Jeff Clayton "Through The Looking Glass"

Since I first heard Jeff Clayton way back in 1985 at the Otter Crest Jazz Weekend, I've considered him a gifted player and a person of the highest integrity and spirituality. On this album, the first under his name in quite a spell, Jeff offers nine selections ranging from funky groove stuff to vibrant, joyous straight ahead compositions, to one or two "tear you apart" ballads. Here and there, the addition of a singer who goes by the name of "Mz Val" adds some luster to the proceedings. She's especially on target with "Guess Who I Saw Today", a tuned owned by Nancy Wilson, but handled with great feeling by this vocalist. Clayton's peerless alto is heard in various musical settings with brother John on bass; nephew Gerald on piano; and other L.A. stalwarts impressively on board here and there. Jeff Clayton is deep into his jazz heritage, and his love for his "job" is infectious. Aside from that, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Claytonomics Music; 2017; appx. 38 min.

Randy Ingram "The Wandering"

Don't ever lose track of the name Randy Ingram. He is a pianist in the league of Bill Evans, Fred Hersch and Enrico Pieranunzi. In other words, emotion is everything and every note has meaning. It is unusual to find such wondrous beauty in a young pianist. He has in fact been mentored by Hersch, and you're going to hear it in his rapturous touch, gorgeous phrasing and lyrical compositions. His originals often sound like the themes for European art films, much like those of the aforementioned Enrico Pieranunzi. On this stunning session he weaves his musical spell only with veteran bassist Drew Gress. It is, to be sure, intimacy, beauty and artful communication of the highest caliber. In addition to his creative and versatile original works, Ingram brings a few jazz standards. Among them is the masterpiece by Jimmy Rowles, "The Peacocks". It has by now become a staple in the jazz "book", and Ingram brings to life the obligatory gentle spirit of this work. Cole Porter's "Dream Dancing" is examined with affection, and "Show-Type Tune" is a Bill Evans creation with a charming, optimistic melody line. Simply put, Randy Ingram has it all going for him. He's a shoo-in for a Classic Pianos live date, and you may quote me: it WILL happen.

Sunnyside Communications; 2017; appx. 61 min.

Jimmy Rowles Trio '77/'78:

Jimmy Rowles spent much of a busy career as a sideman in great demand. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to work with Jimmy. But he also recorded as a leader quite frequently. Trouble was that many of his sessions were on obscure, hard to find labels. Likely released in 2009 or 2010 on the Jazz Ball label, I stumbled upon it recently. It features Jimmy in two settings plus a couple of bonus tracks. Some of the material has never been issued on compact disc, making this a real treat. Jimmy was, of course, a master of subtlety and the best ever at making dissonant chords sound absolutely great and oh-so-right. With Rufus Reid, bass, and Mickey Roker, drums, he plays four tunes from Miles' "Birth Of The Cool": Namely, "Jeru", "Venus De Milo", "Godchild", and "Darn That Dream". On the other session he's joined by George Mraz and Leroy Williams on "Here's That Rainy Day", "I Can't Get Started", "In The Still Of The Night", and the surprise of the set, "Stars And Stripes Forever", of all things. These and more find Jimmy in primo piano posture. It'll be a tough one to find. But Jimmy Rowles always made it worth the search.

Jazz Ball; probably 2009 or 2010; 66:25.

Jerry Weldon "Those Were The Days"

I wouldn't bet the condo on it, but I have a feeling that Jerry Weldon had a semi-soul/R&B notion in mind in the planning of this CD. You want my evidence? Well, first there's the inclusion of a Hammond B3 organ on this session. And secondly, Weldon has decided on some pop material of the last few decades; they are songs which practically call for a B3 approach, like "Strangers In The Night", "Walk On By", "The Sermon" (a Jimmy Smith tune), and "Those Were The Days". Rounding out the menu are a couple of distinctively non-soulful things including the ancient "Rosetta" and my personal fave, "This Is Always". My first awareness of Jerry Weldon was through his association with The New York Bop Quintet, a steaming, bristling emsemble where Weldon was featured in a setting quite different from this one. It should be said, however, that he's one of those guys deserving of more recognition. Perhaps this CD will bring it his way.

Cellar Live; 2018; appx. 56 min.

George's Briefs:

Peter And The Wolf; The New England Jazz Ensemble

This famous classic by Serge Prokofiev is put into an excellent jazz setting by the New England Jazz Ensemble. Arrangements are full of spicy fun and crisp narration is by Giacomo Gates, in his own right one of the world's gifted bebop singers. A bit of a departure perhaps, but this session is very well crafted.

Self-produced; 2018; appx. 64 min.

Eyes Wide Open; Jamie Shew, vocals

The menu reads like this: sing quality songs and hire the best cats available to accompany. It seems Jamie Shew has done this with "Easy Living", "Mountain Greenery", "Thou Swell", "Detour Ahead", Charlie Haden's gorgeous ballad "First Song (For Ruth)" and more. Backed by a stellar L.A. quartet, Ms. Shew takes it straight ahead, never forcing the issue. She reminded me just a bit of Jackie Cain, the distinctive singer of Jackie & Roy fame. I would hope to hear more of Ms. Shew in the future.

Self-produced; 2018; appx. 63 min. 

"The Show Before The Show" Mike Jones & Penn Jillette

It was way back in 2002 that Mike Jones hooked up with the world's most magic act as pianist and musical director. Penn and Teller has over the years become a Vegas legend. But who knew that Penn Jillette, half of that entertaining duo, was also a formidable bass player! Jones has also plied his piano prowess in Sin City, and made several recordings along the way. To my knowledge, this is his  first effort with Jillette. The two players work seamlessly on eight long-admired standards and one Jones original. Style wise, Jones is focused, entertaining and exuberant; Jillette is steady and dependable. Among the familiar fare offered here, you'll find "Broadway", "But Not For Me", "Have You Met Miss Jones", "Tangerine", "Exactly Like You" and more. There's no disappearing act here. The magic is in the music.

Capri; 2018; 60:38. 

Bill Anschell "Shifting Standards"

Seattle-based pianist Bill Anschell's latest CD, Shifting Standards, is very well suited to the title. He and his trio colleagues offer some melodic invention, rhythmic twists and fresh takes on nine celebrated standards. His bassist, Jeff Johnson, has been a Seattle treasure for many years. Drummer D'Vonne Lewis, a new name to me, offers subtle but strong support. The essence of these nine classics is examined with care and cohesiveness, and the creative efforts always leaves their revered melodies intact for us to enjoy. On tunes as varied as "Night In Tunisia", "Cheek To Cheek", Soul Eyes", "Jitterbug Waltz", "All Of You" and lots more, Bill Anschell and associates have provided us with a breath of fresh air on an album of true American gems.

Origin; 2018; appx. 61 min.