Spike Wilner Trio; Contrafactus: The Children & The Warlock

This is probably pianist Spike Wilner's most adventurous recording yet as he digs in on six original compositions and one jazz gem, “Theme For Ernie”. His talented and exciting trio becomes a quartet with its addition of the legendary tenor from the renowned Berklee College Of Music, George Garzone. Wilner's writing is intriguing, dense, and is often in challenging, ripping tempos. Garzone takes it all on his shoulders like the champion he is. One might say that this is material for the seasoned jazz listener but it may be a bit “out there” for the newcomer to jazz. There's no denying that this is a new side of Spike Wilner. It might put you to the test, but it deserves to be heard. You be the judge. [other two trio members]

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 49 min.

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

Here are lyric portions of songs recorded prominently by Billie Holiday. How many titles can you identify?

1. you old gloomy sight
2. spread your branches down
3. you'll never guess who
4. mama may have
5. when he takes me in his arms
6. scent of magnolias
7. my man is gone
8. wait a while
9. and I'm so in love
10. now it's your turn

Juliet Ewing; 'S Wonderful: The Music Of Gershwin

Most of the songs in this delightful collection were composed nearly 100 years ago! The brothers Gershwin---George-music, and Ira-lyrics---formed one of the most treasured songwriting teams in American history. So here we have the sweet voice of singer Juliet Ewing keeping these gems in our midst. With a solid piano led trio, Ewing is spot on performing thirteen Gershwin classics. Among them are “'S Wonderful”, “Love Is Here To Stay”, “The Man I Love”, “A Foggy Day”, “But Not For Me”, “I Got Rhythm”, and more. In a short life of only thirty-eight years, George Gershwin gave us so many of our most enduring melodies, and Ira provided the perfect lyrics. Juliet Ewing interprets them with love and passion. 

HoneyDiva Music / Lexington Classics; 2025; 52:11

ANSWERS TO HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGES QUIZZES!

Scroll down for the answers.....

1. All Of Me
2. Straighten Up And Fly Right
3. My Blue Heaven
4. Exactly Like You
5. My Melancholy Baby
6. 'Tis Autumn
7. I'm Beginning To See The Light
8. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
9. Embraceable You
10. Try A Little Tenderness
11. There's A Small Hotel
12. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
13. We'll Be Together Again
14. But Not For Me
15. Mountain Greenery

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

The following are lyric portions from well known songs. How many titles can you identify?

1. I'll never use them
2. cool down papa
3. a little white light
4. she meant me
5. foolish fences
6. now shedding leaves
7. candlelight on the mistletoe
8. could there be eyes
9. just one look at you
10. that same shabby dress
11. with a wishing well
12. under an August moon
13. we both have a lifetime
14. any Russian play
15. two crazy people

GEORGE'S BRIEFS

Silvano Monasterios;  The River Here we have seven original compositions featuring a very together ensemble under the leadership of pianist Silvano Monasterios. Interesting instrumentation is found here, with flute, trumpet, vibes, and tenor sax among others. Percussion thrives here with a clear leaning towards Latin rhythms. This tight knit group is well worth hearing.

Kithara Entertainment; 2024; appx. 50 min.

Geoffrey Dean; Conceptions

Trumpet ace Geoffrey Dean leads his quartet through ten original compositions featuring his beautiful tone and resonant lyricism. On ballads and some medium and up tempo material, Dean and his colleagues give us a pure, no frills jazz session. In my humble opinion we need more albums like this. Straight ahead real deal jazz. There's nothing quite like it!

Cellar Music; 2025; appx. 51 min.

Jenna McLean; For Your Love

Here is a singer with strong jazz feeling and a nice and natural way of scatting. Backed up by a swinging quartet of guitar, piano, bass, and drums, McLean tackles nine tunes including “The Sweetest Sounds”, “When The Sun Comes Out”, and also three well written originals of hers. There's a charming, youthful exuberance in her approach, and she and friends get it all done with pizzazz. 

Jenna McLean Music; 2025; appx. 43 min.

Brent Jarvis; Dragonfly

Pianist Brent Jarvis leads a stellar sextet featuring the warm, beautiful tone flugelhornist-trumpeter Miguelito Valdés. The group is completed with alto sax, tenor sax, piano and Fender Rhodes, bass, and Latin percussion through six breathlessly elegant original tunes. This is music for a special bottle of Malbec or a beverage of your choice.

Self-produced; 2024; appx. 41 min.

