Issue # 161 reviews

Our latest and greatest reviews for your reading & listening pleasure

(Click HOME to see the index of all issues)

The links below are to REVIEWS I’ve written for Cadence Jazz World!!!

Dom Minasi/Blaise Siwula – The Sunshine Don’t Mind My Singing

Dario Chiazzolino and Nico Di Battista – Rewriting Song

NOTE: I normally only do 30 reviews per issue… due to the high volume of submissions, & the long recovery period for my recent surgery, I will be reviewing several more (20 additional, for a total of 50) for this issue (and future issues, until our backlog is honed down)… “normal” review cycles will resume when I’ve got the QUEUE down to under 100!

Jim Wellman – DAWN TO DUSK: At first listen, this release sounds a bit closer to thee “dreaded” smoove-jazz than I normally go, but as I listen the second (or maybe third) time ’round, it’s clear that tunes like the 4:37 “Lucy” have an undercurrent of talent & energy that defies such classifications. The titles, like “Premature Truth“, are all geared towards the theme Jim wrote about in the accompanying promo sheet – “The core of the work is the understanding that Man lives in a world of amazing technological development, but is still encumbered with medieval forms of government by representatives who serve mainly the interests of the elite”… I totally dug the voice-over on this one. Of the eleven well-executed tunes on the CD, it was the longest that caught my ear and got my vote for personal favorite – “Cynical Century” quite well expresses what Jim’s playing about here! Jim’s personal moniker for the music offered up here is “jazz/funk/disco”, and I think that fits quite well. I give Jim & his players/singers a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97 for this anti-propaganda album. Get more information at Jim’s website (where you can also watch some vids of the songs – cool). Rotcod Zzaj

Narada Michael Walden – EVOLUTION: There are times when turning the clock back (musically, at least) is a very good thing, and that’s certainly borne out by drummer Narada’s stunning September 2015 album release! Songs like the single that was released in August, “Billionaire on Soul Street“, will bring back some mighty sweet mem’ries of just how soulful the “good old days” were! Narada definitely knows how to kick out that jam & get the listener inspired… he’s played with lots of varied style groups, too, so he’s certainly got the “credz” needed… Weather Report, Jeff Beck, even Mahavishnu Orchestra! The percussion on the 5:13 cover of Richie Havens’ high-energy and poignant song “Freedom” is absolute killer – I loved this tune! It was the totally soul-filled performance on “Standing Tall” that made it my personal favorite of the thirteen rockin’ songs offered up for your listening and dancing pleasure. I give Narada & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97 for this superb release! Get more information about Michael at the Tarpan Records Artists page. Rotcod Zzaj

BWB – BWB: Most readers here know that (every once in a while) I hear a submission that just can NOT wait to be reviewed… the soulful music from Norman Brown on guitars/vocals, Kirk Whalum (sax, flute, vocals) and Rick Braun (trumpet, flugelhorn, valve trombone and vocals) only took eight bars to determine that this group (Brown, Whalum, Braun, i.e., BWB) merited it! Songs like “Bust A Move” brought flashbacks of my dancin’ days (or should I say “daze”). I totally dug the git-down horn work on “Bolly Bop“… folks, you can’t move to this one, you LOST it. If you want sexy sax, you’re gonna’ absolutely fall in love with “Lemonade“… this one just DRIPS th’ sweetness of phunk all over th’ place! It was the smooth & jazzy flow on “North Star” that made it my favorite song of the ten offered up, though; this song is also the reason it HAD to be reviewed – like NOW, peepz! I’m very (VERY) strongly impressed by this dow-un & funky group, and will be asking the promoter to make sure I get all (past, present & future) releases from this great band! BWB get a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of a (perfect) 5.00 – meaning they also get the “PICK” of this issue for “most soul-filled jazz” – this is definitely a band to keep your ear on. Get more information at the Mack Avenue page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Little Texas – YOUNG FOR A LONG TIME: My magazine doesn’t review a lot of country-rock… not because I don’t want to, it’s simply that the submissions are few for that genre, and the ones I do get are often lacking the energy levels required to get a review here. This one, though, will set off volcano alarms in your head, especially on tunes like the kick-butt “Rednecks Do Exist” shows true talent, both musically & lyrically… absolute fun… think Elvin Bishop on this one! On the more laid-back & reflective side of things, you’ll totally love “Take This Walk With Me” if you love songs ’bout love. From an intelligent lyric-writing standpoint, I’m very much reminded of my pal Pat Huggins on the drum-driven “Why I Brought My Boots“, but it was the old-fashioned rocker style on “This Hot In Texas” that got my vote for personal favorite of the thirteen tunes you get to listen to – SUPER guitar leads on this one. I give Dwayne O’Brien & his fellow players a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this fun album. Get more information at Cleopatra Records page for the album. Rotcod Zzaj

John Jorgenson – DIVERTUOSO: If you demand that your guitar listening reflect (nearly) all the styles available, from gypsy to straight jazz to (even) down-home y’all bluegrass, you’ll totally freak out for this great 3-CD limited edition release from guitar player John! His playing totally backs up the liner note mentions of his ability to be more diverse than (most) any other guitarists on the scene today… songs like “Jazzmaster 1“, though not a particularly exciting title, certainly let the listener know how laid-back John’s style can be (at the front of the song – he eventually rolls into one of the most soaring solos I’ve heard in 2016). I totally loved “Firebird” – and you will, too, if you’re at all serious about your listening (these songs are both from the “Gifts From The Flood” CD, by the way). On the “From The Crow’s Nest” disc, you’ll hear some mighty fine banjo pickin’ on tunes like “I Will Shelter You“… tellin’ ya’ folks, it doesn’t get any more diverse than that. It turns out that it was the “Returning” CD in the package that I preferred the most… songs like the 5:47 “Waiting For The Fog To Rise” are laid-back, yet full of the life-energy we all need to be listening to each and every day! Of the 40 tracks offered up, it turned out to be the beautiful “Black Swan” that captured my vote for personal favorite… be sure you listen to this track with the headphones on, people. As I said earlier, this box set crosses all the lines, and will give you hours & hours of superb listening. I give John & his crew-mates a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with and “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at the Cleopatra Records page for this album. Rotcod Zzaj

Hildegard – HILDEGARD: When the liner notes say that the young players in this ensemble from New Orleans offer diversity in this sonic excursion, they aren’t just wasting words, my friends. The opener, “A to Z“, combines so many styles of music that it will sound like a whirlwind behind vocalist Sasha Masakowski’s excellent performance. While their lyrics aren’t “earth shattering”, their combinations and shifts/changes in songs like “Karma” prove as clear evidence of full talent and ability. The other thing about this album is that it’s a debut, and the kind of excellence in recording and performance they achieve is just stunning. It was the atmospherics on “Siren Song” that made it my choice for personal favorite of the ten offered up – perhaps because it has a “jazz feel” in spots… but don’t get too comfortable – they will change it up in only a few bars. I give these folks a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as a perfect “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 – meaning they also get a “PICK” for “best art-rock ensemble”… truly tasty talent here! You can find out more at the Hildegard website. Rotcod Zzaj

