Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project: "Mambo Influenciado"

Drummer/percussionist Craig Russo has been a member of several leading Latin music groups of the Midwest for over 20 years. In 2001 he founded his Latin Jazz Project; the members include some of the finest musicians along the legendary Route 66 between Chicago and Saint Louis. The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project most recent recording, their 4th CD, just out on Mr. Russo’s own Cagoot Records is Mambo Influenciado.  Like their previous albums, the objective of Mambo Influenciado is to take standards from both the jazz and Latin songbooks, play them with ample swing, inject them with the percussion traditions of the Caribbean and voila! An exciting sound that will compel the listener to keep playing the CD from start to finish without tiring.

Over the past 5 years Craig has visited Cuba several times to study percussion, his efforts are evident on Mambo Influenciado which showcases Cuban rhythms as well as Trinidadian calypso and Puerto Rican bomba.   The title track was written by legendary Cuban pianist, Jesús “Chucho” Valdés in the mid-1960s to showcase the influence of the mambo on other Cuban rhythms; it has since become a Latin jazz evergreen.  The veteran vocalist Nancy Kelly shines on the 2 tracks she is invited to sing on, former Front Range resident, pianist John “Chip” Stevens who has played with Arturo Sandoval contributes all the proper ingredients as does the highly touted tenor saxophonist, Chip McNeil.  Add the superb playing by the rest of the Latin Jazz Project and you have a CD that will continue to please your ears even after repeated listening,  just don’t blame us if you feel motivated to get up and dance!

Junior Mance Quintet: "Out South"

Veteran pianist Junior Mance has been pleasing audiences around the world for over 7 decades.  His youthful piano playing and personality defies his chronological age of 82. Julian “Junior” Mance began playing professionally as a teenager in his home town of Chicago, Junior’s sound has always been drenched in gospel, blues, swing and the bop jazz music he heard growing up in “Chi-Town”.

Mr. Mance’s latest recording for his own JunGlo Music label was recorded live at the Café Loup in New York City where Junior and his trio have been performing regularly every Sunday evening for the past several years, however for his “Out South” release Junior opted to record in a quintet format adding tenor and baritone saxophonists along with his long time sidemen, bassist, Hidé Tanaka and drummer Jackie Williams. Performing both originals and standards, the quintet sizzles from start to finish much to the delight of the enthusiastic patrons at one of Manhattan’s leading jazz venues. Mance’s marvelous and diverse skills are evident throughout the CD, he and the ensemble shine brightly playing in a variety of tempos.

When listening to this album, you too may feel compelled to jump up and shout “one more! ” as those present did after the last song which prompted the quintet to perform a rousing reprise of their final tune.
 

Regina Carter, "Reverse Thread"

Throughout her career, violinist Regina Carter has always been adventurous and imaginative. She embarked on her solo career after her stint with the all-female ensemble, Straight Ahead which like Ms. Carter hails from Detroit. In 2003 Regina Carter became the first and still only jazzer to be awarded the honor of playing the treasured violin owned by the legendary Niccoló Paganini, a violin so precious it is kept in a guarded vault in Genoa, Italy and rarely brought out to be played. Regina’s discography includes many memorable outings, among many her tribute to her home town, “Motor City Moments” and her heart felt homage to her mother upon her passing, “I’ll Be Seeing You, A Sentimental Journey”.

For her most recent recording, classically trained Regina Carter decided to embrace African folk tunes as well as music of the African Diaspora. She also chose to use the traditional African stringed instrument, the kora for an authentic sound, yet make it swing to please the discerning jazz listener. “Reverse Thread” for the E1 Entertainment label is a magnificent example of how jazz can absorb elements of music from around the world and still remain jazz. Recognizing her immense talent, the MacArthur Foundation awarded Regina a fellowship, often called a “genius grant” to be able to fulfill her desire to follow her passion and record “Reverse Thread”, a joyful listening experience sure to keep you dancing all summer long.
 