Jon Bentley; Go Ahead

If you're into “groove” records, this one might well be for you. Tenor man Jon Bentley puts together a quartet of his saxophone, along with Hammond B-3 organ, guitar, and drums. The tunes are mostly bluesy-funky examples of this kind of instrumentation. Three choices more familiar to you might be these: “Still Crazy After All These Years”, Wayne Shorter's “Down In The Depths”, and Duke Ellington's “The Feeling Of Jazz”. Bentley and crew dive right into these stylistic sounds for B-3 fans.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 52 min.

WDR Big Band; Bluegrass

Bluegrass meets jazz? “No way”, you'd say. And I'd quickly agree, but here's some “fiddle” music in a jazz setting and guess what---it works! So grab your favorite partner and get those boots out on the dance floor. The fiddler and the big band provide nine rather extraordinary tracks to strut your stuff. And when the CD comes to an end, you may return to jazz normalcy---say, Miles and Coltrane, late '50's, on Prestige. Yahoo!

MCG Jazz; 2025; appx. 70 min.

Trilogy; The Slow Road

Here's even more fabulous music from Cellar with a quartet which simply weaves its way into your heart with nine tracks of perfection. Fortunately for you and me, seven of the nine tracks feature the incomparable Scott Hamilton on tenor sax. His colleagues, all of whom hit it out of the park, include Miles Black, piano; Bill Coon, guitar; and Jodi Proznick, bass. Hamilton is as always, as good as it gets on ballads like “I Thought About You”, “Thanks For The Memories”, and a Jobim rarity called “Luiza”. From the jazz book, there are also more winners in “Moose the Mooche”, “Hi Fly”, and a title I haven't encountered since an early Oscar Peterson record; it's called “Pompton Turnpike” and how nice to reacquaint. All players get five stars for a standout session. 

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 52 min. 

Chad LB; Time In A Bottle

It's pretty rare these days to find a “with strings” jazz album. Most CDs nowadays are self produced, and the cost of adding strings is most likely prohibitive. Whatever the case, strings provide a lovely “blanket” for tenor sax man Chad LB. His sound is big and deep and beautifully controlled, possibly reminiscent of someone like Gene Ammons. His song selections are nearly all familiar favorites from the past. The two “pop hits”  are the title tune “Time In A Bottle” and surprise, surprise, Sinatra's old opus, “My Way”. In addition we hear “Autumn Leaves”, “These Foolish Things”, “Danny Boy”, “Misty”, and more. No barriers broken here, but none are needed. Chad LB and friends simply choose some “great oldies”, providing pure pleasure for anyone to hear.

Self produced; 2025; appx. 60 min.

Jeff Libman; Feet Off The Ground

Vancouver, B.C.'s Cellar label just keeps cranking out one terrific CD after another. This time the head honcho is guitarist Jeff Libman and a straight ahead rhythm section of Michael Kocour, piano; Ben Hedquist, bass; and Lewis Nash, drums. Keeping with Cellar's usual format, the session is perfectly balanced between original material and notable standards. From the latter category, we are treated to such winners as “A Sleepin' Bee”, “You're My Thrill”, “Love Letters”, “But Beautiful”, and a particular fave of mine, “Violets For Your Furs”. By the way, just in case you've forgotten about Dexter Gordon's jazz “hit”, “Cheese Cake”, oddly titled from way back, well here it is again for you to enjoy. This is upbeat, perfectly performed jazz in the center of a great tradition. It's not surprising because it's simply a consistent dedication to artful music from our friends at Cellar.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 63 min.

The Dave Robbins Big Band; Happy Faces

It took well over a half century to get this swinging big band a recording. But here they are in 2025 with fourteen tracks recorded in 1963 and 1965! They were based in Vancouver, B.C. And, true to the album's title, I'm sure that they created throngs of happy faces. After all these years, some background is incomplete but that doesn't matter; what DOES is that this band performed well written original material with tight, creative arrangements and generous solo space. For the record, the one standard on the disk is Rodgers and Hart's classic “Spring Is Here”. When one thinks about it, one might realize that this is exceptional big band music that could have been lost to us forever. How nice indeed it is for us to enjoy it after all these years!

Reel to Real Records; 2025; appx. 70 min.

James Zito; Zito's Jump!

There are some players who just “get it right” and in hearing them, one picks up on their excellent musicianship from the first few bars. This is such a group. Led by guitarist James Zito, this octet wails through several original tunes, always swinging and always in charge of making it the real deal throughout. In addition to the outstanding playing on the Zito compositions here, there are a few standards that you surely would know. “The Nearness of You”, “The End Of A Love Affair”, “It Could Happen To You”, and “After You've Gone” bring additional musical joy to this session. Kudos to leader and guitarist Zito for putting together a memorable, solid recording.

