Gemini
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2022
O's Notes: Adrianne Duncan composes, sings, plays keyboards and leads her Los Angeles-based band on a compelling set of 5 romantic songs for Gemini. It’s all original except the cover of Sting’s “Roxanne”. We liked the tragic story of “Elijah” and the warm groove on the title track featuring flutist and soprano saxophonist Katisse Buckingham. Dan Lutz (b), Jimmy Branley (d), Nick Mancini (vibes) and John Tegmeyer (cl) round out the band.
Breath By Breath
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2022
O's Notes: Legendary jazz pianist Fred Hersch teams up with the Crosby Street String Quartet, bassist Drew Gress and drummer Jochen Rueckert for Breath By Breath. In this music Hersch tries to take things in stride instead of reacting to them. It is meditative, soothing, and appropriate as we grapple with the stress of sound bites, misinformation, misguided actions and war. The strings certainly enhance relaxation. It’s mostly ballads with the exception of “Worldly Winds”, and a breath of fresh air.
Exorcisms
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2022
O's Notes: Tenor saxophonist Asaf Yuria presents a strong sophomore recording leading a sextet with Josh Evans (t), Jonathan Voltzok (tb), Jeremy Manasia (p), Ben Meigners (b) and Jason Brown (d). Yuria, Voltzok and Brown kindle the fire on the opener “The Bell Ringers”, a swinger that engaged us in their groove right away. They relax the pace on “Wise Eyes” with Meigners injecting a fine solo. Exorcisms is a set of seven originals that helped us forget about the tumultuous times, at least while we were listening! “Out From The Mist”, “Mindful Breath” and the title track are all noteworthy.
Piano Blossoms
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com April 2, 2022
O's Notes: Brazilian pianist Marcos Ariel records his 33rd album, a solo effort with titles named after flowers. The ten songs are as beautiful as the titles. “Chrysanthemum”, “Orchid”, “Calla Lily” and “Fuchsia” are among the best. Piano Blossoms is peaceful and relaxing music for many occasions.