Al Muirhead; The Canada Sessions, Volume II

The subtitle of this delightful album is “Still Cookin' At 90”. That refers to the leader on this session, trumpet ace Al Muirhead. He and an assortment of Canadian pals (not every player is on every track) bring us a charming menu of standards, all of which are among your faves. Muirhead is a no frills, from the heart player who may bring to mind someone like Bobby Hackett. The ensemble tackles favorites like “Dancing On The Ceiling”, “More Than You Know”, “I Thought About You”, “All The Things You Are”, and more. Special kudos to singer Jocelyn Gould and Cathy Gyorgy who each perform on two tracks. If Volume 1 is as good as this one, I'd sure like to get my hands on it!

Chronograph Records Ltd., 2025; appx. 37 min.

Grant Stewart; Next Spring

Grant Stewart; Next Spring

While on the path of outstanding tenor sax players, you need to give Grant Stewart some attention. It's a pleasure to hear his boppy, straight presence down the heart of the jazz highway. On this new and impressive session, Stewart is joined by Tardo Hammer, piano; Paul Sikivie, bass, and Grant's brother, Phil Stewart, drums. The nine choices examined here come from a diverse collection of composers with names like Wayne Shorter, Barry Harris, Victor Young, Bob Mover, Thelonious Monk, and Jerome Kern, among others. The surprise of the set is a rarity called “Kiss and Run”. I remember it as a dreamy vocal by the underrated singer Bill Henderson. Stewart throughout is a top tier tenor titan. He and his colleagues have given us yet another album to be played and enjoyed for years to come.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 56 min.

JD Allen; Love Letters (The Ballad Sessions)

If, like me, you are forever enamored by the treasures of The Great American Songbook,  you really need to check into tenor sax man JD Allen. He and his very connected rhythm section treat us to eight tender and beautiful ballads on these “forever” tunes. With Brandon McCune, piano; Ian Kenselaar, bass; and Nic Cacioppo, drums, Allen's quartet reminds us of the exceptional quality of such winning melodies as “You Are Too Beautiful”, “I Get Along Without You Very Well”, “Don't Go To Strangers”, My Buddy”, and more. Allen's big, rich tenor tone reminds me a bit of Gene Ammons and it doesn't get much better than that. All said, this recording delivers classic songwriting and first rate playing. Get your ears on it!

Savant; 2025; appx. 45 min.

Answers:

1. Tangerine
2. Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring
3. If I Knew Then
4. Day By Day
5. It's A Blue World
6. We've Got A World That Swings
7. You've Got Me Cryin' Again
8. In This Whole Wide World
9. Candy
10. This October
11. Sweet Lorraine
12. Whistle Me Some Blues

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

Here are some lyric portions of songs made famous by The four Freshmen. How many can you identify? Answers tomorrow

1. she is all they say
2. on a hill where robins sing
3. we would never have drifted apart
4. I'm in love to stay
5. the sea, the sky
6. we can live like kings
7. what is this love all about
8. Is there someone to love me
9. she understands me
10. an Indian summer girl
11. a brand new cho choo toy
12. mr. engineer

GEORGE'S BRIEFS

Shawn Purcell; Oblivity guirarist Shawn Purcell leads a high energy sextet through nine originals which may be on the edgy side for some listeners but always intensely creative and probing, Of particular interest is the featured tenor sax player Walt Weiskopf, a name from perhaps two decades ago. You may have to stretch a little, but as your doctor keeps telling you, exercise is a good thing.

Origin Records; 2025; appx. 70 min.

Alberto Pibiri; A New World

Pianist Alberto Pibiri displays a beautiful, serene touch on a program of several sparkling original compositions and a few favorites from the past. In the latter category, look for “In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning”, “I Wish I Knew How It Feels To Be Free”,  Antonio Carlos Jobim's rarely heard charmer “Double Rainbow”, and even the pop hit from yesteryear, “What The World Needs Now”. Pibiri and his trio mates get the job done with spirit, joy, and resolve .

Alberto Pibiri Music; 2022; appx. 58 min.

