Lone Guitar
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2024
O's Notes: Dan Baraszu displays his prowess and precision on Lone Guitar, a solo effort of twenty popular selections over 48 minutes. He works through complex chord melodies with ease and in a delightful way. “We Are Champions”, “Take Five”, “Blue Bossa”, and “Angela (Taxi Theme)” are some of the best in a very good set.
Bossas and Boleros
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2024
O's Notes: Mexican bassist, vocalist, composer Gabriel Espinosa celebrates the styles he grew up with on Bossas and Boleros, a strong Latin session. Kim Nazarian spreads her warm tones over soothing rhythms as the primary vocalist. She sings gloriously on “Amelia”, and presents her voice as an instrument, harmonizing with the horns on “Mi Jarana”. Pianist Misha Tsiganov makes his presence felt throughout the session with guest Fred Hersch sitting in on two selections notably “No Me Platiques Mas” including vocals from Espinosa. Gerardo Flores sings on “Nosotros” and The New York Voices shine on “Sing”.
Oma
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2024
O's Notes: Canadian pianist R Grunwald has played countless sessions as a side man, but Oma is his first solo effort, playing original music. It is dedicated to his grandmother (Oma), who was a major influence in inspiring him to continue studying piano after quitting at an early age. These eight selections are inspirational to listeners, a variety of moods, tempo, and reflections. It is embellished by some electronic effects that enhance the mood leading to a fulfilling session.
Tuesday’s Child
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2024
O's Notes: Pianist, vocalist Alyse Korn and saxophonist, flautist Robert Kyle are the headliners on Tuesday’s Child, a warm set of nine original selections, 3 composed by Korn and 6 by Kyle. Kevin Winard plays drums and percussion. We liked Korn’s wispy vocalizations on “What If”, and Kyle’s warm sax on “You Light” and “Blue Jack”. Guest Leonice Shinneman add tabla on “Ruby’s Dream” to close out a balanced session.
How Can It Be?
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2024
O's Notes: 71-year-old pianist, composer, and educator, Gordon Lee leads a quartet for How Can It Be? his latest release. Drummer Gary Hobbs, bassist Dennis Caiazza, and saxophonist Renato Caranto join him over nine selections. “Angry Mother Nature”, “Shaky Assets”, “How Can It Be”, and “‘Deed I Did It” are among the best selections as Lee remains dexterous and full of energy throughout the entire session.
Sunlight Shines In
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2024
O's Notes: A Seattle native, saxophonist, flutist, composer Mark Lewis has performed and lived on the West coasts of North America and Europe, making pleasant jazz for over four decades! He leads a quartet with Ron Kobayashi (p), Baba Elefante (b) and Steve Dixon (d) and the Sunlight Shines In over eleven warm, relaxing, original compositions. Recording engineer Nolan Shaheed plays trumpet on two selections, “Swami’s Song” and “Leaving Fall Behind”, dedicated to Steve Swanson and Miles Davis respectively. Lewis is blind but has incredible musical vision and band leadership as demonstrated here.