Published by: D. Oscar Groomes $10 Fall 2020, Issue 26.3 O'pening Thoughts What's Inside! Page The pandemic continues to transform our Traditional Selections 3-9. lives. There are many things that we suffer O's Big Band Picks 8. from, most notably the inability to interact O's Latin Features 10-12. socially and engage in celebration. For O's Piano Features 13-17. Musicians and fans alike, this is painful. O's Sax Features 18. However it enables us to spend more time O's Drummer Features 19. O's Vocal Features 20-24. critically listening and evaluating all things. O's Trumpet Features 25. The quality and our mastery of streaming O's Guitarist Features 26-27. have continued to improve. Some artists are O's Bass Features 28. have begun to charge up front as opposed Contemporary Selections 29-32. to setting out the fish bowl for donations on O's Ratings System 8. virtual sessions. This is a strong step in the O's HiFi Sound System 13. direction of accepting change and adapting O's Place Jazz Ruler™ 14. to new realities. We're also seeing more O's Jazz Legends 33. dual mode, live audience and simultaneous Final Notes 34. streaming for those not yet comfortable Subscriptions 35. leaving the house. We have received far more feedback than we had in the past about a many things. Thank O's Place Jazz Newsletter you! Make no mistake about it, we appreciate P.O. Box 38430 the feedback. And most importantly, we Charlotte, NC 28278 know you are truly reading our material and insisting on exacting accuracy. Thank you all

---> Sound advice at a nice price! www.OsPlaceJazz.com

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 1. O'pening Thoughts cont.

for making us better every day. "Strong Buys". The Top Ten Scores are below! Music critics, like wine critics may have varying opinions of the same product. Please share your thoughts, complaints The reviews are coming from the writer’s and any ideas with us. Enjoy the music, perspective. In our case, “O” has decades and stay safe! of listening experience (well over 100,000 hours) as a musician, a student, an O audiophile and a critic. We mostly enjoy live music and have built our studio to Click on the "Artists's Name" below to go recreate that experience as close as possible directly to the review with minimal coloration if any. You and The Top Ten Scores other critics may hear things differently and that’s okay. Different perspectives 1. Laura Dickinson - Auld Lang Syne keep life blossoming. Our goal is to give 1. Spanish Harlem Orchestra - The you a consistent reference and our take on Latin Jazz Project each album we listen to. And we enjoy this 3. Brad Mehldau - Suite: April 2020 work! 4. John Bailey - Can You Imagine? 4. Felipe Salles - The New Immigrant Many of the recordings reviewed for this Experience issue were made during the pandemic. 6. Brian Scanlon - Brain Scan The periods of quarantine were initially 6. Somi - Holy Room - Live at Alte paralyzing. They have slowed us down Opera to reflect and make more sense of our life 6. Dave Askren & Jeff Benedict - and our music. With the Holidays around Paraphernalia the corner, we’ll likely be in smaller 6. Larry Willis - I Fall In Love Too groups. That could lead to more engaging, Easily enjoyable listening! 10. Nikolov-Ivanovic Undectet - There’s an abundance of moods expressed Frame and Curiosity in our Fall issue with over 125 new reviews. Fifty-four had "Buy" scores including five

Unbiased Sound Advice from O's Place Jazz

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 2. Artist Title Top Traditional Picks Label Perf/Sound O's Notes The Curtis Composer and pianist Zaccai Curtis and his brother, bassist Luques, B are part of The Curtis Brothers Band with trumpeter Brian Lynch, alto Brothers T saxophonist Donald Harrison, and drummer Ralph Peterson. They do Algorithm 82 well featuring Zaccai’s fresh, original compositions, inspired by Art Truth Revolution Blakey’s famous bands. Lynch, Harrison and Peterson serve as mentors to the young brothers and “The Professor”, “Chief” and “Sensei” are tribute tunes to each of them respectively. Algorithm shows the continued maturation of The Curtis Brothers, a fine effort. Gabriel Venezuelan pianist and composer Gabriel Chakarji assembles a fine L ensemble around his trio with Jongkuk Kim (d) and Edward Perez (b). Chakarji T Chakarji draws on tradition to create his own vibrant landscape. We New Beginning enjoyed the vibe of ”Melodía Agradecimiento” and “Montuno Quince” Chaksmusic 77 featuring tenor saxophonist Morgan Guerin. Carmela Ramirez adds vocals and shadowing on several selections notably “New Danza” making New Beginning a worthy effort. Vito Dieterle This is a duo recording with saxophonist Vito Dieterle and pianist Joel Forrester. They play a mix of Monk tunes and Forrester originals, both & Joel ballads and swingers. Among the best are “Don’t Ask Me Now” with Forrester 77 a cat and mouse treatment of the melody, Crepuscule With Nellie”, Status Sphere “Let’s Call This” and “The Comeback”. They sound much larger than Ride Symbol TB two and present a compelling package. Gato Libre TA This iteration of Gato Libre features the fifteen-year-old, Japanese, free- Koneko 76 fusion band as a trio, with Natsuki Tamura (t), Satoko Fujii (accordion) Libra and Yasuko Kaneko (tb). The music is less aggressive than many of the past efforts, instead leaning on mysterious, blue ballads with rich tones all the way around, as the musicians play only the essential notes. The 8 songs of Koneko (cat in Japanese) are named for different types of cats and the music takes on those characteristics, strolling with the independence of the canine species. Tony Davis TB New York based guitarist Tony Davis serves up a set of burners starting Golden Year with the opening title track. He plays with a first class team including drummer Eric McPherson, bassist Dezron Douglas, pianist David Positone 74 Bryant and saxophonist Steve Wilson. They relax into the Caribbean flavored “Sinha” while Alina Engibaryan, a fresh voice on the scene, shines on “Orange Feathers” and “Lake Sebago” softening the edges on Golden Year a winning set! www.OsPlaceJazz.com

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 3. O's Place Features

John Lake 81 Modern Seven Angels Outside In John Lake is a trumpeter, composer and 2020 educator. On Seven Angels he leads a fine band including saxophonists Paul Jones and Michael Thomas, pianist Steven Feifke, bassist Marcos Varela, and drummer Jeff Davis. The combined trumpet and saxophone melodies define the mood and spirit of session, a mix of originals and freshly arranged classics. Varela takes a cool stroll on “Ladybird” and Feiffer stands out on “Intro To Pearls” leading to the joyful, swinging mood of “Pearls of the Tartar” and

“A Shade of Jade”, our two favorites. Photo: John Lake Gabe Terracciano 76 Pop+Jazz In Flight Violinist Gabe Terracciano takes red piano 2020 the lead composing, producing and assembling a quartet with Adam Rogers (g), Matt Pavolka (b) and Mark Ferber (d). Dave Pietro adds alto sax on four selections and Mike Rodriguez plays trumpet on two songs, notably the bouncy “Alfie’s Lullaby” featuring all six musicians. The vibe is generally a light jazz-fusion with Terracciano leading the melodies in a mix of relaxed, mid-tempo and racy selections. The pace accelerates on “Way Off” and hits full stride on “Pundit”, both hot, jazz-fusion tracks before they simmer on “When I’m In Your Arms Once More” featuring Terracciano, Rogers and Pavolka. Lauren Henderson The Songbook Session Lauren has a rich voice that falls nicely into the groove of her accompaniment. She gives us a taste of bossa nova on “Meditação” and “Sabon Á Mí”. Bassist Eric Wheeler opens “Beautiful Love” with a rich solo. Drummer 76 Allan Menard and pianist Sullivan Fortner provide Brontosaurus strong support as well, especially on “While We’re Ballads Young”, Bésame Mucho” and “Day By Day”. 2020

Photo: Lauren Henderson

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 4. O's Place Features Dave Pietro 77 Modern Hypersphere ArtistShare 2020 Saxophonist Dave Pietro is a University of North Texas alumnus who has continued to expand his horizons composing, teaching and performing. He assembles a fine band for Hypersphere that includes Alex Sipiagin (t), Gary Versace (keyboards), Johannes Weidenmueller (b), Rogerio Boccato (perc) and Johnathan Blake (d). The music is all original, mixed tempo, modern jazz. Dave leads the horns, bathing us in the splendor of the title track. Other highlights are “Incandescent”, “Quantum

Entanglement” and “Orbison” featuring Ryan Keberle (tb). Photo: Dave Pietro New Chordtet 78 Modern 2020 New Chordtet New Chordtet is a Connecticut-based Truth Revolution quintet with Dave Santoro (b), Peter McEachern (tb), Mike Drubbo (sax), Jimin Park (p) and Tom Melito (d). The self-ti- tled release is their debut in the current configuration. They play ten selections, three by the late, legendary Lee Morgan that define the modern jazz theme of the session. We also enjoyed “I’ve Got Your Number” and originals “Cosmos” (Santoro) and “Native Mode” (McEachern) in a swinging set.