Neal Miner; Invisibility

Here we encounter a piano-less trio featuring the veteran leader and bassist Neal Miner. He and his trio mates, Chris Byars on tenor sax, and Jason Tiemann on bass, communicate effortlessly as one on an impressive and versatile array of interesting, sometimes complex music.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 52 min.

Joe Elefante's Wheel Of Dharma; Return Of The Light

Leader and pianist Joe Elefante has assembled a versatile and high flying quintet of trumpet-flugelhorn, his own piano chops, alto sax, bass, and drums on a set of eleven tunes, nine of which are the leader's originals. The emphasis is on the hard bop arena, but all are also well suited for more modern tempos as well. One should notice the inclusion of “Some Other Blues”, one of John Coltrane's less famous compositions but a great choice just the same. Fans of real deal, energetic, pulsing sounds will gather around this offering.

Self produced; 2025; appx. 63 min.

Conrad Herwig; Reflections-Facing South

It's been quite a while since we last heard from trombonist Conrad Herwig on CD. But here he is again, this time it's in a trio setting with Eddie Palmieri on piano and Luques Curtis on bass. The nine sections heard here are written by either Herwig or Palmieri. Some charming, lyrical melodies are on board here with a distinctive Latin flavor.

Savant; 2025; appx. 46 min.

Albare; Eclecticity

Albare is a guitarist who introduces us to ten of his original compositions amidst the company of a very supportive group of standout colleagues. His writing is often cheerful, optimistic, and bluesy. All players get generous opportunities to strut their solo chops but this is Albare's chance to share with listeners what I believe is a strong connection with a guy named Wes Montgomery. Tempo-wise there's something for everyone here but Albare and friends lay it all out with taste and talent.

Self produced; 2025; appx. 66 min.

Randy Napoleon; Waking Dream; The Music of Gregg Hill & Randy Napoleon

Sometimes one guitar just isn't enough. Well, how about five of them! This is quite an accomplishment under the direction of lead guitarist Randy Napoleon as he and his friends (both guitar and otherwise) explore the music of Gregg Hill and Napoleon himself. There's a wealth of straight ahead guitar excellence here and I might add, much to enjoy.

OA2 Records; 2025; appx. 68 min.

Corey Weeds Meets Jerry Weldon

Tenor saxophone duets have dotted the map over the years of jazz history. Consider formidable pairings like Eddie Lockjaw Davis and Johnny Griffin, or Lockjaw and Sonny Stitt. Or how about the great work of Zoot Sims and Al Cohn? And even a meeting of John Coltrane and Paul Quinichette! So here we have a stunning get together of Corey Weeds and Jerry Weldon. The two tenor titans work their magic with rhythm section pals Miles Black, piano; John Lee, bass; and Jesse Cahill, drums. The tunes chosen by the quintet are rarities from jazz heroes of the past including the aforementioned Lockjaw Davis as well as Clifford Jordan, Freddie Redd, and a tip of the hat to the brothers Gershwin. Weeds, Weldon, and friends find the very heart of the jazz highway here. Highly recommended for you purists out there.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 52 min.

Jennifer Madsen; Reimagine

Jennifer Madsen is another of the young singers who have discovered the richness and eternal greatness of the American Songbook. With definite hipness, confidence, and rather amazing range, she gives vitality and freshness to a bevy of “forever” tunes like “I Can't Give You Anything But Love”, “Willow Weep For Me”, “Honeysuckle Rose”, “Someone To Watch Over Me”, and lots more. I particularly found her take on “Beyond The Sea” quite endearing. She doesn't take the swinging Bobby Darin approach; instead, she treats it as a ballad and it works impressively. With a diverse backing from several players, Jennifer Madsen works the standard repertoire with both authority and affection.

Sing Baby Productions; 2025; appx 45 min.

