A really lovely album from pianist Art Hirahara, and a set that maybe draws its title from the careful balance on the record between Art's lyrical approach to the piano, and the overall energy of the group when they really move together! Hirahara continues to develop fantastically as a pianist with each new record – with a touch that's very personal, but always soulfully swinging – and here, the quartet emphasizes those latter modes when they really pick up – thanks to bass from Joe Martin and drums from Rudy Royston – on a record that also features some well-placed tenor contributions from Melissa Aldana, whose sound adds in just the right amount of color. Titles include "Like Water", "Ascent", "Lament For The Fallen", "Mother's Song", "Blessed Son Mr Weston", and "Fulcrum". ~ dustygroove.com
A tremendous trumpeter, set up here in his best format to date – a really heavy duty quartet that features tenor from Brandon Wright, drums from Rudy Royston, and Hammond from Brian Charette – who blows us away even more than usual with his skills on both the keys and the pedals at the bottom! Royston's drums are always great – and here, he's got this snapping, crackling energy that seems to light a fuse right from the very first note – which Charette fans into full flames of sound, topped by these bold lines and soaring solos from Newton and Wright – two horns that have a really rich power together, before breaking off into really wonderful solos. The whole thing's great – a cut above for even the always-great Posi-Tone label – and titles include "Holding Still", "The Roots", "Another Day Another Jones", "Gas Station Hot Dog", and "The Five AM Strut". ~ dustygroove.com
Touch & Go,the newest release by Susan Tobocman, is a showcase for the admired vocalist’s considerable talents as a composer, lyricist, and arranger. The album is a collection of Tobocman’s original compositions, well-known standards, and tunes off-the-beaten jazz track. This is Tobocman’s fourth CD as a leader. With her warm and flexible voice and unique interpretation of songs, Tobocman has been making a name for herself for the last twenty years with audiences and musicians alike on both the New York City and Detroit jazz scenes, performing and collaborating with some of the top jazz musicians around. Touch & Go is not the typical release from a jazz singer. Five of the album’s 12 tunes were written by Tobocman. Highlighting her flair for composing, she includes two instrumental numbers, including “Leaves of Absence,” which has a straight-8th Latin feel, and the uptempo title track, “Touch & Go.” A multi-faceted artist, Tobocman is also superb arranger who turns well-known songs into personal statements. Touch & Go is the manifestation of Susan Tobocman’s endlessly creative mind and talents.
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