Vocation
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Julian Davis Reid is a pianist, composer, speaker and theologian with a lot of inspirational thoughts. While he has collaborated with many popular artists, Vocation is his first recording as a leader, focusing on the many roles he’s played in life. The band includes Lenard Simpson (a-sax), Micah Collier (b), James Russell Sims (d), and vocalist Tramaine Parker. There are many familiar titles that are refreshed and reimagined as Reid sees them. Guest artist Narykcin joins Parker singing “Moan” with a 7-piece choir behind them. We also enjoyed “Hush”, “What A Wonderful World”, “My Parents Greatest Gift To Me”, and “Nevertheless Hope”.
Colors of Time
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Brazilian guitarist Sergio Pereira leads a band with many talented Brazilians on Colors of Time, a beautiful recording that includes an environmental message. We liked the warmth on “Dreams” featuring vocalist Kim Nazarian, “Up The Hill”, “Keep Shining” featuring Mark Egan (b), the gentle bossa nova on the title track, “Rain Fall”, and “So They Sleep”.
Best Laid Plans
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Composer John Schapiro directs Schapiro 17 for his third release, Best Laid Plans. There are six transformative arrangements of classics notably Hancock’s “Chameleon” featuring Eddie Allen (t) & Paul Carlton (sax), and Horace Silver’s “Quicksilver”. There are also three new originals highlighted by “Ugly Chic”, and the title track featuring Deborah Weisz on trombone.
Volver
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Austrian, Venezuelan, jazz vocalist Patricia Moreno is a budding virtuoso, not to be missed on the Latin jazz scene. She has minimal accompaniment with guitarists Arnoldo Moreno and Ignacio Giovanetti. Moreno soars on “El Dia Que Mi Quereras”, bouncing along on “Soho Waltz”, and “Park Avenue”. Whether she’s scatting, phrasing or truly vocalizing lyrics, Patricia is incredibly melodic. She sings from her soul making Volver an intimate experience.
The Re-Collection
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Indian American jazz vocalist Jaana Narsipur switches from straight-ahead to more of a contemporary vibe on her sophomore recording, The Re-Collection. She refers to it as a “mixtape… of ‘80s pop classics” from her college years. She is surrounded by fine musicians including Wayne Tucker (t), Marco Panascia (b), producer Nicki Adams (p), and Joe Abba (d, perc). She does a fine job jazzing up “In Your Eyes”, “Time and Tide”, “Breakout”, and “Holding Back The Years”.
Hurricane Summer
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Jazz, blues guitarist Dominic Walker has been lighting up the music scene in Tampa Bay over the last few years. He leads a trio with drummer Paul Gavin, and organist John C. O’Leary III for Hurricane Summer. They add a jazzy blues touch to classics like “Witchcraft”, Satisfaction”, and “Tangerine”. We also enjoyed the racy “Les Is More” and “On The Sunny Side Of The Street”. It’s a groove set that mirrors the intensity of his live performances.