CD Review: Alex Collins/Ryan Berg/Karl Latham: "Together"

 

Pianist, Composer and Arranger Alex Collins has joined together with Bassist Ryan Berg and renowned Drummer Karl Latham and released their new CD in June and it's a piece of musical art.  All three of these New York based highly-skilled and talented musicians have provided their own personal interpretation to some timeless Jazz standards.  They bring these old classics back to life with creative interplay and very new and fresh improvisations.  I have attached two "YouTubes" that I know will be adding to my latest playlist.  The first is "Alone Together" that opens with a drum solo from Karl Latham and then moves into a high tempo when he is joined by the band.  The song was written by Arthur Schwartz with Lyric by Howard Dietz in 1932 but it's reborn again by this talented group. The second is an absolutely wonderful rendition of the classic Van Heusen song,"Polka Dots and MoonBeams".  This song is quite long 12 minutes and 27 seconds but it's so good you will be looking for more when it ends!

PLAYLIST

1. Stella By Starlight

2. Alone Together

3. On Green Dolphin Street

4. Polka Dots And Moombeans

5. Night Dreamer

6. Invitation

PLAYERS

Alex Collins-Piano

Ryan Berg-Bass

Karl Latham-Drums

                                                                "ALONE TOGETHER"

                                                            "Polka Dots and Moonbeams"
                                                                

CD Review: Graham Dechter: "Major Influence"

 Guitarist, Composer and Arranger Graham Dechter has recently released his 3rd CD as a leader.  It is at times hard to believe that Graham Dechter is still in his twenties because he has made such a big impression on the Jazz world over the last 15 years.  Graham was hired  by John Hamilton and John Clayton to join the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra at the age of 19.  He was only 22 when he released his first recording as leader, "Right On Time" that received rave reviews.  His second release "Takin' It There" was on the Jazz Week chart for 22 weeks including 12 weeks in the top five spot and two weeks at number 1.  

For this new CD Graham brought what many Jazz lovers, including me, think is one of the best rhythm section performing today,  John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton.  The icing on this Jazz cake was the addition of Tamir Hendelman.   These three magnificent Jazz musicians have been making some of the best Jazz music together for years and adding Graham Dechter as leader has produced another brilliant Jazz CD.

Graham wrote and arranged all but one of the tunes.  He also co-arranged the classic "Pure Imagination" with Jeff Hamilton. According to Graham, "After completing seven originals and co-arranging "Pure Imagination with Mr. Hamilton, I came to the realization that every song on this recording, whether consciously or subconsciously, was dedicated to and/or directly influenced by one or more of my musical heroes"; Herb Ellis, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, George Shearing, Art Blakey, Larry Goldings and Thelonious Monk.

Graham Dechter has a busy schedule on the Jazz circuit including appearing with many of the most popular Jazz musicians performing today including Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Cole, Michael Buble, Leon Russell and Charles Aznavour.  He was also featured on the soundtrack for the hit film "La La Land".

We all look forward to many more Jazz sounds from Graham Dechter in the future!

I have attached two "YouTubes" videos with cuts from "Major Influence" for your listening pleasure.  Both are original compositions by Graham.  The first is entitled "Reference" and the second is "Bent On Monk".

                                                                        "Reference"

                                                                        "Bent On Monk"

PLAYLIST:

1. Orange Coals

2. Reference

3. Major Influence

4. Moonithology

5. Minor Influence

6. Pure Imagination

7. Bent On Monk

8. Billy's Dilemma

PLAYERS:

Graham Dechter: Guitar, Compositions, Arranging

Tamir Hendelman: Piano

John Clayton: Bass

Jeff Hamilton: Drums, Production

                                               

                                                                       

CD Review: Jacqui Naylor, "The Long Game"

Vocalist and composer Jacqui Naylor released her eleventh album back in February of the year but I never got to it until recently.  Jacqui is a remarkable vocalist and songwriter.  Her voice is soulful and full with deep tones that are unusual on today's music scene.  She is well known for her ability to interpret a diverse repertoire, bringing together music from different genres and generations.  Jacqui has coined a name to describe her arranging technique, "acoustic smashing".  This technique involves singing the lyrics and melody of a Jazz standard over the music of a well-known rock anthem.  I have attached a brilliant example of this technique with Jacqui singing the Coldplay song "Fix It" while the band plays background  support of a Miles Davis-inspired "It Never Entered My Mind". 

