Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: Cellist, composer Naseem Alatrash makes his recording debut as a leader with Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas, A Suite for Cello, Piano, Percussion, and String Orchestra. The conductor is Eugene Friesen with featured soloists Chase Martin (p), George Lernis (perc) and Alatrash. The music has a mysterious, Arabic, symphonic aura but also expands to attract a broader audience. “Riwaya”, “Ramad”, and Risala - Part II” are favorites in the 32-minute session.
Out of the Shadows
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: British jazz guitarist Mitchell Dalton is a proven studio musician comes Out of The Shadows to lead his latest album. He gets support from David Arch (keyboards), Steve Pearce (b), Sammy Mayne (fl, sax) and Tim Goodyer (d) along with Germany’s SWR Big Band and Edwin Bonilla (perc). The program is a good mix of fresh arrangements and a few originals. Jazz Morley adds fresh vocals across the session notably on “Yeh Yeh” and “We Do It”. We also liked the Steely Dan feel of “I Got Room 335” and “Take The YouTube”. “Besame Mash Up” blends the rhythms form “Oye Como Va” with the timeless “Besame Mucho”. Dalton incorporates familiar riffs into his work resulting in music that is instantly familiar and pleasing.
Dishes Ain’t Clean
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: Sounds of April & Randall features vocalist April May Webb and trumpeter Randall Haywood. They blend jazz with pop, R&B, and Gospel influences to address a large audience. Webb composed all the songs, with help from Haywood on “You Are Everything”. We liked “I’m Never Satisfied”, “Everybody Ain’t Gonna Like You”, and the pumping title track. Each track has a meaningful message, reflections of their lifelong experiences. It sounds good and feels good too!