Marina
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Composer and saxophonist Lena Bloch assembles a quintet with Jacob Sacks (p), Ken Filiano (b), Kyoto Kitamura (vocals), and Michael Sarin (d) for Marina, Bloch’s perception of the works of Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva. There are seven distinct selections that capture intense emotions. They reflect a revolution, famine, and loss, but also resilience and determination. Each of the musicians contribute, illustrating the work and bringing it to light today. “Tired”, “The Time Will Come” and “Immeasurable” were our favorites.
Bop Contest
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: Vibraphonist Mark Sherman leads a vibrant quartet with Donald Vega (p), Ron Carter (b), and Carl Allen (d) on Bop Contest. This is a formidable line-up that gets even better with trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, featured on two of the seven selections notably the energetic title track. “111-44”, Martha’s Prize”, and “Bremond’s Blues” are other standout tunes.
Bite Your Tongue
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: The Interplay Jazz Orchestra is led by Joey Devassy (tb) and Gary Henderson (t) but each of the members contribute fresh arrangements and original compositions to the mix! They swing on the opener featuring trumpeter Damien Pacheco and burst with energy on the title track. You can’t fight that infectious groove on “Strassbourg / St. Denis” with solos from Chris Donohue (a-sax) and Baron Lewis (t) followed by rich harmonies on “The Downside Up”. We also enjoyed “My Fooling Heart” featuring Pacheco, and “Night and Day”. Bite Your Tongue is an absolute blast!
The War Within
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 1, 2026
O's Notes: David Basse’s oratory vocal style that he pairs with blue stories and contemporary rhythms on The War Within. Basse plays drums and gets strong support from Stuart Elster (p) and Luther Hughes (b). We found ourselves increasingly enjoying this light-hearted, head bobbing session. Of note are “Vacation From The Blues”, “Strike When Your Iron Is Hot” with a cool solo from Hughes, “Like Jazz”, and “Something Fried”.