Tappin’ Thru Life
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 30, 2025
O's Notes: Tappin’ Through Life is A Celebration of Maurice Hines, 1/2 of The Hines Brothers (Maurice and Gregory). They made their TV debut on Kids & Comedy and The Jackie Gleason Show with “Ballin’ The Jack”, sung by Leo Manzari here. Leo also sings “Everyday I Have The Blues”. The Diva Jazz Orchestra powers the “Tappin’ Thru Life Overture”. “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” features Ann Hampton Calloway, and John Manzari sings “Honeysuckle Rose”. Clint Holmes sings several tracks notably “Come Fly With Me”. These are just a few of the eighteen songs on an entertaining set.
The Big Room
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 30, 2025
O's Notes: Drummer Joe Farnsworth leads an all-star sextet with Jeremy Pelt (t), Sarah Hanahan (a-sax), Joel Ross (vibraphone), Emmet Cohen (p), and Yasushi Nakamura (b) for his latest album The Big Room. They burn from the start on “Continuance” highlighting the entire band! “What Am I Waiting For?” and “I Fall In Love Too Easily” are a couple ballads that balance the set. We also enjoyed the title track and “You Already Know”, indicative of the explosive solos coming throughout the session!
I Love Samba
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 30, 2025
O's Notes: Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueirdo teams up with fellow countrymen bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca with guest artist Itai Kriss on flute. They live up to their reputations on I Love Samba, a set of 14 original compositions. “Brazilian Batucada” and “Echos Of Manhattan” are fine examples of Diego’s fleeting fret work. We also enjoyed “Samba Pra Bonfá”, and the free spirited “Random” as Figueiredo covers many of the sounds emanating from Brazil.
Toast of the Town Vol. 1
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 30, 2025
O's Notes: Brian De Lorenzo is a New York based crooner, actor and songwriter. For Toast Of The Town he visits the American songbook classics. “Autumn Leaves”, “I Love Paris”, “Too Close For Comfort”, and “My Foolish Heart” are some of the bests. There’s nothing flashy, just a solid, warm performance.
Mellow Tones
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 30, 2025
O's Notes: Veteran vocalist, pianist bandleader Denali DeRose assembles a fine team including bassist Martin Wind and Matt Wilson on drums. She shines on the keys throughout the 9-song set. We enjoyed “Maybe September” with fine solos by Wind and DeRose, “Two For The Road”, and “My Flame For The Blues” featuring special guest Ed Neumeister on trombone. Ed also shines on the title track. At 59 years old, DeRose maintains great pace and soul.