There is a synergy that listeners will hear immediately when listening to this CD between Jacqui Naylor and her talented band.  The band leader is Art Khu on Piano and has this to say about the synergy of the band, "Each member of this band is an accomplished musician and storyteller, sensitive to Jacqui's mission and lyrics, supportive, intuitive and compassionate.  Decades of work culminate in "The Long Game" as each band member uses their individual talents to contribute, shine and support each other.  Jacqui's interpretations are deep, thoughtful but also human and unpretentious."  The second "YouTube" I have attached will instantly broadcast the synergy of all the players performing the Van Heusen and Burke classic, "Like Someone In Love".  Joining Jacqui and Art are Jon Evans on Bass and Guitar and Josh Jones on Drums and Percussion.

The playlist listed below is worth studying.  It's new and old, diverse and familiar all at the same time.  If you like soulful singing and interpretations you really need to buy this CD!      

                                                                           "Fix You"

                                                                "Like Someone In Love"

PLAYLIST:

1. Like Someone In Love

2. Give Me One More Chance

3. Fix You

4. I'll Be Loving You

5. Love Look What You've Done

6. Walkin' Out The Door

7. Smile

8. The Thrill Is Gone

9. Space Oddity

10. The Long Game

11. Don't Give Up

12. Speak Low

13. It's The Right Time

14. All My Life

PLAYERS:

Jacqui Naylor-Vocals, Compositions

Art Khu-Piano, Arrangements, Organ, Rhodes, Guitars

Jon Evans-Basses, Guitar #2 and #3, Background Vocals, Arrangements

Josh Jones-Drums, Percussion, Arrangements

 

CD Review: Benjamin Schnake Ensemble, "The Joy Of Playing"

 Musician, Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer and Arranger Benjamin Schnake is at the top of his musical game as proven by the wonderful music he has composed for his new CD,  "The Joy Of Playing".  The album released in late October proves that he is 100% right about his title "The Joy Of Playing".  Listening to his Ensemble and his compositions, one gets the feeling of musical joy.  Benjamin has a colorful and wide-ranging musical history.  Born in Santiago de Chile, he started classical and popular guitar lessons at the age of 10.  In 2017 Benjamin started his Masters in Music at Howard University in Washington, DC.  His next stop was at New York University in Manhattan, NY studying guitar and composition with some of the greatest musicians of the New York scene: John Scofield, Peter Bernstein, Adam Rogers, Alan Ferber Gil Goldstein and Alan Broadbent.  

According to Schnake "My deepest musical background comes from Latin American music, particularly folk music form the Andes".  He earned a Master of Music in Instrumental Performance with a focus on Jazz Studies in February 2019.  I have listed only a short list of his studies and experience in the music world.  He is no casual student of music.  His life is totally entwined with music and the music he creates proves he has learned his lessons well.  I particular like the way he creates his songs with heavy involvement with Jazz but never forgets the importance of strong melody.   

I have attached two "YouTube"  videos for you to sample.  The first is an irresistible Latin rhythm tune entitled "Marisol" that takes only one hearing to love.  The arrangement is musically perfect and I fell in love with it before it even ended.  The second is a beautiful ballet entitled "She's Gone". Benjamin has always loved Jazz ballads and his composition is very emotionally moving. 

