Friday, February 14, 2025

Liz Cole "I Want To Be Happy"

Many good songs from Songbook America have been discovered by today's young singers. Liz Cole is one of them as she flawlessly works her vocal magic on ten tunes that will delight you. With varied accompaniment from one track to another, she has obviously done her homework with notable choices like Eubie Blake's “I'd Give A Dollar For A Dime” and the surprise of the set, Cole Porter's “You're Sensational” from the movie High Society. I can clearly hear it in my head as sung by the great Frank Sinatra. There are also some new tunes here, each done with a carefree and capable confidence. Nice going, Liz---you unearthed some good ones!

Self-produced, probably 2024; appx. 36 min.


Monday, February 10, 2025

Dave Stryker "Stryker With Strings Goes To The Movies"

To my ear, veteran guitarist Dave Stryker has always leaned in the direction of a pop-funk approach to his jazz style. I must say that I like this disc a lot and I'll tell you why. Stryker works here with strings and a full orchestra. And the arrangements are so well thought out that they enhance Stryker's leadership position. The songs are all themed from movies, many of which are action type thrillers. Hence we have themes from “You Only Live Twice”, “Shaft”, “Taxi Driver”, “Anatomy Of A Murder”, and even “The Sound Of Music”. Stryker is well up to the task of working with a full orchestra. Needless to say, this project comes off as quite illuminating.

Strikezone Records; 2025; appx. 61 min.


Friday, February 7, 2025

Ginetta's Vendetta "Fun Size"

Here we have an invigorating jazz group led by trumpet player Ginetta M. She and an equally skilled sax player keep things hopping with help, of course, from a swinging rhythm section. Thirteen tunes are well balanced between standards and a few originals. The ones you know include “There Will Never Be Another You”, “Black Orpheus”, “It Could Happen To You”, and even “Moon River”. There's a lot of technique here as well as some downright pretty playing. And who can argue that! This ensemble should satisfy both the seasoned jazz listener and anyone who simply appreciates quality music making. 

Kickin' Wiccan Music; 2024; times not indicated


Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Vanisha Gould; She's Not Shiny, She's Not Smooth

Singer Vanisha Gould has been compared by one writer to Carmen McRae. High praise indeed, and one can certainly hear a McRae-ish similarity. On this recording she sings an entire program of her own compositions. And her writing is quite stimulating, wise, and clever. So give her credit for some interesting content. Speaking only for myself, I could climb aboard the Carmen train if Vanisha had chosen a few well placed jazz tunes---like Carmen always did. Anyway, Vanisha Gould is a singer with definitive jazz chops. In my book, that goes a long way.

Cellar Music; 2024; appx. 49 min