Ergo – AS SUBTLE AS TOMORROW: If you love a great (sonic) mystery, you’ll totally dig down into the minimalist journey this enchanting trio presents for your enjoyment. Just under an hour in the seven compositions performed… I particularly liked songs like the percussion-driven “A Conviction“… there are (literally) hundreds of (little) sounds woven into the “architecture” of the tune; this one definitely demands a close listen; otherwise, you won’t “get it”. The piano on the 6:14 opener, “As Tomorrow“, is performed flawlessly, with layer after layer emerging – constant movement and a true feeling of improvisation! It was the magical silences in the tune titled “Yet But” that made it my personal favorite; leader/composer Brett Sroka is a master at creating audio “holes” via his electronic sketchery for the listener to fill in, and this piece clearly demonstrates it. I give these folks a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. You can get more information on this very interesting group at their Ergo Is A Band site. Rotcod Zzaj

Kathy Sanborn – LIGHTS OF LANIAKEA: My first listen to some most enchanting compositions by Kathy… very hard to classify; though submitted by a promoter that focuses (quite a bit, anyway) on new age, Kathy’s vocals include elements of pop/jazz and are infused with some excellent string work, as you’ll hear on the high-energy opener, “Star Catcher“… the most beautiful part of her music is that it will remain in your mind/heart/head for days (if not months) to come. Butto’s flute work on “Soul Dancing“, and the marvelous percussion/sitar that emphasizes her shimmering vocal will set you free, if nothing else does. I’m asking the promoter to make sure I get all future (and/or past) releases from Kathy – yes, it’s that good; and that’s a high kudo coming from me, because vocalists don’t always enchant as thorougly as Ms. Sanborn does. It was the majestic presence on “Abundant Love” that made it my (definite) choice for personal favorite of the dozen songs offered up! I give Kathy and crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00; that means, of course, that she also gets the “PICK” of this issue for “most interesting cross-culture vocal work”! Get more information about this highly creative artist at Kathy’s page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Dan Chadburn- KEYS OF LIGHT: As a resident of the Great Nor’west who is totally in love with well-played keyboards, I can tell you that nothing equals waking up to Dan’s piano on his song “Tacoma Morning“! The strings on the 5:28 “To the Heavens” are pure beauty, and will give your spirits a lift, to be sure. It’s been 20 issues since I first reviewed his splendid work (issue # 141), where he got high marks. Though it’s a short piece, I found “With You Always” to be one of the most touching piano/orchestral pieces I have ever listened to (it’s a tribute to his parents for their support over the years)! It was the 4:12 title track, “Keys Of Light“, that captured my vote for personal favorite of the dozen songs offered up… this features both solo and string-accompanied parts, and will hold you totally spellbound. I give Dan a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this wonderful sonic journey. Get more information at Dan’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Barry Altschul’s 3Dom Factor – TALES OF THE UNFORSEEN: Jon Irabagon (tenor/soprano/sopraino sax/flute) and Joe Fonda (double bass) join Barry’s drum mastery on this six-song excursion into the magic of spontaneous jazz performance… of course, all three players have been reviewed i these pages (so many times I can’t begin to itemize them – just use the SEARCH utility on our pages)… tunes like “The Tale Continues” will stun even the most avid of iimprov jazz listeners (as it did me). For “out jazz” fans, there’s no question but what you’ll dig down deep into “A Tale of Monk: Ask Me Now“… this is as solid as jazz gets, folks… total interaction between the players here, with freedom being the key element. It was the 10:39 closer, “And the Tale Ends“, that easily got my vote for personal favorite of the six songs offered up… just loved Jon’s flute on this track. I give this high-talent jazz trio a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this excellent jazz release. You can get more information on the Tum Records label page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Ochion Jewell – VOLK: Ochion Jewell’s splendid sax work is well-complemented by pianist Amino Belyamani (Morocco), bassist Sam Minaie (Persian-American, and drummer Qasim Naqvi (Pakistani-American), with guest Lionel Loueke’s vocal/guitar work. An attack by NYC police was the inspiration for the intricate and at times fiery compositions on the ten-song excursion… tunes like the high-energy improvisational “Gnawa Blues” will capture your heart and make you feel the sometimes frenetic moods Ochion was experiencing (just as he wanted you to, I’m sure). It was the totally professional meshing of various styles, and shapeshifting changes on the 11:12 “Give Us a Drink of Water” that got my vote for personal favorite… all the way from peaceful to near-violent – a perfect expression of an experience that I’ve no doubt was totally terrifying (and let me tell you, I have some personal experience with police brutality). I give Ochion and his playing partners a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this fine release. Get more information at Ochion’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

John Fedchock New York Big Band – LIKE IT IS: It’s quite easy to get caught up in stereotypes, even in jazz… and one that’s festered for me for many years is that the “trombone” isn’t the leader… as you listen to high-energy performances from John’s fabulous trombone & even more splendid arrangements, though, as on the title track, “Like It Is“, you’ll wonder where/why you ever picked up that impression. This is just the kind of jazz you need to get your kids to listen to… in fact, this should be mandatory listening in schools… you’ll hear eleven different soloists, including saxophonists Mark Vinci, Charles Pillow, Rich Perry, Walt Weiskopf, Gary Smulyan and Scott Robinson; trumpeters Scott Wendholt and Barry Ries, pianist Allen Farnham, bassist Dick Sarpola and drummer Dave Ratajczak as well as Bobby Sanabria’s Latin percussion on three tracks. My vote for personal favorite of the ten super songs provided for your pleasure is “Hair Of The Dog“… some marvelous bass on this one. I give John and crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this well-performed big-band extravaganza. Get more information on the Summit Records page for this album. Rotcod Zzaj

Greg Chako – SUDDEN IMPACT: Long-time readers here will know that I first fell in love with Greg’s superb talent on jazz guitar from issues back as far as issue # 77… I recently re-connected with him, and my latest review of his splendid jazz is in issue # 147. After comparing notes, we both realized I had missed (at least) a couple of his well-crafted CD’s, so this is the first of several I will be reviewing. Jazz aficionados will find themselves in glorious heaven as they listen to tunes like “Fried Curry Pies“… and the 6:41 “Morning” will bring back memories for all avid listeners! The only drawback I could find was that there was no “player listing” on the regular sites like Allmusic… that needs to be fixed (or maybe I just missed it). Of the eleven tunes Greg offered up on this splendid CD, it was the laid-back & bluesy “Sussy`s Song” that got my vote for personal favorite. Any way you listen to it, this splendid release surely merits the MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED I’m giving it, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at Greg’s blog page for this album. Rotcod Zzaj

Walter Forbes – BULL-BAT TIME: Many of the readers here truly understand that we are not “stuck” in any ruts when it comes to excluding “this genre”, or “that genre” here… while it’s true that many of those who submit music to us are in the jazz or blues genre, we also receive a few in the good old “bluegrass” tradition that was all the rage when I was growing up. Walter’s vocals just brim with energy on this fourteen-song excursion through some of the best old-style songs on the planet… I particularly liked the spirit of fun, easy living and great guitar pickin’ on “When the Roses Bloom Again“, & have no doubt you will, too. Since story-telling is such a part of these songs, I found myself sitting in rapt attention on “The L & N Don’t Stop Here Anymore“… GREAT fiddle work on this tune, too. It is the crystal-clear vocals and sparkling guitars on “East Virginia Blues” that got my vote for personal favorite. I give Walter and his band-mates a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this fine release. Rotcod Zzaj

