Kuon Ganjo
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: Drummer Mike Clark leads a band with Eddie Henderson (t), Patrice Rushen (p), Essiet Okon Essiet (b), and Craig Handy (b) for Kuon Ganjo, (a Buddhist term meaning Time Without Beginning). This is Clark’s third album on Wide Hive Records, a swinging set of eight updated classic tunes along with Clark’s title track. We enjoyed “Austin City Shuffle”, “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise”, and the fleeting “Lungs”.
Between Friends
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: This is a rare duo featuring pianist Jeff Colella and bassist Putter Smith. The recording Between Friends is a true partnership. There is nowhere to hide in this format, and both musicians sparkle in the spotlight, complimenting each other’s moves to our delight. The overall vibe is very relaxing, soothing, and enjoyable.
Rhombus
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: This trio has been playing together since high school! 30 years later, B3 master Larry Goldings, guitarist Perter Bernstein, and drummer Bill Stewart share equal billing on Rhombus, another Smoke Sessions masterpiece. They’ve developed a cooperative confidence that allows for seamless interactions. “Hi Fly”, “Dissipation Blues”, the title track, and “In Walked Bud” are notable in the set of eight songs including one original each from Bernstein and Goldings.
Eat Your Greens
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: Pianist, vocalist, composer Kelly Green is a true entertainer who personalizes each song. She engages a fine band including Wycliffe Gordon (tb, vocals), Wallace Roney, Jr. (t), Luca Soul Rosenfeld (b) and Evan Hyde (d) to make Eat Your Greens a standout recording, one that’s easily embraced by the audience. The arrangements of classic tunes on this album are good with great phrasing and a refreshing spirit that makes them sizzle like they were brand new. Examples are “The Very Thought of You”, “Tongue Twister”, “When You’re Smilin’”, and “Solitude”.
The Wise Ones
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: Gretchen returns to the recording scene after more than a decade away, with a reflective, contemporary vocal album. The Wise Ones includes a strong musical cast including Robert Glasper (keyboards), Gerald Clayton (keyboards), Mark Guiliana (d), and Alan Hampton (b, g, vocals). “Rainbow”, “In My Bed”, “Landslide”, “It’s You”, “Block The Sun”, and the romantic title track are highlights in an airy relaxed session.