New Jazz Adds – 3/31/2017

New Jazz Adds – 3/31/2017

Patrick Arthur, Dana Fitzsimons, Chris Otts – The Cheap 3nsemble (Self-produced): This new group describes its music as “inspired by the famous Paul Motian Trio, playing ambient and exploratory jazz….” The trio includes Patrick Arthur (guitar), Dana Fitzsimons (drums) and Chris Otts (tenor sax) and they blend an ambient approach with occasional swirling melds of sax and guitar. The drums hold the structure at times, but are ornamental at other times in the program. It’s reminiscent of the ECM sound but without the quiet dreaminess often associated with that label. It is certainly recommend for fans of ECM or ambient music in general. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.   

Duo Baars Henneman & Dave Burrell – Trandans (Stitching Wig): This is a challenging and inventive trio that plays in the outer reaches of the free jazz soundscape. The group features Ab Baars (tenor sax, clarinet, shakuhachi), Ig Henneman (viola) and Dave Burrell (piano). Some of the harmonies are stretched and, at times, one of the players will simply drop out to allow the remaining duo to build a segment. I regret I am unable to find a sample from this disc.

Han Bennick Trio – Adelante (Instant Composers Pool): The Han Bennick Trio features Bennick on drums, Joachim Badenhorst (clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor sax) and Simon Toldam (piano). The complexity of sound they are able to create is quite amazing. The music here is fairly derivative and free harmonically and rhythmically. The music isn’t wild, but it does move to the freer style that one might expect of more open improvisation. At the same time, Bennick can still catch a groove!  Nine of the thirteen compositions were composed by one of more members of the group. The leader/drummer Bennick has just turned 75 and he’s obviously still quite active. He first recorded on Eric Dolphy’s last album in 1964. I regret I am unable to find a sample from this disc.

Jim Buennig – It’s Like This (Self-produced): This is saxophonist Jim Buennig’s first release and it features eight of his original compositions. His style is rather cool sounding, sometimes reminiscent of Paul Desmond, but he also jumps “bop-ishly” across the base provided by his group. In addition to Buennig, the band features Dan Padley (guitar), Curtis Atchley (piano), Blake Shaw (bass) and Fabio Augustinis (drums). Very solid interaction among band members, as well as fine soloing. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.   

Sandy Cressman – entre amigos (Cressman Music): Vocalist Sandy Cressman presents ten beautiful Brazilian songs. She co-wrote several songs and provided lyrics for another composer’s music on a few others. The sound is mellow and intoxicating. There are many supporting musicians on this disc and instrumentation includes keyboards, accordion, guitar, bass, drums or percussion, and the shifting addition of saxophones, trombones, trumpet, and flute. Fans of Latin and particularly Brazilian vocal music should absolutely check this out. Click here for an introduction to the disc by Sandy Cressman herself.    

Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra – The Music Of John Lewis (Blue Engine): Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra offer a tribute to the great pianist John Lewis, who first played with Dizzy Gillespie, then with Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, before forming the Modern Jazz Quartet with Milt Jackson, Kenny Clarke and Ray Brown. His impact on jazz was tremendous. In searching for a pianist capable of handling the role of honoring Lewis’ contributions to jazz, Marsalis approached Jon Batiste. This was a terrific choice. This disc not only presents the music of John Lewis but also cerebrates the vibrancy of jazz through its great musicians. Everyone interested in jazz history should listen to this performance. It is a fantastic program, lesson and celebration. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the performances on this disc.   

Adrianna Marie & Her Roomful Of All-Stars – Kingdom Of Swing (VizzTone): Singer Adrianna Marie has been singing since she was quite young. She is a terrific uptown blues thrush who models herself after such stars as Helen Humes, Julia Lee and Mabel Scott (late 40’s/early 50’s). She’s definitely on the jazzy side of the issue, but she’s got a big case of the up town blues. She also sports a band that’s strongly reminiscent of the original Roomful Of Blues. In fact, former Roomful musicians Rich Lataille (alto, tenor sax) and Al Copley (piano) play throughout the disc and Duke Robillard (guitar, vocal) guests on two songs. There is top notch playing throughout. The remaining musicians include L.A. Jones (guitar), Kedar Roy (bass), Brian Fahey (drums), with guest appearances by Junior Watson (guitar) and Bob Corritone (harmonica). Additions to the Roomful Horns are Doug James (bari sax), Doug Woolverton (trumpet), Mark Earley (tenor sax) and Carl Querfurth (trombone). The sound is jazzy UP-town blues and r’n’b. Adrianna wrote or co-wrote five of the songs on offer and the covers range from a great version of “Mood Indigo” to Helen Humes’ “Drive Me Daddy” and Joe Liggins’ “One Sweet Letter”. This group is as good as the original Roomful of Blues and, with no disrespect intended to the Duke, Adrianna Marie is a vocal slayer. This is a certified Professor Bebop “Wax Devoid Of Cracks”! Click here to get acquainted with the “Sidecar Mama”!   

