CD Reviews - August 2009
by George Fendel, and Kyle O'Brien

Nightscape, Jon Mayer, piano.
Mayer has several albums on the Reservoir label, all of which place him in the inner circle of great jazz pianists. As on previous recordings, Mayer includes veteran bassist Rufus Reid, and for the second time, Roy McCurdy handles the drums. If you have not yet heard Mayer, perhaps his combination of swing and elegance can be described by using names like Tommy Flanagan, Hank Jones and Eddie Higgins, among others. Mayer always presents a wonderfully balanced menu of standards and jazz classics (Harold Lands’ “Rapture,” Horace Silver’s “Room 608” and the beautiful ballad by Fred Lacey, “Theme For Ernie”). To provide the blues touch that every straight ahead album requires, Mayer offers “Blues Junction,” a cousin, one might say, to “Billy’s Bounce.” Mayer’s other original is the title tune, a melodic picture of the sounds of New York deep in the night. The program is completed with a memorable Jobm tune, “Once I Loved.” If the classic piano trio (no gimmicks, no electronics, no shamaltz) speaks volumes to you regarding what jazz is truly all about, Mayer’s new album is your cup of tea.
Reservoir, 2009, 59:06.

Doozy, Jackie Ryan, vocals.
It’s not a ‘gimme’ that even someone as talented as Jackie Ryan is going to maintain a career as a jazz singer. Survival of the fittest, of course, and Ms. Ryan states her case here as one of the finest of the current crop. And make no mistake, she’s a jazz singer through and through. One doesn’t team up with such stalwarts as Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Alexander and Jeremy Pelt without being able to walk the walk. On this two CD set, Ryan runs the gamut from Benny Carter’s charming title tune to Leonard Bernstein’s everlasting “Some Other Time.” In between, she travels a varied path through the likes of  Nat Cole, Kurt Weill, Jimmy McHugh, Billie Holiday, Oscar Brown Jr., and many others. Among a bevy of highlights: “Do Something” may be one you remember as a staple for Betty Carter; “My How the Time Goes By” was a minor classic for Bill Henderson; and Burke and Van Heusen’s “Get Rid of Monday” brings Lena Horne to mind. A bonus here is an absolutely splendid liner note booklet giving a complete roster of soloists on every tune and a ton of great photos from the recording session. All told, Ryan certainly states her case for inclusion on the honor roll of present day jazz singers.
Open Art Productions, 2009, CD #1: 49:44; CD #2: 51:10.

Baker’s Dozen, John Proulx, piano, vocals.
I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Proulx (pronounced like ‘shoe’) on two trips to Los Angeles. I was blown away both times by his swinging piano prowess and his hip, Chet Baker-ish vocal style. Out on a limb I go, but I’d rate him ahead of Chet as a singer. And so, for his second CD on MaxJazz, music associated with Chet was an easy choice. As was the case on his initial CD, Proulx’s trio includes LA stalwarts Chuck Berghofer, bass, and Joe LaBarbera, drums. To give the performance an additional Baker touch, Proulx smartly brought in laid-back, lyrical New York trumpet man Dominick Farinacci on selected tunes. Just so you know, the “Chet tunes” include “Let’s Get Lost,” “Time After Time,” “I Remember You,” “Line for Lyons,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Long Ago and Far Away” and others. Proulx caresses ballads like “I Fall in Love Too Easily,” and scats here and there effortlessly and always very musically. The surprise of the set is “Before You Know It,” an impressive and optimistic Proulx original. It’s no secret that there’s a dearth of A+ male jazz singers out there, and thank goodness, here is one to really celebrate! An added bonus is that he plays piano with all the class and skill of the best of them. Proulx, please understand, is a keeper of the flame, and if Chet were here, he’d be Proulx’s biggest fan  -- after me!.
MaxJazz; 2009, 62:31.

Sound Check, Jack Cortner, leader, arranger.
New York bassist Jay Leonhart once wrote a song that explained the difference between bands led by Lester Lanin and Louie Bellson. Of course, Louie’s band was the clear-cut choice of the two, and this band would also walk away with the blue ribbon. Cortner has crafted his arrangements to feature the trumpet and flugelhorn of Marvin Stamm, a long favorite of Apple insiders. Indeed this is a hand-picked aggregation of New York heavies including Jim Pugh, Jerry Dodgion, Bob Malach, Jon Gordon and Bill Mays. And Stamm’s shining tone and supreme musicianship are a wonder to experience. Cortner obviously reveres the great American songbook, with such staples as “Strike Up the Band,” “Speak Low” and “ Caravan.” Other goodies here include the title tune -- straight down the middle blues, with winning solos from Stamm and Mays. Cortner’s other original is “a la Mode,” a buoyant, boppy, blowing banquet! And don’t forget a visit to Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island,” nicely dressed up in big band apparel. Cortner allows his musicians to flex their New York chops  throughout. Thankfully, it’s a long way from Lester Lanin.
Jazzed Media:  2009, 59:20.

