Issue # 157 reviews

Our latest and greatest reviews for your reading & listening pleasure

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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

The City Boys Allstars – PERSONAL THING: An absolutely splendid release to close out this issue with… my first listen & review of their work was in issue # 149, where they got great marks from me – & their high-energy playing on this new release, with tracks like the scorching opener, their rendition of “Birdland“, are even more intriguing! Another great element in their performance are the splendid fronting (and background) vocals… you can hear just how precise & emotionally rewarding they are in this arena on “Sugar Bowl“… loved this tune; some great lead guitar on this one (not to mention the brass work)! It was the high-end rhythm-filled closer, “Meaning of Life“, that got my vote for personal favorite of the dozen tunes the City Boys offer up, though… this one spins over & over again on my playlists – I’m sure you’ll be queuing it up all the time, too. I give these gents a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at The City Boy Allstars website. Rotcod Zzaj

David Franklin – PLAYING WITH SHADOWS: Pianist David says that he hopes his playing will help listeners connect with their feelings and create a sense of connection… I’m here to tell you that it does just that! Pieces like the 3:45 opener, “Living In Interesting Times“, will stir you and fill you with nostalgia, I’ve no doubt. I just loved the gentle guitar on “Giza“… very jazz-oriented, in a blues kinda’ way. That’s the thing that makes David’s playing stand out, in fact… he doesn’t get “stuck in the rut” of being “just another solo pianist”… he plays the keyboards as well as guitar, and his original compositions display a level of total talent that few other players can achieve. The chords on his piano tune, “Not Just a Walk in the Park” (featuring bassist Michael Manning), made it my personal favorite of the eighteen tunes offered up for your aural pleasure. I give this release a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of (a perfect) 5.00… meaning that it also gets a “PICK” for “best all-original music”! Get more information at David’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Buddy Rich – BIRDLAND: If you’re a young jazz fan, you may not be all that well-acquainted with giants like Buddy… his drums were a driving force (& still are, for that matter). On this previously unreleased killer album, he leads his “Killer Force Band” through all the paces, & hen some. I was especially impressed by the title track, “Birdland“… this is a rendition like you’ve never heard before, & it will stick with you for eternity! All-live & totally rhythm-driven, this is a must-have musical experience. It was the 7:17 “Three Day Suckers” that captured my vote for personal favorite of the eleven tunes offered up… you just don’t hear jazz his close to the roots anymore… if you purchase no other jazz this year – GET HIS ONE! I give this my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of (a perfect) 5.00 – meaning it also gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best drum-led band”!!! Get more information at the Lightyear Entertainment page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Ryan Stewart – ONE JOURNEY: Nothing is more relaxing on a Saturday morning than well-played (and high-talent) piano, and Ryan has that down pat! On tunes like the 4:22 “Brighter“, you’ll find yourself drawn to memories of your own past… the vocal weaves on this piece are superb, as well. He doesn’t overwhelm you with rills and speed, but he certainly knows how to make your journey pleasant. The spirited “Happy People” will easily lift you from whatever doldrums you’ve been mired in… and Ryan shows his skill with both hands on this powerful composition! Of the thirteen pieces Ryan presents on this album, it was “Winding Road” that got my vote for personal favorite. For this reviewer, nothing is more vibrant than high-energy all-original music, and Ryan’s work is certainly that… I give him a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97 for this release. Get more information about this fantastic pianist at Ryan’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Mark Little – SUITE MOTHER: If well-played jazz piano from a long-time expert (Mark’s been playing & gigging since he was six years old) are what you’re after, then this is exactly what you need to make your jazz day! Tunes like the high-energy “Melodious Phunk” will stick with you for months (if not years) to come… this is