Issue 140 Reviews
Our latest and greatest reviews for your readlling & listening pleasure
Reginald Cyntje – LOVE: Reginald says he has one “mission” as a musician – to inspire change through music. On this, his sophomore CD, he definitely accomplishes that. His mellow trombone on “Beauty” is lush and full of life, and paints images of growth and expansion that you won’t soon forget. He uses the song titles to express the things he wishes to see grow and prosper, and with principles he adheres to, like “Faith“, they surely will! This is one of the tastiest new musical treats you will ever hear – but after you’ve listened to Reginald’s work, you will seek him out over & over again! My personal favorite of the 11 pieces was “Respect“… among the best jazz work I’ve heard (yet) in 2014. I give Reginald & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Learn more about this fantastic player on Reginald’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Frank Wess – MAGIC 201: I’ve been accustomed to hearing Frank do flute work, but his tenor sax (except on one track) on this CD shows his clear prowess in this arena as well! The opener alone, “It Could Happen To You“, gives you a taste of what “great” is when it comes to the kind of roots jazz I cut my very teeth on. His flute magic is demonstrated in full force on “The Summer Knows“, one of the most mellow pieces I’ve heard yet in 2014. It was the swingin’ blues undercurrents on “Blues For Ruby” that got my vote for favorite of the eight tunes offered up for your jazz pleasure, though… definitely “back to the basics” here! I give Frank & crew (Kenny Barron on piano, Rufus Reid on bass, Russell Malone on guitar & Winard Harper on drums) a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Frank’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Lenny Sendersky &Tony Romano – DESERT FLOWER: Lenny’s alto/soprano sax and Tony’s excellent guitar join forces to bring you a kind of “updated ’60’s jazz” sound. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean they’re “retro”… this is totally 21st Century, but their compositions hearken back to an era when jazz was “cool”, but not “smooth”! Just scope out the excellent opener, “Chet“, to get an idea of why I dig this grouping so much. For a truly new/modern feel, you’ll dig a lot on “Horizons” (perhaps because Randy Brecker plays on it). My personal favorite of the 10 tunes was “Fruit Tea“, an original by Lenny. I give these cats, & all their guests, a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at Tony’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Adam Smale – OUT OF THE BLUE: Blue is the last thing you’ll be after you listen to Adam’s splendid jazz guitar work on this killer CD! I’m more than just “impressed”, I’m totally blown away & lovin’ this one, folks. The tunes aren’t posted on the web yet, as the CD isn’t being released until next week… but as I sit here listening to “Blues For Yous“, I must say that the blues ain’t never been expressed with more feeling than on Adam’s CD. It was the too smooth/cool “Yes And No” that got my vote for favorite of the nine tracks offered up for your long-term jazz pleasure…. this one will become a classic, I predict! I give Adam & crew (Phil Palombi on bass, Mathew Fries on piano & Keith Hall on drums) a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 – the very top, which also means it gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best new guitar jazz”. Get more information at Adam’s blogsite. Rotcod Zzaj
Bill Leslie – SCOTLAND/GRACE OF THE WILD: I’m often floored by the beauty in certain types of music – and Bill has been “on our list” for some time now in regard to producing just that kind of wonderment. You’ll certainly agree whole-hardheartedly as you listen to the wonderful “Loch Lomond“…. simply beautiful! “Black Is The Color” will make you fall in love all over again, I’ve no doubt. There are moments when you’ll think you’re listening to Native American music… an inherent sadness in many of the pieces – but when you hear the joy in “Aberdeenshire“, you’ll know that this IS “where it’s at” for music you’ll want to hear over & over again. I give Bill a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (for all but the jazz purists), with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Bill’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Peter Kerlin Octet – SALAMANDER: There are a total of five very interesting compositions here from Peter & his pals… though I don’t believe the tunes can be classified as “jazz” (in the “strict” sense, anyway), there are some great vibe works here on the opener, “Bulbs“… and energy aplenty, which is what drove it into my queue in the first place. It was the epic (13:37) mysteries revealed on “Ballad of the Bewildered Herd” that made it my favorite piece, though…. the “build” to excellent crescendo will make this a favorite for anyone who seeks adventure in their listening experiences. I give Peter & crew a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Peter’s site. Rotcod Zzaj
