CD Review: Joe Beck & Laura Theodore - Golden Earrings

CD Review: Joe Beck & Laura Theodore - Golden Earrings

Featured Artist: Joe Beck & Laura Theodore

CD Cover - Buy CD CD Title: Golden Earrings

Year: 2009

Record Label: Whaling City Sound

Style: Jazz Vocals

Musicians: Joe Beck (alto guitar, acoustic guitar), Laura Theodore (vocals)

Review: Joe Beck and Laura Theodore new CD "Golden Earrings" should be a Jazz classic for a lot of reasons. First, it is the last album recorded by Joe Beck before he passed away on July 22, 2008. Beck was a musician’s musician and his resume includes recordings with Miles Davis, Buddy Rich, Gil Evans, Frank Sinatra, James Brown and David Sanborn.

There’s also the chance to hear once again Beck’s invention, the Alto Guitar, a hybrid guitar with two bass strings and four guitar strings. Another reason is Laura Theodore; for those who are not familiar with Laura’s work, she is one of the best singers on the Jazz scene today.

But the main reason is the wonderful music on this album. Golden Earrings is a tribute to the music of another Jazz legend, Peggy Lee.

There’s an undeniable chemistry between Joe Beck and Laura Theodore that shows all trough this CD. Beck use of chords and harmonies played on his alto guitar creates music so full and rich, ideal for Laura’s always soulful vocals.

The beautiful intro on Johnny Guitar is a perfect way to start Golden Earrings. Beck’s guitar and Laura’s enchanting interpretation reminds me of a Quentin Tarantino movie soundtrack.

Beck an Laura swing on tracks like Why don’t you do right, You was right baby and I can’t believe you’re in love with me. On Take a little time to smile, Laura moves easily between deep and bright tones, playing beautifully with Beck chords and harmonies.

Laura’s vocals on Fever and My small señor, are playful, suggestive and entertaining. Love the use of guitar harmonics by Beck on these songs. Laura has a quality on her voice and phrasing that reminds me of legendary Jazz singers like Ella and Holiday. Yet, she has an unmistakable style and voice. Listen to Solitude, Golden Earrings, When your speak with your eyes and the nice scats on Don’t smoke in Bed.

I specially enjoy the Bossa feeling on I get along without you very well and the bluesy version of I don’t know enough about you, a perfect match for Laura classy and soulful voice.

Golden Earrings contains some of the best Jazz music I’ve heard in recent years. This album is a must have in your Jazz collection.

Tracks: Johnny Guitar, Why don't you do right?, Take a little time to smile, Fever, My Small Señor, Don't smoke in bed, I get along without you very well, You was right baby, I can't believe that you're in love with me, Solitude, Everything is moving too fast, When you speak with your eyes, Golden Earrings, I don't know enough about you, What more can a woman do?, Mañana

Jazz and Bossa Website: http://jazznbossa.ning.com/profile/LauraTheodore

Record Label Website: http://www.whalingcitysound.com

Artist's Website: http://www.lauratheodore.com/

Listen or Buy: http://www.virtualmediapost.com/

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

Send your CD for review to:
Jazz and Bossa
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#90 Ave. Rio Hondo
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CD Review: Carlos Jimenez - Thoughts

Featured Artist: Carlos Jimenez

CD Title: Thoughts

Year: 2008

Record Label: CJ Martinete Music Co. - BMI

Style: Smooth Jazz

Musicians: Carlos Jimenez (Flute), Ruben Rodriguez (Bass), Vince Cherico (Drums), Fidel Cuellar (Piano)

Review: Carlos Jimenez is the next generation of great Puerto Rican flute players, following in the steps of Dave Valentin and Nestor Torres.

Thoughts is Carlos third album. The second one, El Flautista (The Flutist), had more of a Latin Jazz flavor. In contrast most of the music on Thoughts has a modern, smooth Jazz feeling to it.

