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.