Jane Ira Bloom – SIXTEEN SUNSETS: This is, without question, some of the prettiest soprano sax work I’ve heard Jane do – & believe me, I’ve listened to a lot of her work. Everything is somehow more “gentle” & laid-back, especially on tunes like the wonderful opener, “For All We Know”…. pretty, pretty! You’ll have to go to a lot of concerts to hear the kind of excellence Jane & her compatriots (Cameron Brown on bass, Matt Wilson on drums & Dominic Fallacaro on piano) display on her rendition of “Darn That Dream“. It was the total groove on “Ice Dancing” that captured my vote for favorite of the fourteen pieces offered up for your aural enjoyment. I give Jane & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Jane’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Sheryl Bailey – A MEETING OF MINDS: Somehow, Sheryl’s excellent CD didn’t make it on the queue page (probably because I got it in November, and the release wasn’t until January 14th). At any rate, I “recovered” it in my monthly review of CD’s awaiting queue… this is (without doubt) one of the best jazz guitar CD’s I’ve ever heard! As you scope out Sheryl’s silk-smooth guitar lines on “Good News” (a Bailey original), you’ll hear why I’m saying that! Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I absolutely love great Hammond B-3 work, so tunes like the fantastic opener, “All Talk“, make this 12-song jazz marvel stay right up at the top of my playlists. It was the straight-ahead bluesy groove on “An Unexpected Turn” that caught my ear for favorite track, though… this is mighty mellow jazz! I give Sheryl & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this one. Get more information at Sheryl’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
The Blue Project – THE DANNY PETRONI BLUE PROJECT: Man, folks, this takes me way back… total blues from the Jersey shore region, right after hurricane Sandy hit… & when you hear “The God of War“, you’ll “get it” right away! Danny plays some scorching guitars, and is joined by a huge cast of characters to make music you’ll never forget. If “power blues” is what you’re thirsting for, you’ll definitely get it with the 4:59 “Cracker Jack“… low-down, verzure! There’s enough rock roots in there to make this a totally danceable experience as well, especially on tunes like my favorite, “Hey, You’re Looking Good“… brings down th’ house! I give Danny & crew a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Danny’s page for this CD. Rotcod Zzaj
Enrico Granafei – ALONE AND TOGETHER: This is the second album from Enrico I’ve reviewed – & it’s among the most pleasant jazz experiences I’ve had (yet) in 2014. In addition to his excellent guitar work, he also plays harmonica ala Toots (who was one of his teachers). One of the coolest tunes I’ve heard this year (with wonderful & gentle vocals) is “Estate“… talk about laid-back & suave! It was the title track, “Alone Together“, that won my vote for favorite of the thirteen tracks offered up for your aural enjoyment… so relaxed, yet fully charged with the kind of energy jazz IS made of. I give Enrico a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Enrico’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Adam Unsworth – BALANCE: Adam’s french horn is superb on this 8-tune release… unfortunately, I was unable to find samples of the tracks on the web (if you know where they are, please send me a link, folks). Tunes like “Flow” were excellent, tastefully executed and full of life all the way through. My personal favorite was the rich-bodied “Blues Nocturne”… the string work is beautiful, yet this is clearly a jazz piece that would be well-received in anyone’s chamber. Since I was unable to find tune samples, you’ll find a YOUTUBE vid below. I give Adam & crew a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Adam’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Dom Minasi & Hans Tammen – ALLUVIUM: All of us who improvise, & many who listen to improv, know that moments like those you’ll hear on Dom & Hans new CD are far & few between. They are totally sensitive to each others’ movements, but also understand just how to wrap the listener in to their intricate sonic adventures. Pieces like “Finger Dance” will have your mind hopping all ’round the room… this is a great improvised tune, and you won’t want to be without it in your collection of the coolest. It was the rapid pace on “Chasing Bulls” that caught my vote for favorite track of the 16 pieces offered up for adventurous listeners, though – improvised jazz doesn’t get any better than this! I give Dom & Hans a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners who want to hear “different” in their jazz experience. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is right at the top – 5.00; which means that they also get the “PICK” of this issue for “best improvised guitar jazz”. Get more information at Dom’s page for this CD or the Straw To Gold Pictures label. Rotcod Zzaj
