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New Jazz Adds – 3/16/2021

Albare – Albare Plays Jobim, Vol. 2 (Alfi): “Albare Plays Jobim, Vol. 2 by Moroccan-born, Israeli-raised guitarist Albare (the only name given) isn’t quite what it seems. While the names of the musicians and guest artists are listed on the jacket, what is not addressed is the presence of a string orchestra, the only suggestion of which is pianist Joe Chindamo’s designation as “orchestra conductor.”… The album is, of course, a tribute to one of the most renowned Latin composers who ever lived, maestro Antonio Carlos Jobim. Those familiar with Jobim’s music should know pretty much what to expect, slow-to mid-tempo sambas and bossas with sensuous melodies that linger in the mind and heart. (https://www.allaboutjazz.com/plays-jobim-vol-2-albare-alfi-records) Backing musicians include Joe Chindamo (piano, orchestra conductor), Pablo Bincid (drums), Luisito Quintero (percussion), and Ricardo Rodriquez (bass) with guests Randy Brecker, Nestor Torres (flute) and Antonio Sanchez (drums). Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this release.

Roni Ben-Hur – Stories (Dot Time): “An esteemed, redoubtably swinging guitarist on the New York City jazz scene for the past 35 years, Roni Ben-Hur has been immersed in the music of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk since arriving in the Big Apple from Israel in 1985. A protege of bebop piano legend, educator and 1989 NEA Jazz Master Barry Harris, Ben-Hur earned his reputation on the strength of such superb recordings as 1995’s Backyard (with the Barry Harris Trio), 1998’s Sofia’s Butterfly and 2001’s Anna’s Dance (which reunited him with his mentor Harris)…. A multi-directional player, Ben-Hur first hinted at an affinity for Brazilian music on his 2005 album Signature, which included faithful renditions of Jobim’s “Luiza” and Heitor Villa-Lobos’ “Choro No. 1.” That fondness for the alluring rhythms and melodies of Brazil was also evident on 2007’s Keepin’ It Open…. “My affinity for jazz and Brazilian music has to do with my roots being North African. With my family coming from Tunisia, I felt very at home with those rhythms since both the Brazilian and jazz rhythms come from Africa. And then when you consider the jazz repertoire, the melodic content of songs by composers like Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin is very much rooted in Jewish music. Also, North Africa is very connected to Moorish sounds, which is very much at the root of Brazilian music as well. I think I have always gravitated toward those beautiful minor key songs and romantic melodies and to those rhythms. It all just feels very natural to me.”  (https://ronibenhur.com/bio)   The players on this set are Roni Ben-Hur (guitar), Ingrid Jensen (trumpet), George Cables (piano), Harvie S (bass), Victor Lewis (drums) with Magos Herrera (vocals on two songs) and Tamuz Nissim (1 song). Click here to listen to “Something For Kenny” from this release.

Jazz Worms – Squirmin’ (Capri): “More than 30 years after the release of their acclaimed debut album, Denver-based quintet the Jazz WORMS make their belated return with Squirmin’. Well worth waiting for, the thrilling new session reconvenes all five original WORMS – pianist Andy Weyl, saxophonist Keith Oxman, drummer Paul Romaine, cornetist Ron Miles and bassist Mark Simon – on an invigorating set of all-new material that picks up where the band left off three decades earlier.” (https://newworldnjazz.com/jazz-worms-squirmin-capri-records/) “All right, enough about the Jazz Worms and their name. How do they sound after 34 years? I immediately responded to this album right out of the gate–it has momentum and drive and it swings all night long. This is a quintet that plays jazz for late nights in big cities, and if you haven’t gotten the picture yet I don’t know what to say. How about this–a lot of contemporary jazz sounds like it’s being played by scholars, all those many academics who keep jazz alive in university programs all across the United States. Nothing wrong with that kind of jazz. But the Jazz Worms have seen too much, played too much, to fall back on the past and tidy things up while they’re there. These five men grew up together in Denver, made their debut album, and then each one had a successful career out in the world and never quite circled back to each other. A reunion in 2014 “revealed that the old chemistry was still intact,” and seven years later we have Squirmin’, an album that doesn’t sound like jazz musicians 30 years down the line. It sounds like they did when they were young, still vibrant and still ready to knock over all those orange cones ahead. That’s what be=bop is about. (https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2021/03/02/jazz-worms-squirmin-the-vinyl-anachronist/) Now, would you expect a sample of the songs on this disc? Come on! Look at how long it took them do a new disc! Fortunately, you CAN listen to this set by contacting WTJU-FM. That’s all I can tell you!

