CD Review: Doug MacDonald, "Big Band Extravaganza"

Guitarist, Composer and Arranger Doug MacDonald has recently released his first CD by the Doug MacDonald Big Band.  Doug leads the 17-piece Jazz Orchestra performing 9 original compositions and one Gershwin standard, "But Not For Me".  Doug has done recordings with almost every configuration but this is his first try at leading a Big Swinging Band.  Lovers of the big band sound will love this CD and this is another milestone Doug can add to his rich resume.  Doug is one of the premier, in demand Guitarists performing today.  He has recorded with Buddy Rich, Ray Charles, Bill Holman and Jack Sheldon, just to name a few.  He also has published several terrific new CDs over the past couple of years that I have reviewed.  

Considering the fact that Doug performs live almost every night in the Southern California area, I have no idea how he finds time to compose and arrange beautiful music, MC a Jazz radio show and release two or three new CDs every year.   Doug is a dedicated Jazz musician who is committed to keeping Jazz alive and well!  

The "Big Band Extravaganza" showcases the big band's swinging sound thanks to Doug's excellent compositions and brilliant arrangements.  Doug has brought together some of the finest musicians in the country to perform his songs on this CD.   The results will be satisfying to every Jazz fan and especially to the lovers of the historical big band sound.

I have attached two "YouTubes" for your listening pleasure.  The first one is the MacDonald original, "Ya Know Bill".   This performance contains solos from Trumpeter Carl Saunders who sadly recently died.  Those of you who are familiar with Carl Saunders work,  know what a big loss this is for the Jazz world; RIP Carl!

The second cut I have attached is the Gershwin classic, "But Not For Me" with a great solo from Rickey Woodard on Tenor Sax.

PLAYLIST:

1.  Toluca Lake Jazz

2. Rashomon

3. Luces Azules

4. Aventura En Triadas

5. Desert Jazz

6. Luz De Amour

7. De Ha

8. But Not For Me

9. Minor Mess

10. Ya Know Bill

PLAYERS:

Doug MacDonald- Guitar, Leader, Composer, Arranger

Kim Richmond, Alex Budman- Alto Sax

Rickey Woodard, Glen Berger- Tenor Sax

Tim McKay- Baritone Jazz

Ira Nepus, Les Benedict, Ivan Malespin, Rich Bullock- Trombones

Mike Campagna, Dan Fornero, Aaron Janik, Carl Saunders- Trumpets

Bill Cunlifffe- Piano (Day 1)

Andy Langham- Piano (Day 2)

Chuck Berghofer- Bass

Paul Kreibich- Drums

                                                                "Ya Know Bill"

                                                                   "But Not For Me"

                      

DC Review: Martin Wind Quartet, "My Astorian Queen- 25 Years On The New York Jazz Scene"

Bassist, Composer and quartet leader Martin Wind has released a new CD, "My Astorian Queen- 25 years on the New York Jazz Scene" featuring the Martin Wind Quartet.  The CD is essentially a thank you to the New York Jazz scene and a remembrance of Martin Wind's  25 years of musical adventures in New York.  He arrived in NY from Lensburg Germany to try to establish himself in the New York Jazz scene.  The quartet consists of Martin on Bass and 3 other very skilled and seasoned musicians.  Every one in the group has been friends and musical partners from almost the day when Martin arrived in New York City.  Their friendship and experience together shines through on all of the songs in this CD.  The liner notes are enlighting because Martin lists the reasons why each of the 9 songs were chosen.  I found the Martin Wind Quartet and all the songs on this CD very accessible.  The CD is a perfect example of what outstanding music from a Jazz quartet can be.  

The first song I have attached from the CD is thhe Jazz standard, "Broadway" and it features the wonderful sound of Scott Robinson's Bass Saxophone.  The Bass Saxophone is not frequently heard but after hearing Scott play it, you have to ask yourself why?  The sound is warm and rich and I would also say smooth.  Martin offers his explanation for choosing this tune.  "Shortly after arriving in New York, I started subbing on a couple of Broadway shows. "Phantom of the Opera" which is still going strong in its 3rd decade, and a fabulous production of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate".  I've always loved this tune and the way Scott sounds on his "mighty" bass Saxophone".  I couldn't resist adding the second tune, "New York, New York" because I love when a Bass player solos on a strong melody.  Martin adds "I usually close the set with this inevitable anthem.  Matt, of course, jumped right into the sandbox with me on this one."