James Zito Music; 2025; appx. 42 min.

Rodney Whitaker; Mosaic: The Music Of Greg Hill

Come what may, there are still dedicated guys and gals who are going to play the real deal no matter what. Such is the case with this terrific quintet under the leadership of bassist Rodney Whitaker. It should also be clear that one Gregg Hill writes material ideally suited to these players and their attachment to strong melodic content and solid, splendid solos. His daughter Rockelle adds a spicy touch on four well delivered vocals. Her father, Rodney, wisely calls upon “young veterans” like himself, in Terell Stafford, trumpet and flugelhorn; Tim Warfield, tenor sax; Rick Roe, piano; and Dana Hall, drums. Exciting, virile musicianship is the name of this game. These folks all walk the walk and you may be sure that there's not a gimmicky note to be found here. 

Origin Records; 2025; appx. 60 min.

Nick Hempton and Cory Weeds; Horns Locked

Decades ago, tenor duos were fairly common on recordings. It seems to have fallen out of fashion in recent years and that's why it's particularly nice to welcome two hard blowing tenor guys in Nick Hempton and Cory Weeds. This is essentially an opportunity for the co-leaders to exhibit their big time skills, feeding off one another and offering saucy, sumptuous solos. The tunes are powerful examples of “this is what I do” and NOT “look what I can do”. One of the familiar selections is the opener, James Moody's “Last Train From Overbrook”. Others include “Polka Dots & Moonbeams” and “When You're Smiling”. Hempton and Weeds are joined by a pulsating rhythm section of Nick Peck on Hammond B-3 organ, and Jesse Cahill on drums. This is a steamy session---full of fun and power-packed from note one.

Cellar Music; 2025; appx. 51 min.

Marilyn Kleinberg; Let Your Heart Lead The Way

With so many vocal albums concentrating on original compositions, it's sure nice to hear Marilyn Kleinberg singing thoughtful “forever” tunes. These are the works of great musical craftsmen, and Kleinberg puts them across with feeling and finesse. It certainly doesn't hurt that she performs here with such highly regarded players as John DiMartino, piano; Will Galison, chromatic harmonica: Noriko Ueda, bass; and Victor Lewis, drums. And how about these wonderful choices such as “Invitation”, “Alfie”, “Say It (Over And Over Again)”, “I Didn't Know What Time It Was”, and three especially delightful surprises, “I Didn't Know About You”, “I Just Found Out About Love”, and “You Won't Forget Me”. Thank you, Marilyn and friends, for a menu of great songs.

Waking Up Music; 2022; appx. 41 min.

UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1; Let The Good Times Roll

How about some feel good music? If that's your thing, you'd be well advised to check out this fun-loving big band adventure from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Complete with high spirited vocals on many tunes, this is an excellent organization worth hearing. Solos are doled out extensively and are all polished and pleasant. The selections are mostly from decades past and include “Too Close For Comfort”, “Emily”, I'm Getting Sentimental Over You”, “All Right, Okay, You Win”, and more. From the jazz neighborhood, there's Oscar Pettiford's “Bohemia After Dark” and two very rare Duke Ellington gems, “Chinoiserie” and “Braggin' N' Brass”. All told, this is a stimulating, enjoyable performance with musicianship at a high level. A great musical treat early in 2025!

Vegas Records; 2024; times not indicated

Eric Alexander; Chicago To New York

With each album under the name of Eric Alexander I am further convinced that the tenor saxophonist is among the short list of premier players of the day. This time, Alexander picks up the soprano sax on a few tunes, notably John Coltrane's “Afro Blue” and “Wise One”. His other choice from the jazz book is the seldom heard Gene Ammons blues “Hittin' The Jug”. And as usual, Alexander offers several well seasoned samples of standard fare. How about “This Is Always”, “Angel Eyes”, “The Lamp Is Low”, and a great rarity from Frank Sinatra's greatest years, “Only The Lonely”. Alexander is always surrounded by the best of the best. This time it's Mike LeDonne, piano; Dennis Carroll, bass; and George Fludas, drums. All are right on target. But it's Eric Alexander's high altitude improvisation which, as always, is something truly amazing and exceptional.

Cellar Music Group; 2024; appx. 46 min.