Silvia Nakkach – LIMINAL: Silvia has chosen some excellent players to express her feelings and artistic creativity regarding clouds (and the beauty of them). First off, the album is produced by Todd Boston (whose stellar guitar work is reviewed here in issue # 126)… and also features trumpet work by one of our favorite trumpet players, Jeff Oster (most currently reviewed in issue # 155). David Darling’s total talent violincello work was reviewed on an album by Steven Halpern in issue # 160, and though I’ve not heard or reviewed Val Serrant’s percussive efforts before, I’ve no doubt he was a welcome addition to Silvia’s lineup for this deeply inspiring release. Songs like the 6:52 “Liminal Space” will pull you into the intimacy of her vision – her vocals on all the tunes are easy to become enraptured with, but that’s especially true on this composition, I thought. David’s string work on “Liminal Rays” is totally captivating, and just like the clouds that float by over your head, will subconsciously invade your spirit with feelings that will be often remembered. It was the 5:10 closer, “Liminal Moon“, that was my favorite of the nine pieces offered up… most likely because Silvia’s whispered/haunting vocals give you just what she was reaching for when she created this beautiful musical adventure – a barely perceptible influencing of your being that will thrill you for many years to come! I give Silvia and her cohorts a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this excellent and inspiring music. Get more information at Silvia’s Voxmundi Project page for this fine album. Rotcod Zzaj

Darren English – IMAGINE NATION: Darren’s trumpet work on this debut release will astound you… he’s lined up some high-talent players to work together with him, too, like Kenny Banks, Jr. on piano, Billy Thornton on bass, and Chris Burroughs on drums. I just love his style… often, trumpet/brass players are far too much “in front” of the other players in a combo, but as you’ll hear on tunes like the high-energy performance on Dizzy’s “Bebop“, all the other players have their own space to capture your ears. If “mellow” is more your mood style right now, you’ll love his performance on “Body And Soul“… the other instruments just “flow” into his muted trumpet on the intro, and the tune builds to some fine energy. It was Darren’s original, “Bullet In The Gunn“, that got my vote for personal favorite of the ten songs offered up for your jazz listening pleasure… the 7:23 length of the tune gives each player their chance to shine! I give Darren a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Remember, you heard it here first – you will hearing MUCH more from this exceptional jazz talent in the months/years to come. Get more information at the CD Baby page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Adina E – ALWAYS: An even dozen fantastic high-talent jazz vocals offered up by Adina (who has been reviewed here before, in issue # 132); her work on this February 2016 release is stellar. The strings on “I Wanted To Write A Song” are superb… full of life and awe at the living of it. The upbeat “Like A Clown” is more along the lines of a “pop” tune; interesting, to be sure. It was the electronic keyboard work behind Adina’s vocal on “Another Night” that captured my vote for personal favorite of the twelve tunes, though… bluesy intro, with some nice upbeat changes as it moves along. You can’t exactly classify this as “jazz”, but Adina’s energy will make it easy to embrace her spirit and enjoy her music. I give Adina, & her extensive crew (far too large to list here), a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98. Get more information at Adina’s page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Vasil Hadzimanov Band – ALIVE: An absolutely perfect title for this sextet release from Serbian pianist Vasil… he’s joined by high-talent players David Binney on alto sax, Branko Truic on guitar, bass guitar from Miroslav Tovirac, percussion and vocals by Bojan Ivkovic and drums by Pedja Milutinovic. The fact that it’s a Moonjune Records release simply lends credibility to the fact that it is an excellent and high-talent listen! Songs like the ultra-high-energy “Zulu Time” (jointly authored and created by all the band members) will have you jumpin’ for joy in the immediate! You’ll find the odd intro to bassist Tovirac’s original, “Dolazim“, slightly deceptive… by the time the piece reaches 6:13, you’re totally unprepared for the superb vocal weave/commentary under all the other instruments. It was Vasil’s original composition “Uaiya” that won my vote for personal favorite of the nine extended jazz journeys, though… you all know, I’m just a sucker for fluid piano lines, and Hadzimanov is among the best of them… one note here, though; be SURE you have your volume cranked up on your headphones, so you can catch every little detail of the interplay. I give this great album a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at the Moonjune Records page for this fresh jazz experience. Rotcod Zzaj

Michael Brothers Quartet – REUNION: Michael’s drums and percussion mastery lead this fine quartet in a most memorable jazz set that will have true jazz fans ’round the globe clamoring to get this release. Fresh and tasty are the keyboards for this 35-year veteran, especially on great tunes like the 7:02 “Speak Like a Child“… the recording is superb, and captures every little nuance of each instrument! It’s quite clear that these players are “in tune” with each other (in addition to Michael’s drums, you’ve got reed man David Evans, pianist Matt Lemmler and bassist Tim Aucoin communicating in unison with you, the listener. If it’s high-energy and funky beats you’re listening for, you’ll totally dig their interpretation of Herbie Hancock’s “Eye of the Hurricane“… if you’re (at all) like me, you’ll find yourself replaying this one a couple of times a day. The beautiful piano intro to the title tune, “Reunion“, segues easily into the lovely Latin jazz mood it was intended to convey. I give Michael and his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this excellent sonic journey. Get more information on the quartet at the Girod Records label page for the album. Rotcod Zzaj

Adam Scone – I SCREAM SCONE: There are some days when nothin’ but that good ol’ Hammond B3 will “do it for me”; I’m sure that’s the same for many of you as well, and if you’ve “gotta’ have it”, Adam’s wonderful playing will sate your longings, especially on tunes like Adam’s original opener, “What People Do“… this one surely brings back fond memories of Jimmy Smith’s mid-’60’s performances. Adam’s all original title track, “I Scream Scone!“, is just brimming with the kinda’ jazz energy we used to live for back in the ’60’s, too… all the players are on the beat… an absolutely killer tune. It was the late-night blues-cellar ambience of his closing original, “The Last One“, that got my vote for personal favorite of the eight offered up… you can bet I’ll be in touch with the promoter to make sure we get any & all releases by Adam! I give him a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this fantastic high-energy album. Get more information, and watch a video on this album (among others) at the Rondette Jazz label page. Rotcod Zzaj

