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.
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