New Jazz Adds – 5/21/2018
New Jazz Adds – 5/21/2018
Glenn Crytzer Orchestra – Ain’t It Grand? (Self-produced): The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra revives the days of jump, swing and jive in a somewhat mellower fashion, but with a very nice style. Many of the songs are compositions by leader/vocalist/guitarist/banjo player/director Crytzer. He wrote 13 of the 30. Other songs were borrowed from Ellington, Basie, Lunceford, Oliver, Millinder, Goodman and Tchaikovsky among others. The band includes Sam Hoyt, Mike Davis, and Jason Prover (trumpets); Rob Edwards, Joe McDonough, and Jim Fryer (trombones); Jay Rattman (clarinet, soprano and alto sax); Mark Lopeman and Marc Schwartz (clarinet, alto and tenor sax); Matt Koza (clarinet, tenor sax); Henry “Ricky” Alexander (clarinet, alto sax, bari sax); Rob Reich (piano); Ian Hutchinson (bass), Andrew Millar (drums) and Hannah Gill and dandy Wellington (vocals). It’s the old sound with an emphasis on mellow and bit of razz-ma-tazz. Click here to listen to songs on this disc.
Adrean Farrugia & Joel Frahm – Blued Dharma (GB): “The relationship between pianist Adrean Farrugia and saxophonist Joel Frahm was fostered during their nine-year association with drummer and bandleader Ernesto Cervini which matured over numerous studio and stage performances.” (Liner notes) The blend of Farrugia’s piano and Frahm’s sax is thrilling throughout the disc. Farrugia composed all but “Nobody Else But Me” (Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein) and two very different takes of Ray Noble’s “Cherokee”. It is stunning to hear such interplay. Click here to listen to samples of the performances this disc.
Allan Harris – The Genius Of Eddie Jefferson (Resilience Music): Vocalist /guitarist Allan Harris presents his tribute to the style and creativity of the late Eddie Jefferson, one of the greatest lyricists, singers and creators of the vocalese style. This set covers such classics as “Billy’s Bounce”, “Body And Soul”, “Filthy McNasty”, “Lester’s Trip To The Moon” and “Waltz For A Rainy Bebop Evening”. Harris has released numerous discs as a leader and this one is fantastic. Supporting musicians include Eric Reed (piano), Willie Jones, III (drums), George De Lancey (bass), Richie Cole (alto sax) and Ralph Moore (tenor sax). Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.
Matt Lemmler – Love (nolajazzrevival): Singer/composer/pianist Matt Lemmler offers a double disc with backing players Shane Theriot (guitars), David Torkanowsky (B-3 and other keys), James Singleton (acoustic bass), Calvin Turner (electric bass) and Simon Lott (drums) on the first set, which has been described as performed in a relaxed and folksy mood. Songs range from the Beatles’ “In My Life” to “Gone With The Wind” and “Baubles, Bangles and Beads”. Lemmler is joined on the second set by Shane Theriot (guitar, mandolin), Rex Gregory (woodwinds, saxophones), James Singleton (bass) and Jason Marsalis (drums). There is also backing by a string quartet featuring Alea Zone and Sue Kim (violins), Lili Cerese (viola) and Mile Lemmler (cello). This disc is titled “Southern Songs and Sonatas” and includes several gospel tunes and bluesy music. The music works well on this release, though I found Lemmler’s vocals unusual or weak on the first set. I also acknowledge that Lemmler has a large following in New Orleans. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this release.
Solon McDade – Murals (Self-produced): Bassist/composer Solon McDade began playing a washtub bass as soon as he was tall enough to have a reasonable span of reach. Since that time, he has performed in a host of genres, including jazz, blues and bluegrass. His current group includes Donny Kennedy (alto sax), Jeremiah McDade (tenor sax), Paul Shrofel (piano) and Rich Irwin (drums) in a solidly jazz with some funk mode. Their performance is tight and terrifically rhythmic and progressive. Click here and scroll down to listen to the songs on this new release.
