Issue 133 Reviews

Our latest reviews for your reading and listening pleasure!!

Jacob Varmus – TERMINAL STILLNESS:  Jacob’s trumpet/coronet (as well as piano/keyboard) work on this great 9-song straight-up jazz CD is superb… just check out the wonderful moods he creates on “Stillness” and you’ll be a fan, no doubt – I was by the middle of the first track.  The thing that was most noticeable to my ears is that each tune just “flows” right into the next… seamless composition all the way through, which makes for a wonderful headphone session, I’ll tell you!  The recording is flawless – everything in it’s place and all “right on time”.  My personal favorite of the nine compositions was the 7:09 “Ju-Ju“…. crisp creativity and timeless jazz that will bring you back time & again.  I give Jacob & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information about this talented and sensitive player at Jacob’s website.        Rotcod Zzaj

Trio El Camino – TRIO EL CAMINO:  An old pal from down Huntspatch (Alabama) way (thanks, Jane) turned me on to Jim Cavender & his folks, & it was (nearly) the same night that I got the first DROPBOX submission – cool (there’s another all-instrumental CD that will be reviewed in a future issue, too)!  The opening track, “Only The Hip Survive“, clearly shows Jim’s high guitar talent, along with some very cool vocal work (some excellent southern-fried organ on this tune as well, which made this my favorite track of the 15 tunes offered up)!  I also dug down deep into the “almost-Ventures-sounding” “Take It Out On Me“, a cross between a tear-jerker & an uptown bump&grind if ever I heard one – lol!  This is definitely a cool band that will liven up your listening… the only thing I’d recommend would be putting the songs up on REVERBNATION and/or Amazon, so they’re easier to find/link to.  Despite that minor crit, they still get a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from my funkified ol’ ears, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.    Rotcod Zzaj

Miki Purnell – SWINGIN’ TO THE SEA:  If pretty, soulful & high-energy is what you’re after, Miki’s got a whole raft of tunes you’ll love (13 of them, to be exact).  As you might imagine, the titles are focused on the water, even those like the gently swaying “Estate“… sweet!  You’ll be flying with all your sails unfurled as you listen to Niki’s quite unique version of “Maiden Voyage” – when it comes to laid-back (yet high-energy) listening, this is the ticket!  The clear favorite (for this reviewer, anyway) was the beautiful “Free”… I’ve lovin’ this one!   Niki & her (rather extensive) crew get a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96.  Get more information at Miki’s website.      Rotcod Zzaj

Satoko Fujii New Trio – SPRING STORM:  It may just be the CD title, but this one seems perfect to listen to during the approach of a tornado or hurricane, & that is especially true on the opener (title track), “Spring Storm“; you’ll hear the “calm before”, but rapidly will be right in the eye of it all as Satoko’s piano swirls ’round your brain until the rescue teams move in.  As many of you know, I’ve reviewed Ms. Fujii’s work since the inception of this magazine, and I can truly say that this is among the best I’ve ever heard from her!  My absolute favorite was the closing track, “Tremble“… if highly evolved jazz and experimental piano is your forte’, you’ll agree when I declare this one MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED… on the other hand, if all you’re looking for is “background” music – move over to the next aisle, please.  “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98.  Get more information at THE ALLMUSIC site for this CD (& listen to all the samples while you’re there).      Rotcod Zzaj

Richard Lanham – THOU SWELL:  What’s most unique about Richard’s jazz vocals is an “old-fashioned” quality that few singers have these days… I don’t mean that in a negative vein, ‘coz it’s clear that Richard thrives on performance, and easily wraps you into his joyful presence, even on “sad” songs like “Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do“.  The even-dozen songs were actually recorded about 15 years ago & only released in May 2013.  The song I picked as my personal favorite was the bouncy & bright “Calypso Medley“… super energy and clear joy being conveyed to the listener!  For those who love jazz vocal work, this CD gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97.  Get more information at Richard’s site.      Rotcod Zzaj

Doug Sertl – BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP:  Doug does some absolutely tasty trombone work on this 7 song CD – just released in June 2013, the recording was actually done way back in July 1998… & tunes like “I Hear A Rhapsody” will make you understand that great jazz is timeless… jazz just don’t get any better than this.  Be sure to check out the high energy on “Groovin’ High“…. I’m just lovin’ the B3 (Rick Montalbano) on this jumpin’ tune!  Peter Bernstein’s guitar is superb & Terry Clarke’s drums phenomenal!  It was actually the opening title track, “Beautiful Friendship” that got my vote for favorite track – recording is crystal-clear, and shows how “together” these players are!  I give Doug & krew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at Doug’s website.        Rotcod Zzaj

