CD Review: Royce Campbell feauturing the Vosbein Magee Big Band, "Vagabond"

Acclaimed guitarist and composer Royce Campbell has just released his new CD, Vagabond, featuring the Vosbein Magee Big Band, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The album contains ten original Campbell compositions plus a stunning version of the timeless standard, Body and Soul.

Campbell has long been a respected figure in the jazz world, having recorded with greats such as Nancy Wilson, Mel Tormé, Sarah Vaughan, Fred Hersch, and Rosemary Clooney, just to name a few. On Vagabond, however, Campbell is front and center—not just for his elegant guitar work, but also for his distinctive writing style. What strikes me most is the way he builds strong, memorable melodies that blossom into beautiful music. It’s easy to understand why Henry Mancini kept Campbell on tour for over two decades, and why Quincy Jones once remarked, “Every note Royce plays is perfect.”

The Vosbein Magee Big Band, formed in 2015, provides the perfect setting for Campbell’s work. Co-led by Terry Vosbein, the band has earned a reputation for reviving unique and under-explored jazz works, and here they bring Campbell’s originals to life with energy, clarity, and swing. This is big band tradition at its best: music that feels both fresh and familiar, accessible yet inventive.

Two tracks especially stood out to me. The title track, Vagabond, swings hard and immediately draws you in with its driving rhythm and smart arrangement. Then there’s Body and Soul, a standard we’ve all heard countless times, but here reimagined with an outstanding Carroll DeCamp arrangement. Campbell’s playing is tender yet assured, making this version one of the most compelling I’ve heard in years.

This is an album that showcases both the artistry of Royce Campbell and the vitality of the Vosbein Magee Big Band. If you’re looking for jazz that honors tradition while offering something truly fresh, Vagabond belongs on your playlist.

PLAYLIST:

1. Peepers

2. Gentle Breeze

3. A Sharp Blues

4. Body and Soul

5. Mambo Puente

6. Moon Cycle

7. Vagabond

8. Middle Ground

9. Dancing Waterfall

10. Inner Peace

11. Viper

PLAYERS:

Bill Schnepper- Alto, Soprano, Flute

Greg Moody- Alto, Clarinet, Percussion

James Cotton- Tenor, Clarinet

Kelli Birchfield- Tenor

Kyle Greaney- Bari

Matthew Billings- Piano

Bob Bowen- Upright and Electric Bass

DeWayne Peters- Drums

Chris Magee, Alec Moser, Brian Quackenbush, Kerry Moffit- Trumpet

Matt Niess, Tome Lundberg, Tom McKenzie, Tyler Bare- Trombone

Royce Campbell- Guitar and Compsitions

Terry Vosbein- Director 

I have attached two songs from "Vagabond".  The first is a spirited Campbell composition and the title tune, "Vagabond".  The second is a beautiful sounding arrangement of "Body and Soul".

                                                                    "Vagabond"

                                                                    "Body and Soul"

CD Review: University of Nevada Las Vegas Jazz Emsemble 1, "Let The Good Times Roll".

The UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1 proves that jazz is alive and thriving in Las Vegas with their new release, Let the Good Times Roll. Directed by Dave Loeb and Nathan Tanouye, this 12-track album blends youthful energy with professional polish, featuring fresh student arrangements and first-rate ensemble playing.

From the opening title track to the closing “Finale (for Katie Charlotte)”, the band delivers big-band swing, lyrical ballads, and inventive new works. Guest artists—Laura Taylor, Curt Miller, Kenny Rampton, Clint Holmes, Naomi Mauro, Adam Schroeder, and Dr. Isrea Butler—add star power, while student composers and arrangers showcase the future of the art form.

With nearly 30 musicians bringing passion and precision, the recording is both a celebration of tradition and a glimpse into jazz’s exciting next chapter.

