2¢
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Trumpeter, composer Douglas Olsen leads a swinging Latin-tinged bebop ensemble with a tight rhythm section featuring bassist Dave Zinno, pianist Tim Ray and drummer Mark Walker. The horns keep it lively with crisp, harmonized accents throughout the set from Dino Giovanni (t-sax, a-sax), Angel Subero (tb), Yaure Muniz (t) and Tucker Antell (t-sax).“Afro Bueno”, “Rat Race”, “Critical Mass” are among the many highlights in a strong 2¢.
Toluca Lake Jazz
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Guitarist Doug MacDonald teams up with bassist Harvey Newmark for a minimalist duo album. Toluca Lake Jazz is a streamlined approach from MacDonald’s big band outing last year, much like today’s jazz scene in Toluca Lake, once thriving and populated by seasoned movie stars. It’s a cool, cafe set with thirteen foot-pattin’, easygoing tunes. Both musicians display their prowess without showboating making for a good outing and a fine tribute to yesterday, just north of Hollywood.
Este Ritmo
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Este Ritmo is a festive combination of Mexican and Gypsy music composed and produced by guitarist and vocalist Diego Baliardo. The Gypsy Evolution features Marlon et Gibson (g), Antoine Ona (b), Pacheco Rodolfo (perc) and leader Baliardo. They are true to form and serve up a treat for Latin Gypsy lovers.
That’s It!
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: That’s It! is a beautiful solo piano effort from Rossano Sportiello. The focus is pleasant, classic and contemporary tunes that are suitable as background for a dinner party or any occasion. It’s just pleasant, entertaining listening. Chuck serves it up, setting the mood for any type of discussion with songs like “Fine and Dandy”, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “Nonno Bob’s Delight”. There is a lot of ragtime swagger making this 17-song-set ready for deployment.
Foster
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 20, 2021
O's Notes: Singer Foster Joseph was born in Charlestown, Nevis and grew up in Antigua. He developed an appreciation for blues and jazz and spent two years polishing his art in New York before releasing Foster. James Hurt (p), Gerald Cannon (b) and Willie Jones III (d) accompany him for this brief, 4-song, 15-minute encounter. He’s got a unique raspy voice that works on these selections for his fan base.