Cyrus Chestnut; Rhythm, Melody and Harmony

The title of this CD is the way in which the art of jazz has often been defined. And the three are heard in abundance in the hands of super bop pianist Cyrus Chestnut and his high steppin' pals. They include Stacy Dillard, tenor and soprano saxophones; Gerald Cannon, bass; and Chris Beck, drums. It's especially nice to get reacquainted with Cyrus Chestnut. He had somewhat disappeared off my radar for some time. But he's still right on target with great chops and a certain flow of perfection on the up tempo choices. Ditto on his gentle, enduring touch on the ballads. We get all that from Cyrus and company on both his original tunes and standards including “Autumn Leaves” and “Moonlight In Vermont”. The latter of the two gives the pianist a chance to show his solo skills. It's as lovely and sensitive a “Moonlight In Vermont” as you'll ever hear. No frills, gimmicks or frivolous electronic mush here. Instead we are treated to four guys on the same page playing rhythm, melody and harmony.

High Note; 2025; appx. 50 min.

The Empress; Solitaire

I think I recall a group from way back in the 1950's called The Saxophones Unlimited. They featured well crafted standards and famous bop tunes. Well, they're back. But this time the personnel is all female. The selections are absolutely terrific and everyone---alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone---gets a chance to strut their stuff on brisk solo work. Of course the foursome is accompanied by an equally boppy, enthusiastic rhythm section. The CD opens with “Instant Composure” which is based on “I Hear Music”. The hits keep on coming with “But Not For Me”, “Caravan”, “Everything Happens To Me”, “Stable Mates”, “Nica's Dream”, “Milestones”, and lots more. This is a very impressive session featuring ironclad arrangements and superb musicianship. Highly recommended!

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 52 min.

ANSWERS:

1. Blizzard Of Lies
2. Van Lingle Mungo
3. Do You Miss New York?
4. Dodger Blue
5. My Attorney Bernie
6. Marilyn Monroe
7. You Are There
8. I'm Hip
9. Zoot Walks In
10. Can't Take You Nowhere
11. The Wheelers And Dealers
12. The Underdog
13. Dear Bix
14. El Cajon
15. Heart's Desire

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES

The following are portions of lyrics written by the great Dave Frishberg. Can you identify the song titles? Answers tomorrow

1. this won't hurt a bit
2. Eddie Basinski
3. a pair of parking places
4. here's to the dream
5. an office full of foxes
6. she was Hollywood
7. in a garden
8. I don't wear a beard
9. he unpacks his horn
10. you talk back to cops
11. the value of nothing
12. that longshot may come in
13. you're one of a kind
14. we danced the night away
15. the choice you make 

GEORGE'S BRIEFS

Jerry Kalaf; Safe Travels

From the powerhouse above, we switch gears to a trio with gentle and beautiful strings. It's actually under the leadership of drummer Jerry Kalaf. But it's important to emphasize that veteran L.A. Pianist Tom Ranier plays a prominent role here. Add bassist Trey Henry and you are blessed with a first rate trio. The string section known as ATLYS, adds a beautiful, sunny backdrop to the eight originals performed here. All in all, this is well conceived and heartfelt music. Serious, lovely sounds to be enjoyed by anyone with two ears!

SCR; 2024; appx. 46 min

 

Joe Elefante; Wheel of Dharma

There's always room on my jazz menu for some classic bebop sounds. And that's exactly what we get with pianist Joe Elefante's very straight ahead quintet. He leads a classic setting of his piano skill along with trumpet, sax, bass, and drums. The six tunes played are all creations of the leader, and he and his pals impress with very well sculptured melodies and in-the-pocket solos. This is every day, real deal jazz played with pride and enthusiasm.

Self-produced; 2024; appx. 36 min.

Bernie Porecki; All That Matters

I must admit to being slightly nervous when I read that Bernie Porecki plays piano, organ, and pads. Pads, if you didn't know, refer to subtle, electronic mood-creating effects. Be not alarmed, most of the ten pieces feature Porecki's lovely and plaintive piano. Here and there you'll hear a touch of gospel. His melody lines are definitive, flowing, and quite attractive, and his solos are charming and very tasteful.

Funklove Productions; 2024; times not indicated.

Mark Scott III; Soft Light

Guitarist Mark Scott III performs eleven of his own works in the company of Ben Triesch on bass and Mike Gordon on drums. This is very intimate music, much of which is reflective, sometimes witty, and always charming, Scott is in the limelight here with the trio members in a substantially supportive role. Nothing earth shaking here, yet lots of pretty stuff. Attention guitarists: this one's for everyone, but mainly for you.