"Marisol"

"She's Gone"

PLAYLIST:

1. Marisol

2. The Joy Of Playing

3. Fragment

4. She's Gone

5. Aju

6. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

7. Lakitas

PLAYERS:

Benjamin Schnake-Nylon-string Guitar, Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Compositions and Arrangements

Dave Pietro- Alto Sax (Tracks 1, 4)

Sunhyun Yoo- Alto Sax Soprano Sax (Tracks 2,3,6)

Tim Struven- Tenor Sax (Tracks 1,2,4,6)

Eric Quinn-Trombone (Tracks 1,2,4,6)

Jennifer Wharton-Bass Trombone (Tracks 1,2,4,6)

Ammon Swinbank- Flute (Track 7)

Santiago Leibson- Piano

Gui Duvignau- Bass

Paul Shaw- Drums

                                                      

CD Review: David Larsen, "Deviate From Standards"

 

Multi-talented David Larsen is one of only a few superb Baritone Sax players recording these days.  But David Larsen's talents don't stop at Baritone Sax.  David is an exceptionally good composer.  His compositions have won many awards and has been performed and recorded by a wide variety of groups around the US and abroad.  He is also a noted educator who is currently the director of instrumental studies at Spokane Falls Community College.  He holds a PhD from Washington State University and degrees from Pacific University, University of Oregon and Western Oregon University.  

This CD was started as a COVID-19 escape and you will see the four players performing in the first "YouTube" song, "He Who Getz The Last Laugh" all in separate spaces.  David credits the compositions on this CD originated from his life experiences in the last four years of his life.  During these four years he earned his doctoral degree and had more exposure to Jazz composers from a variety of eras and genres.

Composing music has never been easy but David Larsen makes it look easy.  His compositions are new and creative but still are anchored in the tradition of great Jazz composers of the past.        

I have attached two videos from "YouTube" for your listening pleasure.  The first one is titled, "Who Getz The Last Laugh" and David wrote this as a nod to the great Stan Getz.  It's a sparkling composition and the video shows the group in action.  The second cut is "Augmented Reality" that features Jazz master Ken Peplowski on Clarinet.  I think you will like both of these David Larsen originals.

                                                               "Who Getz the Last Laugh"

                                                                "Augmented Reality"

Players:

David Larsen- Baritone & Tenor Saxophone. Compositions

Brendan McMurphy- Trumpet, Flugel Horn and Drums

Greg Yasinitsky- Tenor & Baritone Saxophone (Tracks 1,9)

Ken Peplowski- Clarinet (Track 3)

Kate Skinner- Piano & Keyboards (Tracks 1,3,5,8,9)

Danny McCollim- Keyboards (Tracks 2,4,6,7)

Josh Skinner- Bass (Tracks 1,3,5,8,9)

Nick Isherwood- Bass (Tracks 2,4,6,7)

Playlist:

1. A New Thing Comin'

2. Smoke Screen

3. Augmented Reality

4. Family

5. He Who Getz The Last Laugh

6. See You at 8

7. Into The Light

8. Into The Mild

9. Tensai

CD Review: Antonio Adolfo, "Jobim Forever"

 

Antonio Adolfo creates beautiful music: his Piano and his Arranging are a pleasure for the ears!  I fell in love with his last release and published a review of "BruMa" that was a tribute to the wonderful composer Milton Nascimento.  Now Adolfo released his latest tribute CD, a tribute to one of the most influential stars in modern day Jazz, Antonio Carlos Jobim.  Jobim introduced the Bossa Nova sound in the USA in 1964 with his multiple Grammy Award winning CD, "Getz/Gilberto".  Jobim's writing has had an effect on almost every Jazz player since 1964 including some special treatment from Francis Albert Sinatra.  Putting together 9 Jobim compositions and making them sound new is no small task.  However, Adolfo's Arranging and performance by his highly talented musical group brings us a fresh new feel to Jobim songs that we all know well.  This is a romantic album but it will satisfy any Jazz buff listener with its Arrangements and Jazz improvisations.  The sounds from this delicious album are fresh, lush and  the band really swings.  You will fall in love with Antonio Adolfo the first time you listen to this CD.  

Antonio Adolfo is a Pianist,  Arranger, Composer and Bandleader. He has recorded over two dozen albums as a leader in the US and Brazil.  More than 200 of his original compositions have been recorded by major artists like Sergio Mendes, Earl Klugh, Herb Alpert, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick and many others.  Adolfo chose Jobim's songs from the 1960s because he wanted to celebrate a great era of music which was when Jobim's innovations helped make Rio de Janeiro an important capital of world culture.  Now we all can celebrate with him!