Sasha’s Bloc – MELANCHOLY:  If you didn’t know what “the blues” were before you started listening to this superb CD, I can guarantee you’ll be an expert by the end of the groovy “Playful Blues“; I haven’t heard such soulful singing since I started listening to blues way back “in the day”.  The jumpin’ moves on the 30’s-like “Joke” will have you pullin’ out your saddle shoes in a short!  One of the group’s stated goals is to “revive the jazz culture of the 20’s & 30’s”, & they’ve clearly got the talent to pull off what might seem like a mission impossible in these days of hip-hop & such.  My personal favorite of the 9 tracks is “Rancho State Of Mind“, with it’s laid-back swagger!  I give this fine group a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97.  Get more information at the Sasha’s Bloc FB page.      Rotcod Zzaj

Anima – LIGHT OF ALUNA:  There are new dimensions in New Age, no doubt, and you’ll find yourself wrapped in them as you listen (headphones highly recommended) to the opener, “The New Dream“.  There are some folks who believe that “power” in music is all about “louder guitars”… Anima truly understands that true power comes from the spirit!  Anima is two solid players, Ali and Daniela, from the U.K., and they have spent just as much time in the spiritual guidance realm as they have in investigating sonic enlightenment.  It’s  of clear (to me, anyway) they have learned both sides well.  My favorite of the seven (long) tracks offered is the beautiful “Ocean Of Heart“… you may find a different favorite, of course, but I assure you, this is totally worthy of my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and get an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 (something that doesn’t often happen with New Age here).  Get more information about these marvelous players at the Anima site.      Rotcod Zzaj

The Avengers – ON A MISSION:  I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of listening to guitarist Beledo (from Uruguay) before, but you can bet I’ll be seeking out more & more of this stellar player (& you will be too after you hear tunes like “After All“).  Beledo’s guitar is joined by keyboards from Adam Holzman, bass by Lincoln Goines and drums from Kim Plainfield.  The eight tunes offered up clearly show the high talent and energy of each of these e players, but blended into the kind of “sonic superhero” session you would expect to be recommended by our friends at MOONJUNE Records.  My personal favorite was “Exactly” – precise and to the point composition that made it soar to the top of my playlist (& stay there).  I give this group my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 (the VERY top); which also means that they get the “PICK” of this issue for “best jazz-rock ensemble”.  Get more information on  the AVENGERS bio page.      Rotcod Zzaj

Jack Mouse Group – RANGE OF MOTION:  If the opening track, “LaPorta” is any indicator, you’re in for one wonderful jazz ride – Jack’s drums will transport you to movements you never knew existed on this one!  Just the kind of jazz you hardcore jazzers will fall in love with in only moments… Jack is joined by Scott Robinson on tenor/soprano sax & flute, Art Davis doing trumpet & flugelhorn, John McLean on guitar, Bob Bowman on bass & Kelly Sill doing some spots on bass as well.  The slinky alleycat feel on “Hip Check” made it my personal favorite, in great part because of John’s fantastic (& highly energetic) guitar solos…. anyway you hear it, these players are as mentally & musically flexible as any you’ll hear these days.  They get my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Jack’s website.      Rotcod Zzaj

Peter Kater & Snatam Kaur – HEART OF THE UNIVERSE:  What a wonderful set of music to wake up to on a beautiful Sunday morning (or any other morning, I’d suppose); Peter’s piano joins spirit-inspiring vocals from Snatam on 8 tunes  that will stay on your playlists eternally.  If you’re not totally drawn in to the magic spell this duo weaves on “Sanctuary“, your heart may be beyond repair anyway. This is (beyond question) special music, intended to give you visions to worlds you’ve never before experienced.  “Carry Me” is one of those visions, and earned my vote for favorite track! I give this grand duo a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at the Sikhnet site.       Rotcod Zzaj

Bennett Paster – RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF THE BEAUTIFUL:  There truly is nothing more wonderful (in jazz or any other art form) than original compositions that go after the heart of the music with no holding back – & that’s just what Bennett & his crew do with Paster’s great piano at the forefront on this 9-song instant classic CD!  Tunes like the searing “Scraper” will stick in your head for months (if not years) to come… rhythm changes abound on this one, & it’s just like that “old school” jazz I cut my teeth on.  Recording is flawless, and tunes like the beautiful “Lewinparie” (my personal favorite on the album) make this album one you won’t “lose” in the stacks – it will stay right up at the top of your playlists.  I give Bennett & his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for this winner – “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.99.  Get more information at Bennett’s website.        Rotcod Zzaj