Jacqui Naylor & Art Khu – Q & A (Ruby Star): In keeping with the more recent trend of fusing musical styles, vocalist Jacqui Naylor sings a mixed bag of jazz and pop and what she describes as “adult alternative”. She has been recording since 1998 and basically seems to alter her vocal presentation with the same large embrace as the styles of music she likes. This disc has her presenting two originals and a menu of jazz and pop standards, including “The Way You Look Tonight”, “The Nearness Of You” and “Charade”. Naylor’s vocal approach has stylistic bits of Nina Simone mixed with some poetic talk/sung folk artist. Her bio includes Billie Holiday, June Christy, Nina Simone, Tracy Chapman, Natalie Merchant, Carole King, and Sheryl Crow as influences. Art Khu plays piano, guitar, bass, organ and drums and arranges and he supports Naylor beautifully. Click here for song samples.  I would recommend listening to all four to catch the vocal shifts.

Bill O’Connell – Monk’s Cha Cha (Savant) : Pianist/composer Bill O’Connell fell in love with jazz  through Latin jazz and salsa and was a member of Mongo Santamaria’s band for quite some time. He acknowledges that his path toward jazz was the path less travelled, but he also believes he learned a feeling and technique that is rather unique. McConnell frequently plays solo these days, but he has also gigged with Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker and Emily Remler. This disc features five of his original compositions with the reminder from Kern and Hammerstein, Jobim-Olivera-Gilbert, Burke and Van Heusen and Santamaria. He has a flowing technique and terrific facility, as is amply showcased on this live performance. Click here to listen to samples of songs on this disc.   

Mariah Parker – Indo Latin Jazz – Live In Concert (World Jazz): “While completing her degree in music at UC Santa Cruz, Mariah Parker worked with ethnomusicologist Fred Lieberman and drummer Mickey Hart on the “Planet Drum” project and became fascinated with the possibilities of bridging musical concepts from different traditions.” (http://mariahparkermusic.com/about/) This new disc is her second release and her dedication to musical fusion is fully realized. In addition to her composing, Parker plays piano and santur and is supported by Paul McCandless (horns, reeds), Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), and Kash Killion and Fred Randolph trading off on bass, with Ian Dogole and Brian Rice (percussion), Duru Demetrius (congas) and Debopriyo Sarkar (tabla). These are truly fine performances. Click here to listen to samples of two songs on on this disc.   

John Shaw & The Jazz Alliance – War Lords (Memphis International): Pianist/composer John Shaw plays in two groups: a trio also featuring Monte Butts (bass) and Renardo Ward (drums) and the Jazz Alliance whose membership adds Johnny Yancey (trumpet) and Kyle Lee (tenor sax). Shaw composed five of the seven songs on offer. The band has a mellow sound as an ensemble and even the solos have an easy tone. All-in-all a pleasant affair. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on the disc.    

Cedar Walton – Charmed Circle (HighNote): This is a live performance by pianist/composer Cedar Walton and his “Western Rebellion Quintet” in 1979. In addition to Walton’s piano and two songs on electric piano, the group included Steve Turre (trombone), Manny Boyd (tenor sax, replacing Turre), Tony Dumas (bass) and Ralph Penland (drums). The set included four Walton compositions, such as “Jacob’s Ladder” and the title song, and covers of Rodgers and Hart, Stevie Wonder and Coots and Lewis. The performance is full of energy and dazzling playing by everyone. If you know Walton’s work, you don’t really need to know more. If you’re not aware of Walton’s art, there is no better place to start! Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.   

Miles Wright – The Manhattan EP (Self-produced): Miles Wright is a composer and teacher. This particular program features four compositions for large band, which were recorded in NYC. Musicians for this project are Myles Wright: Dan Fornero, Rob Schaer, Jeff Bunnell and Bob Summers (trumpet); Dan Higgins and Sal Lozano (alto sax, flute, clarinet); Bob Sheppard (tenor sax, clarinet); Jeff Driskill (tenor sax, clarinet); Jay Mason (baritone sax, flute); Alex Iles, Ryan Dragon and Charlie Morillas (trombone); Craig Gosnell (bass trombone); Teag Reaves, Laura Brenes, Dylan Hart, and Katie Faraudo (French horn); Doug Tornquist (tuba); Alan Steinberger (piano); Andrew Synoweic (guitar); Rick Shaw (bass); Harvey Mason Sr (drums); and Wade Culbreath (percussion). Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.   

Kopasetically,

Professor Bebop

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