77 Spirabassi Improkifiev R&B+Jazz Spirabassi Jazzmax Soprano saxophonist and composer Stephane Spira 2020 leads the charge on radio-friendly songs like “After Rain” and many other easy going tunes. Pianist Giovanni Mirabassi is the co-leader who stands out on “Lawns” and the engaging groove of “Improkifiev”. The combined band is called Spirabassi, a quartet with Steve Wood (b) and Donald Kontomanou (d). There are seven selections that go for ~43 minutes, just enough to set the mood for a relaxed evening. Photo: Nicolas Guillemot O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 5. O's Place Features Photo: Christopher-Drukker John Fedchock 83 Summit Into The Shadows Modern A melodic trombone can be very 2020 rewarding and John Fedchock delivers a winner with Into The Shadows. He leads a sextet through eight, mostly original selections. Scott Wendholt (t) and Walt Weiskopt (t-sax) join him on a crisp, harmonized front line. Fedchock’s work is pure bliss on tunes like “Manaus” and “Nature Boy”. David Finck (b) and Eric Halvorson (d) keep it steady while pianist Allen Farnham tickles the ivory notably “On The Edge”, setting the stage for a spirited romp to close the set! 76 Some New 3 from Sam Newsome Avant Garde Sam Newsome is a premier free-jazz saxophonist who recently released 2020 three live albums simultaneously. Sonic Journey is a solo effort recorded live at the Red Room in Chicago, an intimate small Sonic Journey venue. It includes more melodic tones than squawking while maintaining a healthy dose of improvisation. Highlights are “Giant Steps” and “Monk’s Dream”.And there is some anticipated instrumental improvisation on the title track. 76 Some New Free Wyoming Free Wyoming is more provocative Avant Garde incorporating bassist Matt Smiley and drummer/percussionist Ron Coulter. 2020 It was recorded live at the Metro Coffee Co. in Casper, Wyoming. Newsome’s percussive dabbing on the opener of “Wind River” is enticing.

Photo: Sam Newsome 81 Subspace Interception Some New Subspace Interception is a dual sax attack that starts out spacey on Avant Garde “Subspace Interception” and concludes with “Subspace Malfunction” with 2020 babies crying and roosters squawking! Three songs, thirty minutes and a really appreciative audience! These three albums capture Newsome’s innovative, inner spirit!

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 6. O's Place Features The New Immigrant Experience In the backdrop of the pandemic and The Black Lives Matter movement, there is The Deferred Action for Felipe Salles Childhood Arrivals Program. (DACA) came about after the Dream Act was stymied by the 9/11 attacks and a 90 BigBand series of untimely stumbles and political transitions. Tapestry Trump vs. NAACP blocked the rescission of DACA. 2020 The battle will continue but there is light. The New Immigrant Experience is a masterful performance composed, arranged and orchestrated by Felipe Salles, a Brazilian immigrant and professor who was inspired by the speech cadences and melodic motives collected from speeches by Dreamers. Felipe’s well-orchestrated Interconnections Ensemble incorporates lots of air and space between the musicians that allows the instruments Photo: Felipe Salles to bloom fully! The musical conversations are well articulated and easily embraced. Nine movements are spread across two discs along with an “Introduction” and “Coda”. Additionally there is a DVD that shows video footage that was projected behind the band during the live performance. We suggest viewing the DVD first. It includes interviews with the Dreamers in preceding the music. This work is very powerful, rich and rewarding. If we could only get this harmonious communication between the left and the right...

BK Trio 78 2020 B K Trio Hit It Cool BK is guitarist, composer Brian Kooken. He leads a trio with Greg Hatza on the B3 and Robert Shahid playing drums! They cook from start to finish, 8 songs in a vinyl-length 46 minutes. “It’s Monday And I’ve Got The Blues”, “Is That Funk Again” and “Soul For Shahid” are highlights in a grooving set.

Photo: Brian Kooken

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 7. Artist Title Big Band Picks Label Perf/Sound O's Notes Nikolov- Drummer/percussionist Sivan Ivanovic and pianist/guitarist Vladimir Nikolov lead a Modern European large jazz ensemble that marries Ivanovic N traditional and contemporary jazz into rich, warm music for Frame and Undectet T Curiosity. There are eleven members plus featured guest Magic Malik Frame and Lezzadri (fl, vocals). All of the music was composed by the leaders Curiosity and they strike an enticing balance that is vibrant, embraceable and Le Coolabel 88 relaxing on ballads like “Across The Threshold”. The true beauty is in the controlled power on “L’Etranger”, “Carefree” and “Sade Sati”. Quinsin Pivotal Arc consists of a three-part “Violin Concerto” and a four-part N “String Quartet” culminated with the title track. The concept for this work Nachoff T was born in 2007 when violinist Natalie Bonin met Nachoff backstage Pivotal Arc before a concert in Toronto. 13 years later, we have their masterpiece! Whirlwind 84 There is great symphonic sense with expressions of multiple moods as the musicians dance to Nachoff’s prescribed emotions. The Concerto has more silky passages while the Quartet evokes more mystery and adventure. John Beasley John Beasley is a masterful pianist, composer and band director with 3+ Monk'estra Plays decades of experience working as a leader and supporting Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. He’s the conductor and arranger of Monkestra, now on John Beasley N T their third release. This time Monk'estra Plays John Beasley featuring John’s Mack Ave. 83 compositions along with four Monk classics and covers of Ellington and Parker. The vibe on “Donna Lee” is slammin’ contrasting with the vocal spiritual “Come Sunday”. “Masekela” is a fitting tribute performed in a septet anchored by bassist John Patitucci and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. They swing hard on “Five Spot” with Grégoire Maret (harmonica) in the spotlight. We love the beauty of these originals and arrangements, imparting different layers of beauty with exceptional musicians. Daniel Hersog The Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra is built on a solid rhythm section Night Devoid of with Frank Carlberg (p), James Meger (b) and Michael Sarin (d). They afford the plentiful horns a canvas to paint a harmonious landscape. Stars TN Noah Preminger (t-sax) and Brad Turner (t) are among the many Cellar Jazz 80 individuals expressing themselves with brief, impactful solos during the session. They are more symphonic on “Night Devoid of Stars” and grooving on “Motion”, two of six Hersog compositions surrounding a fresh arrangement of “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”. Jazz thrives, our legacy artform! www.OsPlaceJazz.com

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 8. Traditional Selections Artist Title Label X T Michael Sarian New Aurora Ears and Eyes 76 TB Dave Bryant Night Visitors SE Records 74 TA Jeff Cosgrove History Gets Ahead of the Story Grizzley 74 TC Pearl Django Simplicity Modern Hot 74 TS Sue Anne Gershenzon You Must Believe In Sring S.A. Gershenzon 74 Tb Eldar Djangirov Rhapsodize Twevle Tone 73 TB Le Mirifique Orchestra Oh! My Love Artie's Records 73 TN A. Locheed/C. Rottmayer So In Love Timucua Arts 73 Tb Madre Vaca Winterreise Madre Vaca 73 TC Seth Weaver Truth Outside In 73 TN Peter Hess Present Company Diskonife 71 TB Noa Levy & Shimpei Ogawa You, Me & Cole Belle Records 71 Tb Los Pleneros De La 21 Live at Pregones Truth Revolution 71 TL Matt Moran Return Trip Diskonife 71 TB Eva Cortés Todas las Voces Blue Fem 69 Tb CeCe Gable More Than A Song CC Gable 69 Tb Darryl Yokley Pictures at an African Exhibition Truth Revolution 64 TB Raf Vertessen LOI El Nogocito 63 TA Anson Wright Only Love Saphu Records 63 TB Sara Serpa Recognition Biophilia 59 Tb O's Rating System O's Place has evolved with our listeners to create a rating system based on three factors: Performance, Sound Quality, and the quality of the Package (including liner notes). The primary criteria is Performance followed by Sound and finally Package. The ratings (X) have the following weightings and will provide a score from 0-100 with average reviews in the 70 range. Our new ratings are similar to traditional academic ratings. Performance: 15x, Sound: 5x, Package:1x

