New York Love Letter
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: New York-based drummer Nasheet Waits didn’t fall far from the tree, learning much from his father, percussionist, Frederick Waits. He has broadened his perspective played behind a wealth of talented musicians including Andrew Hill, Fred Hersch, Stefon Harris, Greg Osby and many others. We find Waits as the leader on New York Love Letter with Steve Nelson (vibes), Mark Turner (t-sax), and Rashad Carter (bass). They play six tracks that include original ballads like “Moon Child”, and “The Hard Way AW” with excellent drum work from Waits. There are fine covers of Andrew Hill’s “Snake Hip Waltz”, Coltrane’s “Central Park West” and our favorite, “Liberia”. Collectively, this a rich hard bop experience.
Live at Smalls
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: Trumpeter Jack Walrath leads a quintet for his latest recording Live At Smalls. The band is Abraham Burton (t-sax), George Burton (p), Boris Kozlov (b), and Donald Edwards (d). Walrath sets the stage blazing on “Roadkill” followed by a taste of calypso on “A Bite In Tunisia”. The best songs of the set are “Left Turn On 86th Street”, and “Grandpa Moses”, contrasting with the more solemn “Mood For Muhammad”.
Con Personas (with the people)
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: Ecuadorian bassist, composer Carlos Mena leads a vibrant band with Martha Kato (p), Franco Pinna (d), and guest vocalist Katherine Yew. Mena’s solos are passionate as on “Comenzar” and “Hidden Mountain”. We also enjoyed “Dr. Tarantula” and the title track. It’s a cool 39-minute session.
Re-Up
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: Guitarist Greg Skaff is in a trio format with bassist Ugonna Okegwo and Jonathan Barber on drums for Re-Up, his latest release. This format allows the space for open improvisation without clashes. They play ten selections, mostly originals, including a solo version of “Peace Place”. “Reach Down Deep” and “Green Chimneys” caught our attention along with the title track.
For All We Know
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2024
O's Notes: Saxophonist Jim Snidero brings us a straight-ahead trio, his first time playing in a saxophone trio format. He is joined by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Jim plays 8 polished, proven standards that are certainly fresh in this format. “Naima”, “Love For Sale” and “You Go To My Head” are the best bets.