The musicians on this album are different too. With Ruben Rodriguez, an experienced Salsa and Latin Jazz Bassist, Vince Cherico, who played with the likes of Tito Puente, Ray Barreto and Patato Valdes, on Drums and Colombian pianist Fidel Cuellar. A quartet format more suitable for the music on this CD.

This is a CD full of optimism; just take a look at the titles, Don't Worry, Storm of Love and Life is Great. But you can also hear that optimism in the upbeat, funky sounds of the music. The repetitive melody lines in some tracks like Bluedo, makes them more accessible for non Jazz listeners.

The title track Thoughts feels like a Tango and has some of the most sensitive and brilliant playing on the album. The Latin feeling comes out on pieces like No te apures (Don't Worry) and For You and Me, where Carlos seems more confident showing his improvisational skills with more flowing effortless solos.

Even though you can hear some influence of Dave Valentin in Carlos music, he is quickly developing his own voice. Carlos has a nice, clear tone and excellent phrasing. Listen to the solos on Carlitos my son, Don't Worry and Swift. Fidel Cuellar also contributes some delightful solos on I see you smile and For you and me.

One of my favorites is Storm of Love, on this track every one has the opportunity to showcase their talents, with Ruben taking the first solo on Bass, followed by beautiful Carlos and Fidel solos, and complemented with an excellent work on drums by Vince Cherico.

We will be waiting for next step in the evolution of this excellent Jazz musician.

Tracks: Carlitos My Son, Bluedo, No Te Apures ( Don't Worry), I See Your Smile, Swift, Storm Of Love, For You & Me, Thoughts, Look At The Sky, Life Is Great, Yours For Sure

Artist's Website: http://www.carlosjimenez.net/home.html

Listen or Buy:

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

CD Review: Vélo Vélo - Vélo Vélo

Featured Artist: Vélo Vélo

CD Title: Vélo Vélo

Year: 2008

Record Label: Gateway

Style: Fusion

Musicians: Peter Fuglsang (clarinet), Jakob Davidsen (piano), Jakob Munck (tuba),Stefan Pasborg (drums)

Review: This is the first CD from the Danish supergroup Velo Velo and I hope is not the last one. An homage to personalities and aspects of the cycling world, the music on this CD is unique, classy and dramatic with lots of changes in time signatures and tempos, perfect to express the different tempos in a cycling race. Velo Velo features Peter Fuglsang on clarinet, Jakob Davidsen on piano, Jakob Munck on tuba and Stefan Pasborg on drums.

The first track, "Rolf Sorensen," reminds me at times of the music from Dave Brubeck album Time Out. Sorensen was the most successful Danish bicycle racer ever and this track has an upbeat tempo like that of a cycling race. The next track is called "Foie Gras." a French dish that is basically, goose or duck fatty liver. One can almost see a fat goose walking while listening to Jakob Munck's tuba playing and Stefan Pasborg on drums. "Casertelli" is a slow track with beautiful and sad melodies, in memory of Italian cyclist Fabio Casartelli, who died in a crash during the 15th stage of the Tour de France.

Funny is not a word usually used to describe the music of a jazz group, but the tracks "Hematocrite" and "Roubaix" are funny, with kind of a cartoonish and cinematic feeling to them. Dazzling work on piano by Jakob Davidsen and on tuba by Jacob Munck. Charly Gaul was regarded as a climbing genius in the cycling world and genius is the perfect word to describe the creative music on this track. The music reflects perfectly the tough climbing stage of a cycling race.

"Silvio Martinello" starts with a wonderful clarinet playing of Peter Fuglsang followed by the melodic piano of Davidsen. The cyclist Silvio Martinello won the gold medal in the men's points race at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The tuba and clarinet playing on "Equipe numero six" reminds me of Vince Guaraldi music for "Peanuts." Amazing how Jakob Munck uses his tuba on this track and throughout the CD to do the work of a bass player. An entertaining and exciting debut CD.


