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New Jazz News – 4/13/2021

Greg Abate – Magic Dance: The Music Of Kenny Barron (Whaling City Sound): “There’s a beautiful marriage happening with Greg Abate’s Magic Dance: The Music of Kenny Barron. It’s the union between Abate’s multi-instrumental gift of bebop and Kenny Barron’s varied and sublime compositions. Abate and Barron, who, in addition to lending Abate his material, handles keys on this recording session, are soul mates occupying the same lovely musical space. With Barron’s material and Abate’s fresh vision, the two-disc set, recorded over three days at Rudy Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey, is a revelation. Says Abate: “Kenny was kind enough to provide me with music for a range of his tunes, some more well-known than others. The only difficult part was choosing which ones to record.” Abate researched and reworked Barron’s music, inserting his own ideas when appropriate, enhancing his arrangements with multiple sax overdubs, and, when the original was so good, it made sense to leave well enough alone. The project was challenging, multi-dimensional, and immensely gratifying. “I even scored a big band sax section (two altos, two tenors and bari) on ‘Innocence’ and ‘Voyage.’ The other 12 tracks have either one horn or two horns in harmony.” (https://newworldnjazz.com/greg-abate-magic-dance-the-music-of-kenny-barron-whaling-city-sound/) In addition, the rhythm section features Dezron Douglas (bass) and Johnathan Blake (drums) and Abate shows his chops on alto, bari, soprano and tenor sax and flute and how wonderful to have Barron playing throughout as well! So fine! Click here to listen to a song from this release.

Alyssa Allgood – What Tomorrow Brings (Cellar Music): “On her third studio album, Chicago vocalist Alyssa Allgood wields her instrument with depth, nuance & sophistication. Through refined interpretations of classics and the debut of four stunning originals, What Tomorrow Brings invites listeners on a personal journey of despair, determination and discovery. Style. Substance. The music that matters invariably boasts one of the two. But when style and substance share the spotlight, in admirable balance and sure conviction, you’ve got something to remember. Substance first: What Tomorrow Brings, her third album, reflects a couple years of enormous personal growth for Alyssa Allgood. New apartment, new jobs; a dedicated commitment to long-distance running; rigorous teaching of the jazz vocal tradition; and increased visibility beyond her Chicago base, with appearances in New York and Shanghai that have bolstered her confidence.” (https://alyssaallgood.bandcamp.com/) The backing musicians on this release are Mike Allemana (guitar), Dennis Carroll (bass) and George Fludas (drums) and the combination is a great match for Allgood’s style. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this release.

Amit Friedman – Unconditional Love (Origin): (Friedman’s) music often stems from personal, social interaction, and this kind of music finds its way into people’s hearts…(”Ha’aretz”)  Saxophonist and composer Amit Friedman is a guiding light in the Israeli jazz scene. His inspiringly lyrical compositions are arranged with his group of master musicians in mind and are rooted solidly in the jazz tradition, along with rich influences of the Middle East interwoven throughout. In the liner notes to “Unconditional Love,” Amit recounts the story of his late father taking him, as a young teen, to New York and a night at the Blue Note. Implied is a great sense of gratitude for all of those influencing his life, and with the album’s dedication to his father, offers the inspiration behind this collection of performances. Between the fiery “Home At Last,” the subtle Bossa, “Alma,” with vocals and lyrics by Brazilian vocalist Joca Perpignan, “Rill-Rool,” the sweeping duo with pianist Tom Oren, the hard-swinging “Blues for Jackito,” or the one cover, the melodic “Junk” by Paul McCartney, Friedman displays a deep connection to ‘the moment,’ his audience, and those who inspire him. “…Friedman’s “Sunrise” is one of those rare albums that I want to blast from the rooftops, convinced that if the whole damn world could just hear it, the planet would be a much happier place.” (Dave Sumner, Bird is the Worm) The performers on this disc are Amit Friedman (Tenor & Soprano Sax), Tom Oren (Piano), Gilad Abro (Bass) and Yonatan Rosen (Drums), with guests Amos Hoffman (Oud (8,9)), Rony Iwryn (Percussion (7,8,9), Doron Talmon (Vocal (9)) and Joca Perpignan (Vocal (7)). This set is very inviting! Click here to listen to samples from two songs on this release.

