Ted Rosenthal; Classics Reimagined:Impromp2

Over the years others have attempted “swinging the classics” with varied results. But in the talented hands of pianist Ted Rosenthal it works to high toned perfection. His trio is rounded out by bassist Noriko Ueda, and the drum chores are split by Quincy Davis and Tim Horner. Also on hand but not on every cut are visitors Ken Peplowski, clarinet, and Sara Caswell, violin. Rosenthal's exhilarating piano technique leads his established friends through jazz drenched but always tasteful classical melodies. Composers include Chopin, Dvorak, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Beethoven, Elgar, and Satie. This album is pleasantly balanced, never excessive and I must say, Ted Rosenthal and friends make it all happen with respect and brilliance. 

TMR Music; 2025; appx. 60 min.

Chris Rottmayer; Playing Favorites

Chris Rottmayer; Playing Favorites

Here is a swingin' straight ahead trio led by pianist Chris Rottmayer and featuring singer Kelsey Wallner on selected tracks. Rottmayer's comrades include Clark Sommers, bass, and Matt Endres, drums. The favorites referred to in the album title include songs from both the standard book and those from the highly admired jazz repertoire. As a result we go from a rather spirited version of “Everything Happens To Me” to Tom Harrell's new era classic, “Sail Away”. On that concept, we are treated to “On The Street Where You Live” but soon arrive at Kenny Barron's colorful track, “Voyage”. The remaining familiar selection is the rarely performed Frank Loesser ballad “Never Will I Marry”. Wallner's vocals are polished and pleasant, and Chris Rottmayer sounds like the ultimate, tasteful, dedicated, well-schooled jazz pianist that he is.

Pilars Jazz; 2025; appx. 68 min.

ANSWERS:

1. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
2. Charlie Brown
3. Only You
4. Sixteen Tons
5. on golden sands
6. with every wave that breaks
7. Mona Lisa
8. Love And Marriage
9. Heartbreak Hotel
10. It's All In The Game

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

 Here are some sentimental lyrics to 1850's pop hits. How many can you identify? Answers tomorrow. 

1. high and windy hill
2. the English teacher
3. you are my destiny
4. fightin' and trouble
5. on golden sands
6. with every wave that breaks
7. many dreams have been brought
8. a horse and carriage
9. it's always crowded
10. many a tear has to fall

GEORGE'S BRIEFS

Rin Seo Collective; City Suite

Here is some highly creative and eminently listenable original music. Nearly all of it is written by composer and conductor Rin Seo, and it includes an assembly of brass, reeds, and rhythm, all playing “as one”. High marks for this kind of imaginative effort.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 50 min.

UNLV Jazz Ensemble; Double Or Nothing

Some of the most swingin' music you're likely to hear nowadays is played by kids---that is, college kids like these terrific young people from University of Nevada at Las Vegas. And much of it is challenging and rewarding. But the UNLV Jazz Ensemble covers it with skill, poise, and honestly, great playing. Featuring music by the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Bronislaw Kaper, Billy Strayhorn, and Duke Ellington, these guys and gals get the job done with excitement and virtuosity. College kids! Who would have thought of it?

Vegas Records; 2025; times not indicated.

Right Time Left; Thom Rotella

If you're a fan of the ton of guitar/organ material which has been around for years, you'll want to catch this one. First and foremost, it's not your usual funk orientation. It's a fast moving jazz album featuring numerous players, all of whom find their groove in the middle of the jazz boulevard. It's far from the “same old story” and I think you'll dig it.

High Note; 2025; appx. 50 min.

Todd Herbert; Captain Hubs

Somewhere in the legacy of John Coltrane, we find the hard hitting tenor sax of Todd Herbert. With an equally on-target rhythm section, Herbert takes on ten originals, both his own and those of others. If high energy prevails in your life, do check this one out.

TH Productions; 2025; appx. 61 min.

Rich Siegel; It's Always Been You

Pianist-singer Rich Siegel's trio presents a pleasant journey, mostly into obscure songs which are mainly tender ballads. This is the kind of music you'd enjoy hearing in an intimate jazz club or hotel bar. A few highlights include Siegel's title tune, “It's Always Been You', Jimmy Van Heusen's “Like Someone In Love”, and a rarity by Irving Berlin called “The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing”.

Self produced; 2025; 45:03

Andy Nevala; El rumbón

Pianist Andy Nevala gets deeply into a Latin groove with a very percussive orientation and a few “here and there” guests. Most of the bill features really well played originals. The three welcome exceptions are the pop hit “Isn't She Lovely”, Dizzy's classic “A Night In Tunisia”, and Coltrane's contribution, “Countdown”. Solid musicianship is the rule of the day. Latin fans, don't overlook this one.

Bill Coon; Standard Elegance

This CD is well titled because standards are the rule of the day and elegance reigns from the first note to the last. This is my initial encounter with guitarist Bill Coon. But I hope that it's the first of many. Playing luscious solo guitar, Coon weaves his magic through thirteen examples of artistic excellence. Just to give you an idea, how about “All The Things You Are”, “Yesterdays”, “But Beautiful”, “Prelude To A Kiss”, “East Of The Sun”, “Here's That Rainy Day”, and many more. Did I get your attention? Perhaps my personal fave is Django Reinhardt's “Nuages”, It's pronounced without the letter “s” and translates from French to the word “Clouds”. If you're a guitar lover---and I don't mean all these instruments lined up in pawn shops---well, you'll return to this stirring recital again and again.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 50 min.

Al Muirhead; The Canada Sessions, Volume II

The subtitle of this delightful album is “Still Cookin' At 90”. That refers to the leader on this session, trumpet ace Al Muirhead. He and an assortment of Canadian pals (not every player is on every track) bring us a charming menu of standards, all of which are among your faves. Muirhead is a no frills, from the heart player who may bring to mind someone like Bobby Hackett. The ensemble tackles favorites like “Dancing On The Ceiling”, “More Than You Know”, “I Thought About You”, “All The Things You Are”, and more. Special kudos to singer Jocelyn Gould and Cathy Gyorgy who each perform on two tracks. If Volume 1 is as good as this one, I'd sure like to get my hands on it!

Chronograph Records Ltd., 2025; appx. 37 min.