Tracks: Rolf Sorensen, Foie Gras, Parnummersyv, Casertelli, Hematocrite, Roubaix, Charly Gaul, Silvio Martinello, Equipe numero six

Artist's Website: http://www.peterfuglsang.com/

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-20342.html

CD Review: Carlos Jimenez - El Flautista

Featured Artist: Carlos Jimenez

CD Title: El Flautista

Year: 2006

Record Label: CJ Martinete Music Co. - BMI

Style: Latin Jazz

Musicians: Carlos Jimenez (Flute), Gregg August (Bass), Guillermo Jimenez (Timbales), David Braham (Piano), Chembo Corniel (Congas, Percussion), John Walsh (Trumpet), Bobby Porcelli (Alto Sax)

Review: El Flautista was Carlos Jimenez second album, released in 2006. Check out the review for his new album Thoughts at: http://jazznbossa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cd-review-carlos-jimenez

If you like Latin Jazz you will love the music on this CD. For those who don't know much about Latin Jazz, Salsa or Caribbean music, there is something Latin Jazz and Salsa musicians call "afinque". Sorry, don't know the translation to english or portuguese for that one. But what basically means, is "the cohesiveness of the musicians, especially in the rhythm section (bass, piano and percussion). It is similar to swing for Jazz musicians. One can feel when a Jazz Band swings and when a Latin Jazz have "afinque". And these guys have it.

Gandulero, the first track, is a perfect example of what Latin Jazz is all about. Nice rhythm, full of energy and Carlos phrasing and tone on flute are amazing as always. Duende is a slower tune with interesting melodies and rhythms. There is some influence of "Bomba" on this one. Bomba is a style of music from Puerto Rico. It comes out of the musical traditions brought by enslaved Africans in the 17th century. You may hear "Bomba rhythms" in the music of Puerto Rican artists like Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo and El Gran Combo.

Back to the Latin Jazz feeling on "Did you feel it?" Beautiful piano played by David Braham. If the question in the title is "did I feel the rhythm?" , the answer is "I sure did".

The piano rhythm at the intro of " El Flautista" is also typical of Latin Jazz and Salsa music, in the style of Puerto Rico great piano players like Eddie Palmieri. The addition of trumpet and sax gives this track, more fullness and richness, listen also to Getty Square.

Excellent version of Count Basie Blue & Sentimental. A nice "Bolero" feeling on this arrangement and a good choice to use a Fender organ instead of a piano. Carlos proves on this one he can slow down and still play with feeling.

A different kind of rhythm on "Mongo's Style". I'm guessing the title refers to the great Cuban musician, Mongo Santamaria. And the music on "Mongo's Style" reflects the cuban side of Latin Jazz. I guess it's impossible to be a Puerto Rican flute player and not to be influenced by Dave Valentín. Carlos solos on "El Carnaval para Ray" are a good example of Dave Valentin influence on Latin Jazz musicians.

The album ends with a cool version of "For you Hilton" a composition and homage to Hilton Ruiz, one of the best piano players from Puerto Rico who died in 2006, the same year this CD came out.

Tracks: Gandulero, Duende, Did you feel it?, El Flautista, Blue & Sentimental, Getty Square, Mongo's Style, El Carnaval para Ray, For you Hilton



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Artist's Website:
http://www.carlosjimenez.net/home.html
http://jazznbossa.ning.com/profile/CarlosJimenez

Listen or Buy:

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

CD Review: Vistas do Rio - A Brazilian Jazz Project

CD Title: Vistas do Rio - A Brazilian Jazz Project

Original cover art "Tribute to Rio de Janeiro" by Aurea Domenech

Style: Brazilian Jazz

Musicians: Pierre François (piano), Daniel Lessard, Dave Watts (bass), Isaiah Ceccarelli, Martin Auguste (drums), Vovo (percussion)

Review: Like the cd tittle suggest, the music on Vistas do Rio is inspired by Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. And visions of Rio will come to your mind as you listen to every track on this wonderful project.

The Bossa feeling comes out in the beautiful melodies on tunes like Marta, Cris, Luz do Sol, Leah na praia and Desejo em Rio. Fabulous work by all the musicians, but Pierre François on piano deserve a special mention. His piano playing is clear and graceful with dynamic and expressive solos.