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Playlist:

1. Let the Good Times Roll

2. Chinoiserie

3. Too Close for Comfort

4. Emily

5. Check Up

6. Bohemia After Dark

7. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes

8. Alright, Okay, You Win

9. The Collective

10. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

11. Braggin' n’ Brass

12. Finale (For Katie Charlotte)

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Players:

Guest Artists: Laura Taylor (vocals), Curt Miller (trombone), Kenny Rampton (trumpet), Clint Holmes (vocals), Naomi Mauro (vocals), Adam Schroeder (baritone sax), Dr. Isrea Butler (trombone)
Student Musicians: 27 members of UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1 (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, rhythm section, vibraphone, and French horn)
Arrangers/Composers: Surafael Tamre, Tristan Selzler, Jaren Glick, Renzon Maballo, Mateo Hurtado de Mendoza

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I have attached two cuts from the CD for your listening pleasure.  The first tune is the Johnny Mandel classic "Emily" with a terrific arrangement from Renzon Maballo and features great solo work from Curt Miller.  The second selection is "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes" written by Ben Weissman and arranged by Jaren Glick.

                                                                              "Emily"

                                                          "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes"

 

CD Review: Antonia Bennett, "Expressions"

When you’re the daughter of a legend like Tony Bennett, the expectations can feel overwhelming—but Antonia Bennett rises beautifully to the challenge. With Expressions, she steps out confidently from her father’s shadow and into her own well-deserved spotlight.

For 15 years, Antonia shared the stage as her father’s opening act, quietly building her craft and learning lessons about artistry, song choice, and the value of surrounding yourself with the finest musicians. That education is evident here.  Expressions is a carefully curated album that balances jazz standards, timeless ballads, and fresh interpretations—all delivered with clarity, warmth, and style.

Her voice is pure, elegant, and emotionally resonant. Each lyric is shaped with perfect phrasing, and every note feels both effortless and heartfelt. This isn’t imitation—it’s Antonia’s own artistic voice, honoring tradition while carving out new ground.  She is joined by a stellar ensemble: Christian Jacob (piano, arrangements), Larry Koonse (guitar), Kevin Axt (bass), and Kendall Kay (drums). Special guests include Randy Brecker on trumpet and flugelhorn, and David Thomas of Take 6 adding rich background vocals on Wherever You Go. Their sensitive, world-class musicianship provides the perfect canvas for Antonia’s voice.

Expressions is elegant, timeless, and deeply personal. With this release, Antonia Bennett affirms that she is not just carrying forward a family legacy—she is adding her own luminous chapter to the Great American Songbook.

PLAYLIST:

1. Do You Still Think of Me

2. Exactly Like You

3. Once I Loved

4. Baby

5. Comes Love

6. Vous Qui Passez Sans Me Voir

7. Right On Time

8. True Love

9. Wherever You Go

10. Ain’t Misbehavin’

11. Hushabye Mountain

12. After You

13. See You On The Other Side

PLAYERS:

• Antonia Bennett – Vocals

• Christian Jacob – Piano / Keyboards, Arranger

• Larry Koonse – Guitar

• Kevin Axt – Bass

• Kendall Kay – Drums

• Randy Brecker – Trumpet / Flugelhorn (guest)

• David Thomas (Take 6) – Background Vocals on “Wherever You Go”

I have attached two songs from Antonia's CD,  the first is "Do You Still Think Of Me" and the second "Once I Loved".  

                                                           " Do You Still Think Of Me'

                                                                "Once I Loved"

                        

Judy Whitmore, " Let's Fall In Love"

Judy Whitmore has lived a life full of adventures—novelist, theater producer, therapist, even a pilot—and all of that life experience comes through when she sings. Her new album, Let’s Fall In Love, teams her with Grammy-nominated arranger Chris Walden and a killer group of L.A. musicians. The result? A classy, romantic ride through the "Great American Songbook".