0 65 80 95

Pass Contemplate Buy Strong Buy

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 9. O's Latin Features

79 Latin Green Flash John Finbury 2020 Quatro Magos Herrera is the featured vocalist on four of seven passionate songs by composer John Finbury. Every other tune is instrumental. Chano Domínguez (p), John Patitucci (b) and Antonio Sanchez (d) form a rock solid rhythm section supporting Herrera and resounding on the instrumentals. We locked in on the opener “Llegará El Día” and never let go in

Photo: Julio Botti a riveting session! Photo: OKAN OKAN 78 Latin 2020 Espiral OKAN is the word Lula World for soul or heart in the Santeria religion. It is a fitting name for this Afro-Cuban, woman- led ensemble. Drummer/Percussionist Magdelys Savigne and violinist Elizabeth Rodriguez are the leaders. They sing beautiful, classic & original jazz and Cuban ballads with heart felt passion in Spanish and English. We hope to see them touring post-pandemic. For Espiral, the reimagined “Besame Mucho”, “Boundaries” and the spirited rap from Telmary Diaz on “Mercedes” are a few examples of their vibrant style. La Lucha Everybody Wants To Rule The World La Lucha is a true example of diversity centered on a trio with Colombian-American Alejandro Arenas (b), Mexican-American John O’ Leary (keyboards), and Jewish-American Mark Feinman (d). They add a plethora of well-regarded guests including Ken Peplowski (cl, keys), Houston Person (t-sax), Chuck Redd (vibes) and Melissa Aldana (t-sax). The music is a mix of classic tunes and originals that come together nicely. Among the best are “Ottawa Vez”, “Blues For Houston 2020 Person”, “Everybody Wants To Rule Blue Line The World” and the old school vibe of Latin 81

“Lilis”. Photo: La Lucha O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 10. O's Latin Features 75 Julio Botti 2020 Pure Tango Nuevo-tango maestro, Latin saxophonist Julio Botti teams up with Matias Lanfranco, a Zoho more traditional tango musician. They performed together in a riveting live engagement late in 2017 that would be the last concert that Botti’s mother would witness before succumbing to cancer. This recording is a fine tribute to her, including both racy and romantic selections. There are fine vocal selections like “Cualquiera De Esta Nochas” (Any of these nights) featuring María Jose Rojas - voice or Silvia Lallana - voice, and with various musical configurations. We also enjoyed the jazz-laced tunes like “Oro Y Plata” making this recording modern, Pure Tango at its best! Photo: Julio Botti Mayita Dinos 79 Latin 2020 The Garden Is My Stage Many know Mayita Dinos as a Dash Hoffman Los Angeles-based landscape designer. She’s also a passionate vocalist and performed with the Rich Eames (p) trio in Pasadena, CA. Executive producer Dan Davilla was in the audience and was enticed enough to produce a CD for her, The Garden Is My Stage. Dinos sings with a relaxed confidence that invites the audience to do the same! We really enjoyed the vibe on “Woodstock”, “Un Pais Con El Nombre De Un Rio” and her covers of “Double Rainbow”, “Agua de Beber” and “Willow Weep For Me”. Harold López-Nussa Photo: Harold López-Nussa 2020 To Lo Dije Mack Ave. Cuban pianist and composer Harold López- Latin 76 Nussa comes from a musical legacy family that has been celebrated on the island and in the US. There is a wealth of Latin percussion and really crisp brass on tunes like “Lila’s Mambo” and “Timbeando” with bassist Julio César González rocking hard! Julio, trumpeter Mayquel González and drummer Ruby Adrián López-Nussa join Harold to form to core of this Afro-Cuban jazz band. The spirited vocals by the core musicians are a celebratory part of the cohesion on Te Lo Dije and what you can expect to hear on the

Photo:streets David Lyellof Cuba today! O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 11. O's Latin Features Little Johnny Rivero 75 Music In Me 2020 Truth Percussionist and conguero, Little Johnny Rivera Revolution assembles a Latin band featuring trumpeter Brian Lynch, Latin Louis Fouche (a-sax), Zaccai Curtis (p), Ludwig Alfonso (d) and Luques Curtis (b). They are joined by many special guests on Music In Me. The overarching theme is merengue with a wealth of percussion. Among the best are “Let’s Do It Again”, “Palmieri, Much Respect”, “Alambique”, “Mr. LP”, “Africa My Land” and the funky “Afro-Rykan Thoughts”. Photo: Little Johnny Rivero Spanish Harlem Orchestra The Latin Jazz Project 93 Latin 2020 ArtistShare The Latin Jazz Project is the 6th CD from this well decorated band that is dedicated to hard-core salsa. Bandleader, pianist Oscar Hernández enlists support from a stellar cast along with his large ensemble. There’s a nice vocal arrangement of “Invitation” featuring Kurt Elling and Miguel Zenon (sax). But the instrumentals dominate this outing notably “Bebo” featuring Bob Mintzer (sax), “Las Palmas” with Tom Harrell (t), “Silent Prayers” featuring bassist Jimmy Haslip, Jeremy Bosch (fl) and Dave Liebman (sax), a spirited arrangement of “Round Midnight” and “Latin Perspective” featuring Joe Locke (vibes). “Descarga des Jazz” is a fitting festive finale for a super set. Veteran jazz artist Eddie Daniels (fl, cl, t-sax) presents Night Kisses: A Tribute to Ivan Lins, the Eddie Daniels legendary Brazilian pianist and composer. It is well-deserved appreciation and acknowledgement Night Kisses of a tremendous musician. The music comes from several Ivan Lins albums recorded from 1977 through 2014. There’s beautiful piano work from Josh Nelson on “D’Aquil Que Eu Sei”. We also enjoyed Eddie’s warm sax on “Cantor Da Noite”. Guest 2020 artist Dave Grusin (p) appears on three Resonance selections and Bob James also plays on Latin 76 two tracks. Both appear on the final track “Ivante”. The Harlem Quartet adds depth with strings making Night Kisses more

Photo: Eddie Daniels than a simple compilation. O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 12. O's PianoPhoto: JohnClaytonJazz.com Features Photo: Chick Corea Chick Corea 83 Check Corea is a legendary pianist, living of course and still Classic Plays Concord in prime form. He Plays on this solo outing experimenting by putting together classic and jazz composers and their ideas 2020 to construct a fresh approach that is intriguing. He opens by tuning up the audience, getting them ready for participation that takes the engagement up several notches! Influencers are Mozart, Gershwin, Wonder, Evans, Jobim, Monk and many others. The live audience continues their enthusiastic engagement through Disc #2. Chick is at peace, reminiscing past friendships on “The Yellow Nimbus” and then inviting several members of the audience to play piano on stage with him. He concludes with several songs from his Children’s Songs series reminding us of the innocent and creative spirit of youth. O's primary listening is done with a Sony XA777ES SACD player, Ayre C5-xeMP CD player, Jeff Rowland Consonance preamp, two Jeff Rowland Model 1 amplifiers (balanced mono mode), Classe CA-200 amplifier, Mirage M1 speakers andB&W 800D speakers wired with Cardas Hex 5C speaker wire, Transparent Audio interconnects, Pro-ject Debut turntable with Sumilo Blue Point No. 2 Cartridge and E.S.P. Essence ReferencePower Distribution System. Persistence Amina Figarova Photo: Ximena Davalos New York-based jazz pianist and composer Amina Figarova expands from the Modern jazz we’ve enjoys to a racy jazzy fusion on her latest release, Persistence. She reconfigured her band with Rez Abbasi (g), Yasushi Nakamura (b) and Rudy Royston (d). The common player from prior work is Amina’s husband, flutist Bart Platteau who adds an EWI to his arsenal. JSWISS raps to the hip hop beats of “I’ve Got No Time”. Abbasi stands out on “Lil’ Poem” and the funky 81 “R Song”. Guest Paul Jost adds vocalese alongside Bart’s AmFi Fusion flute on “Horizons” and they wrap with “Bliss” featuring 2020 poet, Skye’s World. Regardless of where Figarova heads next, this is a strong effort that warrants more in the genre (funky, fusion)