Kari Kirkland – Wild As The Wind (Slea Records): “Kari’s debut album, Wild is the Wind, arranged and produced by four-time Grammy nominee, Shelly Berg, is a collection of contemporary songs and jazz standards that have more in common than one might notice at first glance.  She explains, “The majority of tracks are about unrequited or forbidden love.  To me, this kind of love is rooted in pain.  It’s easy to access the idea of pain, but more difficult to authentically express it.  Shelly encouraged me to really get inside the lyrics of each song, and bring the stories to life”.  Kari’s deep admiration of Nancy Wilson, Eva Cassidy, and Julie London are reflected both in her tone and phrasing on the album.  Berg’s feelings about his decision to work with Kari speak to the talents of this newcomer to the jazz scene.” (https://karikirkland.com/) Click here to listen to samples of four songs from this disc.

Peter Kronreif Wayfarers – aeronautics (Fresh Sound): “A native of Salzburg, Austria and a sought-after drummer on the New York jazz scene since 2010, Brooklyn-based Peter Kronreif unveils an inspired book of original compositions on Aeronautics — his follow-up to 2010’s Gloaming, also featuring his talent-rich group Wayfarers. These close-knit colleagues set out on a memorable journey, carried by strong tailwinds of melody and rhythm, with the paired alto/tenor sax frontline of Andrew Gould and Lucas Pino interweaving complex yet lyrical parts, giving the music shape. Joining Kronreif in the rhythm section are pianist Addison Frei and bassist Martin Nevin. Together the three function almost as a band within a band, interactive and colorful whether immersed in subtle trio passages or united in purpose with the full ensemble. In calling the album Aeronautics, Kronreif evokes the atmosphere of the title track, which, as he writes in his liner notes, “was developed in various airports, where musicians spend a lot of their time. The rhythmic illusion created by overlapping time feels after the introduction also invokes a feeling of musical lift-off.” That is indeed what Kronreif and Wayfarers achieve, on this piece and throughout Aeronautics. Kronreif’s compositions brim with fresh and unexpected compositional moves, effortless transitions, captivating solos and interplay, and rhythmic ideas as precise as they are elastic in their groove and swing. Guitar enters the picture on two tracks: Matthias “Pedals” Loescher contributes an almost synth-like textural haze at the outset of “Obeisance” and solos with raw feeling toward the track’s end. Alex Wintz joins the horns as a melodic voice on “Nodoc” and takes prominent place as the leadoff soloist. Even with just one track each, the guitarists exert a strong influence, widening the album’s sonic horizons. “ (https://www.peterkronreif.com/) Shifting dynamics and style. A unique sound. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of songs on this release.

Delvon LaMarr Organ Trio – I Told You So (Colemine): “Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio—or as it is sometimes referred to, DLO3—specialize in the lost art of “feel good music.” The ingredients of this intoxicating cocktail include a big helping of the 1960s organ jazz stylings of Jimmy Smith and Baby Face Willette; a pinch of the snappy soul strut of Booker T.  The M.G.’s and The Meters; and sprinkles Motown, Stax Records, blues, and cosmic Jimi Hendrix-style guitar. It’s a soul-jazz concoction that goes straight to your heart and head makes your body break out in a sweat. The band features organist Delvon Lamarr, a self-taught virtuosic musician, with perfect pitch who taught himself jazz and has effortlessly been able to play a multitude of instruments. On guitar is the dynamo Jimmy James who eases through Steve Cropper-style chanking guitar, volcanic acid-rock freak-out lead playing, and slinky Grant Green style jazz. From Reno, Nevada is drummer Dan Weiss (also of the powerhouse soul and funk collective The Sextones). Dan’s smoldering pocket-groove drumming locks in the trio’s explosive chemistry. Founded by Lamarr’s wife and manager Amy Novo, the trio started from humble beginnings in 2015, but since then has released two Billboard charting albums and toured the world to sold out venues. The trio returns now with their second studio album, I Told You So, with even heavier grooves and more confidence. It may have been several years since their most recent studio effort, but they haven’t missed a beat.” (https://www.coleminerecords.com/products/clmn12028) Hip to the tip and guaranteed to put a dip in your hip! Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.