The sound is big and lush, thanks to Walden’s orchestra (including a 22-piece string section), but Judy keeps it personal—like she’s singing right to you. Highlights for me are the dreamy A Time for Love, the swinging Taking a Chance on Love, and the playful duet with Ty Taylor on the title track. Add in solos from players like Josh Nelson (piano), Peter Erskine (drums), Wayne Bergeron (trumpet), and Hendrik Meurkens (harmonica), and you’ve got an album that sparkles from start to finish.

Playlist 

1. I’ll Take Romance

2. All of You

3. A Time for Love

4. Taking a Chance on Love

5. How Long Has This Been Going On

6. Let’s Fall In Love (duet with Ty Taylor)

7. The Very Thought of You

8. It’s All Right with Me

9. Crazy He Calls Me

10. More Than You Know

11. I’ve Got a Crush on You

12. How Deep Is the Ocean

Players

• Vocals – Judy Whitmore

• Guest Vocal – Ty Taylor (Let’s Fall In Love)

• Trumpets – Wayne Bergeron, Kye Palmer

• Trombones – Andy Martin, Alex Iles

• Saxophones & Woodwinds – Jeff Driskill (tenor sax), Sal Lozano, Jacob Scesney (baritone sax), Sean Franz, Chad Smith

• Piano – Josh Nelson

• Guitar – Andrew Synowiec

• Bass – Edwin Livingston

• Drums – Peter Erskine

• Harmonica – Hendrik Meurkens

• Percussion – Wade Culbreath

• Arranger/Conductor/Producer – Chris Walden

Bottom line: If you love the "Great American Songbook", this album feels like a gift. Judy Whitmore and Chris Walden breathe new life into songs we’ve all cherished, and the musicianship is top-notch. Put on Let’s Fall In Love with a glass of wine, and let it sweep you away.

I attached two tracks from this CD for your listening pleasure.  They are two of my favorite standards, "Taking A Chance On Love" and "The Very Thought Of You".

                                                        "Taking a Chance On Love"

                                                             "The Very Thought Of You"

CD Review: Rodney Whitaker, "Mosaic"

Legendary bassist Rodney Whitaker’s new CD, Mosaic, offers a vibrant collaboration with the compositions of Gregg Hill—a venture for both Whitaker and Hill that proves utterly compelling, even for first-time listeners like myself. As soon as you hear the title track, “Mosaic,” you're hooked. Whitaker’s arrangements—rich, colorful, and meticulously crafted—bring Hill’s compositions to life with precision and warmth.

The album unfolds like a painting: each composition is filled with color and mood, offering a familiar comfort while simultaneously delivering the thrill of discovery. The supporting musicians, including Terell Stafford (trumpet), Dana Hall (drums), Tim Warfield (soprano sax), and Rick Roe (piano), are nothing short of masterful. Their synergy shines through every note, from lyricism to swing.

Vocalist Rockelle Whitaker lends her dreamy voice to four of Gregg Hill’s compositions—three of which she helped bring to life by writing lyrics. Her contributions add another lyrical layer and emotional depth. Tracks like “Moonscape” and “Unknown Ballad” showcase her impeccable blend of expressiveness and technical skill—holding together complex rhythms with soul and poise.

Stafford’s trumpet, Warfield’s saxophone, Hall’s dynamic drumming, and Roe’s lyrical piano all weave through the soundscape with grace and intensity. Listening to Mosaic feels like witnessing what happens when a group of seasoned jazz masters convene around bold, beautifully composed material—and the result is pure magic.

Mosaic isn’t just an album—it’s a heartfelt conversation between composer, arranger, and performers. It celebrates creative cohesion and jazz dialogue. For anyone unfamiliar with Whitaker or Hill’s work, this album is the perfect introduction—richly textured yet ear-opening, professional yet personal.

I have attached two songs from the CD for your listening pleasure.  The first is the title tune, "Mosaic" that introduces the listener to the group of talented musicians who take on this beautiful soundscape.  It  includes brilliant solo work from Trumpeter Terrell Stafford, Dummer Dana Hall,  Soprano Saxophonist Tim Warfield and Rick Roe on Piano.  The second song is "Moonscape" that melts together 6/8, 12/8 and 4/4 rhythms.  Rockelle Whitaker provides a great vocal to this ambitious melody that complete the beauty of the song.  

