CD Reveiw: Eric Goletz, "Standard-ized"

Muti-talented Trombonist, Pianist, Composer and Arranger Eric Goletz released his third CD as leader and it's a beauty.  Jazz Trombone is a beautiful instrument when played at the professional level Eric provides.  His tone and dexterity are warm and hot all at the same time.  Until Eric released his first CDs, "Into The Night" in 2021 and his second CD  "A New Light" in 2022, Eric had already made his succefull mark as composer and sideman.  Since taking over control of his own CDs, he has already established himself as one of today's Jazz performing super-stars.  His arrangements on "Standard-ized" are exciting and brilliant.  They bring new life to a list of not only sensational Jazz standards but some comtempory gems too.  Eric skillfully re-imagines modern Jazz standards and classic songs out of the Great American Songbook with hip arrangements and great band sounds.

I can't say enough about the quality of the players on this CD or the creative mix of the playlist Eric has put together for "Standard-ized".  He chose music composed by Stevie Wonder, Charlie Parker, Horace Silver, Michel Legrand, George Gershwin, and Stanley Turpentine.  Once you listen to Eric's CD, I guarantee you will be longing for more.  I hope Eric puts a Standard-ized II on his "To Do" list.

I usually only attach two songs from the CD I am reviewing but not this time.  Eric's exceptional talents just can't be covered with two songs so you are treated to 3 songs off the CD.  The first song attached below is a Charlie Parker original composition, "Now's The Time".  It will let you hear Eric's sensational arrangement and the swing band.  The second song is an old chestnut, "Just In Time" and you will marvel at the tempo, the arrangement and Eric's fine Trombone work.  And I couldn't resist attaching Stevie Wonder's classic "Overjoyed" so you could hear Eric's melow Trombone tones doing justice to this comtempory gem. 

Playlist:

1. Now's The Time

2. Just In Time

3. Caravan

4. Nutville

5. Nature Boy

6. Train Shuffle

7. Jungle Juice

8. Mayreh

9. The Summer Knows

10. Summertime

11. Sugar

12. Windmills of Your mind

13. Overjoyed

14. Now's The Time Outro

Players: 

Eric Goletz- Trombone, Piano (Tracks 9,12,13) Compositions, Arrangements

Special Guests:

    Don Braden- Soprano Sax

    LaJuan Carter- Vocals

Henry Heinitsh- Guitar

Jim Ridl- Piano

Brian Glassman- Acoustic & Electric Basses

Marco Panascia- Electric Bass (Track 12)

Steve Johns- Drums

Joe Mowatt- Percussion

The Strings:

    Robin Zeh- Violin

    Paul Woodiel- Violin

    Michael Roth- Viola

    David Gold- Viola

    Sarah Hewitt-Ross- Cello

    Brian Glassman- Contra Bass   

 

                                                                        "Now The Time"

                                                                        "Just In Time"

                                                                            "Overjoyed"

CD Review: Anthony E. Nelson Jr., "Swinging Sunset"

Saxophonist and Composer Anthony E. Nelson Jr. is a young and talented musician who grew up in Essex County New Jersey.  In and around the Newark area Anthony was fortunate to hear some of the best Jazz and R&B musicians performing in the 1990's.  That was where he heard Jimmy McGriff and fell in love with the Organ as a Jazz instrument.  His instrument of choice is the Tenor Sax and Nelson's playing is influenced by some of the Jazz giants in Jazz history.  For his latest album, "Swinging Sunset " Nelson says, "I wanted to honor the cats who knew how to do an organ trio right.  But I also wanted to pay homage to the great sax players that shaped my understanding of music.  I have a great love for artists like Gene Ammons, Houston Person, Stanley Turrentine and other sax giants without whom I wouldn't be the musician I am today".   Nelson's sax playing is very accessible because it's lyrical with a deep warm sound.  He approaches a tune like a singer approaches a song lyric. 

This is Anthony E. Nelson's 5th CD as leader and proves that he can reach across generational and genre lines.   The Baptist church has played a major role in his life, and his spirituality is reflected in his each of his CDs.

Nelson is joined by two veteran musicians, Cecil Brooks III on Drums and Kyle Koehler on Hammond B3 Organ.  This wonderful CD is an excellent example of why Jazz Organ Trios are so popular.

