Lifeline
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2022
O's Notes: John Stein is a prolific guitarist who can teach (Berklee), compose and perform at high levels! Lifeline is a 2-disc set that has 2 separate booklets, both with great commentary and photos, 26 selections over 145 minutes! “Fathead” Newman (sax) is whaling, trading with Stein on “Up and At ‘em”, the opener. Bassist John Lockwood opens “Invitation” before Stein illustrates the melody with pianist Koichi Soto. We also liked “The Roundabout” and “A Weaver Of Dreams”, a duet with singer Ron Gill. Other highlights include “Brazilian Hug”, the harmonized trumpet (Phil Grenadier) and flute (Fernando Brandão) on “Jo Ann”, and many more on the second disc.
Octet and Originals
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2022
O's Notes: We truly enjoyed Adolfo’s last album Jobim Forever (86) showing appreciation for the past. Octet and Originals is also enjoyable as keyboardist, composer Antonio Adolfo extends his palate to take us forward. His band is dynamic with rich solos abound from Danilo Sinna (a-sax), Ricardo Silveira (g), Marcelo Martins (t-sax, fl), and Rafael Rocha (tb) with bassist Jorge Helder and drummer Rafael Barata establishing a strong foundation. Highlights are “Cascavel”, “Pretty World”, the peaceful “Teletema”, and fresh vibe of “Zabumbaia”.
Beatles In Bossa
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2022
O's Notes: Beatles In Bossa is a fresh collection of Beatles classics recrafted in Bossa Nova style. Minas is vocalists Orlando (g) and Patricia (keyboards) King Haddad. Andrew Neu plays sax with Tom Cohen (d), John Swana (EVI, t), Cyro Baptista (perc), Jordan Haddad (vocals) and Rob Hyman (accordion) providing strong accompaniment. ”Eleanor Rigby”, “With A Little Help From My Friends”, “Here Comes The Sun” and “Norwegian Wood” are among the best. The combination of pop classics with Brazilian style is delightful.
The Pan American Nutcracker Suite
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2022
O's Notes: Drummer, arranger and bandleader Joe McCarthy celebrates Tchaikovsky’ Nutcraker Suite cast in true American traditions. Joe leads The New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band including 13 horns and a vibrant rhythm section. We liked the Latin flavors on “March”, “Dance Of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Trepak”, just a few highlights in an energetic session. The band is precise across all eight selections in The Pan American Nutcracker Suite, an enjoyable endeavor.
Something Old Something New Something Borrowed Blues
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2022
O's Notes: Kevin Gullage plays keyboards and sings lead vocals with The Blues Groovers, a team of musicians including Carlton Ross (g, vocals), Tony Gullage (b, vocals), Terrence Higgins (d), Brandon Adams (B3, vocals), Jason Parfait (sax) and Ian Smith (t, tb). They play with passionate energy over nine selections notably “Shakey Ground”, “Sweet Home Chicago”, “Valerie” and “The Blues Is Alright”. These are true Rhythm & Blues classics with a few originals performed to perfection. Whether you’re dancing, bobbing your head or taking in the stories, you will enjoy these blues.
Wild is the Wind
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com October 1, 2022
O's Notes: Left coast-based vocalist Patrisha Thomson has been entertaining live audiences for years at the Café Laurent in Culver City, CA. Wild Is The Wind is her latest recording. The rhythm section is tight with a core unit featuring Ken Wild (b), Grant Geissman (g), Steve Rawlings (p) and Bernie Dresel (d). There’s a cool arrangement of “Route 66” with guest vocalist Mon David joining Thomson. Other highlights are “This Can’t Be Love” and “Frim Fram Sauce”.