Danny Wright – FULL OF LOVE:  A truly beautiful piano set from Danny that exudes the spirit of the love he is playing about…. a full 2-CD set (20 songs) that are really nice for blending you easy listening playlists with; of course, the first listen (if you can spare the hour & a half it will take) is best with all the songs.  I was especially touched by pieces like “Song for B.J.” and “Harris & Sara’s Theme“… total expression and full-body through Danny’s magical keyboard touch.  This is among the best of the piano CD’s I’ve listened to over the last 5 years or so (& believe me, that’s saying something – ‘coz I’ve listened to a LOT of them)! I give it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96.  Get more information at Danny’s website.        Rotcod Zzaj

Samantha Carlson – DAY IN-DAY OUT:   Cool vocal jazz here from Samantha & her players (Philip Burkhead on piano; Bill Jackson on bass, Wiiam Brian Hogg on tenor/soprano sax & Dan Dorff on drums), though unfortunately there were no (linkable) samples, you can listen to samples in her MUSIC ROOM page.  All-in-all a very enjoyable set…. 9 tracks that emphasize the jazz spirit unquestionably.  I particularly enjoyed the energy on “A Foggy Day” – almost exactly like you’re right in the lounge where she’s singing this (or the studio where it was made, perhaps).  I give Samantha and crew a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97.  Get more information at Samantha’s site.
Rotcod Zzaj

Nicolas Bearde – VISIONS:  This February 2013 release from Nicolas is pure pleasure to – the first listen takes me way back to the excitement I sensed the first time I listened to Lou Rawls… I mean, the opener alone, “Falling in Love Again“, is enough energy to make the CD worth buying!  The super-blues mood Nicolas creates on “Everything Must Change” will hip you to his timeless style – I can tell you right now, this will be jazz you’ll hit “repeat” on many times over!  The absolute killer track, though, & my favorite of the dozen offered up for your groove, was “Mighty, Mighty“… just don’t get no better than this!  I give NIcolas & krew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) of 5.00 – and of course, that means he also get the “PICK” of this issue for “best male vocal jazz”!   Get more information at Nicolas’s site.         Rotcod Zzaj

The Harris Group – ERRANDS:  Ric plays some of the best jazz guitar you’ll ever hear, & the violins, vibes and flutes that join him on the vibrant and magical “Bougainvillea” will ascend to the very top of your jazz playlist – & stay there!  The funky rhythms on the title track, “Errands“, will have your feet moving right in time to the beat – and will stick in your head for days (if not months) to come.  The back-alley creep feel on “Step Lightly” made it my favorite of the 9 offered up for your listening enjoyment and pleasure.  What’s truly unique about this all-original set is that it’s full of variety…. hardcore jazz heads and those not “quite so in” to jazz on a regular basis will find something to like.  I give Ric & crew my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information on Ric and his music at The Harris Group pages.        Rotcod Zzaj

Thisbe Vos – UNDER YOUR SPELL:  Thisbe’s vocals do indeed grab right hold of your head & wrap you up in what she’s doing; & tunes like “I Thought About You” that will make that apparent to your ears!  The players with her (& there are a whole host of them, far too many to itemize here) are totally solid, and give her plenty of room to maneuver on the even dozen tunes she croons for you.  Thisbe lays down a great rendition of “Round Midnight” – certainly made me think of all those little rooms in Amsterdam (she’s from the Netherlands) I smoked those after-hours cigars in (it’s my favorite track on the CD, by the way).  I give Thisbe a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97.  Get more information at Thisbe’s website.         Rotcod Zzaj

Catherine Marie Charlton – RIVER FLOW/SANCTUARY:  For listeners (like me) who can’t go too long without some beautiful solo piano coursing through their aural canals, Catherine’s April 2013 CD will be a true gem!  That’s especially true on sections of the single performance like “Stars Awaken“, where her magic touch and mastery of the keyboard is so evident.  This one is full of images that reach out and touch the deepest river of emotions inside you!  Just over an hour of calming (yet spirit-full) wonderment.  Straight-up jazzers may not appreciate this as much, but I give it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97.  Get more information at Catherine’s website.     Rotcod Zzaj

 

