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.

Tom Harrell; Oak Tree

At my age, I still think of Tom Harrell as one of the “young cats” out there. But here’s his latest CD with a cover photo of the salt and pepper Tom Harrell. Mostly salt, I might add. Things haven’t changed: his magnificent tone and lyrical, masterful compositions are still intact. On this session his quartet rewards with eleven T H originals ranging from the swinging to the nearly sorrowful. The opening, entitled “Evoorg”, is Harrell’s playful, boppy turnaround on the word “groove”. I couldn’t zero in on which standard it’s based. Like so many before it, perhaps the root is Gershwin’s classic “I Got Rhythm”. Sometimes Harrell’s melodic ideas are a bit spacey for me. But there’s no denying the depth of his creativity or his high caliber musicianship.

High Note; 2022; appx. 56 min.

Petra van Nuis; Lonely Girl: I Remember Julie

Over the course of many years we’re blessed with dozens of exceptional singers who have thrilled us or touched our hearts with their multi-faceted gifts. Given all of that, only a few have possessed the rare quality of putting over the meaning of a lyric. Those who come to mind include Billie Holiday, Lee Wiley, Irene Kral, Judy Garland, and Meredith d’Ambrosio. The same could be said for male singers Tony Bennett, Tony DeSare, Mark Murphy, and some guy named Sinatra. On this occasion, Petra van Nuis is accompanied beautifully and intimately by her guitarist husband Andy Brown on thirteen songs associated with yet another sensuous singer, Julie London. So we are treated to such evergreens as “It Never Entered My Mind”, “Here’s That Rainy Day”, “Blues In The Night”, and of course Julie’s mega-hit, “Cry Me A River”. Other highlights include “Something Cool” (remember June Christie’s classic on that one?), and my fave on the date, “The Meaning Of The Blues”. Petra and Andy simply “get it”. Feeling is what can’t be taught. But in every note we hear from Petra van Nuis, that elusive quality simply defines her.

String Damper Records; 2022; 58:42

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE’S QUIZZES!

Can you identify the song titles below from a portion of their lyrics? Answers next week! 

1. it’s love’s holiday

2. though not a word was spoken

3. you are here, so am I

4. fish are jumpin’

5. that worn out wish

6. from the way that I feel

7. sounds like a lyric to a song

8. have fun, you happy people

9. when to say when

10. no mortal ever knew

11. the cares of the day

12. you forgave, I forgot

13. have you anything to say

14. won’t go to Harlem

15. other songs to sing

16. listen sweet

17. smoking, drinking

18. the thrill of New York shows

19. if ever there was one

20. when we’re dancing

Bonus: a man of distinction

George's Briefs

 GEORGE’S BRIEFS:

Conrad Herwig; The Latin Side Of Mingus
Over the last decade or more, trombonist Conrad Herwig has released several CDs presenting Latinized works of jazz idols such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and more. This time Herwig brings his unique twist to the compositions of Charles Mingus. Trumpet aces Randy Brecker and Alex Sipigian join the fray on some extended and gritty solo work. The music brings the dense, busy works of Charles Mingus to a new height of excitement. Mingus fans would be wise to check it out!
Savant; 2022; appx. 56 min.

Alex Tremblay; Thoughts and Images
This is a well conceived album of contemporary jazz under the leadership of bassist Alex Tremblay. Most of the all original menu is upbeat heat with scintillating solos from every member of this quintet. Perhaps my favorite selection was an absolutely blistering, boppy thing called “Karma”. Another high point was two vocals on the session from a singer named Vanisha Gould. Her very hip and natural jazz feeling marked another highlight on a ballad called “The Yellow Rose”. All told, there are some very exciting performances by the young musicians assembled here.
La Reserve Records; 2022; times not indicated