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PLAYLIST:

1. Mosaic

2. Unknown Ballad

3. Claxilever

4. Katie’s Tune

5. Moonscape

6. Ray‑Dias

7. Still Life with Tuba

8. Sloe Gin Fizz

9. Stargazer

10. Sunday Special

PLAYERS:

• Rodney Whitaker – bass & arrangements

• Terell Stafford – trumpet & flugelhorn

• Tim Warfield – alto, tenor & soprano saxophones

• Rick Roe – piano

• Dana Hall – drums

• Rockelle Whitaker – vocals on four tracks (including lyric-writing)

• Composer – Gregg Hill

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                                                                                "Mosaic"

                                                                                "Moonscape"

"Shades of Sound:" GIl Evans Project Live at the Jazz Standard, Vol2.

 Multi‑Grammy Award–winning producer Ryan Truesdell returns with Shades of Sound: Gil Evans Project Live at Jazz Standard, Vol. 2, recorded live May 13–18, 2014 at the beloved (now-closed) Jazz Standard in New York City. On a mission to honor the essence of Gil Evans, Truesdell explains:

“Live recording captures the intangible energy… It gives listeners a sense of the magic that happens when the notes are lifted off the page by these amazing musicians.”

He’s absolutely right—the palpable vitality on this CD transports you straight into the club, enveloping you in the moment, as though the band were performing just feet away.

The album kicks off with a powerhouse rendition of Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful,” featuring muscular solos from Donny McCaslin (tenor sax), Mat Jodrell (trumpet), Dave Pietro (alto sax), and Frank Kimbrough (piano). The emotional gravity continues through “The Ballad of the Sad Young Men,” where Kimbrough's understated piano and Ryan Keberle’s trombone shape a deeply introspective scene.

Truesdell dives into rare Evan’s gems with four previously unrecorded pieces. “Laughing at Life” spotlights vocalist Wendy Gilles, supported by lyrical solos from Tom Christensen and Steve Wilson. “Neetie’s Blues” is a slow‑burn revelation—Christensen’s tenor, Kimbrough’s bluesy phrasing, and Lewis Nash’s swinging drums build a soulful meditation. Gilles gracefully returns in “I Had Someone Else Before I Had You” and “It’s the Sentimental Thing to Do,” each capturing Evans’s early-Thornhill-era vocal and orchestral flair. Finally, “Buster’s Last Stand” closes the set with energizing force: Nash sets a fierce tempo, and solos from Greg Gisbert (trumpet), McCaslin (Tenor), and a full-throttle ensemble drive the piece home.

Truesdell’s live approach honors Evans’s alchemy—his arrangements breathe, shimmer, and resonate thanks to James Farber’s Grammy-winning engineering team (with Tyler McDiarmid and Geoff Countryman)—preserving audience warmth and immediacy, a hallmark of Truesdell’s mission.

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PLAYLIST:

1. Spoonful

2. The Ballad of the Sad Young Men

3. Laughing at Life

4. Neetie’s Blues

5. I Had Someone Else Before I Had You

6. Barbara Song

7. It’s the Sentimental Thing To Do

8. Buster’s Last Stand

PLAYERS:

Conductor

• Ryan Truesdell

Woodwinds

• Steve Kenyon (flute/clarinet)

• Steve Wilson (soprano/alto sax, alto flute, clarinet)

• Dave Pietro (alto sax, flute family)

• Donny McCaslin (tenor sax, flute, clarinet)

• Scott Robinson (tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet)

• Brian Landrus (baritone sax, clarinet, bass clarinet)

• Tom Christensen (alto flute, oboe, English horn)

• Alden Banta (bassoon, bass clarinet, baritone sax)