                                                                        

                                                                    "Broadway"

                                                             

                                                                            

                                                            " New York, New York"

PLAYLIST:

1.  Mean What You Say

2. Solitude

3. Broadway

4. Peace Waltz

5. E Preciso Perduar

6. Out In P.A.

7. My Astorian Queen

8. There's A Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York

9. New York, New York

PLAYERS:

Martin Wind- Bass, Composing, Arranging, Leader

Scott Robinson- Tenor and Bass Sax, Clarinet, Trumpet

Bill Mays- Piano

Matt Wilson- Drums and Percussion

CD Review: Domi Edson, "Stories From Solitude"

Bassist and Composer Domi Edson has recently released her second album featuring her talented Jazz trio.  The Album titled "Stories From Solitude" was created by Domi as a result of the inspiration she finds from being alone with her thoughts in picturesque natural places.   "Stories From Solitude" contains an entertaining mixture of great Domi Edson arrangements of Jazz standards along with six original Jazz compositions.  

After listening to Domi Edson's skills on the Bass and her creative and new Jazz compositions,  you will be surprised that she is only 25 years old.  She plays and composes like a seasoned andd skilled Jazz professional! Domi explains, "I gain inspiration from being alone in nature (usually skiing). Most of the songs have stories behind them/are about something very specific".  It is so satisfying that so many young and talented musicians are still committed to the traditional American Jazz. 

Domi is joined by two other highly talented young musicians who complete her trio.  Spencer Zweifel plays wonderful Piano and Bobby Wiens provides perfect rhythm support.  In my opinion this is one of the best traditional Jazz Trios performing today.

I have attached an Domi Edson original composition titled, "Crocos" that showcases her immensely talented composing skills.  The second attachment is a Freddie Hubbard composition titled "Up Jumped Spring".

PLAYLIST:

1. Shiny Stockings

2. Domi's New Blues

3. In Waltzed Minnie

4. Panoramic

5. Killarney Glen

6. You and the Night and the Music

7. Lush Life

8. Crocos

9. When You're Smiling

10. For Col Tom Blue

11. Up Jumped Spring

PLAYERS: 

Domi Edson- Bass, Compositions and Arrangements

Spencer Zweifel- Piano

Bobby Wiens- Drums 

                                                                          "Crocos"

                                                                    "Up Jumped Spring"

CD Review: Roberta Donnay, Blossom-ing!

  

Vocalist, Composer and Producer,  Roberta Donnay celebrates Blossom Dearie on her 10th album,"Blossom-ing!".  Donnay has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in the music industry and has toured through the US and Internationally.  She has received many awards including the ASCAP composer award for her song "One World".    

Donnay became a Blossom Dearie fan many years ago for Dearie's ability to produce simple but swinging  storytelling.  Roberta Donnay has exhibited the same musical characteristicss in her large body of work but adds her own sassy, bluesy interpretations that her audiences love.  She has created a wonderful sound and when combined with her superb phrasing makes anything she sings perfect for the listener.

Donnay has selected 16 songs associated with Dearie for this album that our perfect.  The song written by of the greatest and most honored composers and lyricists in America.   Some of the songs will be familiar to you and others will quickly become new favorites for you.   I honestly enjoyed every minute listening to this Album and its wonderful playlist of songs.  

The musicians that Donnay selected for this Album also greatly contributed to the high level of this musical product.  Great vocalist, great songs and great musicians is always a winning combination for any album. 

Picking two songs out of the 16 classic songs on this CD was difficult.  The songs on this album will  satisfy even the most selective Jazz vocalist fans. Want-to-be Jazz vocalists should use Roberta Donnay's "Blossom-ing!" as one of their learning master classes.  The quality of Donnay's voice is amazing and her phrasing is Sinatra-like.  The song I have attached is titled "Roberta's Blues" was written by Billie Holiday and later adapted by Blossom Dearie.  The second song, "Unless It's You" was written by Johnny Mandel and Morgan Ames.   I was not familar with this Mandel song but after hearing it the first time, it has become one of my favorite songs.  Johnny Mandel is a giant talent and yet, in my opinion, never gets the attention and adoration of the general public he truly deserves. The music and lyric for this song is superb and Donnay's storytelling phrasing is perfect! 

