Spiegel, Russ
Ruzztone Music, 2023, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 30.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 88
O’s Notes: Guitarist Russ Spiegel plays mostly blues accompanied by a strong band including Jim Gasior (organ) Lucas Apostoleris (d). Tim Armacost (sax, fl), Brian Lynch (t), Javier Nero (tb), Hendrik Meurkens (harmonica), and Ron Beal (vocals) also make contributions on Caribbean Blue. There is a touch of reggae on “Island Song” and they swing on “The Streets of Milan”. We enjoyed the horn harmonies on “Slippery Slope”, the peaceful “Inquietude” featuring Beal, the rich, mid-tempo groove of “Retribution Blues” with cool organ and guitar solos, and “Smooth Move” featuring Armacost. The passion continued to build throughout this session leaving us satisfied.
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services