truly one amazing display of talent (& that trombone just KICKZ some tail, volkz)! If you like your jazz just slightly more laid-back, you’ll fall in love (right away) with the title track, “Suite Mother“… pegging in at 9:52, it gives lots of room to each player to shine. It was the longest tune on the album (10:29), “Rebirth“, that got my vote for personal favorite, though… pure power displayed here, albeit without any “showboating” – which takes sensitivity and awareness on the part of each & every player to accomplish. I give Mark & his crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Mark’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Elise Lebec – HEART SONG: On rainy Pacific Northwest mornings like today, Elise’s piano is the perfect way to start the day… every note, every overtone is captured and will transport you to moods such as the splendid opener, “Silence“, bring, and when the strings kick in (just shy of one minute), you’ll feel the full impact! The 4:01 “Ghost Ships” has a haunting bell intro/background that evoke images you’ll not soon forget… lost craft hunting for solace on the shore. My strongest impressions, though, came from (my personal favorite of the fourteen tracks offered up), “It Was Always You“, which features George Chavez). Each of these tunes is composed with the listener in mind, and they will play repeatedly as you explore the deep emotions Elise conveys… I give her (and her companions) a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this wonderful set of music. Get more information at Elise’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Glen Ackerman – GLENIOUS ALIEN LANDSCAPE: Glen’s bass is the driving force here, & I do mean “driving”… you won’t believe your ears as you listen to the scorching guitar leads (Paul Chester) on the totally energized “Funcraft“… this is what jazz fans the world over are thirsting for! Houston, his home-base, should be very proud to have such an outstanding musician/composer. The smooth groove on “Pure Distance” makes it a winner, & I can guarantee that you’ll be spinning this on your playlists for months (if not years) to come. From the standpoint of “tunes that will last”, it was “Bugs Don’t Judge” that got my vote for favorite of the dozen tracks offered up for your aural pleasure – Chris Cortez’ guitar is absolutely stunning on this 5:36 tune. I give Glen & his crews (he has various different configurations on these tracks) a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Glen’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Chris Washburne & The SYOTOS Band – LOW RIDIN’: I can tell you right now, it’s not every day you hear trombone & tuba like Chris’s – this is the funkiest brass I’ve ever heard… he has a whole host of players with him, which adds to the grand inspiration, especially on tunes like the opener, “Feelin’ Allright“… & if you can’t “funk out” with their cover of “Manic Depression“, I hate to tell ya’ – you’re beyond all repair… the changes (alone) on this tune make it well worth purchasing. If you didn’t grow up in that late ’60’s/early ’70’s era, this will be like “brand new” music for you… fortunately for me, I was in the process of maturing when all this great music blew us (all) away. That’s particularly true for tunes like the beat-driven Neil Young’s “Sugar Mountain“, which turned out to be my personal favorite of the eleven offered up. I give Chris & his crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97 for this one. Get more information at Chris’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Dan Adler/Arnon Palty Band – ARTY FACTS: Despite the odd title, this is one of the better guitar-based jazz releases for 2015! Dan’s fine guitar & Arnon’s excellent bass are joined by Yvonnick Prene on harmonica, Lewis Porter on piano & Marcello Pelletteri on drums, & they just KICK th’ jamz out one after another! The integration of the harmonica on the opener, “S-10 8“, is seamless & gives you a jazz experience you’d never have expected. Then gently swaying Latin rhythms on “Last April” will have you up & looking for a partner to dance the night away with. I’ve listened to & reviewed a lot of Dan’s guitar work (last review was in issue # 110) and can truly say that this is the best jazz I’ve heard him do yet. On this ten-song jazz extravaganza, it was the closer, “The Storm And Its AfterMath“, that won my vote for personal favorite… at 8:44, it gave tons of room for each player to shine! I give Dan & Arnon a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this great release. Get more information on the CD Baby release page. Rotcod Zzaj