I have attached two "YouTube" songs for your listening pleasure.  The first song is "Canadian Sunset" written by Eddie Heywood and brought into Jazz history by Gene Ammons.  Being a Sax player myself, I have always been drawn to Ammons' version of this song.  Nelson's phrasing and tone pay homage to one of his and our Jazz heroes, the great Gene Ammons.  The second song "Uno Mas Por Roberto" is an original composition written by Nelson for his uncle Bob who speaks fluent Spanish.  Nelson says the song has a Soul/Bossa vibe.

Playlist:

1. Canadian Sunset

2. One More Once

3. Girl Talk

4. Uno Mas Por Roberto

5. These Foolish Things

6. Minor Chant

7. Mildew

8. Why Did I Choose You

9. One A Misty Night

10. Three Little Words

11. Walk With Me

12. Last Call

Players:

Anthony E. Nelson, Jr- Tenor Sax, Compositions

Kyle Koehler- Hammond B3 Organ

Cecil Brooks III- Drums   

                                                                      "Canadian Sunset"

                                                                  "Uno Mas Por Roberto"

CD Review: Ben Cassara, "What A Way To Go"

 

New York based Vocalist Ben Cassara released his new album, "What A Way To Go" in late December of 2022.  Ben is a cabaret and Jazz club singer whose singing will bring you back to when Jazz clubs in both NYC and LA were having their finest hour.  His voice and his interpretion of Lyric and Music is exceptionally good in my opinion.  No noise here, just pure understanding of lyrics performed in a traditional Jazz method.  Cassara sounds cool and calm on his CD and he brings along some of the finest musicians to support him.  The Arrangements from Josh Richman and Ronny Whyte are refreshingly good.

The Playlist Cassara put together for his CD are classic Jazz vocalist examples of cool music.  He draws heavily on the lyrics of Dave Frishberg while including two terrific songs from Jobim.  I have attached a "YouTube" of Cassara singing Jobim's "Living On Dreams" which includes English lyrics by Susannah McCorkel.  

It is so wonderful that gentle Jazz voices like Ben Cassara's can find small and intimate Jazz clubs in which to perform in major cities across the country.  He understands the messages that great songs have and he sings like he is telling a story to his audience.  Sadly, today there are not a lot of Vocalists who can pull off singing lyrics that are sensitive and tell a story.  Ben Cassara is a shining example of what makes Jazz cabaret singing so wonderful, and I am happy to support him and get the word out to my Jazz friends.

Playlist:

1. I Just Found Out About Love

2. Living On Dreams

3. What A Way To Go

4.  The Party Upstairs

5. Zanzibar

6. Fotographia

7. Let's Eat Home

8. Throw Me A Word

9. Secret Love

10. I Wish I Knew

11. I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

12. Wheelers And Dealers

13. Linger Awhile

14. I Think I fell In Love Today

Players:

Ben Cassara- Vocals

Josh Richman- Piano & Arrangements

Ronny Whyte- Piano & Arrangements

Harry Allen- Saxophone

Boots Maleson- Bass

Tim Horner- Drums

  

                                                                  " Living On Dreams"    

                            

                                                           "I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart"
                                                                

CD Review: Angela DeNiro with the Ron Aprea Big Band, "Swingin' With Legends 2"

 

Arranger, Conductor and Alto Sax genius Ron Aprea and Vocalist Angela DeNiro have recently published their new album, "Swingin' With Legends 2" which includes the marvelous singing from Angela DeNiro, The Ron Aprea Big Band with special guest artists, Randy Brecker, Ken Peplowski and Lew Tabackin.  The first "Swingin' With Legends" album was published in 1997 to outstanding critical praise!  Now 26 years later, Ron and Angela have published their second "Swinging With Legends 2" album and its a spectacular example of what Big Band music with a vocalist is all about.  This new CD swings and reminds us all of the golden years of Big Band Jazz so sadly missing from today's music scene.  The truth is that this music is still wonderful but very expensive to produce.  Thanks to Ron Aprea's and Angela DeNiro's relentless desire to keep Big Band music going, we can still enjoy this exceptional music today.  Ron and his big band featuring vocalist Angela DeNiro are still performing and recently appeared at several Jazz venues in the New York area including a recent performace at Birdland.

Ron Aprea has an amazing musical resume that includes a long-time association with his friend, Alto Sax giant Phil Woods back in the 1970s.  Ron and Phil remained close friends until Phil's death in 2015.  Ron composed and arranged "For Phil" as a tribute to his friend.  I have attached a "YouTube" so you can listen to Ron's tribute to Phil. It's a terrific arrangement with a vocal by Angela and some sweet Alto work by Todd Bashore.

