Philly 3
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Pianist, composer James Fernando leads a trio with bassist Dan McCain and Kyan Williams on drum for Philly 3. Sam Harris steps in on bass for two tracks notably Errol Garner’s “Like It Is”, the lone cover alongside eight originals. We liked the ragtime swing of “The Parisian”, “Singularity”, the rolling “Neon Kyon”, and “Beings On Toast”. Fernando is shining on his sixth release as a leader.
Violette
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Bassist, composer, producer Ted Olsen leads the Violette Chamber Ensemble, with a fluid list of musicians. Vocals come from Aby Wolf and Eric Mayson in a jazzy contemporary set. We liked Wolf’s performance on “Dusk” that contrasts with the introspective chamber pieces like “Present Tense. We enjoyed the refreshing “Intermezzo” and the relaxing finale “Abade”, again featuring Wolf.
Future Present Past
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Irreversible Entanglements is a free-jazz quintet led by Camae Ayewa aka Moor Mother. The balance of the band is Luke Stewart (b), Aquiles Navarro (t), Keir Neuringer (sax), and Tcheser Holmes (d). Future Present Past is their current release featuring guests Helado Negro (vocals, g, synths) and Motherboard (vocals). The vibe is jazz fusion with spoken word on top. It’s made for the club set.
Back to San Francisco
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: The Lazy Californians are a festive band led by Cameron Washington (t, vocals). They open with energy on “Back To San Francisco”, followed by a strong taste of New Orleans on “Mêlée in the Vieux Carré” including Benwar Shephard on sousaphone. There’s a stirring rendition of “Movin’ On Up” featuring vocalist Shamila Ivory. We also enjoyed “Busted Key Stomp”, “Ricochet” featuring Todd Woodward, “The Cookout” with Glenn Appell (harmonica), and “I Ain’t Drunk”. The stories are entertaining and the rhythm is solid end to end.