Jason Miles – Ingrid Jensen – KIND OF NEW: This is my first listen to Jason’s fantastic keyboard work, & when he’s paired up with high-talent trumpet from Ingrid, it truly is “new jazz”. The groove is there, but the total originality and energy expressed by this duo makes it far more than the “old standard” – this truly is fresh and invigorating jazz! If you’re not sure about my proclamations there, just check out the fluid movement on “Super City“… drummer Jon Wikan (Ingrid’s husband), sax from Jay Rodriguez, guitar from Nir Felder, & rhythm from bassist James Genus with brush work from Gene Lake all combine to give you a true “jazz rush”. The keyboard intro on “Ferrari” sets the down & funky pace for an absolutely splendid 8:28 tune that will take you all the way back to Miles (to be SURE)! Jason’s organ on “Street Vibe” made it easy to pick it as my personal favorite of the thirteen tracks offered up for your sonic enjoyment. I give Jason/Ingrid & their high-energy musical crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 – meaning that it also gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best new jazz”! Get more information on this great band at the Whaling City Sound page for this great release. Rotcod Zzaj

Benny Sharoni – SLANT SIGNATURE: Benny’s stellar sax work is highly complimented by pianist Joe Barbato, bassist Todd Baker, and drummer Steve Langone, as well as special guests trumpeter Jim Rotondi and guitarist Mike Mele on this splendid high-energy eight-song release! The opener (as you might expect), “Minor City“, is a perfect illustration of just how tasty jazz can get, especially when it’s in afterburner mode (Jim’s horn is perfect & sweet on this one, to be sure). It’s been a bit since I reviewed him (issue # 106), where he got high marks – but this outing is even more astounding, particularly on tunes like my personal favorite, “Slant Signature“, the title track… each player gets their own chance to shine, even though it’s short (4:19); the major attraction (at least, for me) on this one is that it’s one of the smoothest high-energy tunes I’ve listened to in 2015. I give Benny a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this great jazz release. Get more information at Benny’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

The H2 LA Big Band – IT COULD HAPPEN: Pianist Dave Hanson arranged all the tunes for this big-band smash-er-oo, & it totally will rock your jazz day! Tunes like the opener, “Hocus Pocus“, will have you pining for those great ol’ ballroom days (Maidenform or not)! The totally down & funky “B In C” merits numerous replays, & keeps the spirit of big band alive in today’s musical miasma. Too many players to itemize here, but take my word for it, the energy levels this band are able to escalate to will have you yearning for more. My personal favorite of the eleven tunes offered up for your aural enjoyment is “Black Lace Freudian Slip“… wonderful vocal work from Rene Marie, and a “back-alley creeper” style that takes me all the way back to the ’40’s (when I was born). Totally tasty jazz that gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from my ol’ ears, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at the Origin Records page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Katie Thiroux – INTRODUCING KATIE THIROUX: This talented young bassist has “got it all”… in addition to being able to make her instrument talk, Katie is also a (totally) talented singer who (clearly) loves the jazz she plays… all you have to do to “grok” that is listen to her sultry performance on “Don’t Be On The Outside” (I’ve been listening to it on my playlists ever since the first of 2015)! Drummer Jeff Hamilton produced this & Katie is joined by guitarist Graham Dechter, tenor saxophonist Roger Neumann and drummer Matt Witek in a show of high-energy talent you won’t soon forget. It was the excellent stride-style on “Ray’s Kicks” that got my vote for personal favorite of the eleven solid tracks Katie offers up on this outing. I give Katie & her crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Katie’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

La Lucha – STANDARDS, NOT STANDARDS: What’s absolutely notable about this fine release is that though it’s jazz, it’s “different” jazz… highly creative and full of life, with rhythmic twists & turns that will surprise and delight your ears (not to mention strong Latin flavors)! The peppy 6:03 “My Little Suede Shoes” will have you up on your feet & dancin’ ’round the room in only seconds. The tasty & attractive vocal, combined with the swirling rhythmic bass undercurrent on “Lucky“, made it my personal favorite of the eleven tunes… think “Peggy Lee” in the 21st Century. Album titles that refer to “standards” aren’t usually to my taste, but this great set of songs has been playing (over & over & over) ever since I got it in for review… I give this fine band a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at the La Lucha site. Rotcod Zzaj