I was first introduced to Ron and Angela by two California desert friends, Steve Madieo and Pat Rizzo.  Steve and Pat both played along side Ron when they were all living in New York many years ago. Ron's and Steve's friendship started when they both recorded with John Lennon and continued throughout their lives.

Ron and Angela were married in 1985 and have been making beautiful music ever since.  They both are dedicated to their music and have never let anything stop them from performing and recording sensational music.  The songs they selected for this album are perfect for anyone who loves the big band sound.  Ron Aprea's arrangements are refresing, new and inspiring as you will discover from Angela's major league vocals.

My personal thanks to both Ron Aprea and Angela DeNiro for continuing to make music for the rest of us to enjoy!  If you are a fan of the big band sound and great music in general, please buy this album and support this talented pair of world class musicians.  

PLAYLIST:

1. New York City Blues

2. You'd Be So Easy To Love

3. Hello Young Lovers

4. A House Is Not A Home

5. Willow Weep For Me

6. It Might As Well Be Spring

7. Don't Cha Go 'Way Mad

8. Two For the Road

9. That Old Black Magic

10. Come In From The Rain

11. On Green Dolphin Street

12. My One And Only Love

13. For Phil

14. The Curtain Falls

PLAYERS:

Angela DeNiro-Vocals

Ron Aprea- Arranger and Conductor

Todd Bashore- Alto Sax, Flute

Elijah Schiffer- Alto, Flute

Nathan Childers- Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet

Lee Greene- Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet

Doug Dehays- Baritone Sax, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet

Bryan Davis- Trumpet

Chris Persad- Trumpet

Matthew Timm- Trumpet

Shawn Edmonds- Trumpet

Wayne Goodman- Trombone

Matt Haviland- Trombone

Brandon Moodie- Trombone

Dale Turk- Bass Trombone

Cecilla Coleman- Piano

Tim Givens- Bass

Jonathan Mele- Drums

Guests:

Lew Tabackin- Tenor Sax & Flute (Track 6 & 8)

Ken Peplowski- Clarinet (Track 2)

Randy Brecker-Trumpet (Track 3)

  

I had a difficult time picking just two cuts from this CD.  The first one is the classic "You'd Be So Easy To love" and I think Angela vocal just excell.  For all vocalist, singing with a big band charging behind you is always a difficult task that few ever master.  Angela's voice and phrasing on this CD become one with this blazing band, never too little and never too much.  The second "YouTube" is the original Aprea tune, "For Phil",  composed by Ron as a tribute to the late Phil Woods.

                                                             "You'd Be So Easy To Love"

                                                                           "For Phil"

CD Review: Kenny Shanker, "Vortex"

 

A year ago I reviewed Kenny Shanker's CD, "Beautiful Things" and I thought it was an amazing collection of music.  It describes perfectly the kind of music Kenny Shanker selects and plays.  Kenny Shanker is not just a great Alto and Soprano saxophonist, he also plays Piano and is an award-winning composer.  On Kenny's newly released album, "Vortex" he has put together a collection of original compositions and Jazz standards. 

Kenny Shanker's style excites me in the same way I was excited when I first discovered Jazz from the Dave Brubeck Quartet in the late 50's.  Kenny's tone and phrasing reminds me of my all-time favorite Alto player, Paul Desmond.  "Vortex" combines some of Shanker's favorite supporting players and all 10 songs on the playlist are terrific.

For all the up-and-coming Alto players reading this review, Kenny Shanker gives private lessons on Sax and Piano and you can find out more about this exciting opportunity by going to his site, www.kennyshanker.com.

I picked two "YouTube" videos for your listening pleasure.  The first one was picked because it's beautiful but because it is also a simply a classic Jazz tune, "Autumn Leaves".   The second song was written by Dave Brubeck and titled "The Duke" and gave me a very positive reminder about how much I love  Dave Brubeck and his quartet.  

