A Kiss For Brazil
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: Vocalist, producer, bandleader Karrin Allyson assembles a fine band to celebrate A Kiss For Brazil, for all the wonderful music emanating from there. Vitor Gonçalves (p, accordion), Yotam Silberstein (g), Harvie S (b), and Rafael Barata (d) are the supporting musicians. Guest vocalist, Rosa Passos appears on two selections. The program is executed to a high standard, with fresh arrangements, providing the warmth and relaxation we’ve come to expect from Brazilian music. We enjoyed “Flor de Lis”, “Manha de Carnaval”, “The Island”, and “Antigua” most in this relaxing session.
Not Just A Standard
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: Drummer, composer, educator Holly Channel leads the charge on her debut recording, Not Just A Standard. The band is a quartet with Jason Palmer (t), Mike Kocour (p), and Ben Headquist (b). They all glimmer in the lights on the opener. Palmer and Kocour handle most of the melodies and do a fine job of it! Other highlights are the 4th and 7th tracks featuring Holmquist. Channel chips in with a solid foundation and several wonderful solos scattered across the session.
Cubop Lives!
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: American jazz pianist Zaccai Curtis continues to bring us outstanding, vibrant Latin jazz. Cubop Lives! is his latest release including Zaccai’s brother, bassist Luques Curtis, Willie Martinez (timbales), Camilo Molina (congas, pandera), and Reinaldo De Jesus adding the requisite percussion and bongos. “Cuban Fantasy”, “Let’s Do It Again”, “Earl”, and “Woody’n You” are among the notables in the 19-song set.
Into The Blue
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: Guitarist Rich Goldstein pays homage to popular music and its African American roots on Into The Blue. His expression is in a cool modern jazz format. Goldstein’s accompanying band is Behn Gillece (vibes), Yahn Frankel (B3), and Ben Bilello (d). There are nice blends between guitar and vibes especially on “You and I” and “I Mean You”, excellent guitar work on “Nuage”, blues on “Our Miss Brooks”, and cooking across the board on “Altered State” and “How Deep Is The Ocean”.