John Hasselback III – Entrance (Hasselcastle): “This music was written while living in Hartford, Connecticut and New York City. It reflects my experiences, surroundings and inspirations. I hope the listener finds their own sense of meaning and joy from the music. A very special Thank You to my family, friends, mentors, The Pathways To Jazz Grant, the musicians and crew involved in the production of this recording. This music was written while living in Hartford, Connecticut and New York City. It reflects my experiences, surroundings and inspirations. I hope the listener finds their own sense of meaning and joy from the music. A very special Thank You to my family, friends, mentors, The Pathways To Jazz Grant, the musicians and crew involved in the production of this recording…. All compositions by John Hasselback III | John Hasselback III Music (ASCAP) except Body and Soul by Johnny Green | Warner Bros. (renewed).” (https://johnhasselbackiii.bandcamp.com/) The accompanying players are Wayne Escoffery (sax), Steve Davis (trombone), Jonathan Barber (drums), Luques Curtis (bass) and Taber Gable (piano).  (https://johnhasselbackiii.bandcamp.com/) Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.

Jana Herzen – Live (Motemo): “For fans of jazz/folk/pop crossover fans longing for the joyful communion of live performances blocked COVID-19, this audiophile recording of a winning concert by Jana Herzen at Joe’s Pub in New York City in October of 2019, offers a soul-refreshing experience. The celebratory performance features Herzen’s magnetic vocal and guitar work in improvisation with an ace jazz band with world-renowned veterans Charnett Moffett (fretless electric bass) and Brian Jackson (piano & keys), and rising artists Irwin Hall (reeds & woodwinds), and Corey Garcia (drums). The presence of an enthusiastic and increasingly enchanted audience helps elevate the performance to higher dimensions and makes this an especially heart-warming listen at this difficult and unprecedented time in history.” (https://motema.com/releases/jana-herzen-live/) Nice company and some very nice songs. Click here to listen to the songs on this release.

The Hungry Williams – Brand New Thing (Self-produced): The Hungry Williams offer their second release. The band is mostly directed toward jump songs from the 50s. The influences of NOLA are clearly in the mix as well. The sings range from Dave Bartholomew’s “Go On Fool” and “Hook Line and Sinker” as well as Jessie Hill’s “Whip It On Me”. There a dance band pitching to songs of 50s and 60s. Kelli Gonzalez handles lead vocals and the band includes Joe Vent (guitar), Jack Stewart (keys), Mike Sieger (bass), John Carr (drums), Troy Leisemann (tenor sax) and Julia Bustle and Bob Jennings (bari sax). Click here to listen to songs on this release.

Lorne Lofsky – The Song Is New (Modica Music): “Lorne Lofsky is an internationally recognized jazz guitarist. Born and raised in Toronto, he has been playing professionally for the last 42 years. He has played/toured or recorded with a who’s who of the jazz world, including Oscar Peterson, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Chet Baker, Joey DeFrancesco, Pepper Adams, Ray Broreminaingwn, Neils Henning Orsted  Pederson, Rosemary Clooney, Kirk MacDonald, Dave Holland…. From ’94-’96, Lorne was a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet.” (https://lornelofsky.com/about/ ) Lofsky continues to perform and teach in the Toronto area. Lofsky is accompanied on this disc by Kirk MacDonald (sax), Kieran Overs (bass) and Barry Romberg (drums). Mellow and so fine. Five of the songs on this disc are new compositions by Lofsky and the remainder are “Stable Mates” written by Benny Golson and “Seven Steps To Heaven” Miles Davis and Victor Stanley Feldman. Sweet and mellow! Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.

