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.