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 13. O's Piano Features Ryan Cohan 83 Origin Originations Ballads Pianist and composer Ryan Cohan assembles a fine 2020 ensemble that includes John Wojciechowski (fl, cl, t-sax), Geof Bradfield (b-cl, s-sax) and The KAIA String Quartet. Cohan was inspired by his combined Jewish and Jordanian heritage, both rich in culture and plagued by conflict. The vibrancy of “Imaginary Lines”, “Essence” and “Sabra” are highlights in the six-song set. Originations is a warm and engaging symphonic recording! Photo: John Broughton O's Place Jazz Ruler™ Traditional Contemporary 1900 1920 1940 1960 1970 1980 2000

Ragtime TR Blues&Ballads Tb Bebop TB Latin TL Fusion CF Funk Cf Acid CA Dixie TD Swing TS Big Band TN Free TA R&B+Jazz CR Pop+Jazz CP Falkner Evans 77 Marbles CAP Modern Jazz pianist, composer and producer Falkner Evans 2020 has been situated in the New York jazz scene since 1985. Marbles is his fifth album as a leader and it is a fine effort. Bassist Beldon Bullock and drummer Matt Wilson join Falkner to make a solid rhythm section. Guest Steve Nelson adds vibes on three selections notably the title track. “This From That” shines with the entire splendor of a large ensemble including solos from Ted Nash (a-sax) and Michael Blake (t-sax). They join with Ron Horton (t) for rich harmonies throughout the set. Evans shines on “Sing Alone” and does a fine job extracting the most

Photo: Jimmy Katz from his team. O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 14. O's PianoPhoto: JohnClaytonJazz.com Features Photo: Josh Nelson Josh Nelson 2020 Modern The Discovery Project Steel Bird LA-based pianist and composer Josh Nelson 79 traipsed across the Pacific to record The Discovery Project live at Kobe Modern Jazz Club, Kobe, Japan on March 9-10, 2019. Nelson leads a trio with bassist Alex Boneham and Dan Schnelle on drums. Five of the six compositions are fresh, relaxed originals and the music feels good. Josh at 28 is well-respected by his peers and shows tremendous potential as the centerpiece of this work.

Judson Green Pop+Jazz 2020 Discover Pianist and composer Judson Green 76 Judson Green works in a quintet under the direction ofPhoto: Daniel Sam Hirsh Jordan (woodwinds) with Ron Jenkins (b), Fitzroy Harris (perc) and Walt Hubbard (d). Green composed 15 new songs for Discover but they all have a sense of familiarity with catchy hooks and an uncluttered groove. Jenkins and Jordan lead the charge on the radio friendly “Cool Strut”, the first in a string of cool selections. Other standouts are “Mr. Potato Head”, “Lacondona” and “Super Agent Super Spy”. Green is no stranger to success as a former Disney executive and successful operator and philanthropist. Returning to his childhood passion, Judson is delighting a wide audience! Brad Mehldau Suite: April 2020 Suite: April 2020 is Brad’s latest solo effort and it in many parts, a reflection of the times. Brad composed this music at his home in The Netherlands sheltering in place during the pandemic. There are times when we have stress, confusion and concerns, we look to music 92 for solace, a way to escape, reflect Nonesuch and Mehldau provides an answer Ballads with twelve fresh originals and three 2020 complimentary covers notably “New York State of Mind” as he longs for his native home in America. Relevant and worthy, we purchased the signed limited edition vinyl and sound quality was very good.

Photo: Brad Mehldau O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 15. O's PianoPhoto: JohnClaytonJazz.com Features

Jordan Seigel 77 Beyond Images Pop+Jazz J. Seigel Pianist, composer, arranger and producer Jordan 2020 Seigel assembles a fine group of musicians to perform on his debut recording, Beyond Images. It is a blend of cinema and jazz inspired by many great film composers. They open with tranquility on “Departure”, setting the stage for a session that is both peaceful and vibrant. Seigel incorporates The Vertigo String Quartet on five selections notably “The Woods” and “The Baker Street Caper”. We also enjoyed “Monkey In The Wilderness” in a session that

got better song after song! Photo: Jordan Seigel.

Cathlene Pineda 86 Rainbow Baby Pianist and composer Cathlene Pineda Orenda reflects on the mixed emotions of four years of motherhood for her third release. She Modern assembles a fine quartet with trumpeter Kris Tiner, bassist David Tranchina and 2020 drummer Tina Raymond. Tiner’s crisp melodies spill over the tight rhythm section with exacting emotion. There’s a cool, Latin vibe on “Milo” and a calming presence on “Wild Geese IV”. The landscape of Rainbow Baby is rich with evolving moods and replete with calming energy. Porter Plays Frishberg: Unsung

79 Randy Porter Heavywood Modern Dave Frishberg is a pianist, composer and lyricist 2020 with many accomplishments and great tunes, yet he’s flown under the radar for most jazz fans. Most of Dave’s work is appreciated with vocals but pianist Randy Porter pays homage with an all-instrumental tribute. Porter Plays Frishberg: Unsung is a piano-centric recording that swings like crazy. “I Want To Be A Sideman”, ”Little Did I Dream”, “Peel Me A Grape” and “Snowbound” are some of the best.

Photo: Randty Porter O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 16. O's Piano/B3Photo: JohnClaytonJazz.com Features Message From Groove and G.W. Radam Schwartz 2020 If you like crisp chord melodies, a funky B3 and hot R&B+Jazz brass accents, this is your ticket. Radam Schwartz plays Arabesque the B3 and leads his Organ Big Band. Yes, this is a large 83 ensemble with a powerful, full horn section in front of Charlie Sigler (g), David F. Gibson (d) and Schwartz. Even with 10+ horns playing the sound is never congested. The layering is sweet and the solos plentiful in this swinging session. The inspiration for Message From Groove & G.W. is The Gerald Wilson Big Band

with Richard “Groove” Holmes. Schwartz nailed it! Photo: Arabesque Zen Zadravec 86 Human Revolution Pianist Zen Zadravec leads a large Marmite ensemble through 62 minutes of spirited entertainment. The counter currents Bebop are cohesive and well coordinated, especially on “Mentor Disciple”. We enjoyed the 2020 uplift from “Live!” with scatting by special guest Dylan Bell. He appears again on the relaxing “Jamilian”. Saxophonist Todd Bashore tears it up on “Climb” and also soothes us on ballads like “Soul Eyes” along with trumpeter Derrick Gardner. This is a very fine effort from Zadravec. Mike Silverman Human Spirit Photo: Mike Silverman Pianist Mike Silverman entered the smooth jazz genre in a large way by collaborating with 2020 the legendary Jeff Lorber for Human Spirit. Autumn Hill He also enlisted support from Eric Marienthal, Smooth John Patitucci, Jimmy Haslip, Randy Brecker, 78 Gary Novak, Vinnie Colaiuta, Paul Jackson, Jr., David Benoit and Michael Thompson. With that team, it’s almost guaranteed radio success and indeed that’s what we have! These are all mellow, easy listening, smooth jazz songs. We enjoyed both versions of the title track. Among the best of the rest are “Very Soon ”, “Wake Up” and “Keys To The City”.

