Nancy Erickson "While Strolling Through The Park"

There are several considerations which would suggest that you pay some attention to Seattle area singer Nancy Erickson. For starters, Erickson's vocal quality is sweet and lilting, reminiscent somewhat of the late Karen Carpenter. From a stronger jazz perspective, there's a little Sue Raney present as well. Then there's the prominent Seattle musicians on board for this recording. Among others, how about former Portlander Darin Clendenin on piano, the great double threat monster Jay Thomas on tenor sax and trumpet, and master trombone maven David Marriott also along for the ride. Finally, Erickson's interesting variety of tunes need to be looked at. When, for example, was the last time a jazz singer took on "While Strolling Through The Park (One Day)"? Or how about a nearly forgotten ballad originally done by the rich baritone of Johnny Hartman? It's called "I Just Dropped By To Say Hello", and how nice to hear it again. Incidentally, bassist Clipper Anderson offers a pleasant vocal quality, joining Erickson on that song. The set closer is the French opus "La Vie En Rose", a shimmering duo of voice and bass. On all these and more tunes you know well---plus a few hearty originals, Nancy Erickson has put all the pieces together to produce a thoughtful and highly musical recording.

Vital Flame Productions; 2016; times not indicated.

Ray Vega, trumpet and flugelhorn; Thomas Marriott, trumpet "Return Of The East West Trumpet Summit"

New York (Vega) and Seattle (Marriott) renew their earlier meeting on Origin Records with this quartet outing. Also on board are Matt Jorgensen, drums; and Portland's own George Colligan, B-3 organ. It is, for the most part, a revisit to some hard bop and jazz classics, but one which puts them in a new and different setting. We are treated to renowned works of jazz heroes such as Curtis Fuller, Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton and Charlie Parker. Rounding out the menu are standards "Misty" and "What Is This Thing Called Love". An original of Marriott's completes the session. Vega and Marriott are right on target, trading solos, utilizing mutes on occasion and, all in all, bringing invigorating encores to some under-performed jazz classics.

Origin; 2016; appx. 42 min.

Suite For Flute And Jazz Piano Trio-Symphonic Arrangement - Steve Barta, arranger; Hubert Laws, flute

530. That's the number of weeks that Claude Bolling's original version of this suite stayed on the charts at Billboard magazine. It was, in 1975, something fresh and invigorating. A cordial meeting of jazz and classical called "crossover". Well, for the present day, Steve Barta has re-arranged the suite for jazz quartet, string quartet and orchestra. The obvious choice for the flute work was Hubert Laws. His masterful sound is complemented by pianist Jeffrey Biegel and others well suited to the task. Even if you're not familiar with the original recording (now over thirty years old), you'll enjoy Claude Bolling's classical notions in a vital jazz setting. This is beautiful music to be savored and enjoyed.

Steve Barta Music; 2016; appx. 40 min.

Rossano Sportiello "Strictly Confidential"

If you have not yet encountered pianist Rossano Sportiello, I'd advise you to do a little skating around the internet and check him out. I think you'll love what you hear. The first thing that struck me about this album is how different it is from Sportiello's past efforts. On those sessions he displayed a stronger image as a stride/swing pianist. And I might add, to very impressive effect. But on this trio date he dons the hat of a traditional modern jazz pianist and once again, with great success. His trio colleagues are Nicki Parrott, bass; and Eddie Metz, drums. Parrott also sings on "What A Difference A Day Made", "Hallelujah, I Love Him So", "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" and "Close To You". The instrumental cuts are the real stars of the show as Sportiello explores the works of such diverse composers as Duke Ellington, Bud Powell, Leslie Bricusse, Frank Foster and Teddy Wilson. Speaking of Wilson, Sportiello displays the economy and the elegant touch that were the hallmarks of Wilson's style. I look forward to future albums by the versatile and impressive Rossano Sportiello.

Arbors; 2016; appx. 73 min.

Anandi " Anandi" (self-titled)

Some years ago, Anandi switched her allegiance from songwriter-pop to jazz singing. Now three albums into that decision, it's easy to see that it was a very good one. On her new CD she works with pianists and arrangers Mike Horsfall and Jasnam Daya Singh along with Portland veterans Dave Captein on bass and Charlie Doggett on drums. Anandi takes some new roads on old standards now and then. The opener, "Unchained Melody", made famous by the great Al Hibbler, is taken at an almost brisk tempo and includes a bit of vocal overdubbing. And "My Funny Valentine" gets all dressed up with a funky backbeat! There are a few surprise choices such as Meredith Wilson's "Till There Was You"---a very pretty tune, but not one usually found in the jazz arena. Or how about her comfort and skill with Brazilian fare such as "Quiet Nights" and "Tristeza". Film composer Dimitri Tiomkin wrote "Wild Is The Wind" and Anandi gives it a dramatic treatment. On these and other well chosen tunes in a variety of tempos, Anandi continues to impress as a singer to be recognized and admired.

Lake Lady Music; 2016; 55:05 min.

Nicolas Bearde "Invitation"

Much admired in San Francisco jazz and r & b circles, singer Nicolas Bearde comes through with strength and style on his first jazz album. Bearde's soulful side is clearly present. In fact, if he could be compared to anyone, it might be to the earlier work of crossover singer Lou Rawls. Backed by a trio led by pianist Nat Adderley, Jr., and with several Bay Area guests weaving in and out of the nine selections heard here, Bearde keeps it appropriately close to the vest on these well chosen tunes. A note of interest is the presence of guest alto sax star Vincent Herring on "Come Back To Me", and "Invitation". Other standards include Billy Strayhorn's classic "Lush Life" and Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage". The latter tune includes a lyric by Herbie's late sister, Jean Hancock. Never before had I encountered words to Herbie's famous composition. If you like a dose of soulful feeling in your jazz serving, Nicolas Bearde is your man.

Right Groove Records; 2016; appx. 46 min.

Joseph Howell "Time Made To Swing"

The clarinet, that tricky reed instrument, obstinately hangs in there. Nearly run asunder by the popularity of the saxophone, the clarinet still occasionally pleads its case. And Joseph Howell is clearly in charge on this clarinet-led quartet session. No knock on Cory Pesaturo who leads the rhythm section on accordion. That's right! The much maligned squeeze box! He's a very spiffy player with boppy solos, even on jazz classics like Bird's "Confirmation", Monk's "Let's Cool One" and John Lewis' "Milestones". Pardon me for being a purist, but a piano's a piano and an accordion is, well, great for the Poulsbo Polka Festival. Beyond the jazz compositions named above, Howell's quartet swings its way through a dependable set of standards and one blues. Howell has chops---no doubt about it. As for the accordion chap, he's hip!

Summit; 2016; appx. 64 min.