If Not Now
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Canadian clarinetist, composer James Danderfer leads a septet with Steve Davis (tb), Cory Weeds (t-sax), Atley King (vibes), Miki Yamanaka (p), Tyrone Allen II (b), and Kush Abadey (d) for his latest release If Not Now. Each of these musicians get a chance to state their case and they play it well resulting in a balanced team performance. “Tempest of The Times”, “Ponderosa”, and “My Brightest Lights” are among the best.
My Ideal
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: This is a showcase for Sam as he explores all angles of melodies on his saxophone, notably on “My Ideal” and “SD Card”. His accompaniment is David Hazeltine (p), Alexander Claffy (b), and Rodney Green (d). They play mostly covers disguised in a way that introduces the solos before the melodies. It’s a cool reveal of the classics and it freshens the songs. There are also a few originals as Dillon charts his path with solos that have feeling. It’s a good story.
Dream Dancing
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Dream Dancing features saxophonist Scott Silbert and his band. The quartet is solid with drummer Chuck Redd, bassist Amy Shook, and pianist Robert Redd, with melodies provided by Silbert. There are a few warm ballads that show the rich passion that emanates from Silbert’s tenor and soprano saxophones. The music is a celebration of the centennial birthday of legendary saxophonist Zoot Sims. They play thirteen selections, each swinging as he would. “Louisiana”, “It’s That Old Devil Called Love” and “Low Life” are just a few of the best.
Cortadito
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective is a nonet Led by guitarist, composer. Jose Guzman. They play Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican jazz that also have threads of the Chicago jazz scene where Guzman resides. We liked the relaxed “A Sunday Kind of Day”, “Terminal 5” featuring trumpeter Victor Garcia, “Orchard Downs” and “Witches Dance”, all original tunes in a percussion-laden, energetic set.
Raíces /Roots
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Argentine singer, songwriter Valeria Stewart makes her debut on Raíces. Kevin Dudley (g), Eugenio Ibarra (b), Jason Walker (congas, bongos), Juan Megan (Bombo leguero), and Grey Jacks (vocals) provide ample support. Stewart sings of love and loss over seven selections including five originals. We liked “Por Que”, “No Eres Tu”, “El Dia Mas Obscuro”, and “Ensueños”.
We Had A Moment
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Deborah Shulman is an expressive singer who personalizes each song on We Had A Moment, dedicated to her husband Rick Cullen. She gets support from a strong team including Jeff Colella (p), Terry Trotter (p), Chris Colangelo (b), Joe LaBarbera (d), Kendall Kay (d), Larry Koonse (g) and Kenny Wild (b). “No Moon At All”, “New York State of Mind/On Broadway”, “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”, and “You Must Believe In Spring” are standouts.
Leo & Leo
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: We’ve cited Leo Sidran is having a voice reminiscing of Michael Franks in past recordings. Leonor Watling is in the same mode and together there are a vital pair, Leo & Leo. Their vocal styles match, resulting in a laid back, cool set. They’re kind of funky on “Tonight Someone Is Me” and add a touch of reggae on “It’s Never Too Late”. We also enjoyed “Entre Chien Et Loup”, “What’s Trending”, “The Art of Conversation”, and “Nobody Kisses Anymore”.