Martinez, Jim
Invisible Touch, 2011, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 17.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Classic
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Pianist Jim Martinez leads a stellar cast of musicians that includes Christian McBride (b), Jeff Clayton (sax) and Roy Hargrove (t). The project was initiated back in 2003 and after several starts has finally come into fruition. The thesis is a combination of spiritual themes with jazz standards. The results make us glad they maintained pursuit! They swing hard on “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” while creating a reflective mood for “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”. Julia Dollison provides vocals and scatting on three tracks notably “Alleluia”. We enjoyed the playful romp of “Nothing But the Blood” set to “Linus and Lucy” and “Good News Blues” featuring Dee Daniels (vocals) and Cleve Guyton (fl). Marrying praise for the lord with his passion for jazz, Martinez has constructed a joyful session that resonates on several fronts.
Publicist: RadX
