Proto - Cosmos
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 30, 2022
O's Notes: In a true celebration of the late British fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth, keyboardist Alan Pasqua, drummer Chad Wackerman and bassist Jimmy Haslip produce Proto-Cosmos, a live recording including Holdsworth that is still sizzling! “Looking Glass”, “Pud Wud”, “It Must Be Jazz” and “Blues For Tony” are a few of the highlights in a wish-we-were-there set!
Uncharted Faith
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 30, 2022
O's Notes: Free jazz violinist Jason Kao Hwang collaborates with the late electronics, synthesizer artist J. A. Deane as the Dino Duo. This is a rather edgy endeavor created over distance during the pandemic. It would be Deane’s final recording as he succumbed to throat cancer. Uncharted Faith is like what you’d expect or imagine in an intergalactic space tour. Among the best is the title track. Considering the circumstances, it is indeed transitional.
Bordeaux Concert
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 30, 2022
O's Notes: Veteran jazz pianist Keith Jarrett was engaged in solo piano concerts prior to suffering serious health issues in 2018. This concert was recorded live in July 2016. It is an exercise in solo piano, free fusion where Keith is expressing his inner feelings across XIII unnamed songs. Bordeaux Concert is appreciated by a large, warm crowd. This is much more than just random musings as Keith’s enthusiasm spills over into the audience. We feel his passion, and so will you. The ladder parts are far more accessible, leading up to a blues romp before several ballads and the finale.
Levitation I
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 30, 2022
O's Notes: Levitation I is a duet featuring pianist Laszlo Gardony and Kevin Kastning playing a 36-string Double Contraguitar. A what, you ask? This is a double neck guitar made specially for Kastning by Emerald Guitar. So indeed the sounds and original compositions are unique, simply titled Levitation Opus I-VI. This is the first in a planned series of recordings for the duo. We think it would be well placed as the background music in an abstract art museum.
Forecast
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 30, 2022
O's Notes: Jazz Funk Soul is a high powered trio featuring Paul Jackson Jr. (g), Everette Harp (sax), and Jeff Lorber (keyboards) playing sizzling contemporary jazz on Forecast. Gary Novak plays drums on most selections with bass duty shared by many strong artists. They embellish their reputations with a stunning performance. The upbeat tunes sizzle and the relaxers like “When The Time Comes” are refreshing. “Funkin’ In AZ” features guest artists Marcus Miller (b) and Lenny Castro (perc). “Fish Grease”, “Count Me In” and “Keep Holding On” are also noteworthy.