Sylvia Bennett – It’s Impossible ft. Nathan East
Considering her lengthy recording career and an eye-popping
resume that includes being discovered by Lionel Hampton, performing worldwide,
presidential inaugurations and recording Smooth Jazz hits with Paul Brown and
Rick Braun, it’s a delightful irony that veteran Grammy nominated international
recording artist Sylvia Bennett is starting off the decade with the classic
“It’s Impossible.” The well-traveled Italian born, American raised singer’s
imaginative twist features hypnotic percussion, cool retro keyboards and the
inimitable groove and a lightly funky, easy rolling solo by legendary bassist
Nathan East. The single is a lighthearted, supremely engaging first-glance at
Bennett’s upcoming This Love Is Real a highly anticipated collection of her
all-time love songs. ~smoothjazz.com
Smuggler Brothers - Musicone
Heavy funk from Smuggler Brothers – an Italian group who
start out in the vintage cop/crime modes of 70s soundtracks, but then bring in
a whole host of different elements to play in the mix! The core grooves are
heavy on bass, drums, and lots of nice keyboards – but there lots more going on
in the all-instrumental tracks – unusual electronics, offbeat horns, sweet
percussion, and even some mandolin that somehow comes into the music at one
point! Production is by Massimo Martellotta of Calibro 35 – who gets the sound
every bit as right as his own group – on titles that include "Kemonia
Flow", "Gran Fango", "Sciarra O'Scaro",
"Suddenly", "T'Anno", and "Lost In Val Demone". ~
Dusty Groove
Guido Manusardi Trio - Swingin
A fantastically swinging album from Italian piano giant
Guido Manusardi – a player who works here with a lot more groove in his left
hand than we remember, and very strong support from the other two members of
his trio! There's a rock-solid focus to the record right from the start – a
vibe that's almost like some classic trio date from the Oscar Peterson
generation – in which familiar tunes are really transformed, thanks to the
swinging, soulful energy of the combo – which also features Roberto Piccolo on
bass and Gianni Cazzola on drums. The set includes one nice original by
Manusardi, "Mr G" – and other tunes include "You Stepped Out Of
A Dream", "Three Flowers", "Love For Sale", "Just
Friends", "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise", and "Quiet
Now". ~ Dusty Groove
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