Black Motor with Verneri Pohjola – RUBIDIUM:  The jazz we get nowadays from Finland is some of the “outest” you’ll ever hear… and that’s not said in a disparaging way (at ALL) – there is real adventure in tunes like the opener, “Waltz” (unfortunately, they only had that one sample up, which drops the rating a point or two – heck, at least put some samples up on AMAZON)!  9 tunes, though, for just over 71 minutes, makes for a listening experience you won’t soon forget.  The players (Verneri Pohjola on trumpet; Sami Sippola on tenor and soprano saxophones; Ville Rauhala doing double bass & Simo Laihonen on drums) are all brand new to my ears, but this is some of the freshest & most accessible “adventure music” I’ve heard (yet) in 2013.  I give the band a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners who can’t (or won’t) settle for “ordinary” in their listening!  “EQ” (energy quotient) is rated at 4.97.  Get more information at the TUM Records page for this CD.     Rotcod Zzaj

Lenny Marcus Trio – PEACE FOR BEETHOVEN:  Lenny’s latest (at least it was the latest in MY queue) certainly gives new meaning to “classical jazz”… as you might imagine from the title, these are pieces that use Beethoven compositions to form the basis for some of the most pleasurable (as in FUN) jazz you’ll ever hear… & I don’t state that lightly – I mean will EVER hear!  Just scope out the joyous boogie slide of “Beethoven’s Fifteenth“… if that isn’t some of the most enjoyable piano-based jazz you’ve heard lately – you haven’t been listening very much (or very well, maybe).  There are a total of 15 tunes here, so you’ll find one you like best, no doubt… my own personal pick for favorite was “Waldstein One” – tho’ it’s only just over two minutes long, you’ll catch yourself hitting RE-PLAY often! I give Lenny & his crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at Lenny’s website.        Rotcod Zzaj

Maucha Adnet and Helio Alves – MILAGRE:  This is a first listen & since it’s a debut CD, that makes the power of Helio’s piano and Maucha’s vocals & percussion even more wonderful!  You can see from the CD cover that they are passionate about what they do, but when you listen to the opener, “O Cantador“, you’ll hear that vibrancy, too!  Their unique rendition of “Waters of March” is jam-packed with the kind of jazz energy that only those with the spirit of jazz in their souls can convey (& my favorite of the 14 songs offered up).  I am truly impressed, and can tell you that these great tunes will be on the “keeper” playlist for a long time to come!  I give this great jazz duo a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 – which also earns them the “PICK” of this issue for “best vocal and piano jazz”.  Get more information about them at their website.        Rotcod Zzaj

John McNeil and Jeremy Udden – HUSH POINT:  You will seldom hear a group that gets so far “down into” the music they’re doing these days, but as you listen to John’s trumpet and Jeremy’s sax work (alongside bassist Aryeh Kobrinsky & drummer Vinnie Sperrazza) on tunes like “B. Remembered“, you’ll hear that their attention to detail and spontaneous “grokking” of their mutual direction is what sets them apart from all the other jazz bands out there!  I also felt that “Finely Done” was just that… & while their fine composition skills come across, they still manage to infuse all 10 tracks with high spirit and total verve!  I give them a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at the HUSH POINT FB page!        Rotcod Zzaj

Vicente Avella – ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE:  There’s always room for a well-played, high-talent piano CD here… that probably has a lot to do with my own affinity for playing keyboards… but as you listen to “Dressed In White“, you’ll understand that it’s also got a lot to do with Vicente’s skill and touch on the keys!  My own personal favorite of the 11 beautiful tracks offered up for your listening experience was “Ode To Joy” – which lives (entirely) up to the title.  I would recommend headphones and total isolation for the first ’round of listening.  I give Vicente a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96.  Get more information about Vicente and his music at Vicente’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Al Thompson Jr – CITY MAINSTREAM:  What this highly energetic 9-song CD does is establishes Al as one of the “timeless” jazz artists we all have to have in our collections… especially on tracks like “From The Beginning” – this kind of jazz takes me back to my earliest days as a fan of the genre!  “The Chase“, the opener, is totally high-speed, too… you can almost see yourself careening ’round those city street corners!  It was actually the close-out track, “8th Avenue Safari“, that got my vote for favorite track, though… straight-ahead jazz with lots of mystery and feeling involved (just like any big-city street corner these days, I imagine).   I give Al & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information on the CD BABY page for this album.         Rotcod Zzaj