Pete Mills – SWEET SHADOW: Pete’s total talent on tenor sax is joined by other players who are giants as well – drummer Matt Wilson, guitarist Pete McCann, pianist Erik Augis and bassist Martin Wind bring lots to the jazz table. Pete’s reed work is brilliant on the opener, “Shiner“… killer jazz, to be sure! If tasty tunes, where each player gets a piece of the glory, are what you’re after, you’ll scarf down “The Snagel” over & over again. My personal favorite of the fourteen tracks offered up for your aural pleasure was “Blues For Mel“… jazz with substance that will ride the top of your playlists for a long time to come! I give Pete & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at Pete’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Larkenlyre – MUSIC OF THE EXTRAORDINARY VOYAGES: It’s clear from the first few bars of this marvelous musical journey that Matthew Labarge’s early reading experiences served him well. Scenes from other continents are audibly visible and will aid you in your own travels – “Rainforest Omens” is a perfect example of how deep Matthew gets into his imagery, and will stay on your playlists for a long time to come. I found the intriguing sounds of “Desert Gathering” particularly attractive, & it turned out to be my personal favorite of the 14 tracks presented for your aural adventure! I give Matthew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for listeners who want to experience something different. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98. Get more information at Matthew’s Larkenlyre page. Rotcod Zzaj
The Puppeteers – THE PUPPETEERS: Some of the finest players in jazz today are part of this group, to include drummer and club founder Jaime Affoumado, pianist Arturo O’Farrill, bassist Alex Blake and vibraphonist Bill Ware; it’s not actually a grouping I’d heard before, but their opener, “On The Spot“, is some of the highest jazz energy I’ve heard yet in 2014! Bill’s vibraphone on the beautiful “Peaceful Moment” gets played over & over here in my review studio. It was the vibrant and moving closer, “The Right Time“, oddly enough, that got my vote as favorite of all nine tracks – fantastic playing and timing on this tune. I give these folks a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at the Puppeteers website. Rotcod Zzaj.
David Helbock’s Random Control – THINK OF TWO: If there’s one thing we love (more than anything else in the wide world), it is jazz that understands that music is supposed to be FUN… as you listen to the opener, “Voa Ilza“, you’ll hear why I say that for David’s excellent trio; his piano is joined by Johannes Bar on brass & other thingies & Andreas Broger doing reeds, electronics & percussion – & they definitely ramp up the “fun quotient” with these dozen aural adventures! The zany antics on “Raise Four” made it my favorite, but (depending on your personal tastes) you may find a different track as your choice (in point of fact, “Tupizando” came in as a close runner-up for favorite – too much to like here). I give these guys a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 (the very TOP of my scale)…. which means they also get the “PICK” of this issue for “most unique/fun jazz”. Get more information at the label website. Rotcod Zzaj
Michelle Zangara – SONGS OF BLUE: This is Michelle’s second CD (we didn’t get the first one), and if you’re a lover of laid-back (yet highly-charged) blues, Ms. Zangara has got if for you in spades… just check out her sultry tones on “Never Let Me Go” to get a taste of what she can do! It was definitely the blues-oriented “Born To Be Blue” that got my vote for favorite of the eleven tunes Michelle offers up for your jazz vocal playlists. An absolutely fine musical experience that will impress you over & over again with its’ fine musicianship. I give Michelle & crew a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96. Get more information at Michelle’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
I Giganti Della Montagna – L’ARSENALE DELLE APPARIZIONI: What an improv adventure…. from Sicily, saxophonist Ferdinando D’Urso, pianist Lorenzo Paesani and cellist Federico Sconosciuto join forces to take you on a wild romp through music you’ve never heard before – even in your wildest dreams! Mighty mellow pieces like “Al Gran Sole” are blended together with “definite jazz” compositions like “Concerto Sacro” to give you a genuine jazz experience like you’d get nowhere else! What I truly like about this album is that the artists are presenting true art without being pretentious or “above it all”… very real, very down-to-earth and high-talent jazz that will melt in your mind & influence your thoughts about music for many years to come. I give the trio a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at the SLAM Productions site. Rotcod Zzaj
