Arvind Ramdas; Here We Go

I like the title of this CD because it doesn't shout, brag, or overstate the fact that marvelous musicians are here to state their case. From there, it's up to you. Leadership here is provided by drummer Arvind Ramdas. He assembles a straight ahead, in-the-pocket quintet which plays it all for the pure joy and tradition of the art of jazz. The music is playful, intimate, and challenging while remaining accessible and true to the assigned task. Solos are perfectly executed and outstanding musicianship is the call of the day. The seven tunes played here include sometimes surprising but welcome choices composed by luminaries like Kenny Dorham, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Vernon Duke, Peter Bernstein, Roy Hargrove and more---mostly encompassing bop flavored delights. The single standard on the date is an exquisite take on “Autumn In New York”. It is all heavyweight jazz making. Indeed, here we go!

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 50 min.

Bernie Senensky; Duos

Close friends in Vancouver, B.C. have for years hipped me to Bernie Senensky, a pillar of Canada's jazz community for a long, long time. Well, now I get my chance to acquaint myself with a very intriguing and satisfying recording. It features Senensky's piano combined with an outstanding bevy of tenor or alto sax players, all in duo performances. As for Senensky, I hear a lot of Bud Powell-like chops in his distinctive bop drenched piano. The session features a different saxophonist on every track, including Eric Alexander, Vincent Herring, P.J. Perry, Cory Weeds, and a host of other gifted reed stars. Most of the selections are credited to the leader. The well known choices are “I Hear A Rhapsody”, “I Thought About You”, “In My Life”, and “My One And Only Love”. Senensky “defines” bop piano here, and his numerous partners simply ride the wave on a joyous jazz journey.

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 49 min.

Jesse Davis Quartet; Reflections

Here's your chance to discover a first class quartet led by alto sax man Jesse Davis working with a dream rhythm section of Spike Wilner, piano; John Webber, bass; and Lewis Nash, drums. Four of the seven selections here are hearty real deal originals from the leader. Additionally we are treated to Thelonious Monk's triumphs in the title tune, “Reflections”, and “Evidence”. The surprise of the set is the quartet's take on a real oldie, “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans”. Sound wise, he is in the midst of the tradition. Certainly he is influenced by Charlie Parker and the likes of Sonny Stitt. In other words, the real good stuff---first note to the last. Cellar Records, I am convinced, is a major player in this era for conserving and celebrating the tradition of jazz that you and I have loved for so many years.

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 57 min.

Danny Sinoff; Make Someone Happy

In more than thirty years of writing jazz reviews, it seems as though I receive perhaps ten female vocalists for every ONE from a male singer. So considering that, welcome Danny Sinoff. A singer who not only chooses great material, but does so with a strong natural jazz essence. A big plus here is that Sinoff also accompanies himself on piano. His colleagues are A+ throughout as they wend their way through “Taking A Chance On Love”, “Three Little Words”, “I Won't Dance”, “Mood Indigo”, “Charade”, “Black Coffee”, and a Sinatra vehicle, “All I Need Is The Girl”, among others. Putting it simply, Danny Sinoff has that thing going that usually can't be taught---the leanings and explorations of a jazz singer. Give him a try!

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 44 min.

Brian Lynch; Torch Bearers

How nice to hear trumpet maven Brian Lynch on a recording including a mix of musicians that are somewhat surprising. Consider this: depending on the track of choice, there are three pianists and two drummers. But they are all hip and ready on a session mainly comprised of originals. The celebrated young singer Samara Joy gets a chance to strut her stuff on two tracks. In addition, the familiar titles include “Luminoso” by Barry Harris, plus “But Beautiful” and “Blue And Boogie”. A consistent high point here is the alto sax of Charles McPherson who earns lots of solo opportunities. And don't forget Mr. Lynch. His trumpet prowess remains superb and right down the center of mainstream boulevard. This is great music with top tier people to play it. Sounds like a welcome meeting of creative minds to me.

Holistic Music Works; 2026; appx. 60 min.

April Varner; Ella

You're likely to be in agreement that Ella Fitzgerald is considered by many to be the greatest female jazz vocalist ever. So let's give singer April Varner the courage to take on a project like this. Good thing, because amazingly, Vainer possesses much of the vocal magic we long fell in love with from Ella. With an excellent big band to work with, Ms. Varner captures the “Ella thing” to near perfection. Ella would have been giddy to hear, among others, “Dream A Little Dream Of Me”, “Night And Day”, “Cheek To Cheek”, and my personal fave, “Mr. Paganini”. So hurrah, thank you, and let's hear a lot more from a refreshing talent in April Varner.

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 40 min.

Ulysses Owens, Jr.; Around The World With U

Don't miss out on your chance to inhale some scorching hard bop with all hands on deck getting ready to spin your head around! Drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr, is the leader on this smokin' session of eleven tunes including three bristling originals and two standards that have survived long lifetimes, Diz's medley of “Bebop” and “Confirmation”, and Hoagy Carmichael's classic “Stardust”. Many people grew up with that kind of musical excitement. The reason it's still around today is that it's so artistically relevant. Truly representative of the jazz art, these young veterans carry on an honored tradition. Just know that the music is safe in their hands. And talented hands they are!

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 55 min.