Self-produced, 2024; times not indicated.

Groovology; Almost Home

Groovology is the name of this quartet led by Aaron Aronita on the rather unusual combination of woodwinds and piano. His colleagues on guitar, bass, and drums do indeed establish a very nice and swinging “groove” on eleven original tunes. This is highly pleasant, easy going, and tasteful jazz. Give it a listen!

Sugartown Records; 2024; appx. 72 min

Ermalinda Cuellar; Under A Lavender Sky

If you sometimes lean in the direction of lightly Latin rhythms, you might want to consider getting acquainted with singer Ermalinda Cuellar. With various accompaniment (not every musician is on every track) Cuellar puts a distinctive Latin touch on ten tunes. The more familiar of them include “Poinciana”, “Song For My Father”, “Midnight Sun”, and a memorable Sergio Mendes hit going way back, “Agua de Beber”. Cuellar gives it her all on this very delightful group of songs, Latin beat at no extra charge.

Self-produced; 2025; appx. 47 min.

Brian Charette; You Don't Know Jack!

What makes this album so much superior to the usual B3 organ menu, is that it's truly a jazz session with generous solo space for all comers. It doesn't hurt a bit to have the gifted tenor man Corey Weeds on your gig as he, guitarist Dave Skula, and drummer John Lee are all on hand. The date's leader, Brian Charette, along with his colleagues, cook up a lot of fun!

Cellar Music; 2024; appx. 37 min.

Richard Baratta; Looking Back

It's interesting to note the title of this CD because it looks back only to pop tunes of the 1960's and beyond. Drummer Richard Baratta has assembled an outstanding group to play these “greatest hits”. But do we really need to reexamine “Blowin' In The Wind”, “California Dreamin'”, “Hey Jude”, “Purple Haze”, “Respect”, etc.? The players are top rate. The songs, well---not so much.

Savant; 2025; appx. 55 min.

Jenny Hill; Floating

Jenny Hill shows us her skill as both composer and leader on tenor and soprano sax and a bit of flute as well. Her writing is fresh and accessible and leaves space for all players in this sextet to strut their stuff solo-wise. The seven tunes heard here are well paced melodies at the heart of the jazz art.

Rat Beach Records; 2025; appx. 35 min.

Mark Grandfield; It's Getting La

You'd probably have to put in some concerted effort these days in order to come up with a new album by a male vocalist singing virtually an entire program of treasured gems from the unforgettable Great American Songbook. Well, meet Mark Grandfield. He and his accompanying quartet of trumpet-flugelhorn and rhythm section dig deeply into the era of superb songwriting as they revisit such delights as “Nature Boy”, “Call Me Irresponsible”, “Night And Day”, “I Wanna Be Around”, “Smile”, and much more. The good stuff is still out there. Thank you, Mr. Greenfield, for bringing it to us.

Self-produced; 2024; appx. 30 min.

Rick Roe; Tribute: The Music Of Gregg Hill

No less than twelve life affirming melodies and mostly swinging original tunes of composer Gregg Hill are performed here by pianist Rick Roe and his trio. Roe's band mates, Robert Hurst on bass and Nate Winn on drums, help to make these compositions bright, sunny, and cheerful. Roe offers an upbeat, joyful style sometimes reminiscent of one of my personal piano heroes, Pete Jolly. Hill's melodies engage the listeners throughout this session, all of which is perfect for a piano trio. Thank goodness there's still room for “feel good” music in the jazz world. There's plenty of it right here!

Cold Plunge Records; 2024; appx. 55 min.

Alan Chaubert; Just The Three Of Us: Me, The Trumpet, And The Piano

It's not at all unusual to encounter someone who plays flute, clarinet, and various saxophones. The same could be said about piano, vibes, and drums. And of course the trumpet and flugelhorn are close cousins. But how about Alan Chaubert who plays both trumpet and piano. With his playing mates on most cuts, Belden Bullock on bass and Jon Di Fiore on drums, Chaubert has put together a beautifully balanced set. They open with Monk's “Well You Needn't” and move to Charlie Haden's tender and rarely heard “Waltz For Ruth”. “Poinciana”, and “For All We Know” are the two etched in marble standards here. But for me the session highlights are no less than three gorgeous Bill Evans creations, “Peace Piece”, “Turn out The Stars”, and “I Will Say Goodbye”. So, high fives to Alan Chaubert and friends for staying to the music and giving us an album of jazz classics to devour.

