CD Review: Keith Oxman and Frank Morelli, "The Ox-Mo Incident"

This review covers a new CD from Tenor Saxophonist Keith Oxman and Bassoon virtuoso Frank Morelli and their delightful quartet.  Ok, when was the last time you heard a Bassoon playing Jazz?  My guess is never or quite a while ago.  Bassoon players are usually found in Classical music environments,  but no longer.  Keith Oxman and Frank Morelli have joined forces to bring us "The Ox-Mo Incident".  

Oxman and Morelli give the listener the feeling that these two gifted musicians have known and worked with each other for years but the fact is they barely knew each other prior to this recording session. But what they did know was that each of them was a highly skilled and experienced musician.  Oxman offers, "Frank is just an unbelievable musician.  So I was really excited when he suggested this.  Even though Jazz might not be his musical field, good musicians are good musicians.  And when somebody's as good as Frank, there's got to be something there."

Frank Morelli Studied at the Manhattan and Juilliard Schools of Music and was the first Bassoonist awarded a doctorate by the Juilliard School. He is a member of the Orpheus Camber Orchestra and the woodwind quintet Windscape.  He serves on the faculties of  The Juilliard School, Yale School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, SUNY Stony Brook and was recently named Distinguished Lecturer in Woodwinds at the Aaron Copland School of Music.

Keith Oxman burnished Tenor sound is born of a love of classic players like Sonny Stitt, and Charles McPherson who he has played with.  He has also played with Jazz giants Art Blakey, Buddy Rich, Jack McDuff, Phil Woods and Dave Brubeck,  He recently reunited with his iconic Denver brand the Jazz Worms to release the quintet's first new album in nearly three decades.

"The Ox-Mo Incident" is a totally relaxing and enjoyable CD experience and I highly recommend it.  The successful combining of Jazz with Classical again proves that good music has no boundaries.       

I have attached two "YouTube" cuts from "The Ox-Mo Incident" CD that are well- known standards we all know and love.  The first is from the brilliant composing team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top".  The second is from the equally brilliant composing team of Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner, " I Could Have Danced All Night".

                                                     "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top"

                                                          "I Could Have Danced All Night"

Playlist:

1.  Happy Talk

2. Full Moon and Empty Arms

3. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top

4. Baubles, Bangles and Beads

5. The Ox-Mo Incident

6. Three for Five

7. Stranger in Paradise

8. Poor Butterfly

9. A Wasp in Search of a Hart and Lung

10. Pavane

11 I Could Have Danced All Night

Players:

Keith Oxman-Tenor Saxophone

Frank Morelli-Bassoon

Jeff Jenkins-Piano

Ken Walker-Bass

Todd Reid-Drums 

                

    

CD Review: Eric Goletz, "A New Light"

Virtuoso Trombonist, Arranger and Composer Eric Goletz released his second CD as a leader earlier this year.  The CD is titled, "A New Light" and the CD does shine a new light on the immense talents of Eric Goletz. Eric composed and arranged eight new terrific compositions for this CD along with leading the band and performing wonderful improvisations on his Trombone.  The CD has a fresh, happy feel and Eric's compositions and arrangements are nothing but genius.  When listening to this wonderful group of musicians and these brilliantly written compositions, it reminds me of the big band music of the past, the present and the future all playing together!  

Eric began studying classical piano, guitar and music theory from the age of six with private teachers, but at age 14, he fell in love with the sound of the Trombone in his father's band, and he knew from then on that music was going to be his life's work.  

Goletz also began composing music at a young age and was soon writing and arranging music for the various groups he was involved with.  Goletz says, "I think of music as having endless possibilities.  It's a journey where you can never be absolutely sure where it will lead. Although my background is in Jazz and  Classical music, I spend much time listening to other forms of music such as Pop, Rock, Country, Motown, Funk, Latin and even Heavy Metal.  There's always something new to learn, and I try to keep an open mind to the simple joy of listening to music"  Certainly sage advise for every musicians to remember.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos of two original Goletz's compositions that are part of "A New Light".  The first is "Greene Street Groove" which has a funky, bluesy feel and the second is "Don't Gimme That", that features solos buy Goletz on Trombone, Randy Brecker on Trumpet and Allen Farnham on Keys.  I know you will love both of these swinging big band tunes.

