The Cure
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2022
O's Notes: Farzin Fahadi plays alto and soprano sax. He composed and produced The Cure, with Christian Jacob (p), Trey Henry (b) and The Allegra String Quartet. There are eight wonderfully beautiful selections bathing in strings with Fahadi’s sax melodies accentuating the core, drum-less rhythm section. We were mesmerized in repeated listening by all the splendor that comes with this relaxing set, dedicated to those who succumbed to the corona virus.
Every Choice Is An Act of Courage
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2022
O's Notes: Brazilian guitarist Caio Afiune has performed internationally as a side man with top acts, with the jazz collective Imagine 5 and as a leader. Every Choice Is An Act of Courage is his latest release and it is a refreshing set of originals combing Brazilian and American jazz. Caio shares melodies with alto saxophonist Nathan Reising in tandem and alone. They put a fresh twist on “Caravana” and vocalist Jessica Curran expands the palate on “Precious” and “Returning”.
Excuses, Excuses
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2022
O's Notes: Trombonist and bandleader Jarad Dubin assembles a fine team with saxophonist Nick Biello, guitarist Syberen van Munster, Sebastien Amman on keyboards, drummer Danny Wolf and bassist Russ Flynn. The groove is a contemporary jazz-fusion across varied tempos. Wolf stands out with fierce beats on “Working Class” and a slammin’ solo on “Passive Aggressive”. We also liked “The Breaks”, “Ain’t No Thang” and “Excuses, Excuses” featuring solos by Biello, Dubin and van Munster.
Into The Heart Of It
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2022
O's Notes: Saxophonist, composer Steve Slagle turns to ballads for Into The Heart of It, his latest release. His band is complimentary including pianists Bruce Barth or Richard Sussman, bassist Ugonna Okegwo and Jason Tiemann on drums. The pace is slow and the mood is romantic for a mix of originals and classics. Highlights include “Le Sucrier Velours”, “Reflections” featuring Randy Brecker, “My One And Only”, and “Kiss Lonely Goodbye”.