Pacific Coast Jazz; 2025; 57:02 min.

Jeremy Pelt; Woven

Over the last decade or so, Jeremy Pelt has established himself as one of this generation's premier trumpet players. And there are some absolutely stunning moments of beauty, passion, and sincerity. On this album Pelt replaces piano accompaniment in favor of a vibraphone. And on much of this session it works very well. I must say, however, that I lose my patience when synthesizers are tossed into the mix on four of the nine selections. To be sure there is some astounding trumpet playing here. But I get the notion that Pelt's use of electronics is aimed at people much younger than yours truly.

High Note; 2025; appx. 50 min.

 

Carl Allen; Tippin'

I'm sure that Carl Allen remains one of the first call drummers in New York City. It's just that I haven't heard anything recorded in quite a spell. But here he is, back on CD with super associates Christian McBride on bass; Chris Potter on tenor and soprano saxophones and bass clarinet; and on one cut, John Lee on piano. The tunes are mostly originals but you may be sure there's some familiar territory as well. The opener, for instance, is Parker's mood, a classic in the bebop book. You'll also hear Frank Loesser's “The Inch Worm”, Irving Berlin's “They Say It's Wonderful”, and Charles Strauss' “Put On A Happy Face”. If you are a member of the Lawrence Welk fan club, I daresay this is not your cup of tea. But if you wish to experience intense contributions from all players, try this one out.  

Cellar Music; 2024; appx. 64 min.

Michel Petrucciani Trio; Jazz Club Montmartre | CPH 1988

Sensational French pianist Michel Petrucciani was well on his way to the summit of the jazz mountain when he passed away in 1999 at the tender age of 36. The European label Stoyville Records has, to our delight, issued this 1988 live performance of Petrucciani with jazz greats Gary Peacock on bass and Roy Haines on drums. On this two-CD set Petrucciani is simply head shakingly amazing. Total playing time is well over 100 minutes of pure piano joy and brilliance. The Frenchman is a fountain of creativity and is absolutely stunning at an often frenetic pace. He and his trio mates move from one five star selection to another. Seven of the twelve pieces are his incredible originals, but he also finds room for material by stalwarts Rodgers and Hart, Duke Ellington, Ornette Coleman, Kosma and Mercer, and Churchill and Morey's “Someday My Prince Will Come”. If you are smart enough to still be buying CDs this is a MUST. His audience is wildly enthusiastic at the end of each track and I believe that you will be too. It is tragic that we lost this savant so young. But here is your chance to revel in his piano genius.

Storyville; 2024; 2 CD's: 50:30 and 56:12

David Caffey Jazz Orchestra; At The Edge Of Spring

As the above tells us, this IS a jazz orchestra in all its glory. These gifted musicians take on eight compositions with fervor and excitement. The soloists are fiery, on target, and seemingly ready to curl your hair. Each section is joyfully precise and every individual plays like this is their album. And let's hope that's not the case! There are too many stirring, outstanding solos to credit them all. This is a highly skilled jazz orchestra playing complex but thoroughly swinging music. Power and punch live here. We all love big bands, but this is truly a jazz orchestra.

HDC Music Publications; 2024; appx. 57 min.

Tom Wakeling; West By Northwest

In regards to one's life work, it's often said “Do what you love.” Well, that adage would apply to Tom Wakeling. During the day, he served on the music faculty of suburban Clackamas Community College and at night he splays bass on gigs throughout the 

Portland, Oregon area. On this straight ahead, energetic album, Wakeling heads a quintet in a live and lively performance. His colleagues, all first cabin players, include Jason Carder, trumpet and flugelhorn; Angelo Versace, piano; and Don Moio, drums. The album is perfectly balanced between original works and familiar choices like Benny Golson's “Out Of The Past”, the Gershwins' “The Man I Love”, Monk's “Evidence”, and two songs with the same title, “Lotus Blossom”. You may be aware that song TITLES are not copyrighted. As a result, trumpet great Kenny Dorham and composer-pianist Billy Strayhorn could both use the title “Lotus Blossom” on very different melody lines. This is superb five star jazz. Great solo work, perfectly honed ensemble playing and an adventurous choice of tunes all live here. Tom Wakeling has been a fixture of Portland's jazz circles for decades. How nice that he gets this opportunity to record with such stimulating friends.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 64 min.