French Horns

• Adam Unsworth

• David Peel

Trumpets

• Augie Haas

• Greg Gisbert

• Mat Jodrell

Trombones

• Ryan Keberle

• Marshall Gilkes

• George Flynn (bass trombone)

Tuba

• Marcus Rojas

Rhythm Section & Others

• James Chirillo (guitar)

• Frank Kimbrough (piano)

• Jay Anderson (bass)

• Lewis Nash (drums)

• Lois Martin (viola)

• Wendy Gilles (voice)
  
  

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                                                                    "Buster's Last Stand"

                                                                    "All The Sad Young Men"

CD Review: Deborah Silver, "Basie Rocks"

Vocalist Deborah Silver has just released her groundbreaking new album, Basie Rocks, a vibrant and swinging reinterpretation of some of the most iconic rock classics of the last fifty years. What makes this project truly exceptional is Silver’s bold choice to reimagine these beloved hits through the rich, brassy textures and signature rhythms of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, under the direction of Scotty Barnhart.

Silver explains, “These classic rock songs are actually the soundtrack of my life. As a vocalist, I have always loved performing timeless big band arrangements, and it has been incredibly exciting to bring these two worlds together.” And she does so with elegance, flair, and a voice that is as strong and confident as it is silky and seductive.

On Basie Rocks, Deborah Silver doesn’t simply cover rock tunes—she transforms them. Each track is revitalized with swaggering horn sections, swinging rhythm, and sophisticated jazz phrasing. From high-energy anthems to tender ballads, the album is a seamless and joyful fusion of three powerhouse elements: the timeless melodies of classic rock, the infectious swing of the Count Basie Orchestra, and the luxurious voice of Deborah Silver. 

A large cast of super talented "Hall of Fame" musicians contributed to this project.  their contributions make "Basie Rocks" one of the year's best Jazz album!  The group included Peter Frampton, Kurt Elling, Steve Jordan, Arturo Sandoval, Pedrito Martinez, John Clayton, Monte Croft, Trombone Shorty, Bill Frisell, George Coleman, Wycliffe Gordon, Herlin Riley and Scotty Barnhart.

I have attached two cuts from "Basie Rocks" for your listening pleasure.  The first is the Sting block buster, "Every Breath You Take" and the second is the Rolling Stone's classic "Paint It, Black" with a wonderful solo from Arturo Sandoval.

                                                                    "Every Breath You Take"

                                                                "Paint It, Black"

 PLAYLIST:

1. Paint It, Black (feat. Arturo Sandoval & Pedrito Martínez)

2. Bennie and the Jets

3. Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton)

4. Tainted Love (feat. Kurt Elling, Steve Jordan & John Clayton)

5. Band on the Run

6. A Hard Day’s Night (feat. Monte Croft)

7. Joy to the World (feat. Trombone Shorty)

8. Fly Like an Eagle (feat. Bill Frisell)

9. Every Breath You Take (feat. George Coleman)

10. Old Time Rock & Roll (feat. Wycliffe Gordon & Herlin Riley)

11. Life’s Been Good (feat. Scotty Barnhart)

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PLAYERS:

• Deborah Silver – Vocals

• The Count Basie Orchestra – Full ensemble conducted by Scotty Barnhart

• Arturo Sandoval – Trumpet

• Pedrito Martínez – Percussion

• Peter Frampton – Guitar

• Kurt Elling – Vocals

• Steve Jordan – Drums & Co-producer

• John Clayton – Bass

• Monte Croft – Vibraphone

• Trombone Shorty – Trombone & Vocals

• Bill Frisell – Guitar

• George Coleman – Tenor Saxophone

• Wycliffe Gordon – Trombone & Vocals

• Herlin Riley – Drums/Washboard

• Lisa Fischer & Bernard Fowler – Background Vocals

The Count Basie Orchestra’s deep roster includes standout players such as David Glasser, Frank Greene, Clarence Banks, Glen Pearson, Will Matthews, Trevor Ware, and Robert Boone, among others—each contributing their own Basie-authentic flair to the production.

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