Charles Lloyd & The Marvels – Tone Poem (Blue Note): Tenor sax and alto flute wizard Charles Lloyd has gathered Bill Frisell (guitar), Reuben Rogers (bass), Eric Harland (drums) and Greg Leisz (steel guitar) offering the most amazing renditions of Ornette Coleman’s Peace and Ramblin’, and “Monk’s Mood” and Leonard Cohen’s Anthem along with Lloyd’s Dismal Swamp, Tone Poem and Prayer among others. The Marvels are exactly what the name suggests and the set is absolutely terrific from beginning to end. This is the third release by this group and it would certainly make my list of top recordings releases of all time! Click here to listen to “Ramblin’” from this magnificent release.

Rick Margitza – Sacred Hearts (Le Coq): “More than 15 years after his last release as a leader, saxophonist Rick Margitza makes his long-awaited return with the captivating new album Sacred Hearts, due out February 5, 2021 via Le Coq Records. The deeply personal album takes stock of the joys and tragedies that have unfolded over the last decade and a half, with new compositions dedicated to those lost along the way as well as the new life that has come into being. Sacred Hearts also features the recorded debut of Margitza’s longstanding Paris-based quartet, in which he’s joined by pianist Manuel Rocheman, bassist Peter Giron and drummer Jeff Boudreaux. The saxophonist relocated to the City of Lights since 2013, and has enjoyed weekly gigs with the group – French native Rocheman and fellow expats Giron and Boudreaux – for a number of years, honing the tight camaraderie that can be heard throughout this set. The core band is also supplemented by guitarist and banjo player Oliver Louvel, percussionist Xavier Desandre Navarre, and vocalists Chloe Cailleton and Pierre de Bethmann. While many of the pieces on Sacred Hearts honor people who have passed away in recent years, from family members to fellow musicians, the overall feeling of the album is far from mournful. There are certainly moments of profound melancholy and tinges of the bittersweet, but Margitza set out to celebrate lives well lived rather than to dwell on tragic losses.” (https://www.vivascene.com/rick-margitza-sacred-heart-album-release/) Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this release.

Ivo Perelman Trio – Garden Of Jewels (Tao Forms): “The subtitle of the Ivo Perelman Trio’s Garden Of Jewels should be The Pandemic Session. Recorded on June 17, 2020 in the midst of a pandemic when clubs and restaurants were shuttered and “six feet apart” was the clarion call of the moment, the music is a chronicle of the times…. What would we hear from musicians isolated and living in their own bubbles for months? The short answer, intense and impassioned free improvisation. Shipp’s simple piano figures that open the title track lead into Perelman’s tenor echoing the sounds of Lester Young’s horn. It is as if the saxophonist is trawling a past life lived before settling into the present. Dickey’s brush work and Shipp’s bright touch follow this distillation of history. “Amethyst” draws upon Albert Ayler—like calls before the saxophone is calmed by Shipp’s sylvan notes. The intensity of the music, even in the contrasting silence and heaviness of “Onyx,” suggests the listener might be best served by inserting a pause between tracks to fully digest the experience.” (https://www.allaboutjazz.com/garden-of-jewels-ivo-perelman-trio-tao-forms) Click here to listen to “Tourmaline”, a song from this release.