Jim Snidero; Bird Feathers

Charlie Parker was just thirty-four when he passed away in 1955. That's nearly three quarters of a century ago. But his music has lived on through the decades. On this CD it's in the hands of gifted alto sax man Jim Snidero. He honors Bird's legacy along with Peter Washington, bass, and Joe Farnsworth, drums. No piano here, so all three players get to display their considerable improvisational skills. Five of the nine tunes heard on this session are Parker originals including “Scrapple At The Apple”, “Ornithology”, and “Confirmation”. The other four are all standards that Parker often played. How about “These Foolish Things”,  “Embraceable You”, “The Nearness Of You”, and “Lover Man”. This is a hugely innovative approach to Parker's repertoire with far reaching solo work. Parker's legions of fans will welcome and enjoy this striking meeting of these brilliant players. It's been said for years but it's still worth repeating: BIRD LIVES!

Savant; 2025; appx. 48 min.

Jackson Potter: Small Things

Guitariast Jackson Potter leads a piano-less quintet through a very thoughtful and accessible menu, both originals and some you know and love. Potter's tone on guitar is warm and sensitive on the ballads and vigorous and creative on up-tempo material. Potter's colleagues, all admirably supportive, include Alex Ridout, trumpet and flugelhorn; Troy Roberts, tenor sax; Hamish Smith, bass; and Marcello Cardillo, drums. FYI, the standards here include “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”, “Everything I Love”, and Dave Brubeck's “The Duke”. The original compositions are mostly lively entries. Every one of them demonstrates the depth of talent and the joy of making meaningful music by Jackson Potter and friends.

Shifting Paradigm Records; 2024; appx. 60 min.

ANSWERS TO GEORGE'S QUIZZES:

1. Straighten Up And Fly Right
2. Sunny Side Of The Street
3. Nice Work If You Can Get It
4. Route 66
5. Exactly Like You
6. Almost Like Being In Love
7. Sweet Lorraine
8. Too Marvelous For Words
9. Embraceable You
10. Yes Sir That's My Baby
11. I've Got The World on A String
12. What Is This Thing Called Love
13. 'Deed I Do
14. It's Only A Paper Moon
15. Sunday

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

Here we have a portion of lyrics to well known standards. How many of the song titles can you identify?

Hint: All songs are associated with Nat King Cole.

1. cool down papa
2. leave your worries
3. holding hands at midnight
4. San Bernadino
5. prayed each night
6. the whole human race
7. a brand new choo choo toy
8. that old standby
9. the many charms about you
10. I don't mean maybe

     11. sittin' on a rainbow

     12. who can solve the mystery

     13. oh my, do I?

     14. a cardboard sea

     15. it never goes by

GEORGE'S BRIEFS

Neff Irizarry; Cambio [Change]Guitarist Neff Irizarry leads a very energetic Latin influenced quartet with vibes, bass, and percussion. The eleven songs heard here are all originals conceived with high spirits and a fun loving feeling. This is feel good music to be sure. And it is very well played from the first note to the last. 

Blue Canoe Records; 2024; times not indicated

Dan Moretti And Brazilia; Celebrating Wayne Shorter

Tenor and soprano saxophonist Dan Moretti has assembled an ensemble playing the music of one of jazzzdom's true greats, Wayne Shorter. The group frames these selections in a Latin surrounding and it all comes across perfectly. Tunes include “Black Nile”, “Fee Fi Fo Fum”, “Speak No Evil”, and perhaps my two personal favorite Shorter compositions, “Yes Or No” and “Footprints”. Wayne fans, you'll want to get your hands on this one.

Roots Grooves Records; 2024; appx. 51 min.

Gardyn Jazz Orchestra; Vinyl Brews

The Gardyn (yes, that's how they spell it) Jazz Orchestra is a big band with high energy. They blast away on six originals and three alternate takes in a live and lively performance. Most of the players are featured in riveting solos. Everybody—-orchestra and audience---seems to be having a wonderful time. Undoubtedly, you will too!

JCGardner Music; 2024; appx. 47 min.

Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet; Secret Message

Now here is a talented bunch that makes no apologies for playing mostly from an era when songwriting was truly an art. As a result we are treated to sparkling, fresh interpretations of “Bye Bye Blackbird”, “Star Eyes”, “Night And Day”, “I Should Care”,  and a few titles from more recent years. These inform us that some of us still care about quality music well performed.

Circle 9 Records; 2024; appx. 45 min.

Doug MacDonald; Santa Monica Session

The sound of Doug MacDonald's bright, feel good guitar is back once again for us to enjoy. With a polished and supportive rhythm section, MacDonald swings with authority on tunes like “Lady Bird”, “Prisoner Of Love”, “Walkin'”, “Pent Up House”, “Perdido”, and a few of his own very well performed originals. Doug MacDonald is fortunate to record quite frequently and each disc is a delight to hear.