PLAYLIST:

1. Roberta's Blues

2. Peel Me A Grape

3. Just One Of Those Things

4. Inside A Silent Tear

5. Plus Je T'Embrasse

6. Someone To Watch Over Me

7. Moonlight Savings Time

8. A Paris

9. The Party's Over

10. If I Were A Bell

11. Spring In Manhattan

12. Unless It's You

13. You Fascinate Me

14. I Wish You Love

15. It Amazes Me

16. Put On A Happy Face

PLAYERS:

Roberta Donnay- Vocals, Producer, Co-Arranger

Mike Greensill- Piano, Arranger

Ruth Davies- Bass

Mark Lee- Drums

Jose Neto- Guitar

David Sturdevant- Harmonica on "Spring In Manhattan"

MB Gordy- Percussion on "Inside A Silent Tear"

  

 

 

                                                                      " Roberta's Blues"

                                                                       

                                                                    "Unless It's You"

CD Review: Paul Marinaro, "Not Quite Yet"

 

I am delighted to introduce Vocalist Paul Marinaro to Music Man followers.  Paul's hometown is Chicago where he regularly performs at Joe and Wayne Segal's Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, Andy's Jazz Club and Winter's Jazz Club.  Paul has all the tools necessary to establish himself as one of the top male Jazz singers performing today.  First and foremost he is a story teller who brings life to the lyrics he sings.   His baritone voice is deep and golden.  Lastly and perhaps most importantly,  Paul takes his choice of songs for his albums very seriously.  The playlist is unusual in song selection because each song and emotional lyric is very different, and, yet they fit together perfectly.  According to Paul,  "this album is an honest and personal collection of songs which address themes and reflect moods that are characteristic of me at this stage. Though these eternal themes are common our interpretations were colored and shaped by the circumstances in which we most recently found ourselves."

Take some time to review the playlist list below.  I think it's a fascinating group of songs from many different genres that work great together.  Picking a couple off "YouTube" was no easy task.  There are two songs from David Bowie, a couple of songs from the Bergmans, one from Sondheim and others from outstanding composers of our time.   I attached two songs that I think illustrate the vast talents of Paul Marinaro.  The first is a song written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells called "Born To Be Blue" and the second song "No One Ever Tells You" was written by Hub Atwood and Carroll Coates for Frank Sinatra.  A special mention of Mike Allemana who in addition to playing Guitar on the album also wrote  outstanding, creative arrangements for all the songs.   

PLAYLIST:

1. Born To Be Blue

2. Someone To Light Up My Life

3. Make Me Rainbows

4. 5:15 the Angels Have Gone

5. Remind Me

6. No One Ever Tells You

7.  Invitation

8. The Island

9. Taking A Chance on Love

10. On A Wonderful Day Like Today

11. That's All 

12. Searching

13. I Remember

14. No Plan

PLAYERS:

Paul Marinaro- Vocals

Mike Allemana- Guitar and Arrangements

Tom Vaitsas- Piano

John Tate- Bass (All except 5, 13)

George Fludas- Drums

Horns (Tracks 1,3,6,7,9,10)

Marques Carroll- Trumpet

Raphael Crawford- Trombone

Chris Madsen- Tenor Sax

Greg Ward- Alto Sax

Rajiv Halim- Clarinet (Track 11 only)

Jim Gailloreto- Flute (Track 12 only)

KAIA String Orchestra  (Tracks 2,4,8,9,11,12,14)

Victoria Moreira- Violin

Naomi Culp- Violin

Amanda Grimm- Viola

Hope DeCelle- Cello 

                                                                  "Born To Be Blue"

                                                               "No One Ever Tells You"

CD Review: Brian Landrus, "Red List"

 

Baritone Saxophonist, Bass Clarinetist and composer, Brian Landaus has released his 11th album as a leader titled "Red List".  The album is dedicated to the preservation of our endangered species.  Landrus is collaborating with the organization "Save The Elephants" to sound alarm and he hopes he can facilitate  "Critical yet uncomfortable conversations about changing our global habit of destroying nature for out own gain".  