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 17. O's SaxPhoto: JohnClaytonJazz.com Features Brian Scanlon Brain Scan Polished session saxophonist Brian Scanlon comes out as a leader, composer and producer for this strong contemporary jazz set. He has a swinging, upbeat rhythm section including Peter Erskine (d), Trey Henry (b) and Joey De Leon (perc) along with a cadre of guitarists and two pianists for support. Up front Scanlon dominates the action with occasional vibrant solos from other band members. The opening title track sets the stage for an upbeat encounter but they also take it down a notch on ballads like “Not Watching” and 89 the mid-tempo “Scandalized”. “Re-Entry”, “My Right Pop+Jazz Scan Man. Foot” and the racy, mysterious “Harlem Nocturne” typify 2020 the solid offerings on Brain Scan. Photo: Brian Scanlon

Photo: Benny Rubin, Jr. Benny Rubin, Jr. Know Say or See Saxophonist Benny Ruben lights it up on the 76 swinging “Or See” and “Flint Water Crisis” with Benny Rubin passionate pleas of emotion. Those emotions Cool 2020 turns to warm passion on “Darn That Dream”. Pianist Lex Korten stretches out on ”NYC Urge” and ”Kiss Me Right” balancing the attack. Adam Olszewki (b) and JK Kim (d) anchor the rhythms and keep things flowing making Know Say or See a worthy listen. 82 Anemone Ballads Vito Dieterle Tenor saxophonist Vito Dieterle Ride Symbol has a deep, warm tone that bodes well over 2020 nine, mixed tempo, classics. It’s tough to miss with music by legendary songwriters like Strayhorn, Monk and Porter. Vito is spot on along with his band: Kris Kaiser (g), Ben Paterson (organ) and Aaron Seeber (d). They start softly on “Dream Dancing”, swing on “You Said It”, cook on “Minor Chant” and entice on “Chelsea Bridge”. Dieterle successfully breathes new life into these oldies and keeps it fresh allowing the entire band to contribute meaningful notes. Photo: Vito Dieterle O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 18. O's Drummer Features Drummer Rudy Royston has kept time for many jazz headliners including Amina Figarova, Rudy Royston Jim Snidero and JD Allen. But he’s back in the leadership role for PaNOptic, his latest release. “bLUes” is a rather PaNOptic melodic piece. Royston adds enough spoken word 83 Photo: Greenleaf Music on “defeRRed”, to illustrate his point, and more Modern so with vocals on “I’m Coming Home”. PaNOptic Greenleaf is divided into three sections: poetic reflections, 2020 tributes and spirituals. All twenty-three selections are solo drum pieces and Royston uses dynamics and mature moderation to pull off an introspective collection that is far more encompassing than you’d imagine for a solo drum effort. All proceeds from the album are being donated to the MusicCares COVID-19 Relief Fund Jorge Perez-Albela Manü 2020 The Time Is Now Peruvian drummer/percussionist and Latin 78 composer Jorge Perez-Albela leads the rhythm section behind featured vocalist (Jorge’s wife) Sissy Castrogiovanni with Tim Ray on keyboards and Jesse Williams playing bass on The Time Is Now. Lihi Haruvi adds soprano sax on “The Mirror” and “Hope” which also features trumpeter Phil Grenadier. Santiago Parades joins Sissy singing “Raices” and adds guitar on “El Reto”. Castrogiovanni sings passionately on “Shining Star” and displays a warm Peruvian tradition on “Viento De Los Andes”.

78 Modern Ralph Peterson Onyx 2020 Triangular III Ralph follows up his Blakey Tribute (100) in a trio with The Curtis Brothers, Zaccai on piano and Luques playing bass. They play intoxicating beats like the heavily syncopated “Beatrice” and “Manifest Destiny”, one of Zaccai’s two originals along with the swinging “Moments”. Peterson learned from old-school masters like hard bop pianist Walter Davis, Jr. and pays homage by including three of his compositions, notably “400 Years Ago Tomorrow”. They squeeze a relaxed cover of “Skylark” in the

Photo: Ralph Peterson middle to catch their breath otherwise they go full tilt!

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 19. O's Vocal Features 89 Ballads Holy Room - Live at Alte Opera Holy Room is a live session recorded at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, World Village Germany, May 2019. It was meant to be one of many tour stops 2020 SomiPhoto: Somi on her world tour. Unfortunately it was halted by the pandemic and hence turned into this recording, the first featuring Somi with a big band! Somi is an international vocal wonder with a commanding voice that is soulful, rich and powerful. She brings a multinational band to pair with the HR Big Band and delights her audience. She wastes no time displaying her range opening with “Kadiatou, The Beautiful”. Other Highlights are “Black Enough”, the classic “Alien”, and the Mesmerizing tones of “Ingele”. It is an emotionally rich experience. The proceeds from this album will be donated to Black Art Futures Fund (BAFF), a collective of emerging philanthropists promoting the elevation 76 and preservation of Black arts & culture. Ballads Lizzie Thomas Lizzie Thomas New Sounds From The Jazz Age 2020 New York-based vocalist Lizzie Thomas has a resounding, strong voice that is a passionate vehicle for delivering music from the American Songbooks. New Sounds From the Jazz Age is her latest recording and it bodes well. She doesn’t miss a beat on “One Note Samba” and is deeply romantic on “Our Love Is Here To Stay”. We also enjoyed “Fascinating Rhythm” and “Cheek to Cheek”. Musical director, arranger and pianist John Colianni does a fine job with a strong team that includes Omar Daniels (t-sax, fl) and guests Russell Malone (g) and Jay Leonhart (b). Lizzie delivers continuous, cool, collective entertainment. Lois Bruno And So It Begins This is the debut recording for vocalist Lois Bruno, a seasoned performer who has played the unheralded supporting role to many others. Bruno’s voice is magical and works on everything she touches from the sassy arrangement of “Love For Sale” to “But Beautiful” and “Feeling Good”. The supporting quartet is tight with Michael 77 Eckroth (p), Yoshi’s Waki (b), Brian Fisher (d) and producer Kenny Ballads Shankar (sax). There are rich solos from Shankar and Eckroth on Wise Cat numerous occasions. But this is about the headliner Bruno, And So 2020

It Begins and we hope it continues! Photo: Lois Bruno O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 20. O's VocalPhoto: JohnClaytonJazz.com Features Chicago-based crooner Sam Fazio swings with his crisp, mature approach to classics with unique arrangements and Sam Fazio a sound that will have you hitting the repeat 77 button! He has long held Tuck and Patti in Sam Fazio high regard and eventually had the chance to Ballads open for them in a Chicago suburb. That led to 2020 this collaboration Let’s Go. Chris White (p) and Tim Fitzgerald (g) are the primary musicians in configurations from 2 to 5. Michael Peloquin plays harmonica on two selections notably “Pure Imagination”. We also enjoyed “My Baby Just Care’s Foe Me” and “Eleanor Rigby”, a duet with Tuck Andres on bass, yes bass! Let's Go Photo: Sam Fazio Moore-McColl Jazz Society McColl Moore Electric Fantastic Keyboardist/vocalist Beth Moore teams up with 2020 Ballads 71 guitarist Chance McColl to assemble a team of Atlanta’s best musicians forming the Moore-McColl Jazz Society. They play a blend of contemporary jazz and blues that is easily embraceable. We dug the blues on “If You Really Loved Me” & “Blues For Lonnie Williams”, a taste of calypso on “Beth’s Bounce”, and the balanced groove of “Like A Symphony”. Electric Fantastic is their debut and it should place them on the map!

