Faster Than We Know
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Benjie Porecki is an established keyboardist and composer, leading a trio with Mark Prince (d) and Gary Baker (b) on Faster Than We Know. Porecki’s music is a mature blend of smooth jazz, soul, and funk with braid appeal. It is more complex than a few cool riffs that characterize most smooth jazz offerings today. It reminded us of early Jeff Lorber recordings. “Right Direction”, “It’s Gonna Be Alright”, the spiritual “Headed Home”, and “May It Bring You Up” are a few highlights.
Live at Cliff Bell’s, Vol. II
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Trumpeter Michael Sarian leads a quartet on this set Live At Cliff Bell’s, Vol II. Santiago Leibson (p), Marty Kennedy (b), and Nathan Ellman-Bell (d) round out the band. We liked “Floating Sharks” and “Picklepuss Romp” best in this set of seven selections.
Prawntail
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Prawntail is a progressive trio featuring pianist Evan Main, bassist Walter Stinson, and Steven Cramer on drums. The self-titled debut includes eight originals that are as provocative as their titles. “There’s A Special Place In Hell For The Reagans” is a prime example. Other highlights are “Ripple”, the more relaxed “For The Morrow”, and “Get A Job”.
Full Circle
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Pianist, composer Steve Allen is back with his large ensemble conducted by John Clayton for Full Circle. The seven selections range from peaceful ballads like “Brothers” featuring Jim Pugh (tb) to spirited tunes line “The Avenue”. We liked the mysterious “Zeebs” featuring John Raymond (t), “Ransom Place” with Ansyn Banks (t), and the title track.
Every Part Of Me
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Smooth jazz saxophonist Jackiem Joyner strives to take it up a notch on his ninth album Every Part of Me. He incorporates elements of funk and soul with the radio friendly riffs, pouring his heart into each selection. Joyner plays/programs most instruments but gets help from W. Timothy Bailey and guitarist A. Ray “The Weeper” Fuller. Brian Simpson (p) is featured on “Just Like That” with drummer Brandon Harris and bassist Jerome Randall. “Here To Stay”, “Never Letting Go”, and “Boss” are also notable.