Issue 143 Reviews

Our latest and greatest reviews for your reading & listening pleasure

Camille Thurman – ORIGINS:  Our last review for this issue focuses on one of the hottest young sax players on the scene today… Camille will captivate your ears only seconds into the opener, “Forward Motion“… if you can’t move to this one, you’re not the jazz fan you claim to be!  Her vocals on the excellent “A Change of Mind” show talent that few have in these days of “canned jazz” – this is the real stuff, to be sure.  The title track, though, “Origins“, was the clear winner when it came to picking my favorite of the thirteen tunes offered up for your long-term listening pleasure… full-bodied and full of the emotion that makes great music great.  I give Camille & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information on this rising talent at the HOT TONE Music bio for Camille.      Rotcod Zzaj

Connie Crothers & Paula Hackett – SHARING THE THRILL:  For this reviewer, nothing quite tips the scale towards enjoyment as great piano (Connie) together with spoken-word that adds new dimensions to the life of the music… As you listen to “Max Roach”,  you’ll hear exactly why I’m diggin’ this one so much.  (unfortunately, that’s the only sample I could find on the web – so, you’ll have to purchase the CD to hear the rest of the tunes.  The pieces are usually only a couple minutes long, ergo, there are 34 gemlets for you to savor.  I’ve reviewed a lot of Connie’s work, & can say (without qualification) that this is among the most enjoyable of them all.  I give Connie & Paula a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of a perfect 5.00 – which means that this also gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best spoken-word jazz”.  Get more information at the New Artists page for this release.       Rotcod Zzaj

Alvin Lucier – STILL AND MOVING LINES: This is a very interesting release featuring the works of Alvin performed by the new music ensemble from Australia called Decibel.  Three of the pieces are previously unrecorded, including the dense & rich “Carbon Copies” – if you’re an improvisor, you’ll love these tunes!  One cautionary note is that you will need to listen (at least for the first session) with headphones if you want to catch the nuances and gain the maximum exposure to Alvin’s creative genius.  My personal favorite of the four was the previously released work, “Ever Present“, probably because it seemed to be the most musically inclined of the four offerings.  I give Decibel a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97.  Get more information at the POGUS release page for this CD.       Rotcod Zzaj

Ann Sweeten – TAPESTRIES OF TIME:  Ann’s beautiful piano work is simply stunning on this new CD… eleven fresh pieces that will soothe your ears and your mind for the duration!  The opening track, “Afterglow“, is worth the purchase price; I love this one.  I’ve reviewed her work for many years now, and found this new CD to be her crowning achievement; if you’re not totally captivated by “Hypnotique“, you should go watch basketball or the latest episode of “Cops”.  It was the title track, “Tapestries of Time“, that caught my vote for personal favorite on this one…. the recording is flawless, and the emotions roll right through her fingers.  For listeners who must have some keyboard in their lineup, this gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at Ann’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Minstrel Streams – NEW HORIZON:  A new gem in from Matt and Rebecca Stuart; as you listen to Matt’s acoustic guitar and piano and Rebecca’s flute, you’ll be spirited away to a musical land where everything is good and pure!  Pieces like “Celestial’s Rainbow” really bring that feeling of joy and peace home for you, and you’ll find yourself spinning this one over and over again.  These folks are really able to create imagery through their music, which you’ll see as you listen to the beautiful “Dawn Rising“!  It was the emotion-laden “Coming Home To You” that captured my vote for favorite track of the 13 offered up for your aural pleasure; heavenly, indeed.  I give Minstrel Streams a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for listeners who want to be carried away to new heights, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at the Minstrel Streams website.        Rotcod Zzaj

Szilard Mezei International Improvisor’s Ensemble – KARSZT:  Our improvising friends at SLAM Productions are constantly sending new & exciting music our way for review!  This 2-CD set captures over two hours of very interesting music performed in Serbia (January 2012).  The opener, “Hep 20“, is the perfect place to start this sonic adventure, especially if improvised is not your regular “flavor” of music; this tune has a really strong flavor of orchestral, yet achieves the goal of being fully improvised.  My personal favorite track has a bit more leaning towards what you might call “big-band improv”…. “Jugoplastika” is one of the most intriguing improvised pieces I’ve listened to in the last five years.  I give this monster improv set of works a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at the SLAM Productions website.       Rotcod Zzaj

