Greg Ward's group here is named 10
Tongues – a great label for an ensemble that's overflowing with individual
voices on their instruments – less a big band than a combo that can bring
together so many different tones and colors at once! Ward himself is wonderful
on alto, but maybe even more impressive as both the leader and composer here –
writing in this fresh voice that's extremely positive and uplifting, but
without ever resorting to any cloying cliches – and the group seems to respond
by playing his music with a sense of joy and discovery at each new twist and
turn! Players include Keefe Jackson on baritone and tenor, Tim Haldeman on
tenor, Ben LaMar Gay on cornet, Russ Johnson on trumpet, Norman Palm on
trombone, Christopher Davis on bass trombone, Jason Roebke on bass, Marcus
Evans on drums, and Dennis Luxion on piano – on titles that include "Singular
Serenade", "Daybreak", "Grit", "With All Your
Sorry Sing A Song Of Jubilation", "Dialogue Of The Black Saint",
and "Gather Round The Revolution Is At Hand". ~ Dusty Groove
DAVE DOUGLAS – DARK TERRITORY
Great work from Dave Douglas and his
High Risk quartet – a group who definitely step into dark territory here, in a
heady blend of electric elements and Dave's bold frontline work on trumpet! The
group electric bass, electric drums, and more electronics – plus some acoustic
drums – yet somehow manage to come across with a very organic vibe, and one
that's quite different than you might expect – especially in comparison to
other trumpet-led projects like this, which often have the leader processed and
filtered into the mix. Instead, Dave's sound is as rich and warm as ever – never
a slave to the backings, and instead right out front ahead of them – blowing
with lines that arc and turn beautifully, and remind us what a personal, poetic
soloist Douglas can be. Titles include "Celine", "Ridge
Hill", "Mission Acropolis", "All The Pretty
Horsepower", and "Loom Large". ~ Dusty Groove
THIERRY CONDOR - SO CLOSE
In his fourth album ‘So Close’
Thierry Condor once again draws upon the U.S. West Coast Pop of the 1980s, but
adds new flavour to the style. His personality is evident on the entire album
and he speaks to the listener directly; his singing profile has become even
more distinct and original. Amongst others, the album contains three
compositions until now unpublished. Highlights include: Heart to Heart - Thierry Condor has a very personal
relationship to this mid-tempo number from Kenny Loggins, David Foster and
Michael McDonald. The song is a pop classic and brings together top session
musicians such as John Robinson, Daniel Küffer and Bernhard Schoch. Love Will
Rise and Fall - inspired by the Chicago album ’17’, and intended as a homage to
its signature musical style, Urs Wiesendanger composed this song at the age of
17 (lyrics: Alexander Jaggy). It is being released for the first time. Deeper
Than The Night - Tom Snow wrote the song together with John Vastano for Olivia
Newton-John. The saxophonist Tom Scott, who accompanied the singer on her 1982
‘Physical’ tour, can be heard in the recording as a special guest. Hard To Say
Goodbye - this duet, until now unpublished, was written by Grammy-nominated
American songwriter Jeri Lynne. Thierry Condor and Jeri met each other in
Switzerland in 2013 and spontaneously decided to record this song together.
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