Dmac Music; probably 2024; appx. 37 min.

PJ Perry; No Hugs

There's a story behind this title: During the Covid pandemic we weren't able to hug each other. Hence, No Hugs, the title of this CD. If you haven't already done so, you need to check out the exciting alto player PJ Perry. His quintet winds its way through eight original compositions, all of which are a delight to the ear. Some may call this hard bop, but the music played here is so lyrical and so together that you may think twice before using that reference. The tempos are swinging but not excessively so. Everybody gets ample opportunity to display impressive solo chops. Let's say it this way: This is the heart of the jazz art from every standpoint. PJ Perry and his pals are simply enjoying another day at the office. And this office brings first class jazz from note one.

Cellar 20; 2024; times not indicated

Charles Tolliver "Live At The Captain's Cabin"

One might say that trumpet man Charles Tolliver chose the road less travelled. To my ears, his music is “out there”, sort of Charles Tolliver meets George Russell. This two-CD set is particularly interesting because Tolliver and company go for broke on CD #1 and sound much more straight ahead on CD #2. Also notable is the presence of the late piano giant John Hicks who is up to the task on any tempo. Tolliver, when he brings the tempestuous tempo down, is a fountain of ideas. Warning: This is not music for your great aunt Muriel who owns a collection of Mantovani. You might have to stretch a bit, but there are worthwhile things happening here. Take the plunge; it won't hurt a bit.

Reel to Real; 2024; times not indicated

Cliff Korman "Urban Tracks"

There is a certain way of playing the piano where it produces a gentle and exquisite sound. We hear it only rarely, even among the best known piano heroes. But here it is in the hands of Cliff Korman. Every note is pure perfection as Korman and his trio give familiar fare such as “Manhã de Carnaval”, “All The Things You Are”, and “Whisper Not”. In addition to these, Korman includes beautifully crafted originals, some with a suggestion of sensitive and “Latinesque” sound which approaches poetic purity. I think it will capture and envelop you from note one.

Self-produced; 2024; appx. 57 min.

Jason Marshall "New Beginnings

Do you care to sample the big, burly sound of the baritone saxophone? If so, I think perhaps Jason Marshall is your man. He leads a first cabin east coast rhythm section of Marc Cary, piano; Gerald Cannon, bass; and Willie Jones III, drums. Marshall and crew kick it off with Joe Henderson's “Recordame”, a rousing opener. Most of the rest of the session is devoted to jazz classics like Sonny Rollins' “Airegin”, Luis Bonfa's “Black Orpheus”, and Charles Mingus' classic “Peggy's Blue Skylight”. The two standards in the set are “I'll Never Stop Loving You” and Rodgers and Hart's “forever” tune, “I Could Write A Book”. Marshall is a big toned baritone and his pals provide perfect support.

Cellar 20; 2024; appx. 41 min.

Eugenie "Eugenie Jones"

Singers seem to be aplenty in this group of reviews, and Eugenie Jones is the entire package. She sings spot-on-key and has that rare ability to convey the meaning of a lyric. Most importantly, she possesses that innate ability that can't be taught; she's very much a jazz singer. On this session, with a host of accompanists, Jones takes on a handful of newer tunes and a few that you're sure to know. How about “It Don't Mean A Thing”, “Sinnerman”, “I Love Being Here With You”, and “Work Song”. Eugenie Jones brings a lot of jazz credibility, heart, great range, and a superb sense of feeling to her art. She'll be heard from again and again.

Openmic Records; 2024; appx. 61 min.

Mike Ledonne and Eric Alexander "Heavy Hitters"

Two all-around versatile and truly exciting musicians, pianist Mike Ledonne and tenor sax ace Eric Alexander co-lead this steamy hard bop session. Believe me, the album title says it all. And let's not forget the blistering presence of Jeremy Pelt on trumpet; Vincent Herring on alto sax, Alexander Claffy on bass, and the very busy Kenny Washington on drums. Eight of the ten tunes are originals and if you need your hair curled, I think this will do the job! Just for good measure, the standards here are “My One And Only Love”, and surprise big time, a blast from the past, Jule Styne's hit, “It's Magic”. But for the most part, this is a heavy duty session, big on fiery solo work and, I should say---as good as it gets!

Cellar Music; 2024; appx. 73 min.