Diego Figueiredo; I Love Samba

Several years ago, I hired acoustic guitarist Diego Figueiredo to play at my concert series at Classic Pianos here in Portland, Oregon. To my surprise we had to add extra chairs to a sold out crowd. Everyone was awestruck that evening, and you will be too when you hear this astounding recording. Diego is from São Paulo, Brazil, and this recording reflects the joy, romanticism, and elegance of Brazilian samba. On the thirteen selections heard here, he plays solo on many, but is helped out by impressive colleagues on bass, drums, and flute on others. To be clear, Diego Figueiredo is a master of Brazilian style acoustic guitar. His music affirms a certain joyousness of life. It is filled with sunshine and beauty and will put a smile on your face.

Arbors Records; 2024; appx. 48 min.

Dave Liebman and the CNY Jazz Orchestra; If A White Horse From Jerusalem...

The unusual title to this recording refers to a four-part suite which opens the material here. The featured soloist is soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman who is less outside and if I may, avant garde, than what I've heard from him previously. Still, the suite is what we once called “experimental”. Now it might be better referred to as complex, dense, and probably for the ears of experienced jazz listeners. After the suite, stay on board for Bernstein's “Somewhere”; Rodgers and Hart's “Where Or When”; and even something called “Hip Hop Shuffle”, and it's more listenable than the name suggests. Some of us may have to stretch a bit, but there's a lot of heavy duty music here. Summon up your courage and give it a shot.

CNY Jazz Central; 2024; appx. 54 min.

The Planet D Nonet; Echoes of Harlem; A Salute to Duke Ellington, Vol. 2

Edward Kennedy Ellington lives on. It seems really hard to believe that Duke passed  over fifty years ago. But the proof of his artistic musical longevity lies in recordings like this one. This is a step into jazz history with a big band perfectly arranged to remind us of the greatness of Duke Ellington. Most of the tunes examined here are lesser known D E gems with titles like “Flirtbird”, “Addi”, “Juniflip”, “Happy Reunion”, “Azalea”, and “The Shepherd”. Also heard here are Ellington and Billy Strayhorn “hits” like “Rocks In My Bed”, “Blood Count”,  “Caravan”, and “Sophisticated Lady”. On all these and more the incredible Ellington stamp is front and center. Solos abound brilliantly here and the entire project is true to the magical Ellington spirit five decades after he passed on. Let me close by saying that guitar legend Kenny Burrell once did a series of LP's entitled “Ellington Is Forever”. I couldn't say it any better.

Eastlawn Records; probably 2024; 79:23

Dred Scott; Cali Mambo

Despite the horribly unfair historical connection with the Dred Scott decision, this happens to be a delightful, rhythmic and satisfying quartet led by pianist Dred Scott along with Tom Beckham, vibraphone; Matt Pavolka, bass; and Moses Patrou, percussion. The music certainly brings back wonderful memories of the classic “Shearing sound” although this group has its own sound and musical credentials. Having said that, the CD opens with “Cali Mambo”, written by---you guessed it---George Shearing! From there, the quartet settles into a very joyful menu of lightly Latin feeling, including “Star Eyes”,  “Poinciana”, “Footprints”, “Manteca”, and other delights. There is a formidable sense of togetherness here and nobody ever steps “out of bounds”. I'm certain that the late Mr. Shearing would be high-fiving this refreshing quartet!

Ropeadope; 2024; appx. 48 min.

Rose Mallett, Drama Realized

Those of you in or near my generation might remember a bluesy jazz singer named Dinah Washington. Well, along comes Rose Mallett, somewhat in the spirit of Dinah. Here and there she's a bit more contemporary than Dinah but it's not 1958 anymore if you know what I mean. With accompaniment provided by a number of skilled players, Mallett takes on some familiar fare like “Feelin' Good”, “Send In The Clowns”, “My Funny Valentine”, and a number of newer tunes. Her intonation is on target and she comes across as one who “feels” her material and cares about it as well. Rose Mallett covers quite a variety of tempos and moods, all done with enthusiastic presence.

Carrie-On Productions, 2023; appx. 53 min.

ANSWERS:

1. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
2. I Don't Know Why
3. I Believe In You
4. I Should Care
5. I Never Knew
6. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
7. I Get A Kick Out Of  You
8. I Got It Bad
9. I Thought About You

   10. I Remember You

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

Here's yet another group of partial lyrics. Can you identify the song titles?

Hint: Every song begins with the word “I”.

1. how sublime it was
2. you thrill me like you do
3. wisdom and truth
4. but it just doesn't get me
5. and pushed the clouds away
6. you're on my mind
7. flying too high
8. Monday rolls around
9. a shadowy lane
10. a few kisses ago