Mai-Liis – Mai-Liis On Life (OA2): “I picked up a pen and started writing again in 2016 after about a 25 year hiatus. Up until then I had been gigging small coffee shops and jazz rooms on and off since 2000 in both Vancouver BC and then Seattle WA and had resigned myself to the fact that music was going to be a sideline, a hobby, that ship had sailed etc. Ten years of classical piano, years of classical voice, and time spent with noticeable jazz greats to try and hone my skills eventually played out in the form of sitting in on weekly jams and scoring the occasional door gig. I had challenges as we all do, but kept at the music as best I could. I was traveling every week to Portland in 2016 and found myself pulling out my computer to pen poetry type things. At that juncture, these writings were a distraction. Just something to do. Like creating friends with your past. It was comforting. Eventually I had a whole bunch of them and then the thought occurred…..some of these would be great tunes. Well, at least I thought so. Convinced that someone else would have to write the melodies and music, I handed off one tune to someone I knew in Portland and asked them to put notes to my story. They did, and the melody and changes they wrote were great, but it wasn’t how I heard the song in my head. That’s when I realized that my lyrics were my babies and that their musical story was going to have to come from mama. I had never created melody lines or written tunes so I just forged my own method and path. Enter Darin Clendenin. After I had written out melody lines to a handful of tunes, I took them to Darin to see if he would be interested enough, with just lyrics and melody lines at his disposal,  to try getting into my head and hear what I was hearing. Man, he was good. I don’t think I need to say more. Listen to the work. It’s self-evident. After 4 years in the making, Mai-Liis on Life has emerged!” (https://www.mai-liis.com/the-artist) Click here to listen to the songs on this release.

Jane Monheit – Come What May (Club 44): “Come What May, her first album in five years, highlights her fresh takes on first-rate standards, with deft interpretations honed after years on the road. “There is a certain comfortability that comes from performing a song night after night to audiences around the world,” she says. “So by the time we finally got into the studio to make this record, I had the luxury of the arrangements being perfectly familiar, rehearsed, and polished. Putting together this project was a smooth, relaxed process and I think that’s reflected in the final product.” (https://www.janemonheitonline.com/about) This release is as lush and beautiful as you can imagine. The sound from the players and the amazing vocals by Monheit are fantastic in every aspect! Find out for yourself! Click here to listen to songs from this disc.

Eamonn Moran Trio – Sunset With Her (Self-produced): ““Sunset With Her” is the debut album from The Eamonn Moran Trio. A Dublin based electric guitar trio playing original atmospheric improvised music. There is a retro 60s TV and Film theme running through the compositions with space for creative improvisational interplay. The band consists of three accomplished dynamic musicians: Eamonn Moran (Composer Guitarist), Derek Whyte (Electric bass) and Conor Murray (Drums). All tracks on the album were written by Eamonn Moran. Eamonn Moran has been a versatile working musician for thirty years. He has channeled that experience into his first album of original compositions, drawing on his wide range of sonic and stylistic devices. With a rhythm section of virtuosos, Derek Whyte and Conor Murray, this powerhouse of groove, creativity and forward propulsion, elevates these compositions to vital heights.” (http://eamonnmoran.com/em3/)  Click here to listen to samples of this release.

Ben Patterson – Push The Limits (Origin): “Trombonist Ben Patterson’s fiery technique and expansive compositional vision combine for a thrilling quintet session of 10 wide-ranging originals. From the opening title tune, a master-class in form & fire with tight ensemble passages and soaring solos, to the straight-ahead, Messengers-esque “Suits Me Fine,” Patterson unveils thoroughly compelling vehicles for his Washington, DC-based group. All inspired soloists and master musicians, Patterson features guitarist Shawn Purcell, pianist Chris Ziemba, Paul Henry on bass and drummer Todd Harrison.” (https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82817) Click here to listen to samples of two songs on this disc.

Steve Slagle – Nascentia (Birth) (Panaroma): Steve Slagle produced his new recording at Sear Sound’s Big Room on 48th St NYC on OCT16 — What a day! Personnel par excellence: Jeremy Pelt (Trumpet); Clark Gayton (Trombone), Steve Slagle (Alto Sax & Flute), Bruce Barth (Piano), Ugonna Okegwo (Bass) and Jason Tiemann (Drums). This release indicates that this disc for issue now but I have very little information. I regret I have any more information. I am unable to locate a sample from this release either.

Kopasetically,

Professor Bebop