OU – PISCES CRISIS:  As a music reviewer, I can guarantee nothing, since all I publish is opinions…. but as a jazz buff (& sometimes player), I can certainly assure you that this music is (& will be, forever) the most unique, and at the same time heartwarming, as you’ll ever listen to.  It came my way via my pal Amy Denio, & of course those who read this magazine frequently will know that I would expect nothing less than perfection on pieces like “Wok” when Amy recommends it!  If you grasp the wonderfulness of pieces like the marvelous “La Mentita” – you can grok anything the world throws at ya’ – this is my personal favorite of the dozen tunes offered up!  Amy’s the producer on this one, when you hear tunes like “Paese di Stronzi“, you’ll know you’re in the presence of pure musical genius.  I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of a perfect 5.00 – which means it’s also the “PICK” of this issue for “best unique music”.   Get more information at the Spoot Music page for this release (be sure to tell Amy that Zzaj sent you).      Rotcod Zzaj

Don Jones’ Tribe – ALL HEART:  Ev’ry once in a while, I’ve gotta’ have a dose o’ soul, & Don & his tribe fill the bill – no bout adoubt it!  If you’re not sure you believe me, just scope out the super-high-energy, yet soulful opener, “Smooth Thoughts“… this is absolute cool in a musical robe of many colors!  For a debut album, Don & his cohorts display talent far beyond the norm… that just shines through on “City Lights“…. jazzy & full of life (not to mention some way-cool bass).  It wouldn’t pay to make comparisons to soul groups of yore, ‘coz these folks have their own vibe…. you could almost say it’s the “new soul”, & I like it a lot.  My favorite of the eleven tunes offered up is the beautiful “Higher Power” – EXCELLENT!  I give this CD a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of a perfect 5.00 – meaning it also get the “PICK” of this issue for “best soul jazz”!  Get more information at the Don Jones Tribe website.      Rotcod Zzaj

Noshir Mody – STORIES FROM THE YEARS OF LIVING PASSIONATELY:  Noshir (guitar) & friends are able to really “stretch out” here, & they play some of the most enjoyable jazz you’ll ever hear.  Their tale of oysters, i.e., “A Pearl Discovers The Oyster“, is not a terribly complicated piece, but it’s as detailed as story as a story can be – 11:32 of pure aural pleasure.  This is surely the direction jazz is headed for in the 21st Century & beyond…. my personal favorite of the 5 (long) tracks offered up was the stunningly pervasive opener, “The Next Chapter“… waves of passion will invade your thoughts and bring you the peace that only jazz can bring.  I give Noshir & friends a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Noshir’s website.     Rotcod Zzaj

Lisa Hilton – KALEIDOSCOPE:  This is definitely the most exciting jazz I’ve heard from pianist Lisa, and I’ve no doubt you’ll agree when you listen to the opener, “Simmer“…. perfectly calibrated between the players, this tune will inspire you & increase your love for jazz.  I loved the depth of expression on “Labyrinth“, one of the freshest compositions I’ve heard (yet) in 2014.  It was the 4:32 “Midnight Mania” that won my vote for favorite track of the eleven offered up for your sonic pleasure.  Lisa is more than “rising”, she’s already a jazz star that shines bright in a world where there are far too many pretenders.  If you haven’t listened to her music yet, she (and this CD) come MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me, and the album gets an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Lisa’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Noel Johnston – SALTED COFFEE:  A change of pace is always expected here in my reviewing studio… and Noel & crew provide that change in spades!  Noel’s ripping rock/jazz guitar style on the stellar “Bat Tips” will have you soaring well past the edge of the solar system in mere seconds!  The opening title track, “Salted Coffee“, will have you diggin’ out your motorcycle boots & gittin’ on down thee road to find new horizons, no doubt in my mind.  It was the totally funked-up “Big 8008” that got my vote for favorite of the eight super tracks Noel has put together for your listening enjoyment, though… super energy all the way through the track.  I give Noel a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at Noel’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Samantha Boshnack – EXPLODING SYNDROME:  Even on the slower pieces, like “Ashcloud“, the energy for playing and expression is “there”… Sam’s trumpet/flugelhorn work is flawless on this sonic adventure from the great Northwest!  The entire quintet shines on the 7:14 “Dormant“, with a place for each instrument & fluid movement all the way through.  It was actually the shortest piece on the CD, “Juba“, that got my vote for favorite of the eight tunes offered up for your sonic enjoyment, though… this one MOVES!  Any way you listen, this vibrant and totally talented group definitely merits the MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED I’m giving them, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Samantha’s site.       Rotcod Zzaj