Wouter Kellerman – LOVE LANGUAGE: I’ve been fortunate to have heard much of Wouter’s gorgeous and sensitive music, before, though it’s been a while since I last reviewed an album from him (issue # 136)… on this album, you get fourteen sonic journeys that will thrill you to the core… tunes like “Winter” featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir, will transport you to those higher levels of spiritual awareness you’ve been searching for all these years. The strong musical undercurrents run strong on pieces like the vocal-led “Zininzi“, and you’ll find yourself coming back again and again on this fine song; the joy is strongly in evidence, to be sure. It was the driving percussion and life-filled energy on “Si Do Mhaimeo” that made me pick it as my personal favorite of the multitude of songs offered up for your aural enjoyment. Wouter is an absolute master of music that inspires the heart and soul, and he certainly merits the MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED I’m giving this one. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating if 4.99. Get more information at Wouter’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Paul Adams – IMAGININGS: Paul’s flute work on this beautiful album will just stun your ears! Though it’s my first listen to his music, songs like the 4:58 opener, “Just Such Beauty“, are beyond explaining in words – this should be “required listening” in every school in the land… the world would certainly be a better place that way. He is joined by some truly talented players, too… Elizabeth Geyer on piano, Privan Godkhindi on bansuri flutes and David Hoffman on conch shell/flugelhorn, and they are as attuned to each others’ spirits as musicians can be, especially on pieces like the mightily soaring “Clouds“… the mesh of the synths and the flutes is nothing less than pure magic on this tune. It was the soundweaves integrated with all the other instruments on “Giggles & Grooves” that made it my choice for personal favorite of the dozen highly inspiring sonic adventures offered up for your soul. I give Paul and his friends a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this fine album. Get more information on this release and Paul’s other work on Paul’s music page. Rotcod Zzaj

Michael Stribling – A BETTER PLACE: Whether it’s greener grass, or wonderful nature sounds you’re listening for, Michael’s excellent compositions will take you there. Songs like “Looking Up” will easily capture you with the spirit of optimism and influence your thoughts toward the positive. I haven’t reviewed any music from him since issue # 107, so it’s been a while. It’s very clear as I listen to the beautiful synth-washes on “Just A Moment” that his work is getting ever better… if this tune doesn’t calm your mind – nothing will. It was the lovely harp sounds on “Quiet Certainty“, and the feeling of serenity Michael projects through it, that made it my personal favorite of the fourteen energy-filled tunes he’s offered up for your aural pleasure. If you’re looking for solid keyboard skills that give you a better listening experience than most artists in this genre, you’ll agree when I declare this release as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED; “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98. Get more information at Michael’s Leela Music site. Rotcod Zzaj

The Jeff Benedict Big Band – HOLMES: Jeff’s excellent soprano/alto sax work will simply stun your ears… though this is my first listen, he’s already captured my aural appendages in a B-I-G way, folks. Several originals and Benedict arrangements clearly show Jeff’s supreme love for high-energy music, especially tunes like the totally mellow rendition of Sting’s “Seven Days“… lots of talented players join him in joyous celebration! Jeff’s arrangement of Metheney’s “Jaco” will carry the listener away to pure big-band jazz heaven (and have you spinning this sonic marvel over & over again on your playlists). It was Jeff’s original, “Castle Creek Shuffle“, which had my mind jumpin’ (& dancin’) from note to note… definitely my personal favorite of the eleven stellar performances offered up for your jazz edification and enjoyment. I give Jeff and his bandmates a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of (a perfect) 5.00… meaning they also get the “PICK” of this issue for “best high-energy big-band jazz”. Get more information about this fantastic player/teacher at the Maroon Creek Music page for Jeff. Rotcod Zzaj

Andrea Wood – KALEIDOSCOPE: It’s been a while since I reviewed Andrea’s vocal jazz work (issue # 116, to be specific); on this thirteen song release from July, 2015, her energy is even more vibrant – perhaps because 8 of those songs are originals penned by her. The opener alone, “Intuition“, rolls out moods and feelings we’ve all had before, no doubt. “Take a Chance“, another Andrea original, has some wonderful Rhodes going for it, and the players are all as together as a group can ever be. Guest Donny McCaslin’s sultry tenor sax on “Nature Boy“, fills the room, and is among the best renditions I’ve ever heard of the song. It was the 6:12 bluesy ballad on “Parting Ways” that hit home the hardest for me, easily gaining my vote for favorite… I just loved the piano on this one, and Andrea literally shines as I listen to it (for the 100th time… yah, this one’s a repeater). I give Andrea and her cohorts a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this fine jazz album. Get more information at Andrea’s pages. Rotcod Zzaj

J Asling & Friends – THE STOCKHOLM SESSIONS: It’s easy for me to say – this is, without qualification, the very BEST blues I’ve ever heard from Sweden… the Hammond organ on “Blues for Tarantino“, & the harp work on “Paps Is a Good Friend” (along with the vocal) brings to mind the good old Paul Butterfield days. For some of that ol’ country-style bluesin’, you’ll spin “Please Tell Me” over again multiple times. For guitars in blues mode that edge awfully close to jazz, I liked “Will There Be Peace Tomorrow” (the 5:37 non-radio edit version). Of course, since I was born with boogie in my blood, my personal favorite of the thirteen excellent blues/rockers offered up was “Swedish Stomp“… just think “Elvin Bishop” while you kick off yer’ shoes & cut up th’ rugz. I give J. & his friends a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for this fun album… “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.97. Get more information at the J.Asling website. Rotcod Zzaj

Swiss Youth Jazz Orchestra – FUTURE STEPS… LIVE AT JAZZAAR FESTIVAL 2014: If it’s true in the “regular world” that young folks may be our salvation, then that same adage certainly must apply when it comes to our “jazz world”. a whole host of youthful players on this nine-track release featuring the SYJO in some stupendous live performances that you haven’t heard the like of (unless you were there, of course). I have no doubt that the fact the tunes are all originals influenced my joy at hearing them perform pieces like the beautiful “Alkapuri” (where they’re joined by Randy Brecker). The energy on the longer pieces, like “A New Kind“, allows for poignant builds to jazz energy that you haven’t heard, perhaps, in years. Though it’s one of the shorter tunes (5:31), it is the stellar opening track, “Future Steps“, that got my vote for personal favorite of the nine performances. I give SYJO and their honored guests a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this high-energy, high-talent excursion into what jazz will become in the 22nd century. Get more information at the Jazzaar page for SYJO. Rotcod Zzaj

Holger Scheidt Group – THE TIDES OF LIFE: This is Holger’s third release (as a leader), and I’m surprised we haven’t heard his excellent bass work before… his compositions are full of emotion, and the execution on tunes like “Desperation” will make you stop and think (& think again). He’s joined by Rich Perry on tenor sax, Gordon Au on trumpet, Victor Gould on piano and Anthony Pinciotti doing drums, and they definitely have it (jazz-wise, anyway) all together. You would certainly expect a song like “Hope” to elevate your spirit, and, in a very 1960’s way, that’s exactly what it does… Victor’s piano on this one is clear, concise and moves fluidly through each movement… loved this tune. From an energy perspective (which, of course, is always what I’m listening for), it is “Rage” that gets my vote for personal favorite of the half-dozen fine performances offered up on this release. I give Holger & his friends a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for this one, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Holger’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Pascal Bokar – GUITAR BALAFONICS: When I last reviewed Pascal’s superb high-energy guitar work (way, WAY back, in issue # 85), he got a “PICK”.. that was a live recording, and this new album (released in February 2015) is totally engagine, as well. At some points, you’ll be thinking of Wes (Montgomery), like on “Have You Met Ms.Jones“… breezy and full of life! Daria Niles’ vocal on “Solitude” will comfort your mind and put you at ease, to be sure. “Cherokee” has some excellent flute work on it, and expresses the energies originally intended in a fresh new way! Of the ten high-power songs offered up for jazz listeners to love (& fall in love with over & over again), it is the 3:36 “Segou” that got my vote for personal favorite… heavy Latin leanings, with feelings of Africa woven in neatly. I give Pascal a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this fine set. Get more information at www.pascalbokar.com Rotcod Zzaj

