The Gal From Ochi
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Composer, saxophonist Michael Jackson leads a large ensemble playing a wide range of contemporary jazz on The Gal From Ochi. There are gentle reggae beats on the title track and “One For Junior”, a taste of hip-hop on “Blew Stew” with spoken word by Marvin Tate and funky guitar from Aaron Koppel, and a little calypso on “Pop Tart” & “Sonny the Squirrel” featuring Johnny “Showtime” Janowiak on trombone. Theresa are notable inputs from Andrew Zallar (keyboards, vibes) and Makaya McCraven (drums).
The Skipper and Mike Clark
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Daggerboard is a San Francisco-based band formed by producer Gregory Howe (g) and Erik Jekabson (t). It is anchored by drummer Mike Clark, and “The Skipper”, bassist Henry Franklin. They sprinkle several other artists into the mix including Mads Tolling (violin), Babatunde (congas), Dave MacNab (g), Dave Ellis (sax), and Matt Clark (p). The program opens with a sense of mystery on “Desierto De Tabernas”, awakening on “Tanzanian Skies”, strolling on “Running Into One”, a taste of funk on “A Pride in the Prairie”, and back to the adventure of “Street Sheik”. Program is engaging, symphonic Rich with excellent musical performances.
As It Relates To Now
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Bassist Christian Dillingham leads a trio with Greg Ward (a-sax) and Jeremy Cunningham (d) on As It Relates To Now. This modern jazz set features Ward on the title track and Cunningham on “Delusional Grandeur”. But Dillingham asserts his presence throughout the session especially on “Wooden Lawns” and “Obsoletion”, taking ownership with pride.
Every Journey
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Ensemble C is Claire Cope’s large ensemble, presenting Every Journey their sophomore recording. There are eight lengthy original compositions that range from light fusion to contemporary big band. We enjoyed “Flight” with vocalization from Brigitte Bertha, and solos by Matt Carmichael (t-sax) and Ant Law (g), “Isabel” featuring soloists Anoushka Nanguy (tb), Rob Cope (b-sax), Freddie Gavita (t), and Jack McCarthy (perc), and the airiness of “The Light of the Dark” & “Amboseli”. The liner notes provide excellent background for each song, enhancing the listening experience.