George McMullen Trio – Boomerang (pfMentum): Veteran trombonist and composer George McMullen offers eleven original compositions with backing provided by Nick Rosen (bass) and Alex Cline (drums, percussion). McMullen has previously recorded with Lee Ann Rimes, Oingo Boingo, and Brian Setzer among others. This disc, however, is a far cry from those older projects. There is a stronger link to Africa and jazz connections here. It is also a more contemplative aspect to some of the songs on the disc. This is a long step away from the pop and rock releases listed above. Click hear to listen to the songs on this disc.
Dave McMurray – Music Is Life (Blue Note): This is tenor sax player/composer Dave McMurray’s first release on Blue Note though he began recording as a leader in 1995. He was essentially brought in by Don Was with whom he played in Was (Was Not). McMurray composed nine of the twelve songs on the disc and it clearly represents his jazz side with some hip hop or funk blends. McMurray is supported by Ibrahim Jones (bass) and Jeff Canady (drums). Ron Otis handles the drumming on three songs. The disc is upbeat and the sound is fresh. Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.
Brad Mehldau – After Bach (Nonesuch): Brad Mehldau, always seeking a challenge, decided to take on Bach’s secret: he was an improviser, especially when playing the organ. Mehldau offers five pieces from the Well-Tempered Clavier (Books I and II) and then improvises a piece of his own as a response to Bach’s work. It’s a lovely and fascinating project. Click here to listen to Mehldau’s “Rondo” in response to Bach’s Prelude No. 3 in C # Major from The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I, BWV848.
Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra – Without A Trace (Origin): Scott Reeves offers his jazz orchestra performing such standards as “Speak Low”, “All Or Nothing At All”, Wayne Shorter’s “Juju” and four of his own original compositions. In addition to directing, Reeves also plays alto flugelhorn and trombone. The orchestra includes Steve Wilson (soprano/alto saxes, flute); Vito Chiavuzzo (alto sax, flute); Rob Middleton (tenor sax, clarinet); Tim Armacost (tenor sax); Jay Brandford and Terry Goss (alternating on bari sax); Seneca Black (lead trumpet); Nathan Eklund and Andy Gravish (trumpets) with Chris Rogers and Bill Mobley (alternating on trumpet); Tim Sessions (lead trombone) with Matt McDonald and Matt Haviland (trombone);
Max Siegel (bass trombone); Jim Ridl (piano); Dave Ellson (vibes); Todd Coolman (bass); Andy Watson (drums) and Carolyn Leonhart (vocals, 2 songs). An interesting variety of material. Click here to listen to samples of “Speak Low” and “Without A Trace”.
Hans Teuber & Jeff Johnson – Deuce (Origin): Hans Teuber (tenor & alto sax, alto flute) and Jeff Johnson (bass) offer a unique presentation of their six compositions and reworking of such songs like Irving Berlin’s “How Deep Is The Ocean”, Carl Fischer’s “You’ve Changed” and Jimmy Reed’s “Bright Lights, Big City”. It’s generally quite melodic but quite unusual in the instrumental presentation. Click here to listen to samples of two songs from this disc.
Andreas Varady – The Quest (Resonance): Slovak Hungarian guitarist / composer Andreas Varady only has a few more months to go before reaching 21, but based on this disc, his second, he is a jazz fusion adult already. Varady has a beautifully melodic and flowing style that puts him in the category of players like Wes Montgomery or George Benson or other greats. He, on the other hand, says he is totally in awe of sax players. The compositions on this disc are all his. He also plays some bass and sings on some songs. His supporting players include his brother Adrian (drums), Bandi Varady (older, but relationship not indicated), Benito Gonzalez (piano) and Radovan Tariska (sax). This is a magnificent recording and clearly a new jazz star has arrived. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Frank Vignola’s Hot Jazz Guitar Trio – In A Mellow Tone (Songside): Guitarist Frank Vignola formed the Hot Club quintet in 1994 paying homage to the Quintette du Hot Club de France. His dazzling skill certainly honored the tradition and matched the dazzling musicianship. During that time, he released numerous discs. In 2017, Vignola was seriously injured in an ATV accident with news that he might never be able to play again. Fortunately and amazingly, he returned to performing earlier this year. I am unable to find a sample from this disc, but click here to catch a performance from a few years back.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