The Dreaming Tree – SILVERFADE: Shades of high-energy prog-rock, with some fine vocal work, especially on tunes like the opener, the 3:41 “Yesterday’s Tomorrow“… & that’s not to mention that they have little tastes of jazz interspersed on the guitars. If you’re looking for creepy-crawly guitar work, with a more pop feel (ala Z.Z. Top), you’ll enjoy “Cherry Winters“. The tune out of the fourteen offered up that I felt took the listener closest to that desired progressive flow, though, was “Every Minute Lost‘… there’s a definite feeling of the power of rock on this tune… my personal favorite of all the tunes. From an atmospherics standpoint, I also very much enjoyed “Kosovo“, and have no doubt you will as well. No, ’tis definitely not “jazz”, but it’s got all the energy required to get a review here. I give this fine release a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at The Dreaming Tree website. Rotcod Zzaj

Blurred Vision – ORGANIZED INSANITY: If your mind is focusing on music of yesteryear (I’m talkin’ Pink Floyd & Uriah Heep kinda’ psych), you’ll find this penetrating rock trio quite to your liking! Tunes like “Rollin’ On” put me in flashback mode (yeah, the time we set the U.S. Army training center afire with the hash pipes… lol). “Arms Of Our World” is a great guitar-filled composition, albeit a bit more on the “gentle” side… I really like the strings they had woven in on this track. It is the 5:12 “The Keeper” that my ears gave the vote to for personal favorite of the eleven well-crafted rock tunes offered up… heck, It is a trio endorsed by Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters, and you’ll hear why as you listen to this insightful tune. If you’re “strictly jazz”, you may not enjoy this as much as I did, but since our criteria here is the “energy”, this one gets a definite HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information about this high-talent rock trio at the Blurred Vision website. Rotcod Zzaj

Pixel – GOLDEN YEARS: This excellent fusion of jazz with young-minded R&R will hold your attention firmly for the entire 40+ minutes… double bassist/vocalist Ellen Andrea Wang, drummer Jon Audun Baar, trumpeter Jonas Kilmork Vemøy, and saxophonist Harald Lassen are key players in the emerging jazz scene in Norway… they’ve been reviewed here before (issue # 140), and got very high marks for their creative original compositions. Tunes like “Nothing Beats Reality” will “put the edge” on your world, and make your ears sit right up & pay attention (especially the horns). The vocal work on “Move On” is full of life, and well worthy of repeated plays (as happened on my players). Of the eleven unique performances on this release, it was the satirical bent on “I Have the Right To Go to Syden” that got my vote for personal favorite… playful, in a “poking” sorta’ way! I give these folks another MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at the Pixel website. Rotcod Zzaj

Guy Buttery – GUY BUTTERY BY GUY BUTTERY: If you’ve been avidly seeking something “different” to listen to, Guy’s GOT it for you! His guitar work is absolutely stunning and full of the energy of life, as you’ll hear on the superb opening track, “Werner Meets Egberto in Manaus“… it’s assuredly fresh and I loved the total originality! From an “odd jazz” perspective, you’ll have lots of fun listening to “Sleep Deprivation“… strange rhythmic twists interspersed with glowing guitar. What really stands out with this artist is that all eleven tunes are distinctly in their own realm… shades of the spirits that project themselves easily into any mood a human experiences! It was the lively tempo and great percussion on “Verbosity” that got my vote for personal favorite of all those offered up… not a word spoken, but you’ll “get it”, for sure. I expect we will be hearing ever muchly more from this master musical craftsman; he gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this stunning release. Get more information at Guy’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Anima – SACRED ALLIANCE: With this fantastic music from Anima, in the U.K., it’s easy for me to imagine ancient ceremonies ’round yonder stones and megaliths at Stonehenge, or other spiritually inhabited grounds. The players/composers make it clear (sonic-ally) that they have great respect for, and skill with, the planet we live on and the allegiances we owe… you can definitely hear that on the 9:05 “Surrender“… one of the pitfalls of new-age music is that the players/performers sometimes get more wrapped up in themselves than in the message they are trying to convey (much like preachers, in my experience)… not so with these folks… the pacing is absolute perfection, and they will touch your heart & soul in only moments. It was their weave of natural sounds/waves on “Kogi Transmission” that made it my favorite of the nine tracks offered up. I give this fine album a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information by reading their BIO PAGE. Rotcod Zzaj

Allegra Levy – LONELY CITY: Allegra picked just the right players to complement her wonderful original vocal pieces… drummer Richie Barshay, bassist Jorge Roeder, tenor saxophonist Adam Kolker, guitarist Steve Cardenes, trumpeter John Bailey, pianist Carmen Staaf, and violinist Mark Feldman join her in one of the highlight albums of 2015, at least as far as jazz vocals are concerned! Tunes like the fantastic opener, “Anxiety“, will reveal her clear ability to express her inner jazz self in the immediate! Allegra clearly understands that one of the perils for jazz vocalists is “getting caught in a rut”… the songs she writes are full of vibrant variety, as evidenced on the great percussion-backed title track, “Lonely City” (one of my favorite vocals for 2015). Of the eleven tunes she offers up, it was the high-energy “I Don’t Want to Be in Love” that got my vote for personal favorite, to be sure… no “soft-hearted” balladry here, this thing is the personification of LIFE, as lived in a full-tilt jazz world. I give Allegra and her high-talent cohorts a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this excellent release. You can get more information about Allegra and her music at her website. Rotcod Zzaj

Jeffrey Seeman – EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN: It’s just hard to believe how many musical gems issue forth from Will Ackerman’s IRS (Imaginary Road Studios), but on our first listen to Jeffery’s superb guitar release, tunes like the 4:02 “Jackie’s Grace” will capture your ears and won’t let go – some excellent slide work on this mellow tune! There are some excellent players on the recording, too; Tony Levin (bass), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Michael Manring (bass), Charlie Bisharat (violin) and Premik Russell Tubbs (saxophone), as well as violin/viola/cello from Paul Patterson… as you’ll hear when you listen to “Acadia Walk“, all the players are integrated seamlessly in a joyful experience for the listener! It was the gentle life depicted on the beautiful “Point Well Taken” that got my choice for personal favorite of the nine great songs he’s offered up for your (long-term) aural enjoyment… if you’re trying to get another person interested in music that literally breathes life… make a gift of Jeffrey’s heartfelt and high-talent music to them – TODAY! I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99! Get more information at Jeffrey’s page about this fantastic new album. Rotcod Zzaj