Ray Vega-Thomas Marriot "East-West Trumpet Summit"

 For their first recording together the trumpeters decided to recreate some of the great meetings of the past featuring two trumpets, although both Vega and Marriot play the same trumpet, they each have their own distinctive sound that blend together flawlessly. You will hear the trumpets individually and collectively while listening to the “East-West Trumpet Summit”.

Moreover, Origin Records decided to put Ray on the right channel and Thomas on the left of the stereo mix for the listener’s delight. Because they are colleagues and not rivals, it was agreed to title the album summit and not battle, yet there is no lack of competitive spirit in the performances of trumpeters Ray Vega and Thomas Marriot with the outstanding accompanying trio of Travis Shook, Jeff Johnson and Mat Jorgensen. The Ray Vega-Thomas Marriot Trumpet Summit will be performing at the Annual Jazz Fest Denver, Saturday June 13th.
 

Tia Fuller "Decisive Steps" Mack Avenue

Aurora native and graduate of the University of Colorado, saxophonist Tia Fuller was raised in a musical household and began her career as part of the renowned Front Range ensemble, The Fuller Sound fronted by her father, bassist Fred Fuller. Our April Jazz Appreciation Month selection is the latest recording by Tia, “Decisive Steps” for the Mack Avenue label.

 

Following her upbringing Tia has included family members as players and music contributors, her sister Shamie Fuller-Royston is the pianist/keyboardist while brother in law Rudy Royston is at the drums. Moreover, her choices for other band members are impressive led by label mates bassist Christian McBride and trumpeter Sean Jones. Tia’s preferred saxist and principle influence, past master Cannonball Adderley shines brightly in the soulful sounds that come out of her alto and soprano saxophones.

 

When not on a jazz stage jamming with standouts like Gerald Wilson, Jon Faddis, Jimmy Heath, T. S. Monk, Wycliffe Gordon and others, Tia is the Music Director for the all-female backup band for Beyoncé. Ms. Fuller’s second outing for Mack Avenue contains 8 originals compositions and 2 standards of which “I Can’t Get Started” has received an outpouring of rave reviews ranking it as possibly the best rendition of it ever! No wonder it’s one of the most played CDs on jazz radio, nationally and around the world.

 

Tia Fuller’s “Decisive Steps” is an outstanding album destined to become a classic and has brought her much deserved attention by the jazz community of musicians, writers and presenters. No doubt about it, Tia has taken huge strides towards her goal of achieving greatness making all of us along the Front Range extremely proud!
 

Holly Hoffman and Bill Cunliffe: Three's Company

Flutist Holly Hofmann and pianist Bill Cunliffe have been collaborating for over 20 years, during this time they have ironed out all the wrinkles playing together creating a velvety smooth sound that has reached the pinnacle of cohesiveness in their recent album, “Three’s Company, their 3^rd outing as a duet and their 4^th overall. Four of the 8 tracks recorded for Capri Records-a Bailey, Colorado based firm- are flute and piano duos while the other selections feature special guests, Regina Carter-violin, Alvester Garnett-drums, Ken Peplowski-clarinet and Terell Stafford on trumpet each taking their turn accompanying Ms. Hofmann and Mr. Cunliffe.

Holly is highly acclaimed as one of the finest flute players in jazz and Bill is a highly regarded composer, educator and pianist whom is well known to Colorado jazz fans because of his appearance in the annual Vail Jazz Festival and Jazz Camp every September. Both Hofmann and Cunliffe have classical music training which can be heard throughout the album when they blend their classical background with their love for swing producing music that is hard not to tap your foot to. All of the invited guests shine brightly in their roles adding a magnificent presence to the album. There’s an old adage that two’s company and three’s a crowd, for this CD, two is wonderful and three is marvelous.