Good energy on drums, bass and percussion on the infectious samba rhythms of Rio Samba, Tova and For RM, dedicated to the great Roberto Menescal.

For a more romantic feeling, listen to Patricinha, Florita and A Tarde Sonhadora. Perfect music to listen while drinking a caipirinha at any of the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Classy music to relax and enjoy. All compositions by Richard Karmel. rikarmel@sympatico.ca

Tracks: Marta, For RM, Cris, Luz do Sol, A Tarde Sonhadora, Rio Samba, Patricinha, Tova, Flower Child, Florita, Leah na Praia, Desejo em Rio



Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
wsostre@gmail.com

CD Review: Liza Lee - Anima

Featured Artist: Liza Lee

CD Title: Anima

http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-20286.html

Year: 2009

Record Label: Jazzdoll

Style: Jazz Vocals

Musicians: Liza Lee (Vocals), Bruce Barth, David Cook, Art Hirahara, Michael Kanan (Piano), David Cook (Keyboard), Pat O' Leary (Bass), Michael Petrosino, ric Halverson, Jim Clouse (Drums), Scott Robinson, Jim Clouse (Tenor Saxophone), Adam Kolker (Soprano Saxophone, Alto Flute), Scott Robinson (Bass Clarinet), Kelsey Warren, Saul Rubin (Guitar), Rubin Kodheli (Cello), Matthew Szemella (Violin), Shayna Steele (Guest Vocalist)

Review: Anima is the second CD from Jazz singer Liza Lee. After her critically acclaimed first CD Scarlet Mark, Liza suffered a stroke but now she is back with a new CD full of emotional, reflective lyrics and the support of excellent musicians.

The proceeds from Anima will be donated to The Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR), a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through research, education and advocacy (www.womenhealthresearch.org). And you can hear in Liza's voice these songs are very special for her. She puts her soul in every word and note on this CD.

Anima starts with an amazing rendition of Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson's A Thousand Kisses Deep. Liza's enchanting voice is complemented beautifully by Adam Kolker solos on Sax. The next track, Silver Dagger is a wonderful interpretation, full of feeling and flawless clarinet playing by Scott Robinson.

Revolving Mattress, a writing collaboration with David Cook, proves Liza is also a talented songwriter; listen also to the deep and beautiful lyrics in Lay We Down and Sorry Child.

Liza does amazing versions of Joni Mitchell's Blue, and Kate Bush Wow. But it is in Tori Amos Leather, that Liza shows her ability to turn any song into a Jazz standard. Swinging piano and vocals by David Cook and Liza Lee.

Calling You keeps on the jazzy feeling with a dynamic arrangement and powerful singing by Liza, featuring an energetic solo by Scott Robinson on Tenor Sax. Love Is All There Is and the classic Good Morning Heartache are perfect examples on how Liza reaches down deep for the emotions that provides the listeners an extraordinary experience.

But not all is serious on Anima. There is a sense of humor in Liza's music. The cheerful music and lyrics on Peggy Lee hit Is That All there Is, is a delightful way to end this successful comeback.

Tracks: A Thosand kisses deep, Revolving Mattress, Silver Dagger, Blue, Wow, Lay we down, And love is all there is, Calling you, Sorry Child, Sweet Potato, Quality Star, Leather, Good Morning Heartache, Is that all there is


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Record Label Website: http://www.lizaleemusic.com

Artist's Website: http://www.lizaleemusic.com

Listen or Buy:

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest Review

Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest Review

Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival 2009

Friday, May 29, 2009

Enclave

Rebecca Cline and Hilary Noble

http://www.rebeccaclinemusic.com

The first band to take the stage on Friday night was Enclave. A band founded on 2003 by sax player and percussionist, Hilary Noble and pianist Rebecca Cline.