Marcello Carelli; First Impressions

Drummer Marcello Carelli leads an energetic quartet through eight cool originals and one etched in stone jazz classic. His colleagues on the session include two veterans in tenor titan Bob Mintzer and former fusion fanatic, pianist Russell Ferrante. They are joined by bassist Mike Gurrola. The foursome plays a varied menu with samplings of bop, ballads, funk, and very straight ahead, “together”, well conceived, in the pocket jazz. By the way, that one classic is Joe Henderson's forever tune “Recordo Me”. All told, this is by any stretch a finely honed quartet playing in the heart of the jazz tradition. I's just that good.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 55 min.

George Coleman; George Coleman With Strings

Imagine---George Coleman at 89 years old playing his tenor saxophone like he's fifty years younger! And what great company he has in David Hazeltine, piano; John Webber, bass; Joe Farnsworth, drums; Café da Silva on occasional percussion; and gorgeous string arrangements by Bill Dobbins. The songs Coleman chooses are, as one might suspect, all primo melodies from years gone by. How about “Dedicated To You”, “Moment To Moment”, “Stella By Starlight”, and two versions apiece of “A Time For Love” and Monk's “Ugly Beauty”. This is a stunning reminder of what the art of jazz was all about way back in, say, the 1950's. If only for this moment, it sure is great to hear it again.

High Note; 2025; appx. 58 min.

Chris Wabich; Wabich 1978 (steep)

The odd title of this CD refers to a tea produced in 1978 that Chris Wabich discovered in the last few years in a tea shop in Taiwan, and “steep” obviously is related to the tea. The six Wabich original compositions played by this trio are beautiful, sensitive, and quite thoughtful---and very peaceful. The album is led by Wabich, a drummer. But the real star of the show is pianist Josh Nelson. His elegant touch is like putting the listener in the middle of a beautiful, fragrant garden. Said another way, pour the oolong, turn the lights down low, and enjoy the simplicity and pleasure of these creations.

Kieran Brown; Loving You

There's sure a lot to like about singer Kieran Brown. She's not a jazz singer in the spirit of such luminaries as Anita O'Day, Annie Ross, or Nancy King. But in a lovely setting of no less than fourteen accompanying musicians (not everyone on each selection), Brown chooses ten highly regarded standards in a well trained, gentle, and perfect vocal presence on key performances of these wonders from Songbook America. Of special note is (once again), the appearance of one of my faves, pianist Tyler Henderson. Brown and company receive high marks on such tunes as “You're Gonna Hear From Me”, “Do It Again”, “Meditation”; “Emily”; “Alfie”; and more. Stay in the game, Kieran Brown. You've got a good thing going! 

Cellar Music Group;  2025; appx. 42 min.

Sam Dillon; My Ideal

While we're on the subject of top flight tenor men, you want to check out Sam Dillon. His sound is, to my ear, influenced by Coltrane. Lots of notes but all exactly the right ones. His gifted thythm section is comprised of David Hazeltine, piano; Alex Claffy, bass, and Rodney Green, drums. The eight selections played here include four scintillating Dillon originals and the well loved standards “Softly As In a Morning Sunrise”, “Have You Met Miss Jones”, “My Ideal”, and “I Love You”. This is some serious, hard swinging, real deal jazz. It's played with passion and precision and it all works to perfection.

Cellar Music Group, 2025; 59:18

Jacob Chung; Live At Frankie's Jazz Club

These new names in the jazz art keep coming at me in rapid succession. One of the many is the swinging tenor saxophonist Jacob Chung. On this live and lively gig, he appears with a rhythm section led by pianist Tyler Henderson. If that names sounds familiar, it might be attributed to a rave review I gave him for his trio CD on my last group of reviews. The quartet is completed by Caleb Tobachman, bass, and Hank Allen Barfield, drums. The group concentrates mostly on rarely heard tunes by jazz heroes like Duke Pearson and George Shearing. But you'll also hear some exceptional standards like “This Is No Laughing Matter”, “The Touch Of Your Lips”, and “Beautiful Friendship”. Chung is right on target, highly inventive and always “smack dab in the middle” of the jazz tradition. Henderson and friends form a perfect rhythm section and are a delight with boppy, rowdy solos of their own. New names! You gotta love 'em!