Jack Mouse and Scott Robinson – SNAKEHEADS & LADYBUGS: Jack shows the kind of sensitivity on his drum work that only masters have! I first reviewed him in issue # 133, where he got very high marks from me! Scott’s superb reed and brass work give this an aura of improvisation that’s seldom heard these days on the scene… in fact, I’d go so far as to say that these two have created their own form of intimate jazz that demands the attention of your aural appendages (unless, of course, you’re stuck in M.O.R.-land). Tunes like “Backward Glance” will make you realize that their creativity is abundant and full of life! The 3:06 “Funk Infestation” is a different funk than you’ve ever heard, but (of course), you must pay close attention to catch each and every nuance they toss at you. It was the longest tune on the album, “Shapeshifter“, that got my vote for personal favorite of the dozen tunes offered up… lots of room for their themes to develop – and EXPLODE! I give this great duo a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this album. Get more information at Jack’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Troy Roberts – SECRET RHYMES: Troy’s sax work is well-known here… my last review of his work is in issue 131, so it’s been a while, though. As always, high energy is the driving force for his work, and on pieces like the 6:11 “Trick or Treat“, you’ll hear just how down & funky his band can get, too – just loved the bass walk on this one! Troy is joined by Silvano Monasterios on piano, Chris Smith doing bass and Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums… the only word that can successfully describe this units’ energy is – FORMIDABLE! That’s especially true on tunes like my personal favorite, the heavy-duty (& throaty) 9:26 “Trip“… takes you to all the regions of your mind & deposits you back on your living room couch/recliner a “changed listener”. I give Troy & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of (a perfect) 5.00… meaning that they also get the “PICK” of this issue for “best sax-led jazz”. Get more information at Troy’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Mike Oien – AND NOW: This is my first experience listening to Michael’s beautiful bass work, and it’s the perfect kind of jazz as I recover from a recent operation! He’s joined by Matthew Stevens (acoustic & electric guitars), Nick Videen (alto sax), Jamie Reynolds (piano), Eric Doob (drums), with special guest: Travis Laplante (tenor sax only on #3), and tunes like “Skol” are as refreshing as the earliest jazz I ever listened to (Charlie Haden, way back in the early days)… each player shines on their solo parts, but the bass is right out “in front” where it should be in a bass-led group! Eight originals and one traditional folk song are vibrant and full of the light that jazz can (and should) be for the listener. My personal favorite is the high-energy “Ask Anyone“, with recording so bright you’ll feel like the players are right there in your living room doing a personal concert for your ears… simply great jazz that deserves to be spinning (over & over again) on your playlists (Jamie’s piano work on this one is stellar). I give Mike & his talented crew of players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information on this album at the Fresh Sounds page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Harvie S and Sheryl Bailey – PLUCKY STRUM: Regular readers here will know that I’ve reviewed a lot of work from both Harvie (bass) and Sheryl (guitar), but this latest release is not only “different”, it’s total acoustic jazz joy! The jazz is ever-present, along with a nice slice o’ bluesiness, as evidenced by “Bluzin F“… this tune will be a “repeater” on your playlists, no doubt! “Charlie Haden” intros with a wonderful bass solo (as you might expect), then morphs slowly to some daunting interplay – one of the tastiest duo pieces you’ll hear this year. My personal favorite of the ten tunes offered up was the 6:03 “Ghost Dancer“… the recording is flawless, and captures every little nuance of communication between these two stellar players. I give them a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at the Whaling City Sound label page for this fine release. Rotcod Zzaj

Lorin Cohen – HOME: Lorin’s bass work is absolutely astounding on his debut performance as a leader! All-original compositions certainly contribute to the high-energy performances on all eight songs, but the BLUF is that this is just one oh-so-tight band that will catch your ears & hold them (for a long, LONG time to come)! Songs like the 5:32 opener, “Crossings“, are a perfect example of the talent you’ll be exposed to on this great album. The piano/bass intro on “Sweetest Soul” digs down deep into where the roots of jazz are, and will hold your attention for the entire 4:36 length… I just loved this one. Since I’m always looking for energy/power projection in my listening experience, though, it was the excellent “The Hero’s Journey” that got my vote for personal favorite! All-around, this is a great CD that gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from my ears, especially if (like me) you totally dig bass jazz! “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98. Get more information at the Origin Records page for this fine release. Rotcod Zzaj

XaDu – RANDOM ABSTRACT: The “builds” on this duo’s set of tunes take a bit to develop, but once they arrive, they will catapult you into the nether regions! Xavi Reija does drums and Dusan Jevtovic plays guitar, and on tunes like the opener, “Secrets“, you’ll be aware of their intimate construction of music that stays in your brain for the long-term. For something a little closer to the edge, you’ll enjoy “Decaying Sky“… they are still totally tight on the rhythms, but the pace is escalated by an order of ten (or so). If you’re not completely entranced by their music, you’re either not listening very carefully, or your mind is on something else altogether. That’s especially true on tunes like my personal favorite of the nine offered up, “Workplace“… though it’s one of the shorter tracks, it will make you realize that you’re in the presence of musical genius. I give Xavi & Dusan a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this great release. Get more information at the Moonjune Records page. Rotcod Zzaj