Andre Feriante – NOVELLA; UKELELE MOSIAQUE:  Obviously, since I listen to so much jazz, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard it done on this unique instrument…. but as you listen to the splendid opener, “Rio By Night“, you’ll realize why it’s great music played by a very talented artist!  Another very pleasant tune is “Ophelia’s Joy“… high marks for this one, to be sure.  Another unique thing about this outing is that he plays these tunes on 5 hand-crafted ukeleles made for him by craftsman David Poplar.  I’m more than impressed & will be looking Andre up since he’s right here in my area (Seattle).  My personal favorite tune of the 10 offered up for your listening pleasure was “Durango”…. soothing and pleasant, yet full of the joy of living life.  I give Andre a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Andre’s website.    Rotcod Zzaj

Danny Fox Trio – WIDE-EYED:   Danny’s splendid jazz piano is joined by bassist Chris van Voorst van Beest, and drummer Max Goldman in a truly different sound for jazz… just listen to the oddly-timed “Bonkers” to get a taste for the extreme talent of this trio, & you’ll hear why I’m digging them in a big way already; what’s so splendid about their efforts is that it doesn’t sound like they’re “trying” to be different – they just are!  The splendid swirls on “Drone” aren’t at all what you’d expect on a tune with that title – which is more than likely what made it my favorite of the 11 tracks offered up.  Decidedly different, with a fresh view of the jazz world, this one gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Danny’s website.      Rotcod Zzaj

Gabrielle Goodman – SPIRITUAL TAPESTRY:  If you’re in the mood for some truly soulful jazz vocal work, you will just LOVE Gabrielle’s sweet renderings.  Though this is my first listen, this is actually her fifth CD release; tunes like “A City Called Heaven” will transport you to where you need to be – simply wonderful jazz!  “Go Down Moses” just blew me away… solid from the first note, this 6:34 tune is an absolute gem!  Gabrielle’s spoken word, as well as her vocal of course, is featured in “Wade In The Water“… my favorite track on this CD, as well as my favorite spiritual tune (yet) in 2014.  This CD gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00.  That means it also gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best soul jazz”.   Get more information at Gabrielle’s website.    Rotcod Zzaj

Susan Clynes – LIFE IS…:  Susan’s vocal work is absolutely different than similar work you may have heard before… a most unique set of performances/recordings that will have anyone who appreciates the marriage of spoken-word with jazz & music of many stripes in a rave, to be sure.  Just scope out the excellent swirling energies on “Butterflies“… & Susan’s piano adds to the great effects being created (it may help if you imagine a female version of Frank Zappa’s “The Torture Never Stops”… lol!  Her keyboards were especially effective for my ears on the most intriguing “When You’re Dead“… definitely my favorite of the 11 tracks offered up.  I can say, without qualification, that you will be hearing much more from this high-talent artist in the years to come.  I give Susan & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at the Moonjune Records page for this CD.       Rotcod Zzaj

Lena Bloch – FEATHERY:  Lena’s stellar sax playing is joined by players Cameron Brown on bass, Billy Mintz on drums and Dave Miller on guitar, in a session you’ll not soon forget!  She certainly picked the right title, too… everything is silky-smooth – just scope out the lush and rich nuances of the beautiful “Baby Suite“!  This is jazz done right, in an age when there are far too many pretenders to the jazz throne… as the opener, “Hi-Lee“, proves beyond the shadow of a doubt – Lena & her crew are the real deal. My absolute favorite of the 9 tracks offered up is the high-energy “Marshmallow”… jazz is well-served by this great group; they get a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information about Lena at the Lena Bloch website.    Rotcod Zzaj

Jason Anick – TIPPING POINT:  The jazz scales are definitely shining in violin/mandolin player Jason’s favor, as he leads you on a jazz adventure like you’ve never heard before!  A superb example of his ability to craft something from rhythms that might seem disjointed to others is totally evident on the great “Inspiration Point“, one of my favorite tracks (yet) in 2014.  His playing is not at all what you’d expect, even from someone like Ponty… “Minor Blues” is, oddly enough, full of live & the vigor of living it to the fullest… some of the most talented and inspired playing you will ever hear.  Of the 11 tunes offered up, though, it was the solid and lively opener, “Stomped Out“, that got my vote as favorite – if you didn’t feel great when you started listening, you will by the end of the tune!  I give Jason & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Jason’s website.        Rotcod Zzaj