Dusan Jevtovic – AM I WALKING WRONG?: If “disturbing” guitar is what you want, Dusan will “take you there”, to be sure! Just scope out the opener, “You Can’t Sing, You Can’t Dance” – whether you can/can’t, you’ll get the message the first time around… just be sure you listen to this one with your headphones on (at full blast, I might add), at least the first time around. The band is a simple trio, Dusan on lead guitar, Bernat Hernandez on fretless bass & Mark Djordjevic on drums, but when you scope out my personal favorite of the ten tunes offered up, “Drummer’s Dance“, you’ll realize you’re listening to the “next gen” of total talent and total focus! I give Dusan & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at the MoonJune Records page for this CD. Rotcod Zzaj
Forrest Smithson – DREAMING TIME: When synth music is done well, it can overpower your senses (without necessarily overpowering your ears) – that’s the case on the beautiful (and l-o-n-g) “Dreaming Time I“… but be sure you lock yourself in a room with the lights off (or down way low) and your headphones on, so you can open your mind and your senses up to the dreams Forrest paints for you. The thing that sets Forrest’s music apart from other like artists is that he is willing to weave “other elements” (such as percussion) into the sequences – it was for that reason that his “Dreaming Time II” got my vote as favorite of the four long tracks presented here. I give him a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information on Forrest’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Joe De Rose and Amici – SOUNDS FOR THE SOUL: After reviewing a newer CD from Joe’s crew, I asked for this earlier one right away – the band packs some of the strongest punch on the scene today, & true jazz lovers won’t want to miss tuneage like (the opener) “Nick’s Legacy“… high-energy, crisp & to the point! Joe’s jazz drumming is the most “on-time” I’ve ever heard, & that’s saying a LOT – ‘coz I’ve heard a LOT of drummers in this arena! The 7:42 “Bros At Play” turned out to be my favorite of the nine tracks offered up for exciting jazz listening… it shows just how tight the group is! I give Joe & his compatriots a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Joe’s liner notes page for the album. Rotcod Zzaj
Robert Prester – DOGTOWN: Robert’s jazz piano is exquisite, with all the cool you’d expect, especially on pieces like the beautiful “Beneath Wind’s Shadow“, a Prester original. In fact, 9 of the 10 tunes offered up are originals, & the only one that’s not is Robert’s arrangement of “Giant Steps” – it’s a winner, too. My personal favorite, probably because of the focus on Robert’s keyboard work, was “Realm of Possibility“. Tunes with originality & verve like this are what makes the jazz globe spin… high-spirit & total talent get Robert & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Robert’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Rob Derke & The NYJAZZ Quartet – BLUE DIVIDE: Rob’s soprano sax is a wonder to behold, full of intimate improvisational moments and high-energy talent, no doubt about it! Rob is joined by Aruan Ortiz on piano, Carlo De Rosa on bass & Eric McPherson on drums – just check out the full-out “Davey’s Dreams“, one of my favorite jazz tunes (yet) this year! The high-spirit on the closer, “Taksim“, is the tune (of the eight offered up) that got my personal vote for favorite. Rob wrote that this piece was born out of a protest in Istanbul, as well as melodic improvisation. No matter how you listen to it, this IS one of the finest pieces of jazz in 2014. I give Rob & his fantastic jazz crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at the NYJAZZ website. Rotcod Zzaj
Akasa – PORTAL: Akasa offers up some very tastefully done “new age/world fusion” for listeners who want to explore their “other sides” a bit. As you listen to the opener, “Return To Our Innocence“, you’ll realize that she isn’t “just another new-ager”…. she has something to day, & certainly knows how to convey it with power and substance for all who want to venture into her vision. The gentle strains that open “Sahara Rising” evolve into a full-blown shamanistic seance, for lack of a better term. It was the undercurrent-driven “Paradise Reborn” that caught my ear as favorite of the dozen tracks offered up… wonderful vocal work woven into music that wraps you in the spell. I give Akasa and her cohorts a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for this stellar set of songs. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.97. Get more information at Akasa’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Taeko Fukao – WONDERLAND: Taeko has been sending us great jazz for quite some time now, & this latest release is another clear winner, especially if your tastes run to high-energy jazz vocal work. Taeko’s rendition of “Naima” is as silky-smooth as jazz gets, and will ascend quickly to the top of your playlists & just won’t “drop off”. My personal favorite of the eleven tracks offered up for aural enjoyment and edification was the highly charged closer, “What A Wonderful World“… if you can’t get a little joy out of this performance, you’ve got a foot in the grave already! I give Taeko a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with jazz vocal lovers in mind, and an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Taeko’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
