Pianist James Carney has some might heavy help here on horns – a really bold lineup that features Stephanie Richards on trumpet and flugelhorn, Oscar Noriega on bass clarinet and alto, and Ravi Coltrane on tenor, soprano, and sopranino saxes – all musicians who do a wonderful job of matching the bold energy and rich sounds of Carney on the piano! Most tracks are nice and long, and have a brashness that's got us dipping back into Carney's catalog all over again – given superb rhythm encouragement from Dezron Douglas on bass and Tom Rainey on drums – the last two parts of the puzzle for this crackling sextet. Titles include "Inharmonicity", "Throwing Shade", "Gerrymandered", "Forty Year Friend", and "Mayor Of Marcellus". ~ dustygroove.com
A onetime member of the orchestras of Glenn Miller and Harry James, saxophonist Gary Meggs calls the release of his latest album Life’s Little Changes a “lifelong dream, a chance to help place my own footprint in the Smooth Jazz scene,” inspired by the West Coast Jazz of the 80’s and 90’s. Collaborating with rock/fusion guitarist Bryan Jeffries, who produced the collection, Meggs’ brings a bold and brash horn energy to an exciting, stylistically eclectic collection that includes spirited Latin influences, innovative arrangements of pop standards and re-imagined versions (complete with new titles) of a gospel and seasonal classics. ~ smoothjazz.com
Tony Davis is a jazz guitarist with a difference – an artist who's not out to revolutionize his instrument in jazz, but who still finds a way to play with a very distinct approach! Tony's quality isn't easy to put in words – he's not working the fret in a weird way, or using any sort of effects or gimmicks – but he does get a very specific sound out of the instrument, one that's full of shimmering colors and light – often quite chromatic, but usually with a dexterity that might match more sharper-toned musicians! Davis' sound springs into life from the very first note on the set – given nice direction from David Bryant on piano, Dezron Douglas on bass, and Eric McPherson on drums – and the record also features work from Steve Wilson on flute and alto on two tracks, and Steve Davis on trombone on two as well. Alina Engibaryan sings on two of the album's tracks – "Lake Sebago" and "Orange Feathers", both originals by Davis – and other tunes include "Night Ride", "Braeburn", "El Gran Birane", "Hypnagogia", and a nice version of "Con Alma". ~ dustygroove.com
No comments:
Post a Comment