Players:

Kenny Shanker- Alto and Soprano Sax

Bill Mobley-Trumpet

Daisuke Abe- Guitar

Mike Eckroth- Piano

Yoshi Waki- Bass

Brian Fishler- Drums

Playlist:

1. Vortex

2. Lulu's Back in Town

3. Winter Song

4. Hunter

5. Ramble

6. Nightfall

7. The Duke

8. Cinnamon

9. Midnight Snack

10. Autumn Leaves    

                                                                    "Autumn Leaves"

                                                                            "The Duke"

CD Review: Darmon Meader, "Losing My Mind"

Vocalist, Saxophonist, Arranger and Composer, Darmon Meader has released his second solo project, "Losing My Mind".  When I received the promotion copy of this CD, I saw a photo of Darmon standing holding a Tenor Sax and I thought the music would feature the Tenor. However, as I got further into the promotional material, I discovered that while Darmon is an outstanding Tenor player, he is also a great Jazz Vocalist.  This album shines a light on classics from the Great American Songbook and Meader proves without any doubt that he has the vocal chops to handle these great songs.  He gives us a master class in the art of scatting.  His phrasing is dead-on and his voice has a soft comfortable feel that is the perfect match for the classics in this CD.  We also get to hear a couple of original Meader tunes that are wonderful. 

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to.  The first was written by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II, "The Song Is You" and you will love it.  The second is the title track, "Losing My Mind" written by Stephen Sondheim.  This CD is terrific and an example of current American Jazz that is easily assessable by any listener.

 Playlist:

1. It Could Happen To You

2. Losing My Mind

3. Last Call

4. Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise

5. Gaia's Lament

6. I hear Music

7. Lembra de Mim

8. The Last Thing On My Mind

9. Lovely Day

10. East of the Sun

11. All My Loving

12. The Song Is You

Players:

"The Song Is You"

    Vocal-Darmon Meader

    Piano- Andy Ezrin

    Bass- Jay Anderson

    Drums- Ben Wittman

    Alto& Tenor Sax- Darmon Meader

    Bari Sax- Steve Kenyon

    Trumpets- Frank Greene & Scotty Barnhart

    Trombones- Mike Davis & Jay Ashby

"Losing My Mind"

    Vocal- Darmon Meader

    Piano- Andy Ezrin

    Guitar- Romero Lubambo

    Bass- Jay Anderson

    Drums- Ben Wittman

    Flute- Steve Kenyon

    Clarinet - Darmon Meader

    Violins- Gina Buzzelli & Maria Rusu

    Cello- Cesar Colmenares & Teodore Tusu

                                                                    "The Song Is You"

                                                                    "Losing My Mind"

CD Review: Chloe Jean: "Fairy Tale Fail"

                

Jazz Vocalist and Songwriter Chole Jean has just released her new CD, "Fairy Tale Fail".  The CD playlist is very interesting because it combines five original compositions, covers of four classic standards and a latin arrangement of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy".  The playlist illustrates Chloe Jean's ability to perform across many music styles with the same high level of vocal skills.  Chloe lyrics are very personal and give us insight into her own life and experiences. Success in the music business environment today is beyond hard for artist. It's brutal and Chloe's title song, "Fairy Tale Fail" warns us that life does not have Disney endings.  "Prince charming may "pick you up, but eventually lets you down."Musicans performing today need unbelievable strength to keep pursuing their musical dreams.  Chloe like all musicians  experienced times when she questioned her motives about pursing music as a career.  Fortunately for us, she has worked through these dark periods and now has published proof of her skills as a Vocialist and Composer.  Her voice is strong and clear with a sort of bluesy quality to it.  Her phrasing is at times R & B inspired, but in her CD she proves without a doubt that she can handle time honored standards also with no problem.

Guitarist Ray Oviedo did a wonderful job producing and arranging this CD.   The supporting cast of musicians contributing to this CD are all seasoned musicians and performed at the highest level.  All and all, I found this CD very enjoyable and accessible.  I love Chloe's music and lyrics and thought she handled the standards perfectly.  If you are a fan of exceptionally good Jazz vocals make sure you buy this CD, and I am positive Chloe Jean will quickly become one of your favorites.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to that will present Chloe's talents clearly to you. The first is a cover of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy" that I found interesting. The second is an original titled "Crazy" that speaks to the insane behavior that one echibits when in love. 

                                                                    "Bad Guy"

                                                                        "Crazy"

PLAYLIST:

1. Black Sheep

2. Cry Me A River

3. Fairy Tale Fail

4. I Left My Heart in San Francisco

5. Don't Know Why

6. Bad Guy

7. Free

8. Where Love Began

9. Crazy

10 First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

11. Blue Skies

PLAYERS:

Chloe Jean-Vocals, Compositions

David K. Mathews-Keyboard

Marc Van Wageningen-Bass

Peter Michael Escovedo-Percussion

Peter Horvath-Piano

Dan Feiszli-Bass

Billy Johnson-Drums

Jason Lewis-Drums

Mike Olmos-Trumpet

Norbert Stachel-Tenor Sax

Charles McNeal-Tenor Sax