Clave is the essential rhythm for Caribbean music like Salsa and Latin Jazz. And even though neither, Rebecca or Hilary are from the Caribbean, ( she’s from the USA, he’s from Europe ). Both of them play like they were born and raised in Puerto Rico or Cuba.

Enclave’s music is a mix of modern and Latin Jazz. At times it seems like one is listening to Bob James and suddenly the band breaks into the latin rhythm that gives the name to the band, Enclave.

Hilary does an impressive work switching between the sax and congas. And Cline piano playing is subtle and beautiful on the more traditional jazz and full of energy when she breaks into a "montuno". Supported by a good rhythm section with Eduardo Alvarez on bass and and Steve Langone on drums, Enclave had an eclectic sound and nice compositions.

Jack DeJohnette/Danilo Perez/John Patitucci

Jack DeJohnette
www.jackdejohnette.com/

These guys need no introduction if you’ve been following the Jazz scene for the last 30 years.

This is a power trio with three musicians at the top of their game. The music between them flows naturally and seems almost organic. Just like a good Jazz band suppose to be. There’s nothing one do but sit down and enjoy the virtuosity of these Jazz Legends.


Eddie Palmieri’s Afro Caribbean Jazz Octet

http://www.eddiepalmierimusic.com/

Friday night ends up with the intense latin beats and flavor of one of the legends of Latin Jazz, Eddie Palmieri.

A great band with an amazing rhythm section.
Vicente Rivero – congas
Jose Clausell – Timbales
Luques Curtis – Bass
Orlando Vegas – Bongos

Good solos on sax and trumpet by Donald Harrison and Mike Rodriguez, but one guy that never cease to amaze me is trombone player, Conrad Herwig. Conrad playing is always energetic, with a clear tone.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

LaTimbistica

There is always a nice surprise on these Jazz festivals and on Saturday night, that nice surprise was LaTimbistica.

A band formed by young students/musicians from Berklee, two from USA (Alex Brown – piano, Paulo Stagnaro – congas) one from Israel (Niv Toar – trumpet) and 3 from Puerto Rico (Enrique “Kalani” Trinidad – Flute, Juan Maldonado – Bass, Marcos Lopez – timbales). Remember these names cause they are really good musicians and the future of Jazz.

With flawless flute solos and powerful drum playing, Trinidad and Lopez may be called Jazz virtuosos already.


Dennis Mario y Kobana Negra

Dennis Mario always gives a good, energetic show with a mixture of rhythms and humor. And when he’s on stage, expect the unexpected. But the highlight was the participation of Charlie Sepulveda (one of the best latin jazz trumpet players) and Puerto Rico traditional music group Mapeye.


Oscar Castro-Neves

http://www.oscarcastroneves.com/

http://www.katiamoraes.com/index.html

The last act was Oscar Castro-Neves with a dream team band. Celebrating 50 years of Bossa Nova.

Don Gruisin – piano
Abraham Laboriel – bass
Alex Acuna – drums and percussion
Charlie Bisharat – violin
Gary Meek – sax ad flute

Most of the music played were from one of the fathers of Bossa Nova, Tom Jobim. Classics like Chovendo na Roseira, Agua de Beber, Aguas de Março, Triste, Corcovado.

Oscar Castro-Neves, an excellent guitar player, for this night had a nice surprise for us. The beautiful voice and presence of Katia Moraes.

I’ve heard Katia’s work with the band Sambaguru but it was the first time I heard Katia singing Bossa.

And I gotta tell you, she can do no wrong. She’s amazing singing either Samba or Bossa Nova. Her voice is sweet and powerful at the same time, and it was a perfect match and choice for this band.

It was a magical and enchanting way to end a perfect Jazz night.