Laszlo Gardony – LIFE IN REAL TIME: The thing that’s so pleasant about getting a new release from this fantastic keyboard player is – it’s always something NEW… FRESH… ergo, INTERESTING! I’ve reviewed a lot of Laszlo’s playing, and this great album features sax players Stan Strickland, Billy Pierce and Don Braden doing music that will bring your spirit alive in only seconds… longtime mates John Lockwood (bass) and Yoron Israel (drums) also join in the musical fun! The 7:45 opener alone, “Bourbon Street Boogie“, makes the eight-song album well worth the purchase (for some reason, I can’t help but think of one of the Leon Russell live albums I heard many moons ago as I listen to this). The surging energy on “Lullaby of Birdland” will thrill any bona-fide jazzer’s aural appendages! It was the intricate and well-crafted “Breakout” that got my vote for personal favorite, though… the players are truly “playing with” (not against) each other on this jazz masterpiece. I give Laszlo and crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this superb jazz adventure. You can learn more about this high-energy CD on the Sunnyside Records page for the album. Rotcod Zzaj

Joshua Breakstone – 2nd Avenue: Joshua’s unique guitar playing/style is joined by Mike Richmond on cello with bassist Lisle Atkinson and drummer Andy Watson in one of the coolest jazz foursomes you’ve ever heard on this May 2015 release. It’s been quite a while since I reviewed his cutting-edge work (issue # 96), The peppy and upbeat runs on “The Lamp Is Low” will have you tappin’ toes and snappin’ digits into the wee hours, no doubt. The ultra-cool late-night feel of “Thingin‘” on their rendition of Lee Konitz’s tune is totally memorable, and will stay in your noggin for days (if not months) to come. It was definitely the down & funky mood on “Hit It” (an original by bassist Lisle) made it an easy pick for my ears as personal favorite of the nine songs offered up for your prolonged jazz pleasure. I give Joshua and his bandmates a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this well-played session. Get more information at the ALLMUSIC page for this release (unfortunately, the CAPRI RECORDS page was unavailable). Rotcod Zzaj

Julian Hartwell Project – THE JULIAN HARTWELL PROJECT: Liner notes don’t (always) “fib”… when they say that Julian’s piano playing (along with the rest of his players on this high-energy jazz outing) evokes “funky, soulful & swinging”, they aren’t kidding, or hedging at all. Songs like the percussion-heavy “The Minotaur” (on the intro, anyway) show a broad range of musical perception, and since the tunes are all penned by Julian, there’s a lot of heart coming through… each of the instruments gets a chance to shine on this fine 7:53 track, too. The funk side of things is enhanced by Julian’s electric keyboard on “Stay Easy Bro“… mellow & lay-back, this is a song that I’ll guarantee will generate replay many time – excellent horn work on this tune, as well. It was the closer, the 10:40 “KnewBlews” that got my vote as favorite of the eight compositions offered up for your jazz pleasure & groove (maybe a couple more tunes on the next release, Julian?). I give Julian and his high-talent crew of players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97 for this fine debut release. Get more information at Julian’s page for this project. Rotcod Zzaj

Erik Jekabson – ELECTRIC SQUEEZEBOX ORCHESTRA: Some of the most joy-filled trumpet-led jazz you’ve ever heard on this August 2015 release – Erik’s trumpet work is astounding and lively all the way through, and the cast of characters he has with him is far too large to itemize here. On songs like the total-groove 6:40 “Bolenge Shuffle“, you’ll find your feet wanting to “do the jazz dance”! Erik’s horn on the mellow opener, “ESP“, definitely has shades of Miles, and will keep your ears glued to that muted trumpet. It was the mood progression on “Chataigne Grilles” that made it my personal favorite of the ten songs offered up, though… not “blues”, per se, but full of life and emotion. Though this is my first listen to Erik’s powerful music, I’ve no doubt it won’t be my last. I give Erik and his musical magicians a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for this great musical adventure, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. You can get more information at the Origin Arts label page for this fine CD. Rotcod Zzaj

Michael Kocour – WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE YOU ARE: I can tell you, after listening to only the first 8 bars (or so) of Michael’s marvelous piano playing – he’s one of the best talents on the scene today! I absolutely loved his Rhodes work on “Pensativa“, and have no doubt you will as well. His style is “all natural”, with no pretense or high-powered electrical gimmickry, and that in itself makes his artistry something hard to find these days. Michael’s rendition of “Freedom Jazz Dance” is totally vibrant and full of jazz life… this one spins multiple times a day on my headphones. It was the volcanic energy of his acoustic piano on “Just In Time” that made it my personal favorite of the ten tunes offered up for memorable aural pleasure. I give Mr. Kocour a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this wonderful solo piano release. You can get more information at the Origin Records page for this splendid album. Rotcod Zzaj

Jack Perla – ENORMOUS CHANGES: The fourteen all-original tunes from Jack prove beyond all shadow of doubt that he is far more than “just a piano player from San Francisco”… tunes like the splendid high-energy opening title track, “Enormous Changes“, feature some excellent jazz vocal work, and propel you into lovely spaces that are reminiscent of shows like “Hair” (for this old reviewer, at least). What really sets Perla apart from all the other jazzers is his diversity… listen to the driving bass & guitar on “Swimming Upstream” to hear what I mean… Jack’s music will “stick in your head” for days (if not months or years) to come! It was the gentle mood created by the beautiful “Lilacs” that captured my vote for personal favorite of this release, though… the singer will invade your spirit and hold your attention for the entire 4:00 performance. This excellent July 2015 release gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at Jack’s Bandcamp page for this fine album. Rotcod Zzaj

Kirk MacDonald – SYMMETRY: Kirk’s high-talent tenor sax is joined by Tom Harrell’s trumpet/flugelhorn, Brian Dickinson’s piano, Neil Swainson’s bass and Dennis Mackrel’s drums in a session that will thrill jazz listeners across the globe! Lively tunes like “Mackrel’s Groove” will show you just how “together” these great players are, and easily wrap you in for the entire hour & a quarter set! Sheer musical beauty digs down deep into your soul on the down & funky “Labyrinth“, transporting you to new musical heights. It was definitely the tasty horn work on “Common Ground” that earned it my choice as personal favorite of the ten songs offered up for your jazz pleasure; the players keep it all together and make your listening experience something well worthy of repeat spins. I give Kirk & his cohorts a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this great December 2015 release. You can get more information about Kirk and his projects at his Kirk McDonald website. Rotcod Zzaj

Bruce Torff – DOWN THE LINE: This is the second CD for this excellent jazz pianist, and our first listen… all-original tunes from Bruce, with pieces like the heavy-rhythm and exciting “Tribal Function” serving to remind the listener that “dow-un” & “phunky” are still a most essential part of great jazz… my only complaint is that it could have gone a little longer than the 3:38 it lasts! That’s easily made up by the 4:37 title track, “Down The Line“, though… total cool, and I loved the great guitar lead on this one. Bruce’s compositions don’t get channeled into any ruts… plenty of stylistic variety here, as evidenced by the mighty mellow mood created on “Once and For All“… laid-back, but still full of emotion. Bruce is joined by Joel Frahm on sax, Pete McCann on guitar, Ben Wittman’s drums and trumpet from Lew Soloff, and the group shows their total talent/energy on my personal favorite of the eleven tunes offered up, “The Road to Hell“… no, it’s not H.M. (heavy metal)… some of the most subtle jazz I’ve heard (yet) in 2016! I give Bruce & his fellow-players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this fabulous jazz experience. Get more information at the Summit Records label page for this album. Rotcod Zzaj