84 Ballads David K. Mathews Effendi The Fantasy Vocal Sessions, Vol 2 2020 Keyboardist and bandleader David K. Matthews releases Volume 2 of The Fantasy Vocal Sessions. It’s tough to go wrong when dipping into hits from soul, pop, and R&B songbooks! Among the best of eleven selections are, “So Sweetly” featuring Tony Lindsey, “Superwoman” & “For The Love of You” featuring Amikaeyla, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” featuring Alex Ligertwood, and “Yesterday” featuring Kenny Washington. Matthews assembles a strong band to deliver the goods including Ray Obiedo (g), Marc van Wageningen (b) and Peter Michael

Photo: Radial Engineering Escovido (perc). O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 21. O's Vocal Features Photo: Kenny Washington Kenny Washington Balladeer Kenny Washington has a groovin’ What's The Hurry baritone and a wide range that puts him in the sweet spot for the great majority of classics. The 82 New Orleans native migrated to the Bay Area but Lower 9th has toured extensively and made a splash in New Ballads York as well. What’s The Hurry is a great sampling 2020 of his work with great takes of “I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues”, “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”, “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Invitation”. The support from pianist Josh Nelson, guitarist Jeff Massanari, bassist Dan Friszli and Victor Goins’s (sax, cl) is first rate. Kenny works deep emotion into all he touches and audiences will feel it! Susie Meissner Lydian Jazz I Wish I Knew 2020 Ballads 75 Susie has beautiful vocal tone that is accentuated by Ken Peplowski (cl) Larry McKenna (t-sax) and John Shana (t) who rotate through the spotlight leading the melodies. The rest of this Philly-based band is also first rate with Paul Meyers (g), John Shaddy (p), Lee Smith (b) and Byron Landham (d). But Susie won’t let you forget that she’s leading I Wish I Knew especially on the title track, “Alfie” and “You Go To My Head”. Sissy Castrogiovanni 77 Terra Manü Ballads Italian vocalist Sissy Castrogiovanni has 2020 a beautiful voice that graces ten original songs in a performance that is just over an hour. We prefer that she sings in her native tongue to capture all of the nuances. The music is a rich blend of classic Mediterranean, soul and jazz that is vibrant and soothing, even without translation! Terra is inspired by the astonishing power of our planet, Earth and the creation of life in all forms. Our favorites are “Ancili”

Photo: Sissy Castrogiovanni and “E Vui Dumiti Ancora”. O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 22. O's Vocal Features

79 Beth Duncan Saccat Ballads I'm All Yours 2020 Romance and blues are a reality on I’m All Yours, a collection of Martine Tabilio’s love songs. Beth is a great storyteller and she embraces Tabilio’s compositions rattling off pointed lyrics in front of a fine band including saxophonist Javan Manricks, trumpeter Joe Mazzaferro and guitarist Steve Homan. It’s a time of reckoning before celebrating the music on “The Band”. Duncan even scats a touch on “While You Decide”. Other highlights are “Suddenly”, “It All Begins With You” and “Kit & Kaboodle Blues”. Photo: Beth Duncan Richard Shulman Rich Heart Life Seasons Pianist Richard Shulman is back with 2020 Ballads 74 his trio including bassist Zack Page and drummer Rick Dilling. For Life Seasons the trio plays alone, with a vocal quartet and with featured vocalists. Paula Hanke delivers beautiful vocals on the title track that also features special guest Ron Clearfield (cello). Ron shines again on “Spinning into Winter” with vocalist Wendy Jones. The vocal quartet delivers rich harmonies on “Bohemian Summer” and “Velvet Shoes” while the trio shines on “Pre-Autumn”. The variety of musical approaches for Schulman’s compositions makes this a fresh and relaxing encounter. Live at Maureen's Jazz Cellar Sometimes the magic is in the venue and such is the Tania Grubbs case at (Live at) Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, named in 78 honor of the late, great jazz vocalist Maureen Budway. Tania Maureen’s serves as a creative and inspirational venue Grubbs for vocalist Tania Grubbs and her quintet featuring Ballads 2020 David Budway (p), Tania’s husband Jeff Grubbs (b), Ron Affif (g) and, James Johnson III (d). The Nyack, NY club has an intimate audience supporting its first recording. Tania’s voice is soft and inviting on “The Peacocks” including a fine guitar solo from Affif. She adds a taste of bebop scatting on “Orinthology” with fine accompaniment especially from her hubby Photo: Tania Grubbs and Afiff. O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 23. O's Vocal Features Photo: Katrin Andrzejewski Sophie Tassignon Mysteries Unfold Belgian-born, Berlin-based 79 vocalist Sophie Tassignon has Rare Noise sung many genres and has a Ballads fabulous voice. This is her Rare 2020 Noise debut, a solo effort where she overdubs her voice into a choir. The mood is mysterious, at times eerie yet always accessible, well articulated and appreciable. It sounds like she is in a cathedral for “Jolene”, a prime example of the rich vocal harmonies on Mysteries Unfold. San Gabriel 7 JRL SGS Records Red Dress The San Gabriel Seven are a funky, 2020 R&B+Jazz 86 Los Angeles-based band with a tight rhythm section, crisp horn accents and that old-school, funky soul that is a rich foundation for featured vocalist/songwriter Femi Knight. Femi has performed alongside many well-known artists and she has a strong voice that will raise the roof. “West Indian Brown”, “When A Woman’s Had Enough” and “The Next Best Thing” are highlights. The throwback groove on Red Dress will keep it in your changer for months!

75 Soliterra Susan Tobocman Ballads 2020 Touch & Go Touch & Go is a dozen jazz and country/pop ballads featuring vocalist Susan Tobocman. Her voice is warm and inviting backed by a strong musical team that includes Joel Frahm (sax), Pete McCann (g) and Michael Sarin (d). The jazzier tunes like “The Man I Love”, “Make Believe “, “I Could Get Used to This” and the title track kept us engaged. The accompanying solos by Frahm and McCann were top notch. This is another achievement in Tobocman’s long list of accomplishments as a performing artist, producer and entertainer. Photo: Susan Tobocman O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 24. O's Trumpet Features Can You Imagine? John Bailey 90 Trumpeter John Bailey ignites the fire on “Pebbles In The Ballads Pocket” one of three hot originals. Trombonist Stafford Hunter Freedom Rd joins the party with a burning solo hot on his heels. Stacey 2020 Dillard (sax) complements Bailey’s horn along with special guest Earl McIntyre (b-tb, tuba) on “President Gillespie Suite”. Edsel Gomez (p), Mike Karn (b) and Victor Lewis (d) establish a strong foundation for Bailey to build on, and extending into the melodies where appropriate with crisp accents. There are also relaxed tunes like “Ballad From Oro Incienso Y Morra” and “Elite State of Mind” to balance the heat making Can You Imagine? a winner. John is attempting to unite

Photo: John Bailey Americans with social justice through music. It certainly feels good! Ian Carey 78 Fire In My Head Ian Carey is a composer, Fusion trumpeter and bandleader. He was fortunate to receive funding for his Slow& Steady latest endeavor with complete artistic freedom. He’s used this freedom 2020 to express Fire In My Head, a reflection of his anxiety and the troubled state of mind that many of us have experienced since 2016. The 5-part “Anxiety Suite” is influenced by disturbing news stories, the irony of complacency as the world is burning, repetitive messages, detachment, resistance to wrongdoing and the fight for change. All is expressed through instrumentation from Ian and his quintet including Adam Schulman (keyboards) and Sheldon Brown (b-cl). 78 Modern Wide Hive Erik Jekabson 2020 One Note At A Time We continue enjoying the music of trumpeter, composer and bandleader Erik Jekabson. He continues to evolve now, a polished voice in modern jazz. Many of the songs are upbeat, fresh and vibrant like “Bell Song”, “Shaker Funk” and the calypso vibe of “Full House”. There are also several ballads, the best of which are “When You Went Away” and “Dusk”. Melodies and solos are dispersed across the band with strong performances from saxophonist Dave Ellis, guitarist Dave Mac Nab. Guest violinists Mads Tolling & Alisa Rose, along with poet Avotcja star on “One Note At A Time”. Photo: Scott Chernise O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 25. O's Guitar Features

Photo: Henry Fair Sharon Isbin 81 Pop+Jazz Affinity Nefertiti G uitarist 2020 Sharon Isbin combines Spanish, Photo: Hajo-Müller 74 Latin and jazz-fusion Fusion Markus Reuter Moonjune with Northern Indian 2020 classical music Truce on Affinity. The music Truce is a live studio album recorded was written for her by at La Casa Murada, a residential studio several composers. in Tarragona, Spain. Guitarist Markus Reuter teams up with bassist Fabio Chris Brubeck’s title Trentini and drummer Asaf Sirkis to track is performed compose and perform seven eclectic with the Maryland compositions. The vibe is a spontaneous, Symphony Orchestra progressive rock of sorts. Songs range conducted by Elizabeth Schulze. It is our favorite, from the raging title track to exploratory in stark contrast with Richard Danielpour’s “Of ballads like “Swoonage”. We also enjoyed Love and Longing” with pronounced vocals by “Gossamer Things”, “Bogerman” and Isabel Leonard. “Power Series” featuring Trentini.