Falling in love with the songs on this CD was easy but picking just two songs to share with you was almost impossible.  I truly loved every song on this CD.  Every song will be going on my "Jazz favorites" playlist.  Please buy this CD;  you will be playing it for years to come.  My first "YouTube" is the first greatest hit from Jobim, "The Girl From Ipanema" with some great alto Sax work from Danilo Sinna.  The Second attachment is "Agua De Beber" that translates to "Water To Drink".  We are treated to a fine Trombone solo from Rafael Rocha on this standard.

 

                                                                    "The Girl From Ipanema"

                                                                    "Agua De Beber"

Playlist:

1. The Girl From Ipanema

2. Wave

3. A Felicidade

4. How Insensitive

5. Favela

6. Inutil Paisagem

7. Agua De Beber

8. Amparo

9. Estrada Do Sol

Players:

Antonio Adolfo- Piano & Arranging

Jesse Sadoc- Trumpet & Flugelhorn

Danilo Sinna- Alto Sax

Marcelo Martins- Tenor & Soprano Saxes

Rafael Rocha- Trombone

Lula Galvao- Guitars

Jorge Helder- Double Bass

Rafael Barata- Drums

Dada Costa- Percussion

Guest Artists

    Paulo Braga- Drums

    Ze Renato- Vocals

 

CD Review: Roseanna Vitro, "Sing A Song Of Bird"

 

Vocalist Roseanna Vitro has just released her new CD, "Sing A Song Of Bird" that is a celebration of  Alto Sax player Charlie "Bird" Parker.   She conceived and created this project because of her desire to develop new lyrics to Charlie Parker tunes.  The results provide all of us with some wonderful and creative Jazz sounds and lyrics.   Roseanna is joined vocally on this CD by three truly outstanding Jazz Vocalists,  Sheila Jordan, Bob Dorough and Marion Cowings, all three favorites of hers.  Together these four Jazz Vocalists, all Charlie Parker admirers put together new lyrics to six of his compositions.  

"Sing A Song Of Bird" is more than a celebration of Bird's music.  This CD is very special because at the time it was recorded Bob Dorough was 94 and has since pasted while Sheila Jordan is 89 and is still going strong.

Roseanna Vitro is a brilliant musician still performing and creating new and exciting Jazz ideas.  Everything she touches is performed at the highest professional Jazz level.  She remains a major link for all Jazz fans to our rich American Jazz history which helps to keep Jazz alive forever! 

I have attached two "YouTube" selections of this fun Album.  The first one, "Grapple With The Apple" is a solo by Roseanna Vitro scatting at her usual high level.  She is joined by Mark Gross on Sax, Jason Teborek on Piano,  Dean Johnson on Bass and Bill Goodwin on Drums.   The Second selection is "Parker's Mood" a terrific Blues tune sung by Marion Cowings.  Marion is joined by special guest Gary Bartz on Alto Sax.  Gary provides some wonderful Sax work along with the always great Alan Broadbent on Piano, Dean Johnson on Bass and Alvester Garnett on Drums.

                                                             "Grapple With The Apple"

                                                                     "Parker's Mood"

Playlist:

1. People Chase

2. The Scatter

3. Bird's Song

4. Parker's Mood

5. Grapple With The Apple

6. Audubon's New Bluebird

7. Sheila, Jazz Child

8. Quasimodo

9. Now's The Time

10. Yardbird Suite

11. Koko / Cherokee

12. These Foolish Things

Players:

Roseanna Vitro- Vocals

Bob Dorough- Vocals

Sheila Jordan- Vocals

Marion Cowings- Vocals

Jason Teborek-Piano

Dean Johnson- Bass

Mark Gross- Alto Sax

Gary Bartz- Alto Sax

Alan Broadbent- Piano

Alvester Garnett- Drums