Jim Turner’s Jelly Roll Blues, Jim Turner, piano.
Recordings such as this one immediately communicate historical significance, aside from their value as wonderful entertainment. The music of Jelly Roll Morton might be thought of as a curious museum piece by some, but great art is usually housed in a museum. I rest my case. Jim Turner, self-described as “spellbound” by Morton’s music, spends much of his time as pianist in the San Antonio-based Jim Cullen Jazz Band. As a performer in that setting, these solo performances are Turner’s bread and butter. Morton, as anyone worth his suspenders would know, wrote joyous melodies that extended the work of ragtime writers, and made it swing relentlessly. Turner tackles 14 Morton melodies with obvious affection. He turns in sparkling solos on familiar fare such as “King Porter Stomp,” “Grandpa’s Spells,” “Wolverine Blues” and “The Pearls.” But he also unearths rare Morton-isms like “Perfect Rag,”  “Winin’ Boy Blues,” and lots more. This is music to brighten your day and put a smile on your face.
Arbors; 2009, 56:01.

When The Heart Dances, Lawrence Hobgood, piano.
For starters, who among jazz artists would start their CD with the old Doris Day opus, “Que Sera Sera”? But right off the bat, one picks up on the fact that something awfully nice is unfolding here. This is primarily a duo effort between Hobgood, a vastly undervalued pianist, and Charlie Haden, a household name bassist. It seems to me that Haden, especially in his efforts with Quartet West, is a nostalgic kind of guy, and he seems to transfer that quality to Hobgood with such entries as the opener as well as “Stairway to the Stars,” “Why Did I Choose You” and “Daydream.” Kurt Elling offers two vocals, one on Haden’s beautiful “First Song.” It’s a gorgeous creation, and while Elling’s vocal doesn’t quite match up to Ruth Cameron’s (Haden’s wife) on a previous recording, he gives it a passionate treatment. Several lesser known songs present Hobgood and Haden in virtual recital mode. I know that there are those among you who agree there is still plenty of room for pretty in the jazz hemisphere. And this session is very pretty.
Naim Jazz; 2009, 64:37.

Next Set, Jim Ketch, trumpet.
I’ve learned from nearly two decades of writing reviews that it’s never a wise idea to dismiss a recording simply due to the unfamiliar names of the players. There are skilled, swinging, dedicated jazz musicians everywhere. So why not in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where Jack Ketch serves as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of North Carolina? In addition to numerous other musical activities throughout the world, Ketch has put together a bristling, high voltage quintet in the best of the hard bop tradition. Wally West, tenor; Stephen Anderson, piano; Steve Haines, bass; and Thomas Taylor, drums, are the remaining newbies to this listener. Among a few original compositions and a couple of stirring tunes by trumpet ace Tom Harrell, the quintet examines a few rarely performed gems like Kenny Dorham’s “Short Story”; John Coltrane’s “Lonnie’s Lament” and an album highlight medley of “Peace” and “Blue Silver.” To these, add a few standards. And the result? A perfect balance of song selection, varied tempo, skilled solo work, and as any bop group must, they cook! Thirty bucks a head at the door if these guys were working a club in New York. Undoubtedly somewhat less in Chapel Hill. And, familiar names or not, let’s hope the locals appreciate what they have in Ketch and his swinging quintet.
Summit, 2009; 73:55.

In Concert At The Old Mill Inn, Dick Hyman, piano.
Let’s start by reminding you that Dick Hyman has been a certified master of his craft for maybe fifty years. I think of him as the chameleon of jazz because he does it all: ragtime, boogie woogie, bop, it makes no difference. And he does it in any setting: from symphony orchestra to piano trio or, as in this case, a solo piano performance before an attentive and appreciative audience. Dick Hyman has nothing to prove. He simply sits down at the Steinway and carries you away on a flight that includes a tip of the chapeau to Andy Razaf, who collaborated with Fats Waller on “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Honeysuckle Rose”; Benny Goodman on “Stompin’ At the Savoy” and Leon Berry on a little gem called “Christopher Columbus.” The Gershwin brothers are also tapped here with “The Man I Love” and “I Can’t Get Started.” Be assured, however, that Dick Hyman is right at home at other locations on the musical map. For instance, Lennon and McCartney’s “Blackbird.” And he does it all with the ease and savoir faire on might expect from one of the best that jazz has ever offered.
Sackville; 2009. 64:55.