Review by Wilbert Sostre
Jazz and Bossa

CD Review: Pirouet Records Jazz Compilation

Featured Artist: Pirouet Jazz Compilation

CD Title: The Best is yet Come

Year: 2008

Record Label: Pirouet Records

Style: Various Jazz Styles

Musicians: Tim Hagans (trumpet), Marc Copland (piano), Drew Gress (bass), Jochen Ruckert (drums) Pablo Held (piano), Robert Landfermann (bass), Jonas Burgwinkel (drums) Bill Stewart (drums), Larry Goldings (hammond organ), Kevin Hays (piano) Walter Lang Jr. (piano), Lee Konitz (altosax) Marc Copland (piano), John Abercrombie (guitar), Drew Gress (bass), Billy Hart (drums) John Ruocco (clarinet), John Taylor (piano), Riccardo Del Fra (bass) Bil Carrothers (piano), Gary Peacock (bass), Bill Stewart (drums) Achim Kaufmann (piano), Valdi Kolli (bass), Jim Black (drums) Jason Seizer (tenor sax), Marc Copland (piano), Matthias Pichler (bass), Tony Martucci (drums) John Schroeder (piano), Christian Weidner (alto sax), Oliver Potratz (bass), Oliver Steidle (drums)

Review: Tim Hagans - See you again

Tim Hagans (trumpet), Marc Copland (piano), Drew Gress (bass), Jochen Ruckert (drums)

Tim trumpet playing is powerful and intense, a cascade of melodies with touches of Be Bop and Cool Jazz. The rhythm section keeps up the intensity, especially Jochen Ruckert on drums.

Pablo Held - Forest of Oblivion

Pablo Held (piano), Robert Landfermann (bass), Jonas Burgwinkel (drums)

Beautiful ballad with gentle, mysterious and enchanting melodies. Intimate music for a quiet, relaxing time.

Bill Stewart - Toad See Ya

Bill Stewart (drums), Larry Goldings (hammond organ), Kevin Hays (piano)

Strange combination for a Jazz group, but it works perfectly for these excellent musicans. Goldings Hammond Organ gives the music a special flavor, kind of a 70's feeling on Toad and an Italian feeling on See Ya. Larry and Kevin exchange roles, one playing the chords while the other play the melody lines.

Walter Lang Jr. - Way too early

Walter Lang Jr. (piano), Lee Konitz (alto sax)

Amazing how just two musicians can create music so beautiful and yet so deep. Sublime sax played by Lee Konitz. Every note hits you full of feeling.

Marc Copland - River Bend

Marc Copland (piano), John Abercrombie (guitar), Drew Gress (bass), Billy Hart (drums)

Mystical music, full of intensity. The kind of music that paints images on your mind. The arpeggios and harmonies sometimes feel like Irish music.

John Ruocco - Kuk Kuk

John Ruocco (clarinet), John Taylor (piano), Riccardo Del Fra (bass)

Quiet, peaceful music and playful at the same time. Ruocco playing on clarinet is hypnotic. Another tune perfect for a relaxing evening.

Bill Carrothers - Home Row

Bil Carrothers (piano), Gary Peacock (bass), Bill Stewart (drums)

Swinging tune, with instinctive improvisations and mesmerizing piano by Bill Carrothers. Stewart and Peacock swinging drums and bass never lets the energy goes down. Three masters bringing the best out of each other.

Achim Kaufmann - Stanley Park

Achim Kaufmann (piano), Valdi Kolli (bass), Jim Black (drums)

Peaceful intensity is the best way to describe Achim music. Light and yet complex music with rich and exotic harmonies and melodies.

Jason Seizer - Time Being

Jason Seizer (tenor sax), Marc Copland (piano), Matthias Pichler (bass), Tony Martucci (drums)

It is hard to listen to a good tenor sax player and not to think about John Coltrane. Nice tone on sax by Jason Seizer with solos full of emotion and again a wonderful work on piano by Marc Copland.

John Schroder - Mood 1697

John Schroeder (piano), Christian Weidner (alto sax), Oliver Potratz (bass), Oliver Steidle (drums)

Interesting and challenging music with constant changes in time and harmonies, keeps you guessing what coming next. Is like listening to different movements of a symphony.

