RITA REYS - THE COOL VOICE OF RUTA REYS
After an
early plunge into the pop music of the time, singer Rita Keys (1924-2013) came
to jazz when, in 1943, she met Wessel Ilcken 1923-1957), Holland s then best drummer.
She became his wife, and the influence of his teachings, allied to the impact
on her of recordings by such American singers as Sarah Vaughan and Billie
Holiday helped her forge a very personal style. This collection of songs sets
her wonderfully cool voice and sophisticated approach against backgrounds
which, though different, reflect her ability to stamp her personality on
diverse circumstances to produce equally interesting performances. Regardless
of context, her artistry is supremely evident throughout. Every song is
approached with an instinctive musicianship and feeling for the lyrics, and an
innate sense of phrasing, which fill each performance with an inescapable
atmosphere. ~ Amazon
BIG
SCREEN – TAKE ONE
The Big
Screen trio joyfully explores the worlds of stage and screen, swinging through
a selection of timeless melodies which enjoy universal appeal. A heavyweight of
British jazz, pianist David Newton is joined for this project by Tom Farmer
(from Empirical), who has a contemporary approach to bass playing, and Matt
Skelton, whose virtuoso drum skills keeps everything moving nicely. David
Newton has always thrived on playing material that brings new challenges to his
improvisation and he has gone out of his way to do so for this new trio. There
is an emotional and visceral joy when hearing these tunes rendered with the
care, intellect, passion and excellence that Big Screen bring to the music. ~ Amazon
JERRY BERGONZI - RIGAMAROLL
'When I go
into the studio with these guys, it's not like I feel pressure. It's like, 'oh
boy, let's go have some fun,'' says saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, recalling how
his previous Savant recordings came together. In short, the acclaimed veteran
didn't want the fun to end. So now here we have another terrific recording to
complement the reedman's impressive Savant discography and another chance to
delight in the exceptionally responsive company he keeps. Revelling in the
company of long-time partners bassist Dave Santoro and drummer Andrea
Michelutti, Jerry also brings Pasadena-born pianist Bruce Barth into the
studio. Jerry doesn't often record with a pianist when one cuts their musical
teeth with a pianist like Dave Brubeck the titan's shadow must loom large over
the keyboard but he and Bruce have become muy simpatico over the years and
their interplay here is remarkable indeed. With Jerry's imaginative
compositions and his intense approach to music-making, this is jazz that cuts
you no quarter. The whole session swings, communicates and challenges as only
Jerry Bergonzi can. ~ Amazon
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