Cellar Music Group; 2025; 68:05

GEORGE'S BRIEFS

Wayne Alpern; Modern Music

I would suspect that pianist Wayne Alpern has an extensive background in classical music. His twenty solo creations are varied, life affirming, spirited, and simply delicious! Kudos to him for sharing his splendid pianistic flights of fancy. Recommended!

Self produced; 2025; times not indicated

Antonia Bennett; Expressions

Maybe you remember a singer named Joanie Sommers. Well, Antonia Bennett reminds me of her and to be clear, that's a compliment. She offers us a distinct array of standards, a French melody, and I suspect, a few originals. Antonia Bennett brings us a perky, youthful, optimistic approach. Why not give her a try!

Self produced; probably 2025; times not indicated

Lili Maljic; The Nearness Of You

 

There are still some folks out there who honor the great American Songbook, and singer Lili Maljic is obviously one of them. Working with a quartet that allows generous solo space for Jim Rotundi on trumpet and Oliver Kent on piano, Ms. Maljic winds her way through ten “forever” tunes including “Easy To Love”, “The Touch Of Your Lips”, “This Can't Be Love”, “The Song Is You”, and the really nice surprise of the set, “I Didn't Know About You”. Maljic is spot on key, and while she's not exactly a scat specialist, she comfortably adds some vocal decor to her presentation. This of course puts her emphatically in the jazz camp and that's a good place to be. So, if you hunger for the richest of premiere songwriting and you want those songs interpreted by a quality singer who certainly cares about her repertoire, you should check out Lili Maljic.

Pacific Coast Records; 2025; appx 50 min.

Sam Dillon; My Ideal

If you're into big toned, full throttle tenor sax players, I think Sam Dillon may well be your man. He holds nothing back on a collection split between Dillon's high flying original compositions and familiar fare like “Have You Met Miss Jones”, “I Love You”, “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise”, and the title tune, “My Ideal”. Dillon's quartet includes David Hazeltine, piano; Alexander Claffy, bass; and Rodney Green, drums. They are all pin point perfect in support of the leader. If the phrase “no holds barred” describes your preference among tenor sax players, you need to get acquainted with Sam Dillon.

Cellar Music; 2025; appx. 58 min.

The Diva Jazz Orchestra; Tappin' Thru Life: A Celebration Of Maurice Hines

Here is a celebratory, fun loving, all female jazz orchestra featuring various singers on foot tapping, smile inducing, feel good music. The swinging ensemble is right out of the big band era. There are no less than eighteen selections here and you'll know most of them. For example, how about “Get Me To The Church on Time”, “It's Only A Paper Moon”, “Smile”,” All The Way”, “Too Marvelous For Words”, and even “Ballin' The Jack”. Everybody's having more fun here than the law should allow. No doubt you'll feel that way too! 

Self produced; 2025; appx. 70 min.

ANSWERS TO GEORGE'S QUIZ:

1. Good Morning Heartache
2. Willow Weep For Me
3. Miss Brown To You
4. God Bless The child
5. My Man
6. Strange Fruit
7. Travelin' Light
8. What A Little moonlight Can Do
9. Easy Living
10. I Cried For You

Billy Lester Trio; High Standards

For most of twenty-eight years I hosted a jazz radio program here in Portland, Oregon. It was called “High Standards”, so you can understand my delight in receiving this album for review. Pianist Billy Lester leads a trio through eight “high standards”and one original by the leader, in a highly creative fashion. Sometimes we are treated to lengthy and impressive improvisation before Lester and friends deliver us the melody. Let's be clear: it's well worth the wait. In addition to Lester's very stirring piano, bassist Marcello Testa and drummer Nicola Stranieri are also right on target throughout. As for Lester, he is somewhere out of Bud Powell. Greatly imaginative and unique, he really propels us into new musical spheres on “Somebody Loves Me”, “I'll Remember April”, “You Go To My Head”, “Just Friends”, and more. This is a different take on these great American “hits”. But it's the real deal. It's well performed and full of fascinating flights. This is good stuff!

Ultra Sound Records; 2025; appx. 45 min.

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.