Matija Dedic – SENTIANA:  If high-talent keyboard jazz is your cup of tea, you won’t get your cup much fuller than the beautiful tunes Matija spins out for your aural pleasure.  That couldn’t be truer than on the marvelous trio formation on “Bremen“… solid tune, with absolutely excellent clarity from the opening note to the very end (at 8:49).  The bass on “Deep” is just that… the tune will transport you into lands you’d never imagined before.  My personal favorite, though, was the high-energy vibe on “Uncle M“… jazz as it was meant to be played (though the tune is short, clocking in at just over 5 minutes); this CD gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at Matija’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Lauren Kinhan – CIRCLE IN A SQUARE:  Though I didn’t realize it, Lauren is part of the “New York Voices” (who have been reviewed here before, very favorably).  On this outing, she demonstrates her talent as a leader & composer.  A great example of her credibility is that she has Randy Brecker guesting on the opening title track, “Circle In A Square“…. some amazing things going on here (& I loved that Fender Rhodes, of course)!  Her full-bodied & sultry approach to jazz vocalization will enchant you in the immediate (as it did me).  The other tune that featured Brecker was my favorite… “Bear Walk” is that kinda’ bubbly & “slink-along” jazz that automatically makes it THE choice.  I give Lauren & friends a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with a full-blown 5.00 “EQ” (energy quotient) rating.  That means it also gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best vocal jazz”.  Get more information on this fantastic artist at Lauren’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Jeff Hackworth – SOUL TO GO:  If you can’t hear the solid soul in Jeff’s beautiful reed work on this great little 9-song CD – you can’t hear very well!  Just try the laid-back flow on the too-cool “Autumn Nocturne“, & you’ll hear why I’m raving about this (of course, that great organ helps a lot for this jaded listener).  The upbeat swingin’ on “Blues In A Few” is another absolutely stellar track that will stay on your playlists for days/months, maybe even years to come.  My personal favorite of all the tracks, though, was the down & ever-so-soulful “Live and Learn“… this takes me back to my earliest days of getting hooked on jazz.  I give Jeff & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information about this solid artist at Jeff’s own website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Whiteboy Slim – BOX/WHAT BOX:  Our blues pal Slim has outdone himself this time – no QUESTION.  Definitely a box full-o-blooz that will turn you on your head!  The opener on Volume 1 (this is a two-volume set), “Undercover Blonde“, pits Whiteboy’s gravel-laden voice against some rippin’ guitar licks that make this song alone worth the purchase price of the set.  If you don’t get on that train to Chi-town, “Baby Took The Train“, you’ll be missin’ out for sure. It was the jumpin’ “Down By The River” on Volume 1 that got my vote for favorite of all 24 tracks, though… absolutely gittin’ DOWN on this one!  For rabid blues fans everywhere, this one gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  Get more information at Slim’s official website.         Rotcod Zzaj

Lisa Ferraro – SERENADING THE MOON:  Jazz vocals just don’t get any smoother than Lisa’s splendid performance on “More Than You Know“… some great sax work from Houston Person behind her on this track, too!  Her great storytelling abilities just shine through her vocal on “Teach Me Tonight“… strong presence & total jazz cool will be your ticket to vocal jazz heaven.  It was the laid-back groove on the beautiful “Skylark” that caught my vote for favorite on this great 12-song CD.  I’m very impressed, & if you love jazz vocals with high-talent and total energy, you’ll agree when I declare this March 2014 release to be MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98.  Get more information at Lisa’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Frank Dibussolo Group – SONGS TO WRITE HOME ABOUT:  Frank’s wonderful jazz guitar has graced our pages before, & this outing is even/ever better, especially on tunes like the great “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love“…. total gentle, yet vibrantly alive!  If you’re looking for something a tad more upbeat & swingin’, you’ll truly dig the opener “I’m Beginning To See The Light“.  Anyway you listen, you’ll find something in the band’s high-spirit performances that will hit your top jazz playlist & stay there for months (if not years).  For me, it was the 5:39 “Sway” that got my vote for favorite of the dozen tracks offered up.  I give Frank & his crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97.  Get more information at the FDG FB page (& be sure to tell them you read my review here). Rotcod Zzaj