Sri Hanuraga – TO THE UNIVERSE: Who would have ever thought that pianists from Indonesia would become the absolutely shining stars of the jazz universe we listeners inhabit? Well, our friends at Moonjune are far ahead of others when it comes to spotting the kind of talent that will last for ages (and ages) in this wonderful musical world, and as you listen to Sri’s wonderful piano work on this October 2015 release, you’ll find yourself agreeing with them. The high-energy jazz piano performance is complemented by double and electric bass from Mattia Magatelli, drums by Kristijan Krajncan and some fabulous flute by Rodrigo Parejo Mateos! Tunes like “Ever Changing, Part I“, will take you away from the daily grind and transport you to the musical adventure you’ve been seeking for so long! The sensitive interplay between the instruments on the title track, “To The Universe“, will make you fall in love with Sri’s jazz immediately. It was one of the shorter tunes, though, the fantastic opener, “Teka-Teki“, that easily got my vote for personal favorite of the ten offered up… talent just shines on this one. I give Sri and his cohorts a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this excellent jazz adventure. Get more information at the Moonjune Bandcamp site for this exciting album. Rotcod Zzaj

Various Artists – SAVING CECIL’S PRIDE: Frequent readers here at I.N. know that there aren’t too many “various artists” CD’s reviewed here, and (also) that I seldom adopt “causes”… in this magical musical event, though, I’ve not only made an exception, I’ve “jumped” it to the very head of my QUEUE! When you listen to the (over) 40 tunes donated by artists who want to ensure that we all “learn to respect wildlife, and therefore “learn to respect one another”, you’ll realize that this is some of the most well-crafted/performed music you’ve ever heard. Tunes like Vito Gregoli’s “All Sentinent Beings” will burrow under your skin and down to your very soul! The sweeping “Saving Mankind Begins with Respect to All Lifeforms” will capture your imagination, and take you well away from this “every day Amurrican life” in such a manner that you will truly understand what that respect is all about. It was the haunting “Kings of the Kopje“, from Tim Kays, that got my vote for personal favorite of all the wonderful music offered up, though! I give these artists, as well as their cause, a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this 3-CD release. You can get more information, and donate to the cause by purchasing this album, at the “Saving Cecil’s Pride Bandcamp page“. Rotcod Zzaj

The Jason Klobnak Quintet – NEW CHAPTER: As all the promoters who send me great music know – “new” jazz is always welcome here, and Jason’s total-talent trumpet work is a MOST welcome addition to the Zzaj Productions library! Joining him are Kim Bird, bassist; Annie Booth, keyboards and piano; Elijah Samuels (saxophones), and Paul Mullikin (drums) in one of the liveliest sessions I’ve heard (yet) from 2015! “Breaking Point” is a perfect example of their energy, and will thrill jazz lovers ’round the globe, I’ve no doubt. The rhythm/changes on the down & funky “It Won’t Return Void” highlight just how together the players are, and will spin over & over again on your player/playlists. Kim’s great bass lead-in to “The Other Side of Circumstances” is among the mellowest of jazz tunes you’ll listen to this year (or any other), and I absolutely loved the electric piano on this fine tune! It was Jason’s dazzling brass on “For Them” that made it my personal favorite of the eleven high-energy pieces offered up for your long-term listening pleasure. I give Jason & his quintet a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this stunning work. You can get more information at Jason’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Robert Linton – BEYOND THE CLEARING: It’s been a good while since I’ve reviewed Robert’s music (issue # 115). On this January, 2016 release, Robert’s wonderful guitar is joined by Sara Milonovich on violin, Heidi Breyer on piano, Kitty Thompson on cello, Adam Miller on Guitar, Jeff Oster on flugelhorn, Jill Haley on English Horn, Stephen Katz on cello and Jeff Pearce on EBow guitar in a most poignant reminder of how sensitive a well-played guitar can be. Tunes like the gentle “Gathering Over the Surface” will elevate your outlook significantly! If it’s been a while since you encountered the tyranny of Mother Nature, you’ll feel all her power on “A Distant Storm“! This is decidedly among the most high-power sonic adventures I’ve listened to (yet) in 2016, as evidenced by my personal favorite of the nine tunes offered up, “Stretching Across the Horizon“… you’ll hear this echo in your thoughts for months/years to come. I give Robert and his talented crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this splendid music. Get more information at Robert’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Paradiso & Rasamay – CELESTIAL RESONANCE: I’ve reviewed this duo’s work before a couple of times, most recently in issue # 130… their creations are always welcome here at Zzaj Productions, because unlike many other self-proclaimed “sound healers”, their music actually does reach down deep inside you and help to release your good energies! It’s a double-CD, so you get over two hours of fine and wonderful listening pleasure… of course, it IS recommended that, at least for your first time, you do this with your headphones on. Especially for tracks like Disc 1’s “The Journey“… far more than just “pretty music”, this is truly life (and spirit) enhancing. The nature sound-washes on “Childlike Faith” make it a sonic experience you’ll believe… no tricks or gimmicks, just pure deepness! Of the eleven compositions offered up for your enlightenment, it is “Light Ascendant” that gets my vote for personal favorite… just love the synth/sound washes on this masterpiece. I give these talented players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this grand sonic excursion. Get more information at their 5th Element page. Rotcod Zzaj

Mason Razavi and Bennett Roth-Newell – AFTER YOU: Mason’s guitar work will astound you, and the fine jazz piano/keyboard work from Bennett is among the best I’ve heard in a good while. The opener, “Joy Spring“, makes it clear that this is one of those albums you’ll be listening to infinitely! Their rendition of one of my favorite tunes in jazz, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy“, is the best track of the eight offered up for showing that they “get it” when it comes to the soulful side of music… “fluid” & “loose” are the keywords. Their high-energy approach to what they play makes this one of my debut CD’s for 2015… and my personal favorite tune on the album is the mighty mellow original “Escaping The Inevitable“… I give this incredible jazz duo a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. You can get more information about them at the First Orbit Sounds catalog (yes, that’s right, a label run by our friend and jazz guitarist Hristo). Rotcod Zzaj

Beat Funktion – OLYMPUS: If “story jazz” is something you enjoy, you’ll find this June 2015 release from one of our favorite bands very entertaining. I most recently reviewed them in issue # 149, where they came out near the top of my “EQ” (energy quotient) rating scale. The peppy “Game of the Gods” will sate the jazz thirst of even the most jaded listeners. The guitar lead/intro on the 4:51 “Viper Lady” leads right into some surging horn work and downright celebration. The clear funkiness on “The Hydra” will make it spin over & over (& over again) on any dedicated jazz fans player. In the end-run, though, it was the laid-back electric keyboard work on “Chimera” that made my mind pick it as favorite of the fifteen superb jazz tracks offered up for your aural pleasure…. a true and authentic monster of a tune! I give B.F. another MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ’ (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this fine album. Get more information about this solid Swedish jazz band at the Beat Funktion website. Rotcod Zzaj