PLAYLIST: 

1. Prelude: Before the Light

2. A New Light

3. Edge of Night

4. Dig

5. Enchanted

6. Greene Street Groove

7. Sunrise, Sunset

8. Song for Elizabeth

9 Don't  Gimme That!

10. The Mirror

11. Postlude: After the Light

PLAYERS:

Eric Goletz: Trombone, Keyboards, All Compositions except "Dig", "Sunrise, Sunset", and "Song for Elizabeth" , Arranging

Randy Brecker: Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Jim Ridl: Piano

Allen Farnham: Keyboards

Henry Heinitsh: Guitar

Marco Panascia: Bass

Steve Johns: Drums

Joe Mowatt: Percussion

Trumpets: Tony Gorruso, Freddie Maxwell, Kent Smith

French Horn: Will DeVos

Alto Sax: Bob Magnuson

Trombones: Erick Storckman, Chris Rinaman

Bass Trombone: Jonathan Greenberg

Tuba: Matt Ingman

Violins: Robin Zeh, Paul Woodiel

Violas: Michael Roth, David Gold 

Cello: Sarah Hewitt-Roth

                                                                   "Greene Street Groove"

                                                                  "Don't Gimme That"

CD Review: Cece Gable: "Next Year's Song"

Today I am reviewing a new CD from Vocalist CeCe Gable.  CeCe has gathered a fine group of veteran musicians to join her on her CD, "Next Year's Song".  CeCe Gable has a believable voice that tells the

listener that she has lived every lyric she sings.  Harvie S the Bassist and Producer for "Next Year's Song" says "She's an honest singer".  That's what I hear also.  The CD contains a wonderful playlist of songs that all have one thing in common, great story-telling lyrics.  

Joining CeCe are a group of super-star musicians that any Vocalist would love.  On Piano is the remarkable Alan Broadbent, on Bass is Harvie S, on Guitar is Ron Ben-Hur and Matt Wilson is on Drums.  They provide the perfect support for CeCe's voice and style.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos so you can hear this wonderful singer for yourself.  The first song I selected was the evergreen uptempo version of "Just One Of Those Things".  Written by Cole Porter in 1939 the song and lyric still sing to me.  The second song is "Moments Like This".  I was not familiar with this song but CeCe does a great job expressing the message of the lyric.   

                                                          "Just One Of Those Things' 

                                                                 "Moments Like This"

Playlist:

1. Next Year's Song

2. No Moon At All

3. Two For The Road

5. Like A Lover

6. I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life

7. The Last Goodbye 

8. My Romance

9. Moments Like This

10. Come Rain Or Come Shine

11. From Me To You

Players:

CeCe Gable: Vocals

Alan Broadbent: Piano

Harvie S: Bass

Roni Ben-Hur: Guitar

Matt Wilson: Drums

The Diva Jazz Orchestra, "Diva Swings Broadway"

Since their premiere performance 29 years ago, the Diva Jazz Orchestra has toured the world to critical and popular acclaim.  They have performed in Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and The Newport Jazz Festival just to name a few of the most prestigious music venues they have performed in.  Chances are some of you, especially the big band lovers, don't know about them.  But you should because the Diva Jazz Orchestra is one of today's best performing big bands. The quality of music they perform is at the highest level and the arrangements are new and exciting!  This group of talented musicians make music that will remind you why you always love the big bands of past years.  

The band's focus on their new CD is on some of the best songs from the greatest Broadway shows.  We all will recognize the songs they have selected but Diva gives them new life with reimagined arrangements that will knock your socks off.  The music Director of the Diva Jazz Orchestra is Sherrie Maricle who also plays Drums on the CD.  If you follow "The Music Man Blog" you probably remember Sherrie Maricle from her marvelous Drumming for the 3D Jazz Trio on the CD "I Love To See You Smile" that I reviewed in September of 2020.

I loved the songs and sounds on this CD,  it is simply straight-head big band Jazz at its finest level.  The CD was released on March 17, 2022.