Erika Dagnino, Stefano Pastor, George Haslam, Steve Waterman – NARCETE:  You will need to be in a certain “frame of mind” to enjoy this music… “Chant I” will give you a pretty fair idea of what you’re about to encounter on this splendid 10-song spoken-word and improv adventure!  I’ve been reviewing a lot of violin work from Stefano & I imagine that’s how this particular outing wound up in my review box.  From a strictly “jazz” perspective, I expect many listeners will enjoy pieces like “Chant III” more than others.  The highlight of all these works is that they blend musical and spoken voices together into a quite comprehensible roller-coaster ride for the listener who demands a taste of the insane in the listening experience.  For those types of listeners (tho’ not for more “conventional” types), this one gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at the SLAM Productions pages.       Rotcod Zzaj

Stephen DeRuby – AWAKENING:  Stephen’s flute is more than just “superb” on this 11 song piece of wonderment!  There are deep tones that will re-energize you on tunes like “Desert Star“, one of my favorites on the CD.  Though I can’t relate (personally) to his recovery from a home laden with domestic violence, it’s clear from his musical abilities that he’s learned well that music IS the healing force we all need.  Nowhere is that more evident than on compositions like “River Of Life” – which turned out to be my pick for favorite track… sadness and hope woven together in the same song…. you’ll love this one, even if you’re not normally drawn to this type of music!  Your spirit will be awakened over and over as you spin these tracks… I give it my HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Stephen’s bio page.       Rotcod Zzaj

Free Form Funky Freqs – BON VIVANT:  I can tell you now – whatever these jazz cats set out to do – it will HAPPEN; & it will BE happening!  I’m tellin’ ya’, Cheech, you can HEAR that pharkin’ bird on “Strut of the Peacock” (& you can see him too, if yer’ wearin’ yer’ freak properly)!  For a “ride on a jetplane”, try out “East Coast to Paris“.. you’ll be glidin’ all the way.  Jaamaladeen Tacuma is the train driver, but Vernon Reid’s guitar/electronics & G. Calvin Weston’s drums all blend together to take you on a sonic trip like you’ve never been on before… that’s particularly true on my favorite track, “She Wants Breakfast In The Morning“… I give the trio my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at their FB page (& be sure to tell them I sent you their way)!        Rotcod Zzaj

Deborah Latz – FIG TREE:  I’ll tell ya’ right now, folks – the jazz/blues vocals have never been better than what you’ll hear from Deborah… her light & bouncy scat on the opener, “Blue Skies“, will just blow you a-way – some definitely funky bars!!!  When she switches over to Latin flavors on “E Luxo So“, you’ll feel like you’re in a whole different setting, and Deborah’s high talent and energy are what makes that possible.  The sax solo at the beginning of the laid-back “You Are” takes you into yet another zone (think back-room, smoky bar after last call).  Of the 14 tracks, it was the album lead, “Fig Tree”, that won my vote for favorite… superb jazz with class, to be sure!  I give Deborah & crew my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at Deborah’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Laszlo Gardony – CLARITY:  This is my first listen to Laszlo as a solo pianist (the other two CD’s we’ve reviewed by him are in a different jazz realm).  Don’t let that dissuade you from getting this one, though… it’s some of the finest solo piano I’ve heard (yet) in 2013 & that’s especially true for pieces like the beautiful “Resilient Joy” – you can feel the lively energy coming through Laszlo’s fingers, to be sure and his left hand is very powerful on the track.  That powerful vision comes through even more clearly on my favorite track of the 10 on the album, “Looking Deeper“.  What I find most striking about his playing is the sense of personality coming right through the keys to your ears – no “high & mighty” stuff, just a person with true power in his hands and the talent to grant it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Laszlo’s pages.      Rotcod Zzaj

Peggy Duquesnel – SEEMS LIKE I KNOW YOU:  This is my third time having the pleasure of reviewing Peggy’s vocal work… while (some of) the songs aren’t strictly in the “jazz realm”, she has such energy and spirit for her craft that one can’t help but fall in love (right away) with tunes like “When I Think Of You“… & this one IS about as much in the jazz vein as you can get… lots of nice hooks & some super horn work on this one.  The recording is very well balanced and high quality… this EP will stay on your playlists for 1000’s of spins!  My personal favorite of the 5 songs is “Rainy Days and Mondays“… bluesy, but with a very “forward” looking spirit expressed – superb arrangement!  I give Peggy a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for listeners who want to sample her vocals!  “EQ” (energy quotient) is 4.97.  Get more information at Peggy’s pages.      Rotcod Zzaj