Brian has invited a talented group of musician friends to support him on this CD and help present the wonderfully musical compositions he has composed especially for this project.  Landrus organized a "GoFundme" campaign for "Red List", donating 20% of all proceeds and 100% of the profits to "Save The Elephants" which has been working to ensure a future for African Elephants for nearly 30 years.

At the "Red List" sessions, Landrus conveyed to his supporting musicians the sense of urgency he was seeking in his music.  "I told them that I wanted the energy to be very intense, I wanted it to be like,  it's now or never".

The song I selected to attach from the album is titled "Tigris" and it gives the listener the intensity the composer and his supporting cast were trying to capture.  Landrus performs a scorching Bari Sax solo and Alto Sax player Jaleel Shaw follows in suit.  Then Guitarist Nir Felder takes the lead to give it a proper finish.  This is a sensations piece of writing and performances!

Brian Landrus is a major voice on Baritone Sax and Bass Clarinet and a prolific composer.  He wide-ranging credits include playing with some of the world's great Jazz musicians like Fred Hersch, Esperanza Spalding, Rakalam Bob Moses, Billy Hart, Geroge Garaonem the Maria Schneider Orchestra and his teacher and mentor Bob Brookmeyer.  He also has a great resume on the pop-side also, touring with The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Coasters The Drifters and Martha Reeves.

PLAYERS:

Brian Landrus- Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Compostions, Arrangements

Ryan Keberle- Trombone

Geoffrey Keezer- Keyboard

Nir Felder-Guitar

Ron Blake- Tenor Sax

Jaleel Shaw- Alto Sax

Lonnie Plaxico- Bass

John Hatfield- Percussion:

Steve Roach- Trumpet

Rudy Royston-Drums

Corey King- Vocalist

PLAYLIST:

1. Canopy of Trees

2. The Red List

3. Giant Sands

4. Nocturnal Flights

5. Tigris

6. The Distant Deeps

7. Save The Elephants

8. Mariana Dove

9. Bwindi Forest

10. Congo Basin

11. Leatherbacks

12. Upriver

13. Only Eight

14. Laquita

15. Javan Rhino   

                                                                             "Trgris"                                                            

CD Review: Rich WIlley, "Putting On The Ritz"

 Multi-talented Rich Willey has released a tasty new CD, "Puttin On The Ritz".  Rich Willey is very impressive performing on Trumpet and Bass Trumpet.  Willey also plays Valve Trombone, Tuba and Electronic Valve Instruments (EVI).  Rich Willey has an extensive academic Jazz background and a vast performing resume that includes touring with the Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau , Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Cab Calloway Orchestra, the Sammy Kaye Orchestra and the Nelson Ridddle Orchestra.  His Trumpet tone and improvisation skills are at the highest level as his arranging skills are world-class.  He performs regularly in the Southeast.  Willey taught at University of North Carolina Asheville for tweleve years and seven years at Clemson University.  His Jazz education background includes being a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music earning a master's in Jazz performance/Trumpet. 

His style and touch on the Trumpet and his arranging are strongly rooted in the traditional American Jazz approach to music.  "Puttin On The Ritz" contains some beautiful Jazz standards and a few Willey original compositions he arranged for four horns  The CD was produced by the phenomenal Trumpeter and gifted Arranger Carey Deadman.  Deadman also arranged the string parts on eight tunes.

As you listen to the songs attached below, it will transport you back to the time when you first started loving Jazz.  They are intelligent understandable arrangements played by highly professional Jazz artists.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos below.  The first is the standard "If I Should Lose You" with a tasty arrangement and solos by Rich Willey on Trumpet and Paul Mutzabaugh on Piano.  The string arrangement was by Carey Deadman.   The second tune is an up-tempo Willey arrangement of "Poor Butterfly". It features solos by Rich Willey on Bass Trumpet and EVI and Paul Mutzabaugh on Piano.  The string arrangement was done by Carey Deadman. 

                                                                    "If I Should Lose You"

                                                                     "Poor Butterfly"

PLAYLIST:

1. Poor Butterfly

2. If I Should Lose You

3. I'll Be Seeing You

4. Puttin' On The Ritz

5. My Melancholy Baby

6. Holy Trinity

7. Song For Janet

8. Uncle Remus

9. Sweet Lorraine

10. Hard Hearted Hannah

11. But For The Grace of God