Before and After is a compilation of Lou’s work Lou Volpe as a leader, composer and sideman. He touches Before & After 74 many genres along the way including bossa 2020 nova, R&B, fusion and bebop. Most of the Jazz Guitar thirteen tunes are originals save two classic Fusion covers of ”Summertime” and “Stella By Starlight”. We also enjoyed “Precious Jewel”, “Solar Dance” and “Double Summer”. Volpe gets support from a strong team including Buddy Williams (d), Stanley Banks (b), and Gary Fritz (perc). It’s a guitar lovers dream and also a good easy-listening set. Photo: Lou Volpe O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 26. O's Guitar Features Ray Russell 74 Fluid Architecture Fusion Cuneiform Ray Russell is a. British experimental, progressive jazz guitarist 2020 drawing on the legendary rock stars. He captures a throwback rock, bluesy, fusion feel on Fluid Architecture, his latest release. Russell is joined by Eric Baldwin (electronics), George Baldwin (b), Mo Foster (b), Chris Biscoe (t-cl, s-sax), Jim Watson (keyboards) and drummers Nic France, Simon Phillips and Ralph Salmins. Hold your hat and prepare for an adventurous ride. Best bets: “Escaping the Six-String Cage”, “The Conversaton” and “A Room Within A Room”.

Photo: Ray Russell 77 A. Renfroe Andrew Renfroe Fusion Dark Grey 2020 Guitarist Andrew Renfroe leads a quintet with Braxton Cook (a-sax), Takeshi Ohbayashi (p), Luke Sellick (b) and Curtis Norwood (d). They play a fresh and spirited jazz-fusion on Dark Grey as Renfroe emerges as a leader. Highlights are “”L’Ascension”, “Chemirocha” and the slamming title track.

26 minutes left us wanting more. Photo: Andrew Renfroe 74 Massai David Torn Pop+Jazz 2020 Tranceportation, Volume 2 Tranceportation,Volume 2 picks up where Volume 1 (81) left off, continuing the pulsating club beats on four more lengthy selections (9:40 - 12:42 minutes each). It’s heavy on guitars led by David Torn with Stephan Thelen and Bernhardt Wagner playing tritone guitars. Christian Kuntner (b) and Manuel Pasquinelli (d, perc) maintain the pronounced low end. They continue to hold our favored status in this space with

Photo: David Torn “Triskaidekaphilia” and the title track. O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 27. O's Bass Features Photo: Jeff Reed 82 Jeff Reed Stricker Street Modern Look For The Light 2020 Bassist Jeff Reed leads a quintet on a collection of nine tunes including four originals. They open with the upbeat “Segment” setting the stage for many more cool selections to follow. We liked “Tricotism”, a taste of fusion on “Conversion” and the relaxing title track featuring guitarist Jonathan Epley. Trumpeter Sean Jones takes the lead on “Quasimodo” before Epley is back on the mark for the finale, “Your Name Never Came Up”. The album was inspired by the full circle of life. Reed and his team do a fine job! 74 Anne Mette Iversen Free Racing A Butterfly Bassist, composer Anne Mette Iversen leads Fusion a quartet+1 with a different lineup than the Ternion Quartet from last year’s Invincible 2020 Nimbus. Now trombonist Peter Dahlgren is the +1. Danny Grissett (p) and Otis Brown bju III (d) join Iversen in the rhythm section with tenor saxophonist John Ellis driving a lot of the melodies. Racing A Butterfly is a series of fluttering songs, all based on the colorful floating butterflies. Our favorites are “Parallel Flying, Part 2”, “Cluster” and the softer ballad “Reworking of a Butterfly”. Eva Kess

Falling Stars 74 Eva Kess (Kesselring) started her musical Ballads Neu Klang career in Brazil studying ballet and tap 2020 dancing before taking up piano in Europe and eventually settling on bass as her primary instrument. She’s performed in Rio, Europe and New York and celebrates Falling Stars with a 7-piece chamber-jazz ensemble. Eva’s music is soothing, symphonic and sedative. She’ll be performing this material and more on tour in Europe through 2021. Photo: Eva Kesselring O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 28. Artist Title Top Contemporary Picks Label Rating O's Notes Karuna Trio The Karuna Trio is Adam Rudolph (membranophones, idophones, Imaginary chordophones, electronics, overtone vocals), Ralph M. Jones F (aerophones, voice) and Hamid Drake (membranophones, idophones, Archipelago C voice). They are percussionists with enormous imaginations. They Meta Records 84 discovered an Imaginary Archipelago, eleven islands that include many geographical landscapes. Each of these landscapes can be found in Africa and that seems like an alternate source of inspiration. The trio is well integrated with many years of experience playing together reflecting in the seamlessness of the package. It’s a unique approach and worth investigation. Wayne Alpern Wayne Alpern transforms ten classic pop tunes ranging from “Thriller” Standard to “My Girl”. The horns are crisp and the rhythm section is tight. Other Deviation 79 highlights are “Ode To Billy Joe”, “Who Loves You Pretty Baby” and “Don’t Stop Believin’”. The arrangements are unique making Standard Henri Elkan CP Deviation a fresh set fit for Baby Boomers. Simon Parisian vibraphonist and composer Simon Moullier is cultivated with degrees in music from Berklee and The Thelonious Monk Institute. Moullier F He’s a well-regarded musician on the NYC jazz scene. Spirit Song is Spirit Song C a penetrating, jazz-fusion set with fresh ideas that are easy to embrace Outside In 76 and enjoy. Moullier’s band is strong with fine work by bassist Luca Alemanno, saxophonist Morgan Guerin, drummer Jongkuk Kim and pianist Isaac Wilson. They are into the music, each other, and all of that positive energy flows into the groove, notably on “What If” featuring saxophonist Dayna Stephens. We also enjoyed “Bala” and the stop and go pace on “Acceptance”. Jerry Granelli Drummer Jerry Granelli leads a trio with pianist Jamie Saft and Bradley Plays Vince Christopher Jones on bass. They take on the music of Vince Guaraldi Guaraldi & (Charlie Brown) and blues singer Mose Allison. Jones and Granelli P composed and perform “Mind Prelude 1 & 2” as duets. Saft strikes a Mose Allison C serious blues note on the keys on “Parchman Farm”, one of the highlights Rare Noise 74 along with “Star Song” and “Christmas Time Is Here”.

O's Rating Scale (X) 0 65 80 95

Pass Contemplate Buy Strong Buy

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 29. O's Place Features Tigran Hamasyan Nonesuch 2020 The Call Within The Call Within is an introspective 74 Progressive Rock effort, the fourth recording from jazz pianist and composer, Tigran Hamasyan. He joins forces with bassist Evan Marien and drummer Arthur Hnatek forming a core trio. Tigran’s interest in maps, Armenian folklore, and astrology inspired these ten new compositions. Highlights are “Our Film” featuring guest artists Areni Agbabian (vocals) and Artyom Manukyan (cello), “Ara Resurrected”, “At a Post-Historic Seashore” and our favorite, “New Maps”. The music is fresh, unique and worth digesting.

Under the Lake is a contemporary jazz quintet with Quintin Gerard W. (sax, fl), Under The Lake Patrick Yandall (g), Nathan Brown (b), Your Horizon Too Richard Sellers (d) and 74 leader, composer Jayson R&B+Jazz Photos: Under The Lake Tipp (keyboards). They Mind in Overdrive play a dozen smooth 2020 tunes including nine originals. Among the best are their cover of “People Make the World Go ‘Round”, “Trip To The Grove”, “Josie” and the title track. There are three bonus radio edits as well. Your Horizon Too will satisfy a large audience. 2020 Vibes Alive Swing Ding Vibrasonic Vibes Alive is the collaboration of Smooth vibraphonist Dick Richter and guitarist Randall Crissman. Richter gets 78 down to business on “Sweet Vibes” and Crissman opens up on ”Earthtones”. They infuse the tried and true talents of keyboardist Jeff Lorber, bassist Jimmy Johnson, Luis Conte (perc) and drummer Vince Colaiuta! Anyone familiar with the contemporary jazz scene will recognize these names and with good reason. They live up to expectations on Vibrasonic, with a good blend of tempo, pace and just the right amount of funk. It’s all instrumental and has the right stuff!

