Summer Dusk: Studio Sessions
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: FivePlay is Tony Corman (g), Laura Klein (p), Dave Tidbal (reeds), Paul Smith (b) and Jason Lewis (d). Kim Chandler and Iain Mackenzie provide vocals. Phil Hawkins plays drums on two selections and Clairdee adds rich vocals on “Summer Dusk”. There’s also an infusion of flutes, notably Mary Fettig on four of the nine selections adding a crisp element of freshness. They greet us with a warm opening on “Bright Golden Sunshine” followed by the cool instrumental, “Lost and Found”. We enjoyed “Divide Meadow”, the vocal harmonies on ”Once Upon A Time”, and “One Better” where Corman comes alive. FivePlay shouldn’t be confused with Sherrie Maricle’s Five Play but they both play good music!
Maggots
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Composer Gene Pritsker has written hundreds of songs covering pop, hip hop, jazz and classical genres. His music is provocative with few boundaries. Maggots is an adventure, a marriage of classical instrumentation with jazz improvisational themes. Seventeen tracks are performed by seven different ensembles. Over favorite is the 6-part “Berlin Suite” followed by “Konstabi-isms” with narration by Mark Konstabi. This recording mimicked the soundscape of an eclectic Broadway show!
Party of Four
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: The Royal Bopsters are a vocal quartet featuring Amy London (soprano), Holli Ross (alto), Pete McGuinness (tenor), and Dylan Pramuk (bass). Party of Four is Act II for the tasty quartet featuring well harmonized vocals over a wide range of contemporary popular tunes. They are accompanied by a solid rhythm section and also include guest vocalists Bob Dorough for “Baby You Should Know It” and Sheila Jordan on “Lucky To Be Me”. Bassist Christian McBride appears on a couple of tunes notably the Latin-tinged “Cuando Te Vea”. Our favorite is “Infant Eyes” in a program that is enjoyable for all who like good, entertaining music delivered in pleasurable package.
Someday, Someday
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Rebecca sings a lot of romance, heartache, and ultimately some jovial tunes. Dave Miller provides accompaniment on piano with his trio including bassist Chuck Bennet and drummer Bill Belasco to make Someday, Someday a cool romantic set. Dumaine hits her stride on “Samba De Mon Coeur” and keeps the fire burning over the next 2 songs before slowing down for “Both Sides Now”. Ultimately, they complete the cycle of love with hope on “Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams” and “Sunny”. Catch them at an outdoor venue in Northern California!