Jazz Standards, Vol. 1
O's Notes: This is a fine collection of standards that are done to perfection helping listeners reminisce, relax and enjoy the music. The recording was made 20 years ago and it sounds fresh today, the sign of well-made standards. Yes, everybody has a standards album but this one cooks! Guitarist and bandleader Henry Robinett is on top of his game as are his counterparts, pianist Joe Gilman, bassist Chris Symer and drummer Michael Stephans. Some of the best are “Invitation”, “The Way You Look Tonight” and “East Of The Sun”.
Dawn Comes Quietly
O's Notes: We continue to be impressed by the Danish reed master Sarah Elgeti and her band. For her latest recording Dawn Comes Quietly, Elgeti (t-sax, fl, b-cl) leads a quartet with Nils Raae (keys, harmonica), Anders Krough Fjeldsted (b) and Henrik Holst Hansen (d). Nine of eleven selections are originals including “Whereto”, a rich vocal featuring Sidsel Storm. Other highlights are “Changing Whispers”, “Crazy Destiny” and “En sommeraften”.