Friday, October 25, 2024

ANSWERS TO “HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES


  1. How About You
  2. How Are Things In Glocca Morra
  3. How Do You Keep The Music Playing
  4. How Much Is That Doggie In The Window
  5. How About Me
  6. How Are You Fixed For Love
  7. How Little We Know
  8. How Insensitive
  9. How Deep Is The Ocean
  10. How High The Moon
  11. How Long Has This Been Going On

Thursday, October 24, 2024

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

  How about some songs which all start with the word “how”. Given a sampling of the lyrics, can you identify the titles?

  1. a Gershwin tune
  2. Kilgary and Kildare
  3. do you make it last
  4. a parrot that talks
  5. it's over, all over
  6. like a glove
  7. the world around us shatters
  8. icy silence
  9. I'll tell you no lie
  10. if you'd come to me soon
  11. I can't define

Monday, October 21, 2024

GEORGE'S BRIEFS:

Paula Maya; Rio De Janeiro

Paula Maya is the real deal, as she comfortably and impressively sings a menu of seven Brazilian songs, mostly new to my ears. Some vocal dubbing actually works quite well here, and it should be added that the singer's accompaniment is on target and highly spirited. It isn't exactly jazz and it's best described as world music, but it's really well performed and that's what counts.

Yellow House Records; 2024; appx. 28 min.


Livio Almeida; Brasilia Sessions

Livio Almeida, probably not related to the late acoustic guitar great Laurindo Almeida, shines on an all original session with a Brazilian emphasis, but with a lot of Jazz Yankee style as well. Everything is very creative and rhythmic and, I must say, even the electric piano sounded good in this context. Zoho Music has specialized in Latin sounds for years, and Almeida and friends serve them well.

Zoho; 2024; appx. 54 min.


Philip Webendoerfer; Tides

This formidable guitarist leads a quartet of saxophone, bass, and drums through a set of eleven original compositions and does so with a very warm and comfortable tone. The writing is accessible and creative, and the group displays an admirable cohesiveness. This is, however, not background music. It is artful material to be absorbed and appreciated.

Shifting Paradigm Records; 2024; appx. 59 min.


Omer Leshem; Play Space

Here is an east coast quintet that plays nine compositions by its leader, tenor sax man Omer Leshem. The emphasis is clearly on aggressive, challenging, and ripping tempos. Impressive solo work abounds here, featuring especially strong work from pianist Moshe Elmakias. Buckle up. This is not music for the feint of heart.

Ubuntu Music; 2024; appx. 54 min


Gunhild Carling Big Band With Strings; Jazz Is My Lifestyle!

Now and then the state of our world calls for some feel good, foot tapping music. And this is it! A trad big band with invigorating soloists, refreshing arrangements, and energetic vocals. It's a big barrel of fun and a day brightener for sure.

Label, year, and times not indicated; probably 2024


Tom Harrell; Alternate Summer

Trumpet maestro Tom Harrell continues to amaze us with ten captivating and often demanding original compositions. His playing mates are mostly present on some tracks while laying out on others. Harrell's brilliant tone remains on full display here and his supporting cast are equally ready for the gig.

High Note; 2024; appx. 60 min.


Matt Panayides; With Eyes Closed

Now here's a terrific guitarist who concentrates primarily on memorable “hits” from such major figures as Joe Henderson, Cedar Walton, Frank Foster, Woody Shaw, and Chick Corea. Into this impressive mix toss in a few standards like “I Fall In Love Too Easily”, “Darn That Dream”, and even “Moon River”. Panayides is true to the tradition featuring exquisite tone and a consistent flow of musicianship.

Pacific Coast Jazz; 2024; 57:02


Thom Rotella; Side Hustle

These “groove discs” must have a loyal following, and here is a good example of the guitar and organ thing. The leader and guitarist is Thom Rotella. Many of the proceedings are assigned to various funky blues items. Two high spirited guests enliven this session, Eric Alexander on tenor sax and Jeremy Pelt on trunpet. Too bad they're only on board for two tracks each. Organ fans, this is your main course!

High Note; 2024; appx, 61 min.


Sunday, October 20, 2024

Jack Wood & Nichaud Fitzgibbon; Movie Magic



Do you remember when movies gave us beautiful melodies and grown up, literate lyrics? Well, here are a couple of singers who present an entire album (can we still call them “albums”?!) of memorable hits from the big screen. Jack Wood is a super good singer in the Jack Jones school, and Nichaud Fitzgibbon adds a brightness of her own. The two sing together on some titles and are featured individually on others. A few highlights include “Make Someone Happy”, “When I Look In Your Eyes”, “The Shadow Of Your Smile”, “That Old Feeling”, “The Shining Sea”, and lots more. Much to like here, and for young people, much to learn.

Jazz Hang Records; 2024; appx. 70 min.

Friday, October 18, 2024

Anne Burnell & Mark Burnell; This Could Be The Start Of Something Big



For twenty-eight years I had the privilege and pleasure of hosting a jazz radio program called High Standards. That title reflected my passion for the Great American Songbook.  Well, judging from this CD, it appears that Anne and Mark Burnell share that feeling. Just take a gander at some of the choices of this skilled singing team. In addition to the title tune we are treated to “I Could Have Danced All Night”, the rarely heard Camelot tune “The Lusty Month of May”, “Isn't This A Lovely Day”, and others. For me, the two nicest compositions were Clifford Brown's classic “Joy Spring”, and a little known gem from Dave Frishberg, “Let's Eat Home”. Clearly, the Burnells are having a very good time! I kinda think you will be too.