Diego Rivera – Indigenous (PosiTone): “Bandleader and saxophonist extraordinaire Diego Rivera explores the “Indigenous” multi-cultural roots of our human family with his second release for Posi-Tone Records. With a program of exciting original compositions, a few tasty covers, and a special guest appearances by trumpet virtuoso Etienne Charles, this whole session swings swiftly into action and shines with bright moments from the get go. Also on the date is an all-star rhythm section of pianist Helen Sung, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Donald Edwards. With the deep emotionality of this musical offering, Diego Rivera has noticeably advanced his intention and expression up onto another level and the poignancy of these performances will entreat jazz enthusiasts everywhere to dig deeper into the “Indigenous” message with amazement and delight.” (https://diegorivera.bandcamp.com/album/indigenous) Seven of the songs are Rivera’s compositions and the covers range from Cannoball Adderley’s “Marabi” to Alvaro Carrillo’s “Sabor A Mi” to Stevie Wonder’s “The Secret Life Of Plants”. This is a fine set throughout. Click here to listen to the songs on this release.

Dave Stryker – Baker’s Circle (Strikezone): “After last year’s successful big band outing, Blue Soul, guitarist Dave Stryker is back with his hard-driving, deep-grooving B3 organ group on his new recording—Baker’s Circle. With the addition of cutting-edge tenor player Walter Smith III, Baker’s Circle features Stryker’s originals as well as tunes from his Eight Track catalog and a tip of the hat to his former boss Stanley Turrentine. Along with Smith III, this fresh recording features Dave’s working band of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums and adds Cuban percussionist Mayra Casales to three tracks as well…. Stryker is a one-note-at-a-time mainstream guitar player with an approach that is part of a family line that goes from Charlie Christian to Jim Hall, Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, Bucky Pizzarelli, Kenny Burrell, and Pat Martino. You can hear traces of all of these performers in Stryker’s solos. He’s further away from the harmonic two-or-more-notes-at-a-time tradition of Wes Montgomery, George Benson, or Emily Remler, although when the moment demands it Stryker can recall those players. The guitarist can swing, and in this album he displays considerable love for the heritage of the soulful jazz organ trio. Organist Jaren Gold plays on Baker’s Circle, but Stryker expands the instrumentation into a more Jimmy Smith-on-Blue Note sound with Walter Smith III on tenor sax, McClenty Hunter on drums, and Mayra Casales playing percussion on two tracks. The bass is courtesy of Gold’s two feet on the organ, as it should be. On a genre record like this you expect the organist to be the dominant player. Gold is certainly an excellent musician, but the standout soloist is tenor player Smith, a Bostonian and fellow jazz educator at the Berklee College of Music. Keep an eye on him; check out his six headlining albums and over 100 sessions with other musicians. He plays with confidence, control, imagination, and a style that’s a cross somewhere between Joe Lovano and Michael Brecker.” (https://artsfuse.org/221080/jazz-album-review-dave-strykers-bakers-circle-welcoming-the-past/) Click here to listen to the title song on this disc.

Michael Wolff – Live At Vitellos (Sunnyside): “Award-winning pianist Michael Wolff, known for an impressive and eclectic career that has spanned nearly five decades, presents his new live recording, Live at Vitellos. Surfacing a decade after its capture at the iconic Los Angeles club Vitellos in 2011, Live at Vitellos is a stirring snapshot of a stunning live performance – something that is so sorely missed during these modern times.  Live at Vitellos showcases the dazzling chemistry between exquisite instrumentalist and composer Mark Isham, who joins here on trumpet and flugelhorn, and the ever-lyrical Wolff as they perform this intimate set in top form. Though Wolff and Isham’s friendship dates back to the 1970s, this stint at Vitellos marks their first official collaboration. “From the very beginning, Mark was always a beautiful player and a master of harmony,” reflected Wolff. “I knew on day we would do a project together.” That day finally came in the form of two nights in late August in 2011. Located in Studio City, Vitellos was one of Wolff’s favorite venues to play in the city and served as the ideal spot to record a live album. The resulting work is a multifaceted, warm live recording, that instantly transports listeners to this beloved jazz club, recreating a night of magic and mystery with musical giants.” (https://michaelwolff.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-vitellos) Click here to listen to “Ballad Noir”,  the opening song on this release.

Kopasetically,

Professor Bebop