SCOTT WILKIE - ALL IN
Making
an explosive re-emergence onto the contemporary urban jazz scene, Scott Wilkie
is truly All In, melodic and funky as ever on his highly-anticipated new album,
which marks his first full ensemble recording in over ten years. It's a dynamic
and diverse collection featuring his own longtime live band which plays
regularly throughout his home base of Southern California - and a true dream
list of all-star guests and friends: Jay Beckenstein, Jimmy Haslip, Jeff
Lorber, Jay Graydon, Paul Jackson Jr., Vinnie Colaiuta, Peter Sprague and Jeff
Kashiwa. Includes Summer Song, Canyon
Song, Blues Cruise, Beach Hut,. Put It Where You Want It, Emma's
Groove, America the Beautiful, Isn't She
Lovely, and The One
MICHAEL DEASE - RELENTLESS
A
stunning large ensemble set from trombonist Michael Dease – the first we've
ever heard from him in this format, and a record that brings us back to some of
the most inventive bigger bands of the late 60s – such as groups by Duke
Pearson, or the team of Thad Jones & Mel Lewis! No surprise, Dease starts
out with a great version of Pearson's "Is That So" for the record –
really grabbing us right away with his deft intepretation of the soulful
classic, which is presented in newly shimmering tones by his own arrangement.
Michael then continues to wow us with his work on all other tracks as well – a
mix of his own compositions, and a few newly-remade classics – featuring solo
work from Greg Gisbert on trumpet, Todd Bashore on alto, Diego Rivera on tenor,
Miki Hayama on piano, Etienne Charles on trumpet, Sharel Cassity on tenor,
Wycliffe Gordon on trombone, and the leader's own instrument on a few key solo
moments as well. Titles include "Is That So", "Force",
"Relentless", "The Takeover", "Little Lucas", and
"Roppongi". ~ Dusty
Groove
WADADA
LEO SMITH / GEORGE LEWIS / JOHN ZORN – SONIC RIVERS
An
excellent session from trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, with trombone and
electronics by George Lewis, and alto sax by John Zorn! It's got the jagged,
freely experimental vibe you'd expect from such a trio, but it moves with a
deliberate sonic flow, hence the title, albeit with some sharp edges. Plenty of
muscular interplay amongst the trio, with Lewis's occasional electronic
flourishes serving as an exciting wild card element, but there's a roominess
and an overall sense of restraint here that works really well. Great stuff!
Includes "Cecil Taylor", "The Art Of Counterpoint",
"North", "South", "East", "West",
"Screaming Grass" and "The Culture Of Gun Violence In The
US". ~ Duty Groove
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