Bill Evans; Morning Glory

Thanks to the efforts of Resonance Records producer Zev Feldman, a number of divine Bill Evans concerts have been discovered in recent years, and here are two more of them. Both were recorded in Buenos Aires: Morning Glory from 1973, featuring Eddie Gomez on bass and Marty Morell on drums; and Inner Spirit is from 1979, with Marc Johnson, bass, and Joe Labarbera, drums. Both performances are two CD sets, giving us a generous sample of these exquisite, passionate Evans groups. As one might expect, the tunes are typically Bill’s staples over many years. But newly heard versions are always welcome. Thus the four discs include “Turn Out The Stars”, “Up With The Lark”, “Emily”, “The Two Lonely People”, “Waltz For Debby”, “My Foolish Heart”, and so much more. The recording quality is pristine, and we Evans fans hope that Mr. Feldman and Resonance keep releasing newly discovered treasures.

Resonance Records; both 2022; Inner Spirit – appx. 86 min.; Morning Glory – appx. 87 min.

Sweet Megg and Ricky Alexander; I’m In Love Again

Now and then I’m in the mood for a taste of authentic sounding 1920’s foot tapping jazz. If you’re like minded in that regard, you should give this happy session a spin. Co-leaders Sweet Megg on vocals and Ricky Alexander on various reeds will surely get your blood circulating with a sincere and swinging reading of eleven old-time tunes sure to please. How can you lose with such evergreens as “Squeeze Me”, “Last Night On The Back Porch”, “Angry”, “I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good”, “Ragged But Right”, and much more. This is the kind of music that your great Uncle Charlie used to play for you on good ol’ 78 RPM records. The surface noise is all gone now but the music remains knee slapping fun! 

Turtle Bay Records; 2020; appx. 38 min.

GEORGE’S BRIEFS

Steve Gadd; Center Stage

Drummer Steve Gadd has always favored a contemporary sound and that same preference is heard here with Gadd and friends working over some pop material and original works with the acclaimed WDR Big Band. It’s still a bit too obviously commercial for my ears. The band sounds tight and well rehearsed, and baritone vet Ronnie Cuber delivers some appropriately hot solo work. There’s also a lot of gritty guitar and organ solo work here, but I guess that’s nearly a requirement on these kinds of sessions. Not my cup of tea, but it may well be yours.

Leopard Records; 2022; appx. 55 min.

Fun House; David Blake

Vancouver, BC guitarist David Blake leads a quintet of local pals on a bristling session of mostly original music, and they definitely turn up the heat. Much of the music is both intricate and demanding, and features especially dynamic solo work from Blake, trumpet ace Thad Bailey-Mai, and riveting pianist Brad Turner. A haunting highlight and the only standard on the session is Blake’s tender solo performance of the Ellington-Strayhorn beauty, “Single Petal Of The Rose”. Some of this music won’t be meant for your aunt Lillian, but it is thoroughly creative, sometimes intense, and to me, highly listenable.

Cellar Music; 2022; appx 71 min.

Out In It; Thomas Linger

So many outstanding jazz pianists, and even more impressive, there is an ever growing number who are true to the tradition and will keep it going! Such a player is North Carolina born Thomas Linger. He and his quartet concentrate on swingin’ originals with one exception: Billy Strayhorn’s classic “Lush Life”. This session celebrates the pure joy of making jazz music. Thomas Linger is his name; you’re going to be hearing it again and again.

Cellar Music; 2022; appx. 58 min.

Richard Baratta; Music In Film: The Sequel

Do you remember that song your mom used to sing to you when you were three? Itsy Bitsy Spider! Yes, that one! Well, it’s actually the opener from this Latin-tinged group led by drummer-percussionist Richard Baratta. The theme for this invigorating session is film music. Examples are “The Theme From Pink Panther”, “Out Of This World”, “Smile”, “Pure Imagination”, and others. Don’t overlook the scintillating piano of Bill O’Connell; the highly energetic alto sax of Vincent Herring; or the heated solos of guitarist Paul Bollenback. These guys leave no prisoners on this spirited group. Let your ears be the judge.

Savant Records; 2022; appx. 60 min.

Craig Davis; Tone Paintings: The Music Of Dodo Marmarosa

Michael “Dodo” Marmarosa may not be the most familiar name among history’s important jazz pianists. Born in 1925, he was a prime participant in the early days of bop. It’s probably safe to say that his composing skills may have been secondary to his playing. So it comes as a real delight that pianist Craig Davis, bassist John Clayton, and drummer Jeff Hamilton take on eleven of Dodo’s original works. There is a spirit of optimism and pure fun present in much of Maramosa’s writing. And Craig Davis (a new name to me) makes clear the joy he’s experiencing playing this “feel good” music. Add the musical expertise of John and Jeff to the project, and you have both: a rare part of jazz history and an absolute delight to the ear.

Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild; 2022; appx. 52 min.

ANSWERS:

1. Close Your Eyes

2. Love Walked In

3. I Only Have Eyes For You

4. Summertime

5. Here’s That Rainy Day

6. Almost Like Being In Love

7. Love You Madly

8. Angel Eyes

9. Too Close For Comfort

10. Out Of This World

11. Night In Tunisia

12. Whisper Not

13. Skylark

14. The Lady Is A Tramp

15. There Will Never Be Another You

16. How Long Has This Been Going On

17. Sophisticated Lady

18. I Love Being Here With You

19. You’re A Sweetheart

20. I Don’t Know Why

Bonus: Big Spender

Jeremy Wong; Hey There

I know that we don’t spend endless hours worrying about such things, but do you reflect on the dearth of solid male singers working today? Talented women are everywhere, many of whom concentrate on worthy, artful songs. But what of the guys? Well here’s a real good one in Jeremy Wong. His new CD on Cellar Records is chock full of admired standards performed with ease and honesty. The quintet accompanying Wong works seamlessly and swingingly on ten winners like “Where Or When”, “Invitation”, “Easy To Love”, “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most”, “Days Of Wine And Roses”, and lots more. His very natural, totally unforced vocal style is something similar to Jack Jones or perhaps John Proulx. His brand new CD gives me renewed hope that there’s a segment of the younger generation that recognizes quality writing and interprets it with sincerity.Cellar Records; 2022; appx. 53 min.