Big Moon, Faith Gibson, vocals.
Sometimes you just know. It takes two or three tunes to verify it, but as the well-written originals continue, one can distinguish quality song writing. Faith Gibson, a new name to me, contributes a few tunes here and turns other selections over to very hip wordsmith Christopher Morse. His melodies, along with those of others here, are fresh and invigorating. And Ms. Gibson interprets these tunes in an ultra-cool but totally unpretentious manner that she’s seemingly perfect for the task. Gibson chooses a small jazz group, all unknown names to me, to provide ideal, understated backup. The two standards on the disc are also performed with pizzaz. Gibson isn’t going to spin your head around with show biz shtick. Instead there’s a touch of Meredith d’Ambrosio or Lorraine Feather here and there. In any case, I really liked her approach and wouldn’t mind hearing more from her.
Capricopia Records, 2009, 55:26.

Detour Ahead, Chris Pasin, trumpet.
Hey, if you can get a gig with a rhythm section of Benny Green, Rufus Reid and Dannie Richmond, you’re going to grab the attention of this reviewer. Add sax and flute man Steve Slagle and you can be sure there’s going to be some fire in the factory. Pasin, a driving force on the trumpet, has served New York’s jazz community (obviously way too anonymously) for many years. He’s toiled in the trumpet sections of Buddy Rich and the Toshiko-Tabackin band among others. So here it is: his first chance as a leader, and Pasin and his Gotham colleagues cook up a hard bop stew that is the very essence of New York jazz. Most of the tunes are originals, but certainly you’ll recognize the title tune. The other familiar vehicle is Rogers and Hart’s evergreen “My Romance.” Pasin and company bring a bit of tempo to it, making this version quite  memorable. All in all, what you have here is five dedicated musicians playing the music they’d play in a club; East Coast hard bop in all its glory!
H2O Records; 2009, 60:56.

Sleeping Lady, New West.
I first encountered John Storie as a high school musician here in Portland at least a half dozen years ago. I was pretty much blown away by both his chops and his interest in jazz. Now he’s taken that talent in the direction of an all-acoustic guitar trio with fellow plectrists Brady Cohan and Perry Smith. The three-guitar acoustic sound is pure ear candy, and I’m quite confident you’ll find their efforts much to your liking on an all original program. Gretchen Parlato’s two sweet, soprano vocals are rather akin to a fourth (!) acoustic guitar.
Self-produced, 2009; 46:06.

Politico, Frank Glover, clarinet.
Just get it out of your mind completely, because Frank Glover is not in the Goodman-Shaw camp. On this CD, the clarinet gets a contemporary, ‘out’ but thoroughgoing examination, and Glover’s technical prowess is impressive. His quartet (clarinet and conventional rhythm section) deliver a tightly knit level of communication, sometimes testing you a bit as an astute listener. All tunes are originals, and while I wouldn’t call this exactly avante garde, there is an edge to it that urges you to listen.
Owl Studios, 2009; 42:45.

I’ll Play The Blues For You, Jeff Golub, guitar.
My response to the title of this CD is ‘no, you won’t.’  I guess this is what a younger generation calls blues, but to my ear, it’s very unsubtle rock, loaded with electronic goo and annoying vocals. One wonders who’s in charge at the Koch Jazz label.
Koch Jazz, 2009.

It’s Time, Art Lillard, drums.
If you sometimes become weary of music intended to ‘stretch the boundaries,’ give these guys a try. Art Lillard leads a quartet featuring the lyrical saxophones of Danny Walsh in a program of music sure to please. Lillard and his pals take you through originals with real melody lines (remember those?) and finely honed standards. Lillard refers to his music as ‘accessible.’ I’d agree, but I’d add swinging, lyrical, listenable and well-performed.
Summit; 2009, 60:39.

A New Day, Mimi Jones, vocals, bass.
I guess the smooth jazz audience would be the target for this recording. After all, it was filled with electronic gimmickry, overdubbed vocals, electric piano and the rest. All of the material is rather pedestrian pop, and most of Jones’ enunciation comes off as very tough to understand. With all of that going for it, look for it to sell a zillion copies and win a Grammy.
Hot Tone Music, 2009; 68:26.

Under My Skin, Mark Lambert, voice, guitars, percussion.
Give the guy credit for trying something that, to my knowledge, has never been done before: Singing great American standards in instrumental settings primarily leaning towards Brazilian, Indian and Arabic sounds. Lambert has a pleasant enough voice, and the Brazilian part of the program works nicely. The other ethnic sounds, although minimal, don’t quite fit the material. Among Lambert’s choices are “I Love Paris,” “Tenderly,” “But Not for Me” and “Without a Song.”
Challenge Records, 2009, 40:26.

Paris, 1957, Brother John Sellers, vocals.
This is a reissue of two original vinyl albums from French Columbia featuring blues singer Brother John Sellers. For reasons unknown to me, Sellers never made the big splash in American jazz circles, but if you like the style of Jimmy Rushing, you’re going to find something here that you can sink your teeth into. Guy Lafitte, a nearly forgotten but excellent French tenor man, leads a group that backs Sellers with bravado. If you’re an authentic blues fan and not a pretender to the throne, this is a nice find.
Sackville, 2009, 51:15.

Reviews by Kyle O'Brien