Jerry Granelli – WHAT I HEAR NOW: A true original, Jerry drums like there’s no tomorrow, & for jazzers this will be an experience like no other you’ve had! He’s joined by Mike Murley – tenor sax; Dani Oore – tenor and soprano sax; Andrew McKelvey – alto sax; Andrew Jackson – Trombone and Simon Fisk – 3 String Bassetto, and tunes like “Run Danny Run” will have you guessing after each note… some marvelous changes on this track! I definitely enjoyed Simon’s intro on “Walter White“, and the tune (though short) builds to true aural excitement – the reeds are stellar. It was the down & funky mood on the closer, “The Swamp“, that got my vote for personal favorite of the seven tracks offered up – every instruments gets a chance to shine on this tune. I give Jerry & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Jerry’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Jimmy McIntosh – JIMMY MCINTOSH AND…: If your ears are thirsting after some great R&R, you’ll just love this dozen-song rockin’ extravaganza from Jimmy, his guitar & a whole cast of musical characters! He’s got Rolling Stones drummer Ronnie Wood with him & guest appearances by John Scofield & Mike Stern, and they rock it with high-energy tunes like the 6:32 “Back2cali“… the guitar work on this song will scorch yer’ ears & make ’em stand right on up & dance (I’d most strongly recommend that you do this one with headphones on – at least for the first spin)! I’m reminded of some of the old Alvin Lee performances on the closer, “Fast Blues“… you don’t get to hear such great guitar energy from many bands on the scene these days. It was the down & funky backbeat on “Letsco” that made it my personal favorite on the album, though… man, this zugger RAWKZ (might have to do with John Scofield playin’ on it, too, lol)! Though the most hard-core jazzers may not agree, this has strong elements of jazz as well. I give Jimmy & his crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information (and purchase) at Jimmy’s music page. Rotcod Zzaj

The Phil Chester Group – OPEN DOOR SAMBA: Phil’s sax work (along with his compadres, Bob Quaranta on keyboards; Ian Froman on drums & Leo Huppert on bass; Joe Fitzgerald on bass; Katie Jacoby on violin & Tomas Ulrich on cello) is a real mix of great jazz. It’s not “all samba”, as the album title might lead you to believe… “Water” is more jazz ballad than samba, yet “April Bossa” is about as Latin (jazz) as they come these days! You’ll find your ears truly diggin’ down deep on my personal favorite of the dozen tracks, the 5:35 “Round the Block“… this tune is, in fact, one of my favorite songs for 2015… down & phonk-ee, no ’bout adoubt it! This is great music for your I-pod & will keep you movin’ nicely throughout your day! I give Phil & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Phil’s CD Baby store. Rotcod Zzaj

Vito Gregoli – OM LAND: Vito uses a whole host of instruments, as well as his voice, (classical, acoustic, 12 string guitars, dobro, percussion, keyboards, esraj, voice, bass, piano) to bring some of his ideas to music…. he’s also joined by Ricky Kej (strings, keyboards, Om Chant), Christo Pellani (percussion colors) and Kimberly Haynes (vocals on Nirguna), and the players are all definitely “in tune” with the vision Vito had in bringing this great music (inspired by the OM symbol) to realization! If you’re “strictly” a “jazz head”, you may opt out of this one, but if (like me) you believe that the power is in the creativity of the musicians, you will find pieces like the 22:05 “Saguna” among your favorites for the year (and for the longer term as well). My personal favorite of the three long tracks was the intriguing and mysterious sonic adventure titled “Pranava“… you’ll find yourself listening to this one over & over again! One note of warning – this is NOT “background” music… you should pull out your headphones and zone off your space so there will be no interruptions for an hour or so! I give Vito a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at the Dharmapala Records page for this exciting release. Rotcod Zzaj

David Helbock Trio – AURAL COLORS: If you’ve never “seen” the music you listened to before, this release will be a sure-fire jazz treat for your ears! David’s “Random Control” group got a “PICK” in issue # 140, so I’m quite familiar with his high-end musical wizardry! Mr. Helbock does some (absolutely) EXCELLENT keyboard work… what he clearly excels at is making sure that the listener is never bored by his piano… the movements and changes on tunes like “Sechs kleine Klavierstuecke op.19 Nr. III” will just amaze you, and give you images you’ve never before experienced (which was the whole idea, I suspect, lol). The rhythms on “Oepfili, bist so kugelrund” will have you dancin’ ’round the living room with pictures of Swiss mountain resorts & such. It was the 4:03 “AM – Anonymous Monkaholics” that got my vote for personal favorite of the eleven colorful tunes; David & crew get a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at David’s website, of course. Rotcod Zzaj