Lauren Meccia, Mike Frost, Donald Vega – INSIDE YOUR EYES: This great dozen-song release features Lauren’s high-energy vocal work, as well as her superb sax talent. When you put that together with great keyboards from Donald and beautiful bass by Mike (as well as drums and percussion from various artists), you’ve got a jazz combination that can’t be beat. What’s most amazing and pleasant about Lauren’s vocals is that she gets every note, & every change “on time” (my personal opinion, as expressed here before is that vocalists who also play an instrument have a decided edge over others). As you listen to her performance on “The Look of Love“, you’ll know why I say that… all the other vocalists will be standing in line after you hear Lauren’s talent! My personal favorite of the twelve songs offered up, though, is Donald’s “If You Can Fly” (Lauren wrote the lyrics for this one)… if you are (at all) the jazz fan you claim to be, you will be soaring after listening to this – and will come back to spin it often! I give Lauren and crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this fine set. Get more information at Mike Frost’s page for this album. Rotcod Zzaj

Alex Conde – DESCARGA FOR MONK: If you love high-energy (and high-talent) piano in jazz, you’ll fall in love immediately with Alex’s style and panache! His great keyboard work is complemented by percussion from John Santos, bass by Jeff Chambers, drums from Jon Arkin and hand clap/foot stomp from Amparo Conde, Carmen Carrasco in a joyous celebration of Monk’s music. Songs like “Ugly Beauty” capture the very spirit of Thelonious, and in Alex’s very skilled hands, pieces like this will bring true joy (despite the title, perhaps). If you’re looking/listening for something more “dance-able”, you’ll love the lightning-fingered touch Alex executes on the splendid opener, “Played Twice“… if you aren’t in a jazz mood after listening to this great song, you’re forever stuck in “M.O.R.” land, no doubt. It was the 6:28 “Bemsha Swing” that got my vote for personal favorite of the nine pieces offered up… definitely some of the best jazz playing you’ve heard lately. I give Alex and his crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this excellent album. Get more information at Alex’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Georg Breinschmid – DOUBLE BREIN: First-off, my apologies to Georg & his players (as well as the promoter)… this wonderful double-CD featuring Georg’s excellent bass work got “lost in the shuffle” (it wasn’t labelled correctly in my digital library). At any rate, you will hear 28 solid jazz tunes (mostly original, with some classical mixed in) on this marvelous listening experience! Whether it’s the gypsy-like feel of “Musette with happy ending“, or the absolutely funky feeling on “Kopanitsa“, your mind, heart & soul will be whirling with the joy these folks are able to create for you! I surely loved the piano/vibe duet on the intro to “Fifteen Schnoertzenbrekkers are better than none“… 2 COOL! It was “Breins Knights“, on the second CD, that got my vote for personal favorite of the splendid tunes offered up… this is surely some of the best bass-driven jazz you will ever listen to. I give Georg & his most creative friends a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this excellent release. You can get more information at the ALLMUSIC PAGE for this album. Rotcod Zzaj

Dr Compressor – DOCTOR’S ORDERS: This is some down & funky abstract instrumental work from Dr. Compressor (aka Yvan Gessler); it’s my first listen to him, but I’d hazard to say that you will more than likely be hearing from this artist again! My biggest “hit” on the songs is that they are without legit titles… only I, II, III, IV, etc. You can listen to those individual trax at the Doctor’s Soundcloud page. The positive here is that he weaves lots of sounds through his beats, so it doesn’t come across as “just another drum machine/loop” kind of thing. It’s actually quite a pleasant listen on all eight tunes offered up here. I give the Dr a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for this one, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.95. Get more information at his Soundcloud page. Rotcod Zzaj

The Lizards – REPTILICUS MAXIMUS: If this eleven-song rawker doesn’t sate your thirst for dynamo hum, you’d better stay on your couch instead of dreamin’ about dancin’. I’m tellin’ ya’, folks, tunes like “Incurable“, with harp licks that will take you all the way back to Paul Butterfield days, are absolute killer! That creepin’ & crawlin’ bass intro to “Crawlin’ King Snake” transports you quickly into that most dangerous of territories you’ve been seekin’ out since you were born. It’s hard to believe I haven’t reviewed them before – they’ve released seven CD’s so far – but their extreme energy (not to mention their soaring guitar work) is always welcome here at Zzaj Productions! Of the eleven tracks, it was the rollicking “Wild West” that got my vote for personal favorite… all the way from prog to down & dirty blues, this fine release gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from my old-phart ears, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at the Lizards website. Rotcod Zzaj

Consider The Source – WORLD WAR TRIO, PARTS II & III: When the liner sheets say this is an “essential purchase for all true rock fans” – there’s no kidding involved! The release of this fantastic double CD will be welcomed by millions of prog-rock fans across the globe, especially after they listen to the soaring 8:08 opener, “Aquarians“… some unbelievable guitar runs! At the same time, pieces like “One Hundred Thousand Fools” provide the kind of high-energy that kept Vietnam chopper pilots (& many others, I’m sure) wide awake through the toughest of times. There’s a downright funky feeling going on in the tune titled “White People Problems“… but it was definitely the rhythmic counterpoints between the strings and percussion on “Tsim Sha Tsui” that made it my personal favorite of the twenty high-energy pieces offered up for your aural edification. …and this isn’t “your grandpa’s prog”, either… this band is defining new turf for prog-rock to trod upon; they get a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information about this fine band at the Techne Records page for CTS. Rotcod Zzaj

Empirical – CONNECTION: One of the coolest things about reviewing music over a long period of time, as I have since about 1990, is that “Deja Vu” is only ’round the corner. I first reviewed this fabulous jazz group way back in 2009 (issue # 99), and was most impressed with their work then. On this latest release, you get Nathaniel Facey’s fabulous alto saxophone, dynamic drums byShaney Forbes, the “alive” vibraphone work of Lewis Wright and bounteous bass from Tom Farmer, with their totally unique energies and talents for composition and execution! Songs like the frenetic “Anxiety Society” convey just the mood that Tom wanted to project! The 7:07 “Stay the Course” simply demands your aural attention for every note… and the changes are sheer musical genius. I suspect it is the laid-back atmosphere of “Lethe” that made it my personal pick for favorite track of the eleven offered up for your jazz listening experience. This is a group that will keep coming back over the years, and your collection deserves to have “Connection” in it – today! I give this great band a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at the Cuneiform Records label page for this classically cool jazz group! Rotcod Zzaj

Naima – BYE: For our first sonic adventure in this issue, here’s a very interesting electro-acoustic jazz trio from Spain… you will hear Enrique Ruiz on piano and synths, Luis Torregrosa on drums, and Rafael Ramos Sania on bass performing some fine original works with the kind of energy we love here! There are actually some fascinating electronic lines on the powerful “Future Imperfect“… in fact, that’s one of the things I’m enjoying most about their music/performance… it keeps “moving”, not allowing itself to become “stuck” in cliched music! The rhythm/feel on the high-energy “Animal Chin” is absolutely solid jazz (despite it’s odd title) that makes use of both “standard” tools, as well as some infusion of interesting “buzzing” electronics. My personal pick from the nine tunes offered up is the dark and mysterious tone and performance on the 7:16 “Les Débris“… one of the words provided in the one-sheet that accompanied this release was “unmistakable”, and that’s a perfectly apt description for these fine players. I give Naima a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this very interesting set of jazz adventures. Get more information at the Cuneiform Records label page for this band. Rotcod Zzaj