

                                                           "De Volta a Festa"

CD Review: Anson Wright, "Only Love"

Anson Wright has just released his new CD  "Only Love" and it's a perfect selection for the tough emotional times we are all going through.  Anson Wright has had an unusual life and educational  background that allows him to create music that projects the emotion of love with great understanding and sensibility.  Anson is a graduate of Princeton and did post-graduate studies at Columbia in New York City.   He lived in the East Village and was able to hear live performances at many New York City Jazz clubs.  These experiences moved him to compose and perform music for the finger-style Guitar in addition to immersing himself in the New York literary and alternative education scene.  This represented a 100 percent change of life from the more formal and structured educational environment where he spent much of his early life.  In addition, during this period in his life Anson worked and completed his first novel "Jericho", taught Guitar and creative writing, ran a trucking company and built cabinets.  How's that for a balanced life background!

I like Anson Wright's composing and Guitar playing because it's very sensitive music that is clear with strong melodies.  It's just beautiful music!  Anson wrote seven of the 9 songs on this CD and two were written by his piano partner,  Jasnam Daya Singh.

Playlist:
1. "Rahway Blues"
2. "Maddie In New York"
3. "Solstice"
4. "Chelsea"
5. "Inner Motion"
6. "Merci Mon Frère"
7. "Warrior"
8. "All Shall Rise To Thee"
9. "Only Love"

Players:   
Anson Wright-Guitar, Composer
Jasnam Daya Singh- Piano, Composer
Brian Casey- Bass
Todd Scott Bishop- Drums

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for your listening enjoyment.  The first one is a an Anson Wright original "Rahway Blues" and the second one is a Jasnam Daya Singh original "Merci Mon Free".

                                                                   Rahway Blues

                                                                 Merci Mon Frère

CD Review: The Seth Weaver Big Band, "Truth"

Trombonist, Vocalist, Composer, Arranger and Educator Seth Weaver is a new powerhouse Jazz musician who now can add Bandleader to his resume.  Seth has already received many awards including the "Downbeat Student Music Award for Best Vocal Jazz Soloist" and was the winner of the "Texas State Jazz Trombone Competition".  He was also one of three finalists in the "International Trombone Association's J.J. Johnson Jazz Competition" two years in a row.   Seth is a sought-after Composer and Arranger and his music has been performed all over the world.

On his new CD "Truth" Seth has put together a seventeen-piece orchestra comprised of some of the most exciting new players in the New York Jazz Scene today.  Take some time reviewing the members of Seth's band and I am sure you will recognize some of the up and coming young Jazz talents performing today.

The sound and quality of the Arrangements and Compositions on this CD are pure magic for any Jazz lover.  Seth's Compostions are original,  understandable and contain clarity.  The members of the Band perform at the highest level, and their performance is pure joy for anyone who loves the Big Band sound.  I found the playlist Seth selected interesting in that it contains five Seth Weaver orginals and three classic american standards.  Two of the standards were composed by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke and one by Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner.  These two composing duo teams are on everyone's top 10 list of all-time composers.  It's refresing to see someone relatively young who is breaking new musical ground in Composing, singing and playing remember and acknowledge the great talents that paved the way for American Jazz Music.

The Seth Weaver Big Band performs in many Jazz venues throughout New York, and if you can catch one of their performances, you will be rewarded by hearing some of the best big band sounds and compositions available today.  Seth Weaver is a winner and this CD is also a winner!

I have attached two "YouTube" videos so you can hear and enjoy this wonderfully sounding big band.  The first is a Seth Weaver original composition "The Hudson" featuring Seth Weaver on Trombone and Aleksi Glick on Guitar.  The second one is "It Could Happen to You" featuring Seth Weaver on the Vocal, Sam Dillion on Tenor Sax, Lukas Gobric on Tenor Sax and Marty Kenney on Bass.  I know you will enjoy this super talented group of Jazz musicians!

Playlist: 
1.  "The Hudson"
2.  "What If'
3.  "Here's That Rainy Day"
4.  "Frost"
5.   "Red"
6.  "On A Clear Day"
7.  "The Last Hour of February"
8.  "It Could Happen To You"

The Seth Weaver Big Band