Tracks: See you again, Forest of Oblivion, Toad, Way too early, River Bend, Kuk Kuk, Home Row, Stanley Park, Time Being, Mood 1697, See Ya



Record Label Website: http://www.pirouetrecords.com

Artist's Website: http://www.pirouetrecords.com

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Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

CD Review: Brian McCree - Changes in the Wind

Featured Artist: Brian McCree

CD Title: Changes in the Wind

Year: 2009

Record Label: Accurate

Style: Various Jazz Styles

Musicians: Brian McCree (bass), Bill Lowe (bass trombone), Pete Moutis (drums), Joel LaRue Smith (piano), Salim Washington (tenor sax, flute and oboe), Ron Murphy (vocals)

Review: Changes in the Wind is the first album as a leader for Boston Jazz veteran Brian McCree. This is an album full of swinging and soulful music. The musicians on Changes in the Wind are, Bill Lowe on bass trombone, Pete Moutis on drums, Joel LaRue Smith on piano, Salim Washington on tenor sax, flute and oboe, Ron Murphy on vocals and of course Brian McCree on bass.

The album starts with a very nice version of Nature Boy. The beautiful oboe solos played by Salim Washington gives this tune an exotic, Arabic feeling and the bass trombone match perfectly with Ron Murphy deep, bass voice. LaRue piano playing is subtle and classy, all this supported by the fantastic bass of Brian McCree.

Almost everyone in the band have an original composition on this album. Soliloquy is a Brian McCree original and the melodies and piano playing reminds me at times of pianist Bob James.

On You can Fly, the melodies, chord progressions and even Washington tone on sax are reminiscent of John Coltrane. Excellent solos by Washington and LaRue. Time Out for Love is a wonderful ballad and like the title suggest, a perfect tune for a romantic evening.

Everyone swings on the next tune, Lecuona’s The Breeze and I. Instinctive and courageous solos on tenor sax by Salim Washington. Smith and McCree keeps up energy with some amazing playing of their own. The Coltrane influence can be heard on this tune in the melodies and sax solos.

Blessings from Oshun starts with a classical intro and then breaks into another swinging tune with Coltrane touches. Wake up Dreamer, a Bill Lowe composition, brings a Brasil feel to the CD with nice Bossa Nova rhythms. Suggestive, funny lyrics and a wonderful interpretation by Ron Murphy on his own composition, Cookie ends up the album.

A diverse, deep and interesting first Album for these talented musicians.

Tracks: Nature Boy, Soliloquy, You Can Fly, Time Out for Love, The Breeze and I, Blessings from Oshun, Wake up Dreamer, Cookie



Record Label Website: http://www.accuraterecords.com/

Artist's Website: http://www.brianmccree.com/

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Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre

CD Review: Patrick Tevlin New Orleans Rhythm - Willie the Weeper

Featured Artist: Patrick Tevlin New Orleans Rhythm

CD Title: Willie the Weeper

Year: 2008

Record Label: New Orleans North

Style: Traditional / New Orleans

Musicians: Patrick Tevlin (trumpet), Brian Carrick (clarinet), Roberta Hunt (piano), Colin Bray (bass)

Review: Listening to this CD is like taking a trip back in time to the roots of jazz. It is hard to believe there are only four musicians playing on Willie the Weeper, the music is so full and rich in harmonies and rhythms.

This is New Orleans Jazz at it's best, but played by Canadians. The Quartet features special guest Brian Carrick on clarinet, Patrick Tevlin on trumpet, Colin Bray on bass and Roberta Hunt on piano.

The first track, "Willie the Weeper," begins with dynamic melody exchanges on trumpet and clarinet, supported by the swinging rhythms of Bray on bass and Hunt on piano. The vocals are reminiscent of the singers of that era, like Louis Armstrong. Carrick's tone on clarinet is clear and Tevlin's solos are always full of energy. Listen also to powerful trumpet high notes and solos on "Martha" and "Bright Star."

"I Can't Escape From You" is a slower tune, but with the same amazing playing by Carrick and Tevlin. Excellent work on bass by Colin Bray.

