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.