The Diva Jazz Orchestra; Tappin' Thru Life: A Celebration Of Maurice Hines

Here is a celebratory, fun loving, all female jazz orchestra featuring various singers on foot tapping, smile inducing, feel good music. The swinging ensemble is right out of the big band era. There are no less than eighteen selections here and you'll know most of them. For example, how about “Get Me To The Church on Time”, “It's Only A Paper Moon”, “Smile”,” All The Way”, “Too Marvelous For Words”, and even “Ballin' The Jack”. Everybody's having more fun here than the law should allow. No doubt you'll feel that way too! 

Self produced; 2025; appx. 70 min.

ANSWERS TO GEORGE'S QUIZ:

1. Good Morning Heartache
2. Willow Weep For Me
3. Miss Brown To You
4. God Bless The child
5. My Man
6. Strange Fruit
7. Travelin' Light
8. What A Little moonlight Can Do
9. Easy Living
10. I Cried For You

Billy Lester Trio; High Standards

For most of twenty-eight years I hosted a jazz radio program here in Portland, Oregon. It was called “High Standards”, so you can understand my delight in receiving this album for review. Pianist Billy Lester leads a trio through eight “high standards”and one original by the leader, in a highly creative fashion. Sometimes we are treated to lengthy and impressive improvisation before Lester and friends deliver us the melody. Let's be clear: it's well worth the wait. In addition to Lester's very stirring piano, bassist Marcello Testa and drummer Nicola Stranieri are also right on target throughout. As for Lester, he is somewhere out of Bud Powell. Greatly imaginative and unique, he really propels us into new musical spheres on “Somebody Loves Me”, “I'll Remember April”, “You Go To My Head”, “Just Friends”, and more. This is a different take on these great American “hits”. But it's the real deal. It's well performed and full of fascinating flights. This is good stuff!

Ultra Sound Records; 2025; appx. 45 min.

Spike Wilner Trio; Contrafactus: The Children & The Warlock

This is probably pianist Spike Wilner's most adventurous recording yet as he digs in on six original compositions and one jazz gem, “Theme For Ernie”. His talented and exciting trio becomes a quartet with its addition of the legendary tenor from the renowned Berklee College Of Music, George Garzone. Wilner's writing is intriguing, dense, and is often in challenging, ripping tempos. Garzone takes it all on his shoulders like the champion he is. One might say that this is material for the seasoned jazz listener but it may be a bit “out there” for the newcomer to jazz. There's no denying that this is a new side of Spike Wilner. It might put you to the test, but it deserves to be heard. You be the judge. [other two trio members]

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 49 min.

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

Here are lyric portions of songs recorded prominently by Billie Holiday. How many titles can you identify?

1. you old gloomy sight
2. spread your branches down
3. you'll never guess who
4. mama may have
5. when he takes me in his arms
6. scent of magnolias
7. my man is gone
8. wait a while
9. and I'm so in love
10. now it's your turn

Juliet Ewing; 'S Wonderful: The Music Of Gershwin

Most of the songs in this delightful collection were composed nearly 100 years ago! The brothers Gershwin---George-music, and Ira-lyrics---formed one of the most treasured songwriting teams in American history. So here we have the sweet voice of singer Juliet Ewing keeping these gems in our midst. With a solid piano led trio, Ewing is spot on performing thirteen Gershwin classics. Among them are “'S Wonderful”, “Love Is Here To Stay”, “The Man I Love”, “A Foggy Day”, “But Not For Me”, “I Got Rhythm”, and more. In a short life of only thirty-eight years, George Gershwin gave us so many of our most enduring melodies, and Ira provided the perfect lyrics. Juliet Ewing interprets them with love and passion. 

HoneyDiva Music / Lexington Classics; 2025; 52:11

ANSWERS TO HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGES QUIZZES!

Scroll down for the answers.....

1. All Of Me
2. Straighten Up And Fly Right
3. My Blue Heaven
4. Exactly Like You
5. My Melancholy Baby
6. 'Tis Autumn
7. I'm Beginning To See The Light
8. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
9. Embraceable You
10. Try A Little Tenderness
11. There's A Small Hotel
12. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
13. We'll Be Together Again
14. But Not For Me
15. Mountain Greenery