Elly Kouri – I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH:  What sells Elly’s singing more than anything else is the energy you feel bubbling through it… that’s especially on tunes like the down & funky “Blues Are Brewin'”… if they weren’t before you started listening, Elly’s enthusiasm for the style will have you feeling it!  The alleycat sneaky feelin’ on “Do I Move You” will “send you” (as we used to say back in the days of hepcats…. lol).  It was the breezy cool Elly expressed so fully on “Second Time Around” that won my vote for favorite of the 13 totally cool tunes offered up for your listening pleasure.  Even if jazz vocals aren’t necessarily your first choice, you’ll (still) agree when I declare this to be MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98.  Get more information at Elly’s website.      Rotcod Zzaj

Bob Dorough – EULALIA:  Bob’s piano & vocal work on this high-energy & “feel good” music CD is full of good & full of glorious jazz.  The opening title track, “Eulalia” is gentle, but vibrant – this one will repeat in your playlists over & over (his daughter Aralee).  His playing, as well as his arrangements, will please the ears of the hardest critics, and jazz fans everywhere will find songs to love forever.  I was especially impressed with the jazz spirit expressed on “To Be or Not To Bop”… in fact, that’s my favorite of the nine swiingin’ tunes offered up – a full 8 minutes of superbly crafted & executed jazz.  I give Bob & his extensive crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  Get more information at Bob’s website.       Rotcod Zzaj

Raoul Bjorkenheim – ECSTASY:  You won’t require any of that mosh-pit “substance” being used so frequently these days as you scope out Raoul’s high-energy guitar work (he’s joined by saxophonist Pauli Lyytinen, bassist Jori Huhtala and drummer Markku Ounaskari in a sonic adventure you will never forget!  The fantastic, “As Luck Would Have It“, is enough to make the entire CD worth the purchase price – SUPER bass intro on this one!  For jazz that explores the outer regions (while still remaining very accessible), you’ll love my favorite of the 9 tunes offered up, “No Delay“… I’ve said it before & will again… Finland has some stellar jazz players!  I give Raoul & his friends a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.  For more information on this project, visit Raoul’s page for this CD.        Rotcod Zzaj

Amy Denio – PRODIGAL LIGHT:  From a musical standpoint, nothing could be more satisfying than this session with Amy’s multi-instrumental works and vocals.  Is it jazz?  Well, certainly not!  Is it high-energy, high-talent?  You BET-chum!  Seattle-based world traveler Amy has been producing some of the most intriguing and involved music ever since (& maybe before) I got involved with indie/underground music.  The vocals & percussion on “Pass Offer” will stick in your head & will never let go!  The strange spoken-word and odd instrumentation on “Lunar Nerve” was my personal favorite track of the 15 offered up.  I give Amy & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of (a perfect) 5.00.  That means it also get the “PICK” of this issue for “best “out there” CD”.  Get more information at Amy’s SPOOT MUSIC site.       Rotcod Zzaj

Bill Banfield’s Jazz Urbane – PLAYING WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S HEADS:  No matter how “wacked” the CD title may sound, this is among the best jazz CD’s I’ve listened to (over & over now, about 100 times) (yet) in 2014, especially on tunes like the laid-back & funky “Soldier“, featuring Christian Scott… jazz storytelling in the old tradition, but with a totally modern feel of cool!  If it’s peppy & danceable you want, then scope out the svelte “I’m Ready For Your Love“… folks, let me tell you, Bill & his folks have GOT this soul feeling down pat.  It was definitely the percussion intro & cool keyboard sounds that made the 7:22 “Money Funny“:my personal favorite of the eleven tracks, though – all those groovin’ changes didn’t hurt none, either.  I give Bill & his crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  This one will have you spinnin’ it over & over again!  Get more information on the Jazz Urbane group website.        Rotcod Zzaj

George Haslam – WORDS UNSPOKEN:  Some splendid ballad work from George’s baritone sax, with guests Steve Waterman on trumpet/flugelhorn, Ruben Ferrero on piano, Esmond Selwyn on guitar, Dan Messore guitar and Steve Kershaw doing double bass.  A beautiful slow-start on the opener, “A Kiss To Build A Dream On” is very satisfying indeed.  The double bass intro on “I Won’t Send Roses” will be played over & over on your playlists… a definite laid-back groove.  It was the 7:56 rendition of “Naima” that got my vote for favorite of the thirteen tunes offered up for your ongoing aural adventure, though… sweet is the best word I can think of to describe this!  I give George & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this one.  Get more information at the SLAM PRODUCTIONS website for this CD.        Rotcod Zzaj