NEW RELEASES: JOE HENDERSON – THE STANDARD JOE; CATERINA ZAPPONI - ROMANTICA; LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS FRIENDS

JOE HENDERSON – THE STANDARD JOE

There's nothing standard about this set – as Joe Henderson always brings something special to a recording session – especially at this point in his career! The album has a wonderful format – Joe's unique tenor tone set up beautifully alongside the bass of Rufus Reid and drums of Al Foster – no piano or other horns at all, just an open, swinging combo with a really great sense of energy! Joe's bold lead really sets the tone for most numbers – and a few tracks are compositions that Henderson recorded famously early in his career, recast here with a whole new sound and heightened sense of maturity. Titles include "Blues In F (aka In N Out)", "Blue Bossa", "Inner Urge", "Body & Soul", and "Take The A Train". Also features a bonus alternate of "Body & Soul". ~ Dusty Groove

CATERINA ZAPPONI - ROMANTICA

Zapponi was born and raised in Rome, the daughter of celebrated screenwriter Bernardino Zapponi, a collaborator and longtime friend of Federico Fellini, and Françoise Rambert, a French-born chanteuse who instilled in Caterina her love of the French repertoire. Growing up amidst her parents’ collaborators and friends helped introduce Zapponi to jazz and the American Songbook while fueling her desire to move to the United States, which she did upon receiving a scholarship from Berklee College of Music. Here she presents a multilingual collection of jazz, cabaret and international standards, Romantica showcases Zapponi's unique sensibility, at once measured and emotional, cinematic, and especially fluent in the nuanced interplay of American jazz and European classics. A mesmerizing soundscape that exudes old-world charm. Featuring Monty Alexander, Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Etienne Charles and Martin Pizzarelli.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG – LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS FRIENDS

Louis Armstrong hits the Flying Dutchman label – and unlocks a whole new spiritual side of his talents – a mode that's quite different than some of his crossover pop of the 60s! The style here has a bit of righteous elements in the lyrics, and lots of spiritual jazz in the backings – with full arrangements from Oliver Nelson – who heads up a dream lineup that includes Billy Harper on tenor, and either Chico Hamilton or Pretty Purdie on drums! Even more amazing is a guest appearance from Leon Thomas – who sings on a version of "The Creator Has A Master Plan". Other tunes are just as hip – and include "The Black Cat Has 9 Lives", "His Father Wore Long Hair", "Give Peace A Chance", and "We Shall Overcome". Must be heard to be believed! ~ Dusty Groove