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 30. O's Place Features

2020 Dave Askren & Tapestry Fusion Jeff Benedict 89 Paraphernalia Saxophonist Jeff Benedict and guitarist Dave Askren lead a quartet with bassist Jonathan Pintoff and drummer Chris Garcia. They perform the music of Wayne Shorter on Paraphernalia, their latest release. It’s a celebration of the 1960’s jazz-rock style that contained a wealth of sophisticated jazzy improvisation and expanded the reach towards more mainstream contemporary genres. “Iris” and “Fall” are two of the ballads, the latter with a Latin bent. Shorter’s music remains relevant especially tunes like “Yes

And/Or No”, “Mahjong” and the title track. Photo: Dave Askren David Boswell My Quiet Moon The Story Behind The Story Guitarist and composer David 2020 Fusion 74 Boswell has aligned himself with all- star musicians including co-producer Jimmy Haslip (b), Mitchel Forman (p), Otmaro Ruiz (keyboards) and Andy Snitzer (t-sax) for The Story Behind The Story. It’s a smart formula that yields good results. We enjoyed the peaceful groove of the title track and the cool funk of “Alta” in a mellow jazz-fusion set that is mostly Boswell originals.

84 Brecker Brothers funky Leopard Live and Unreleased 2020 This is a throwback session Live and Unreleased, a recording of the Brecker Brothers from their Great Tour of 1980 at the Onkel Pö club in Hamburg, Germany. The all-star band included Richie Morales (d) Barry Finnerty (g), Mark Cray (keys) and Neil Jason (b). We all miss the late Michael Brecker (tenor sax) but he’s here in full stride with Randy on Trumpet. Among the best are “Some Skunk Funk”, “Funky Sea, Funky Dew” and “I Don’t Know Either” in full-blown extended, live versions! Photo: The Brecker Brothers, 1977 O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 31. Contemporary Selections Artist Title Label X T Bob Gluck Early Morning Star FMR Records 76 CP Day Dream Originals Corner Store Jazz 74 CP Ricardo Grilli 1962 Tone Rogue 73 CF Rajiv Jayaweera Pistils Outside In 73 CF Leslie Beukelman Golden Daffodil Woolgathering 72 Cb David Bach Fierce Heart Integrity Music 71 CP I.P.A. Bashing Mushrooms Cuneiform 71 CF Herb Silverstein Looking Back, Play It Again Silver Tunes 71 CP Samoa Wilson I Just Want To Be Horizontal Kingswood 69 CP S. Isbin & A. Ali Khan Strings For Peace Zoho 68 CP Sebastien Ammann Resilience Skirl 67 CP Alister Spence Whirlpool Alister Spence 67 CF Gina Sicilia Love Me Madly Blue Elan 64 CP Aaron Stroessner Haymarket Station Aaron Stroessner 63 CP Max Light Herplusme rpr 61 CF 93 Laura Dickinson Holiday Auld Lang Syne Auld Lang Syne is a swinging big Music & Mirror band with vocals from Laura Dickinson starting off with “Happy Holiday/ 2020 The Holiday Season” launching us into the festive mode! The fire continues with “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm”, “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me”, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow” and “A Marshmallow World”. It’s energetic, festive and makes a holiday celebration different from the normal Christmas cheer! The title is a Scottish poem that sings goodbye to the past year and welcomes the New Year. Laura makes this recording one that you want to have in your Holiday rotation. ---> Sound advice at a nice price! www.OsPlaceJazz.com O's Rating Scale (X) 0 65 80 95

Pass Contemplate Buy Strong Buy

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 32. O's Place Legends Louis Armstrong 82 Dot Time Live in France Dixie This live session was captured at the 1948 2020 Jazz Festival in Nice, France. Louis is in prime form on his trumpet and singing. The band Armstrong’s All-Stars, is exemplary with Jack Teagarden (tb, vocals), Barney Bigard (cl), Earl Hines (p), Arbel Shaw (b) and Sid Catlett (d). They play ten classics including vocal tracks that were fully embraced by the French audience. Among the best, “Black And Blue”, “Rockin’ Chair” and “Dear Old Southland” with Hines standing out. The album was just released by Dot Time on high quality vinyl (limited edition) as well as digitally and it is truly a delight!

I Fall In Love Too Easily 89 Modern Larry Willis High Note 2020 This is the final recording for the late pianist, Larry Williams. It ended where it started in 1965, at Rudy Van Gelder’s recording studio! Larry was an understated musician who brought a tremendous amount of energy and context to whatever he touched. He plays with a solid team here: Jeremy Pelt (t), Joe Ford (a-sax), Blake Meister (b) and Victor Lewis (d). The eight selections are freshly arranged classics and a couple of originals, beautiful music! Photo: André F. Chung/Baltimore Sun ---> Sound advice at a nice price! www.OsPlaceJazz.com

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 33. O's Place Features Jason Kao Hwang 77 Mulatta Human Rites Trio Fusion 2020 This is a free fusion set featuring master violinist, composer and leader Jason Kao Hwang. Bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Andrew Drury round out the trio. Filiano’s generous use of the bow brings the strings together on the nearly chaotic “Words Asleep Spoken Awake: Part I & II”. We preferred the introspective “Conscious Concave Concrete”, “2 AM” and the adventurous “Defiance”. This recording was created during the pandemic and is dedicated to the heroic medical personnel who saved many lives, and in memory of the million+ lives that were tragically lost on this disease.

Jazz thrives, our legacy artform!

Final Notes Johnny Mandel, composer and arranger for many jazz and pop legends including Basie and Sinatra, died of a heart ailment on June 29, 2020 at 94. Cleve Eaton, was a bassist, producer, arranger, composer, publisher, and head of his own record company. He was 80 years old when he died on July 5. San Jose's Ambassador of Jazz, trumpeter Eddie Gale succumbed to prostate cancer on July 10, 2020. He was 78. Singer Annie Ross of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross died of emphysema and heart disease on July 20. She was 89. Trombonist Helen Jones Woods of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm died on July 25 from Covid-19. She was 96. Joe Segal, founder and owner of Chicago's Jazz Showcase died on August 10 at 94 years old. Hard bop and jazz-fusion saxophonist Steve Grossman died at age 69 on August 13 following years of substance abuse. Saxophonist and DePaul University professor Mark Colby succumbed to cancer on August 31. He was 71. Bassist Gary Peacock died at his home in Upstate New York on September 4, 2020. He was 85. The musical contributions of these fine jazz professionals will remain with us forever.

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 34. O's Place Features

87 Zoho Swingadelic Blues 2020 Bluesville Swingadelic is a neo-swing large ensemble led by bassist Dave Post. They are a New York-based collective that morphs into different configurations to suit the venue and the song. Bluesville is a celebration of all types of blues: electric, acoustic, instrumental and vocal. They do a fine take on Ray Charles’ “Mary Ann” featuring John Bauers singing. Vanessa Perea sings “What’s Your Story, Morning Glory” supported by strong brass. John Bauers takes the mic of “Lonely Avenue” with Kyle Koehler working the organ. These are just a few of the winners in 14 blues tracks that will satisfy a wide audience. Adonis Rose Piece of Mind NOLA-based drummer Adonis Rose brings it on Piece Of Mind, recorded live at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, 83 MI. The funky backdrop from bassist Jasen Weaver with R&B+Jazz Rose is established on the first track “Keep Your Soul Photo: Innovative Percussion Storyville Together” with stirring solos from Maurice Brown (t), Tia Fuller (a-sax) and 2020 Miki Hayama (keyboards). That sets the stage for a really engaging session. Sasha Masakowski softens the mood on “Entropy” and Fuller shines on “Nostalgic Impressions”. Whether you are chilling on the title track or jammin’ hard on the New Orleans beat of “Maurice’s Rap”, this is a winning hand.! Subscriptions to O's Place Jazz Magazine Each subscription is 4 issues - send your check to: P.O. BOX 38430, Charlotte, NC 28278 Just $15/yr. Available on line at: www.OsPlaceJazz.com

* Access to current and archived issues in PDF format * Ability to sort database of reviews * Quarterly issues as well as weekly updates to web site including live concert reviews and other special features. * Always concise advice at a fair price and no advertising!

O's Place Jazz Magazine 26.3 Fall 2020 - Page 35.