CD Review: Adam Glaser Trio, "Wide Awake"

Adam Glaser is a noted, award-winning conductors in the classical music world.  So why is a brilliant classical music conductor publishing a new CD with his Jazz Trio?  The answer is Adam Glaser's talents are too immense to be limited to just one genre of music.  Adam is the Music Director of the professional caliber Juilliard Pre-College Orchestras and has conducted over 50 concerts in New York's Lincoln Center.  He is also the Director of Orchestras at Hofstra University.  In 2019 Adam made his New York City Opera debut conducting the world premiere of Ted Rosenthal's acclaimed Jazz opera, "Dear Eric".  His list of musical acievements are too long to fit in this review but I think you get a pretty clear picture of who Adam Galser is musically.

I received the review copy of his new CD "Wide Awake" a few months ago but somehow it got buried in the pile of new CDs I receive every month.  I feel an obligation to listen to every CD that I receive in consideration of the massive amount of energy and money every musician spends to get these CDs done.  So when I finally listened to the CD,  I played it before I read the promotional information not expecting anything unusual.  The first song on the CD was "If You Don't Mind" composed and arranged by Adam Glaser.  The play time of song was 5:40 but after less than 2 minutes, I picked up the promo notes to find out more about Adam Glaser and his wonderful trio.  Before I knew it, I had listened to all nine songs on the CD and so impressed with the musical product that I knew I had to publish this review.

This CD represents Adam Glaser's debut as a Jazz leader with his Trio.  He wrote 7 of the 9 songs on "Wide Awake" and did all the arrangements.   I have stated before that the line between Classical and Jazz music sometimes can merger and Adam adds his proof to this statement with two of his compositions.  His song "Day Trip to Cologne" was inspired by Schumann's Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op.97.  And his song "Sacrificial Rhumba" was inspired by the "Sacrificial Dance" from Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring".

Adam Glaser has put together a sparkling Trio with Adam performing beautiful Jazz on Piano, Pete Coco on Bass and Chris Smith on Drums.  Glaser's Piano performance, his Arranging, his Composing and his leadership of this super Trio is at the highest level throughout!

Playlist:
1. If You Don't Mind
2. November
3. I got A Name
4. Day Trip To Cologne
5. True To You
6. Before The Dawn
7. Sacrificial Rhumba
8. Lullaby for A Little Boy
9. My Romance

Players:
Adam Glaser, Piano, Arranger, Composer, Producer
Pete Coco- Bass
Chris Smith- Drums

I have attached two cuts from the "Wide Awake" CD for your listening enjoyment.   The first is a wonderful Glaser composition "If You Don't Mind" and the second is the Rodgers and Hart standard "My Romance" that  Adam performs brilliantly!

                                                             "If You Don't Mind"

                                                                "My Romance"

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