Production Sessions: Volume five!
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: And now, Volume five! With a mixed vocal approach that crosses generations, this is a fine experience. The former Zombies guitarist presents twelve of his 1970s classic rock/pop tunes with Pete Brown featured on “Friends From A Distance”, surprisingly relevant in the pandemic! Duffy Power, Brian Cullman and Pete Brown are a few of many stars supporting the effort. It is yet another clear view of yesterday.
More Than Another Day
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Like most musicians, pianist and composer Lisa Hilton was forced to abort her 2020 tour and hunker down, spawning her creative juices. The result is yet another compelling effort. Hilton assembles her trio with drummer Rudy Royston and bassist Luques Curtis for More Than Another Day. These are a fresh set of Lisa’s tunes that have an easily embraceable warmth. They open with the title track and move into a Latin-tinged groove on “Secret Beach” and the sole cover, Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”. There’s a touch of blues and several beautiful ballads over ten selections.
Kôrôlén
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Toumani Diabate is from Mali and plays the kora, a west African harp. His music reminds us of the peaceful background we have heard in the lobby of some Japanese hotels and restaurants. It is infused with some elements of flamenco and eastern Indian flavor. He partners with the London Symphony Orchestra for Korolen, a commissioned work featuring traditional Malian music that is very relaxing.
Still There, Still Free
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: French guitarist, educator and composer Serge Lazarevitch assembles a trio with Ben Sluijs (alto saxophone, alto flute) and Teun Verbruggen (drums, electronics) for Still There, Still Free. “Evidence”, the mellow “It Should Have Been A Normal Day” and “Law Years” are best tracks in a well-recorded session that is intriguing.
Beyond
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Futari is pianist Satoko Fujii and vibraphonist Taiko Saito. They met about 15 years ago when Taiko was a student, got to know each other better when both lived in Berlin and began playing together in 2017 before performing on tour in Germany and Japan in 2019. That led to this recording, Beyond. They play a series of subtle, rather eerie passages that are insightful and engaging. Both musicians extend the normal boundaries of their instruments to extract percussion and atypical, out-of-the-box, note striking. They engage in a bit of cat and mouse on “Mobius Loop”, our favorite in a fresh improvisational session composed by Fujii (mostly) and Saito.