John Funkhouser – STILL: John’s fantastic piano work is joined by bassist Greg Loughman and drummer Mike Connors, with guests Phil Sargent (guitar) and Aubrey Johnson (voice) to make for a jazz trio + that will stay in your mem’ry (& on your playlists) for a good long time to come. What makes this trio unique is the high sense of adventure & joy they convey through the 8 glorious & full-bodied tunes they offer up for you – the opener alone, “Indigo Montoya’s Great Escape” is just over seven minutes that will make you fall in love with John’s style immediately! This musical experience is anything but “quiet”, as the album title might imply… I can guarantee you that you’ve never heard as poignant a version of “House Of The Rising Sun” as what these folks perform for you. My personal pick for favorite, though, was the marvelous “Shakedown” – “different”, yet completely “grok-able”! I give John & his compatriots a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for listeners who don’t want “just the same ol’ jazz”; “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.99. Get more information at John’s website! Rotcod Zzaj
Pixel – WE ARE ALL SMALL PIXELS: Jazz falling thought our mail-slot from Norway that will capture your ears – & with tunes like the highly charged opener, “Be Mine“, you’ll realize why instantly! Led by double bassist, vocalist, and songwriter Ellen Andrea Wang, with drummer Jon Audun Baar, trumpeter Jonas Kilmork Vemøy and saxophonist Harald Lassen, they play vibrant music like the 3:52 “Space” – and I can tell you – you haven’t heard creativity flow this poignantly for many years! When it comes to th’ spirit of down&funky, though, it was “Edge” that got my vote as favorite of the 11 tunes offered up for your aural enjoyment! I give Ellen & crew my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 – which means that they get the “PICK” of this issue for “best new jazz”! Get more information at the Pixel website. Rotcod Zzaj
Archie Shepp Attica Blues Orchestra – I HEAR THE SOUND: Archie’s original performance of this music was in 1972, as a tribute to the ’71 Attica riots, and the spirit of freedom (or escape from “the man”) was all about.
The music hearkens back to an era when we (all) felt like we were making real progress against the racial & social injustices that were (& had been) perpetrated by that “man”. Tunes like “Blues for Brother G. Jackson” bring home that spirit and help us re-live it all these years later, when we really need to participate (yet again) together to get justice & freedom for all (though it often “looks better” on the outside, many of those same prejudices and hatreds are still there). The down&fonky “Mama Too Tight” picks up the pace & turned out to be my favorite track of the 11 offered up. This CD is (already) a jazz classic, & dedicated jazz/blues fans will HAVE to have this in their collection. I give it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at Archie’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Carolyn Lee Jones – THE PERFORMER: Nothin’ is better than curling up with a truly talented lady jazz vocalist, and Carolyn’s clearly up in the top ranks there… just scope out her powerful opening on “Small Day Tomorrow“… you’ll be a believer in only seconds into this tune! I also dug “Creepin‘” in a big way – Carolyn’s phrasing and timeliness allows her to take this track & “own” it! This is her second CD (the first was in 2008)… My personal favorite of the 14 splendid tunes offered up was the ultra-smooth “Let’s Get Lost” – something to do with her sultry tone on this one made it stay up at the very top of my playlist! I give Carolyn a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Carolyn’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
Craig Yaremko Organ Trio – CY03: I’m not sure why saxophonist Craig (soprano/alto/tenor, flute & alto flute) called this an “organ trio”, though Matt King’s organ work is absolutely fine, so I’m glad Craig did that! On the other hand, his reed & wind work is among the best I’ve heard (yet) in 2014 – just scope out the excellent “Blue Fontaine“… shows the tightness of the trio (Jonathon Peretz does drums, with guest guitarist Vic Juris on tracks 3 & 5). My personal favorite of the 11 tunes offered up was the high-energy “Oil Slick“…. 5:55 gave each of the players a nice space to shine in – & shine they did! While this is my first listen to Craig’s work as a leader, I’ve no doubt you’ll be hearing from him again (sooner, rather than later). I give Craig & his talented crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Craig’s website. Rotcod Zzaj