John Stowell & Michael Zilber Quartet – LIVE BEAUTY: …and surely here there is beauty! I’ve been listening to John’s wonderful guitar ever since I moved to the Pacific Northwest (way back in 1980), but this is the first time I’ve reviewed an album with his playing on it. The excellent opener, “In The Park“, brings back mem’ries of some of the great work John did with bassist David Friesen, but Michael’s reed work lends a totally different atmosphere to the song. John Shifflett does bass and Jason Lewis does drums to round out one of the best jazz quartets you’ll hear in 2015 (or at any other time, actually). It was the 9:04 “Cookie Monster Blue” that turned out to be my personal favorite of the seven (long) tunes offered up… bluesy, yet still full of real life! I give John and the rest of his fantastic quartet a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at John’s website or on Michael’s pages. Rotcod Zzaj

Dan Kennedy – BLOOM ROAD: Dan’s keyboards evoke sweet memories and magick through the dozen tunes he plays for you on this release. Pieces like the opener, “Moonrise“, will thrill you, especially as you listen to the flute (David Rose) that joins Dan’s piano…. simple, but beautiful. What’s most enticing about Dan’s music is that he makes sure it’s not “just another piano” album… as evidenced by the wonderful change in styles on “Pop Top“, with guests Charles Neville (saxophone) Greg Loughman (bass)… I found myself spinning this track a couple of times a day after I listened to it the first time. My personal favorite of the dozen songs, though, was the title track, “Bloom Road”… David’s flute and Charles’s sax join in to create a tune that will stick in your head for months (maybe even years) to come; some totally solid changes on this one, and it is DEFINITELY in a jazz vein! I give Dan a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Dan’s web page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj

Ellen LaFurn – C’EST LA-FURN: Laid-back & easy jazz vocals issue forth nicely from Ellen on thirteen fun tunes you will dig deep down into, no doubt in my mind. She’s got some great players behind her, including Vic Cenicola on guitar, Rave Tesar on piano, Ron Naspo doing bass & Patrick Cuttitta on drums, and they totally cook on pieces like their rendition of “Cherokee“… cool jazz, to be sure. Since Ellen is also plays flute (though not on this release), she has that extra comprehension of how a vocal needs to “fit” into the jazz that many other vocalists will never understand. My personal favorite of all these great tracks was the 5:25 “Dindi“… starts off with a slow vocal & moves right on along to a nice Bossa groove that will have you gliding ’round the dance floor. I give Ellen & crew a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Ellen’s website. Rotcod Zzaj

Chad McCullough & Bram Weijters Quartet – ABSTRACT QUANTITIES: If solid & pure jazz is what you’re after, you won’t find any better than this band featuring Chad’s trumpet and Bram’s great keyboards (along with bass from Piet Verbist and drums from John Bishop) anywhere on the globe. This is their third release… my first listen, but on tunes like the 5:35 “Hesitation“, you’ll hear just how sensitive the players are to each other… the recording is pure and clean, and if you listen with your headphones on, you’ll enjoy it even more. There’s even a taste of gospel on “Glorious Traffic Jam“… not what I expected at all on this track… full-bodied and rich from start to finish. It was the high-flying & super-energized opener, “Billions“, that got my vote for personal favorite, though… the tune starts off slow, but by 1:30, they’re soaring… solid and totally competent jazz! I give these fine players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information about this release at Chad’s music page. Rotcod Zzaj

His Master’s Voice – POSSESSION: There haven’t been a ton of high-energy metal/rock reviews here over the last ten years; that’s not because I don’t “like” the genres, it’s simply because we’ve not received that many submissions. This New Zealand band is the first in a rash of submissions of late. They start the EP with the title track, “Possession“… the guitars on this one just KICK, & would be perfect accompaniment for your last mo’cycle ride of the summer! & it’s not really “metal”, per se… more like power rock with a strong undercurrent of the kind of energy the ol’ blooz masters like Buddy Guy projected onstage. My personal favorite was the 5:05 “Follow Me Down”… every instrument gets the lead & they all (Brandon Bott – Bass, Rene “Judas” Harvey – Drums, Az Burns – Lead Guitar, Jesse Sorensen – Vocals and Guitar) NAIL that zugger! I give these gents a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for fans of music with energy that just won’t quit! “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.97. Get more information at the His Master’s Voice Bandcamp page. Rotcod Zzaj