I have attached two "YouTubes" from "Diva Swings Broadway".  The first is from the 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway show "Oklahoma".  The wonderful arrangement was created by Bass player, Noriko Ueda.  The second selection is a Scott Whitfield arrangement of the 1956 Lerner and Loewe classic, "My Fair Lady'.  Sherrie Maricle added these comments in her liner notes, " This is Scott Whitfield's  "barn-burner" arrangement that serves as the perfect foil for our virtuosic and fiery alto saxophone soloists. Building on their momentum, I added my solo voice to the mix to drive the song to a rousing finale."

                                                             "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin"

                                                          "Get Me To the Church On Time"

PLAYLIST:

1. Heart

2. Pure Imagination

3. The Man I Love

4. With Every Breath I Take

5. The Sound of Music

6. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin

7. Seventy-Six Trombones

8. Love Who You Love

9. Get Me to the Church on Time

 PLAYERS:

Sherrie Maricle-Musical Director, Drums

Noriko Ueda-Bass

Tomoko Ohno-Piano

Alexa Tarantino-Soprano/Alto Sax, Flute

Mercedes Beckman-Soprano/Alto Sax, Flute

Roxy Coss-Tenor Sax, Clarinet

Laura Dreyer-Soprano/Tenor Sax, Clarinet

Leigh Pilzer-Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Clarinet

Liesl Whitaker-Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Jami Dauber-Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Rachel Therrien-Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Barbara Laronga-Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Jennifer Krupa-Trombone

Sara Jacovino-Trombone

LeslieHavens-Bass Trombone

Annette Aguilar-Percussionist on Tracks 2 and 6

 

 

CD Review: Ermelinda Cuellar, "What A Difference A Day Made"

 Jazz Vocalist Ermelinda Cuellar has just released her new CD, "What a Difference a Day Made".  The CD contains a wonderful mix of two originals and re-imagined Jazz standards.  Ermelinda has a very interesting background that has influenced her musical career.  Born to Peruvian immigrant parents, Ermelinda was exposed to a variety of music at a very young age.  Her parents worked often at lavish parties in Texas where she watched in amazement as musicians created beautiful sounds and this experience convinced her that a music career was what she wanted.  She went on to graduate from the Moores School of music at the University of Houston with a degree in Opera Performance and worked professionally in Opera and musical theatre for many years before focusing her direction on Jazz.  Once arriving in the Jazz world, Ermelinda knew this was the perfect career direction for her and she began finding her own unique sound. "What a Difference a Day Made" is her tribute to her love and study of Jazz vocals.  

Ermelinda Cuellar has a clear, strong voice and her phrasing is flawless.  When she sings it comes out clear, relaxed and comfortable.  She has the talent and experience to become a staple vocalist on the world Jazz scene.  I personally congratulate Ermelinda for the massive effect she has put in to get herself to this high level of vocal Jazz performance.  

Ermelinda has selected a group of some of the best musicians performing in Texas to join her.  She allows plenty of space in her CD for these professionals to shine and the mix with her vocals makes this CD even more enjoyable.

PLAYLIST:

1. Man with a Horn

2. Sabor a Mi

3. Al Mal Tiempo Buena Cara

4. I Could Have Danced All Night

5. Midnight Sun

6. Angelitos Negros

7. What a Difference A Day Made

8. Duerme Nino

9. Who's Crying Now

10. Historia De Un Amor

11. Alone Together

PLAYERS:

Ermelinda Cuellar-Vocals, Composer

Gilbert Sedeno-Piano

Greg Petito-Guitar

Anthony Caceres-Bass

Andre Hayward-Trombone

Marlon Simon-Drums & Percussion

(In Memory of) Anibal Ambert-Percussion

I have attached two "YouTubes" for your listening pleasure.  The first song is the classic Latin favorite "Sabor a Mi".  The second song is "I Could Have Danced All Night" with a Latin rhythm and Ermelinda Cuellar reminding me of one of her heroes, Ella Fitzgerald.

