Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra; Ellington Masterworks

 On reliable authority, Duke Ellington is known to have composed up to 10,000 compositions. Consisting of works for popular consumption, suites, and television and movie sound tracks, Duke was obviously the most prolific composer EVER. So, here is the magnificent Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, an important new name to me, in a live performance of eight extended Ellington sparklers we've likely never heard until now. From every standpoint, this is “not to be missed” material. With the Ellington stamp of serene melodies, highest caliber solos, and that Duke “thing” that created a true jazz hero, we hope this will be the first in what will be some kind of series by the Smithsonian organization. This is music that will undoubtedly extend the recognition and genius of Edward Kennedy Ellington's breathtaking work.

Manchester Craftsmen's Guild; 2026; appx. 56 min.

Kemuel Roig; Both Sides Now

 

Now and then it's a special treat to just float away on an exquisite cloud of solo piano music played with simple joy and passion, and without pretense. That is exactly what is handed to us by Kemuel Roig on a solo session often beautiful beyond written description. The thirteen songs here are well balanced between little known choices and evergreens like Cole Porter's “I Love You”, Billie Holiday's and Arthur Herzog Jr.'s “Don't Explain”, and Rodgers and Hart's “My Romance”. But for me, the highlight is two versions of Jimmy Rowles' now classic “The Peacocks”. Roig's piano is like the finest wine in the bar. Float away, friends.

Life in Music; probably 2026; times not indicated

I truly believe that Doug MacDonald may well be the most prolific jazz guitarist on today's scene. The guy seemingly manages to release a new CD about one every three months. And the good news for you and me is that every one of them is totally jazz listener friendly. This time around he is heard in a small group setting. The presence of an organist gives this session a bit of a funky poke in the ribs on five MacDonald originals and three that you're quite likely to know: Wes Montgomery's “Mr. Walker”, Antonio Carlos Jobim's “Captain Bacardi” (you'll know it when you hear it), and Duke's “Self Portrait Of The Bean”. Much gratitude to Doug MacDonald and associates. Keep knockin' 'em out, Doug!

Dmac music; 2026; appx. 40 min.

 

Will Lyle; The All Seeing Eye

Bassist Will Lyle has assembled a collection of premiere artists to perform a well balanced menu of originals and a few lengthy standards. Among the veterans on the session are Dave Kikoski, piano, and Billy Drummond, drums. The remaining players (not every guy on every track) are new names to me. Just the same, it's easy to discern the years of hard work they've put in to arrive at this level. There are seven tunes in all including those standards already indicated. They are: “Autumn Nocturne”, “All Of You”, and “On A Clear Day”. The latter tune features a fresh and happy vocal by a singer only identified as Sirintip. Odd but true. In any case, there's a lot to like here. So hats off to Will Lyle and pals. Thanks for keeping the essence of jazz alive and lively.

Circle Theory Music; 2026; times not indicated

Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet; A Blue Time

 

From the first few measures of Duke Jordan's jazz classic “Jordu”, you just know that this is going to be the straight ahead stuff you've admired all your life. Drummer Joe Syrian leads this octet through a terrific ten tune talent laden journey. Considering the use of “motor city” here, one may make the connection with scores of Detroit jazz heroes over the decades. Indeed they carry the performance with titles like “Agua de Beber”, “Norwegian Wood”, “Charade”, “Blue Bossa”, “Nature Boy”, and a pristine vocal by Lucy Yeghiazaryan on “Teach Me Tonight”. This octet and its crisp arrangements and super song choices combine for a breath of fresh air. Give them a shot!

Circle 9 Records; 2026; appx. 51 min.

Joe Gransden; Let's Take A Chance Together

 

Someday I'll get a meaningful answer as to just why I've always “hung my hat” on singers who also play something. For example: Shirley Horn, Meredith d'Ambrosio, Nat Cole, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, and such. Most of these vocal standouts play piano  but in this case, Joe Gransden's vocal offerings are backed in part by some flawless trumpet work. On a mix of newer material and forever tunes like “When Your Lover Has Gone”, “Smile”, “Close your Eyes”, “So In Love”, “Don't Get Around Much Anymore”, “Where Or When”, “The Way You Look Tonight”, and a shoulder tap to a guy named Sinatra with “Young At Heart”! One can really tell that Joe Gransden is about quality songwriters. On both trumpet and vocals, he and his colleagues deliver only the good stuff.

Joe Gransden; 2026; appx 49 min.

Nat Reeves; Now In Time

 

Is forty years long enough? Apparently not for jazz bassist Nat Reeves who has been at the task for over four decades! It is clearly evident here as he surrounds himself with younger all stars on a hip run through the essence of the art form. Most of the tunes are originals “back in the day” by heroes like Sonny Stitt, Jackie McLean, Pharaoh Sanders, and more. Titles familiar to you are these: “On Green Dolphin Street”, “Alice In Wonderland”, “Portrait Of Jennie”, and probably McLean's “Appointment In Ghana”. Those supremely gifted cats previously referred to include Orrin Evans, piano; Eddie Henderson, trumpet; Steve Davis, trombone; Eric Alexander, tenor sax; and Jeff “Tain” Watts, drums. That, in baseball parlance, is a grand slam home run. The music says it all.   And I, for one, am grateful for players like this who insist on keeping it exciting, relevant, and respectful of the truly American treasure we refer to as jazz!

Side Door Jazz; 2066; appx. 66 min.