New Music Releases: Sylvia Bennett/Nathan East, Smuggler Brothers, Guido Manusardi

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