Jill McCarron; Jazz Motif
So here’s the story: I encounter this CD by a pianist I’ve never heard of, Jill McCarron. I take a glance at the tunes and composers, and I see names like John Lewis, Kenny Dorham, Ray Brown, Horace Silver, Bud Powell, Al Cohn and more. Just about automatically I know that Jill McCarron is the real deal. Her trio is augmented by the very hip alto sax and flute of Will Anderson. Let’s simply say that Jill McCarron has done her homework and the swinging results are a pure delight.
Self-produced; 2021; appx. 60 min.
Jerry Cook; Walk In The Park
And speaking of new names, how about the big and bountiful sound of tenor sax man Jerry Cook. On his new album for Vancouver, BC’s Cellar Live Records, Cook and colleagues deliver ten selections, opting for a well balanced menu of standards and freshly minted originals. Consider these favorites like “Smile”, “Summertime”, “Soul Eyes” and “Hello My Lovely”. Added to that are Cook’s own creations, complete with attractive, vibrant melody lines and inspired improvisation. The real jazz voices always manage to come through. And Jerry Cook is definitely one of them.
Cellar Live Records; 2021; appx. 64 min.
Medeljazz Quartet; Versature
Now here is a well entrenched quartet of guitar, piano, bass and drums, playing ten original compositions. They seem to convey a strong “all for one” feeling in a session of accessible yet creative and quite contemporary nature. Although the leadership role seems to be that of guitarist Laurent Melegi, all participants enjoy both solo opportunities and ensemble importance. There is a quiet intensity to this music. It just may grab you right where you listen!
Self produced; 2021; times not indicated
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