Undecided, speed up the tempo again with a fabulous piano playing by Roberta Hunt, who also does the vocals at the end of the tune. Good version also of "I'm Confessing (that I love you)."

Patrick's graceful trumpet solos carries the next track, "It's a long way to Tipperary." Tipperary is an Ireland county situated in the province of Munster. "Love in Bloom" is the most melodic tune on this CD with lovely vocals by Roberta Hunt.

I really enjoy the swinging jazz version of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising." Some of the best solos on piano played by Roberta, who also does harmony on vocals. Beautiful harmonies and melodies exchange on "Moonlight and Roses" and funny lyrics on "My Pussin'," with more great clarinet solos.

"Trombonium" and "Honky Tonk Merry-go-round" are tunes with cheerful, repetitive melody lines, that makes you want to get up and dance. A touch of Caribbean flavor on "Sly Mongoose" with a singing style similar to Harry Belafonte.

The influence of gospel in jazz music can be heard in the uplifting lyrics of "Singing in My Soul" and "God Will Take Care of You."

If you dream of going to New Orleans or just want to listen to good New Orleans traditional jazz, buy Patrick Tevlin's Willie the Weeper.


Tracks: Willie the Weeper, I Can't Escape from You, Undecided, Confessing, It's a Long way to Tipperary, Love in Bloom, Bad Moon Rising, Moonlight and Roses, My Pussin, Trombonium, Honky Tonk Merry-Go-Round, Singing in My Soul, Martha, Bright Star, Sly Mongoose, God Will Take Care of You

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre



Artist's Website: http://www.tevlin.ca

CD Review: The Karl Walters Jr. Trio - Can we go back where we began?

Featured Artist: The Karl Walters Jr. Trio

CD Title: Can we go back where we began?

Year: 2008

Record Label: kwjtrio

Style: Fusion

Musicians: Matt Ferry (drums), Westbrook Johnson (trombone/pedals), Keegan Schelling (bass/pedals)

Review: A trombone, bass and drums, that’s all the Karl Walters Jr. Trio needs to make challenging and interesting music. These musicians are not afraid of taking chances and experiment with time signatures, sounds effects and melodies. The Karl Walters Jr. Trio features Westbrook Johnson on trombone, Keegan Schelling on bass and Matthew Ferry on drums.

The CD starts with “Fluxura”, a powerful tune with a lot of interesting changes in tempo and a dynamic trombone playing by Westbrook Johnson. Schelling bass playing is flawless and energetic.

On the next track, “Someday I’ll Travel”, Johnson uses the trombone to make motor like sound effects simulating a road travel. Great tune for a motorcycle ride. “Believe” is a short, upbeat, festive tune that invites you to stand up and dance with lots of energy and infectious rhythms on bass and drums. The kind of music one might hear on the streets of New Orleans during the Carnaval.

“Cait’s Park/Urisaglo” is a slow tempo, hypnotic track with exotic, ambiance and echo sound effects on trombone. It has a mysterious feeling perfect for a suspense movie soundtrack.

Funky bass and drums start “Precipice of a Moment”, and then change into a slower tune with unique solos by Johnson, showcasing his mastery of the trombone.

“Eternal wait for what’s next” is another good funky tune, my only complaint is that it's too short, only 44 seconds. With graceful and accessible melodies, Westbrook trombone shines through on “Forget About” and leaves you wanting more, with yet another short track.

The distorted guitar like effects at the end of “Wait Till You See” are reminiscent of a 70’s progressive Rock band.

Mysterious bell like notes played on bass to start “Thoughts on the End of Winter” a very interesting, dark and kind of mystical tune that ends a fearless and fascinating CD.



Tracks: Fluxura, Someday I'll Travel, Believe, Cait's Park/ Urisaglo, Precipice of a Moment, Eternal Wait for what's next, Forget About, Wait Till You See, Thoughts of the end of the Winter

Record Label Website: http://www.kwjtrio.com

Artist's Website: http://www.kwjtrio.com

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Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-20419.html