                                                                     "Sabor a Mi"

                                                             "I Could Have Danced All Night"

   

CD Review: "3 More Sounds Play Ray Charles"

 3 More Sounds is one of my favorite Jazz trios!  They are out with another winning CD, "3 More Sounds Play Ray Charles".  This prolific trio continues to make outstanding music!  And it's no wonder, since the 3 remarkable musicians involved are at the highest level of musical performance.  Robert Turner never fails to impress his listeners with strong overtones of his hero, Gene Harris.  Henry Franklin provides incredibly strong bass lines and solos and the third member of this trio, musical veteran Carl Burnett provides the final solid rhythm support for the group.  These cool cats can play anything and it always comes out great!

This CD is a tribute to the late and great Ray Charles.  It's hard to describe the talents of Ray Charles but let's start with Ray's unique vocal delivery and soulful phrasing.  How do you duplicate Ray's approach in an instrumental recording?  Look no further than this new CD that 3 More Sounds has recorded. They capture the brilliance of Ray Charles performing some of the songs he made famous. 

3  More Sounds should win an Emmy for this CD.  It's the kind of music you can listen to all night and it never gets old.  Robert Turner, Henry Franklin and Carl Burnett you rock! 

I attached 2 "YouTube" videos for your listening enjoyment.  The first is an up-tempo version of "Let the Good Times Roll" and the second is the Percy Mayfield gem, "Hit The Road Jack".  Please support this wonderful trio and music in general by buying this CD.  You will be playing it for years to come! 

Playlist:

1. Let the Good Times Roll

2. Unchain My Heart

3. Hit The Road Jack

4. Georgia on My Mind

5. Moonlight in Vermont

6. Halleluja I love Her So

7. Cry Me a River

8. I Can't Stop Loving You

9. Drown in My Own Tears

10. Hit the Road Jack (Alt)

Players:

Robert Turner-Piano 

Henry Franklin-Bass

Carl Burnett-Drums 

                                                                       "Halleluja I Love Her So"

                                                                       "Hit The Road Jack"

CD Review: The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo, "Hangin' Out"

 

Jazz Tuba Player Jim Self has joined musical forces with Guitarist John Chiodini to record their new CD, "Hangin' Out".  I have been a fan of Jim Self ever since I heard an absolutely beautiful CD he recorded with master Harmonica player, Ron Kalina.  The CD was titled "The Odd Couple" and it's still one of my favorites.  Let's be serious, how many Jazz CDs feature a Tuba player?  And yet, the talented John Self continues to produce wonderful Jazz.  Self is joined by the talented Guitar player, John Chiodini and while paring of a Tuba with a Guitar which is certainly unusual, I think they pull it off perfectly.  "Hangin Out" contains an unusual assortment of tunes that is not surprising considering the long list of well-known artists both Self and Chiodini have performed with over the years.  Both performers also included one of their original compositions.  

This CD is a very sensitive and intimate musical conversation between the two master-class musicians.  In addition, they have asked four equally master musicians: Scott Whitfield on Trombone, David Angel on Baritone Sax,  Tom Peterson on Tenor Sax and Ron Stout on Trumpet & Flugelhorn,  to join them on several songs. 

I want to mention that in addition to playing the Tuba on this CD, Self also plays an instrument called a Fluba.  Self describes this instrument as a tuba-sized Flugelhorn.

I have attached two "YouTubes" of two cuts from the CD.  The first one will surprise you, a Tuba and Guitar playing Stevie Wonder's gem "Sir Duke".   The second one is the classic "It Could Happen To You" with Self and Chiodini joined by their four special guests.  It's a treat!

Playlist:

1. Hangin' Out

2. Spain

3. Lydian Afternoon

4. Dindi

5. Sir Duke

6. Another Thing

7. Felicidade

8. Everything Happens To Me

9. Up Jumped Spring

10. I Walk A Little Faster

11. Modal I Tease

12. Just the Way You Are

13. It Could Happen To You

Players:

Jim Self-F Tuba, Fluba, CC Tuba

John Chiodini-Electric and Acoustic Guitars

 

Special Guests:

David Angel-Baritone Sax

Tom Peterson-Tenor Sax

Scott Whitfield-Trombone

Ron Stout-Trumpet & Flugelhorn

 

 

                                                                   "Sir Duke"

                                                             

 "It Could Happen to You"