Spectrum Music & Video; 2024; appx. 53 min.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Neil Adler; Emi's Song


This thoughtful recording hits the bullseye from many considerations. Neil Adler is equally compelling on piano, chromatic harmonica, and as a composer. He also chooses material deserving to be heard more often. For example, Oliver Nelson's lovely offering “Yearning”, or Herbie Hancock's “Tell Me A Bedtime Story”. His deep felling on harmonica is heard on Jimmy Rowles' classic “The Peacocks” and a medley of the treasured standards “Tenderly” and “That's All”. But he turns to piano on a tender grouping of three rarely heard Bill Evans tunes. Not to be overlooked is Adler's chops on Charlie Parker's opus “Donna Lee”. On all these and more, Neil Adler gives us a musical pallet that is most assuredly his own wise, inclusive, and tasteful musical world. Highly recommended and fully satisfying may be an accurate way of describing what happens in listening to Neil Adler. 

EJA Records; 2024; appx. 63 min.

Monday, October 14, 2024

Jeff Rupert; It Gets Better


Let's say your name is Jeff Rupert and you play tenor saxophone. And let's say that somehow you get an opportunity to record with three present day jazz giants. People like Kenny Barron, Peter Washington, and Joe Farnsworth. You'd better jump at the chance, Mr. Rupert! And so, here we are with a Stan Getz-like tenor man and a dream rhythm section. With one exception the tunes are all “blowing session” type originals that swing with authority and are solidly at the heart of creative, wholly satisfying jazz. That one exception is Jimmy Van Heusen's forever tune “Like Someone In Love”. When he's not teaching at the University of Central Florida, Rupert busily plays in the very heart of the jazz tradition. Expressive, gimmick free, real deal sounds like you could have heard on Verve in the late fifties. We need more music like this because it fulfills us, gives us hope, and is darn good from note one to the last. And one more thing: thank you, Kenny Barron, for a career of piano excellence and excitement!

Rupe Media; 2024; appx. 57 min.

Saturday, October 12, 2024

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.


Friday, October 11, 2024

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.



Thursday, October 10, 2024

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

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

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.

Sunday, October 6, 2024

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.

Friday, October 4, 2024

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


Thursday, October 3, 2024

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

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

GEORGE'S BRIEFS:

Tom Keenlyside; Third Street Wobble

This quintet is led by saxophonist Tom Keenlyside in a program of nine original compositions. Keenlyside is joined by trumpet, organ, guitar, and drums. All of the players are nicely featured in well conceived solos, and the nine works are sometimes visited by a funk or Latin presence. All of the writing provides us with distinctive melody lines, impressive improvisation, and a very real feeling of togetherness. These guys all work with joy and instinctive musicianship. Well worth a listen!

Artist Jazz Recordings; 2024; appx. 56 min.


Fernando Huergo Big Band; Relentless

Bassist and leader Fernando Huergo has assembled a stimulating and exciting big band on eleven selections that move and groove with high octane content. There is a definite Latin influence on these works. However, to my ear this is more of a big band outing than your usual Latin aggregation. The musicians are clearly giving it their all and the soloists kick up a powerful storm. This big band is heavy on enthusiasm and talent. There's much to be admired here.

Whaling City Sound; 2024; appx. 76 min.



Greg Skaff; Re-Up

It seems like every other kid in middle school wants to play the guitar. If more of them ended up like Greg Skaff, the world would be better off. Skaff is pure and simply a profound jazz guitarist with exquisite tone, endless ideas, and he is simply a master of his craft. Completing his trio are Ugonna Okegwo, bass, and Jonathan Barber, drums. The three work wonderfully on eight energetic Skaff originals and two long admired jazz classics, Monk's “Green Chimneys” and Duke's rarely heard beauty, “Fleurette Africane”. Greg Skaff and his trio don't need to put extra frosting on the cake. On the contrary, they do everything just right.

Soulmation Records; probably 2024; appx. 40 min.



Bruna Black and John Finbury; Vã Revelação 

Very appealing sounds abound here with the authentically Brazilian vocals of Bruna Black. All of the music is by Grammy nominee John Finbury, a new name to me, but certainly a more than competent composer in this genre. Ms. Black handles the assignment with delightful ease, and her accompaniment puts guitar and piano in the spotlight. High marks are here.

Produced by Emilio D. Miler and John Finbury; 2024; appx. 33 min.


April Varner; April

Singer April Varner managed to come up with no less than eleven tunes with the word April in the title. Some are long time standards and others are her quite well written originals. She's a fine singer with a strong sense of jazz hipness. Her accompaniment is divided between groups led by guitar or piano. By the way, among the familiar songs are April In Paris, Lost April, and of course, I'll Remember April. There is a sweetness and sincerity in Varner's voice and I'd like to hear more from her.

Cellar Music; 2024; appx. 49 min.