David Berger Jazz Orchestra: Sing Me A Love Song

Harry Warren is one of the most prolific contributors to the Great American Songbook, he was both a composer and lyricist and is considered to be the first major songwriter to compose exclusively for films. Harry, an Italian-American born in Brooklyn, NY as Salvatore Guaragna received the first gold record in history for his legendary song, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”. For his most recent recording, big band conductor and arranger, David Berger-a renowned authority of the “swing era” decided to contact the Harry Warren estate and obtain permission to perform previously unpublished and unrecorded songs of Mr. Warren. Berger used his experience as conductor and arranger for the Lincoln Center Orchestra and his own Sultans of Swing Big Band to put together a stunning new album, “Sing Me A Love Song” on his own Such Sweet Thunder Records label, a collection of 15 instrumental and vocal “undiscovered standards”, one of the vocal selections, “There Is No Music” features lyrics by another legend, Ira Gershwin.  The vocals are performed by the veteran Freda Payne, the promising newcomer Denzal Sinclaire and one song is sung by the orchestra.  The instrumental tracks are elegant music statements that have the swing of jazz past which prompted audiences to dance in ballrooms and clubs around the country.

Many musicians of this edition of the David Berger are also members of Berger’s Sultans of Swing Big Band that perform regularly at New York’s Birdland and Lincoln Center as well as touring internationally. This recording by David adds another gem to his already brilliant discography which includes his 1996 collaboration with choreographer Donald Byrd to create the Harlem Nutcracker, a 2-hour dance suite. Mr. Berger has also been a recipient of the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts fellowship seven times throughout his still fruitful career. “Sing Me a Love Song” is an album that will transport you back to the golden age of danceable swing jazz, yet keep you in the present with its contemporary charts and pristine sound. Best of all, it brings to life 15 delightful tunes of Harry Warren that had they been released and recorded in the past would assuredly be part of the songbook of standards today. Gazing into a crystal ball, it appears the old adage of “it’s never too late” will hold steady as most likely these 15 tunes will be frequently recorded and performed in the future adding to the legacy of Harry Warren and continuing David Berger’s contribution to world’s greatest art form, jazz.

Paquito Hechavarria

You probably have not heard his name but you have heard his piano playing. Miami-based Cuban pianist Francisco “Paquito” Hechavarría is the one taking the exciting solo on Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine’s worldwide smash “Conga.”  Paquito, who is endowed with perfect pitch, began his professional career as a teenage prodigy in the mid-1950s in his native Cuba. He played for several prestigious bands of the era including replacing the legendary pianist Peruchín in Havana’s number one big band, Orquesta Riverside when Peruchín formed his own band. In 1960 Paquito Hechavarría recorded with Mongo Santamaría and Willie Bobo who were visiting Cuba, an album that turned out to be the last recording made in Cuba for a US label, the landmark “Our Man In Havana” for Fantasy Records. Shortly thereafter Paquito left Cuba for Miami where he has lived ever since recording several albums as a leader and being part of hundreds of other recordings as a sideman in many different genres.

Famed Calle 54 film and music producers Fernando Trueba and Nat Chediak asked Paquito to make a recording for their Calle 54 Records label, Hechavarría decided to pay homage to one of his favorite singers, Frank Sinatra, taking some of “Ol’ Blues Eyes” greatest hits and placing them in an exquisite, swinging Latin jazz setting. On “Frankly” Paquito is joined by a stellar cast, the veteran co-founder of Libre and the Fort Apache Band, Andy González-bass, the amazing young drummer Dafnis Prieto, the prodigious percussionist Pedro Martínez and guests, veteran sax master Phil Woods on alto and the stand out Brian Lynch-trumpet. This tribute to “The Chairman of the Board” is a perfect blend of the Great American Songbook and Afro-Cuban jazz of the highest caliber. Refusing to fall into the trap of playing too many notes or getting into pyrotechnics, Paquito Hechavarría allows his piano mastery to hypnotize the listener with his exquisite playing while his sidemen follow suit providing the polyrhythmic seasoning making this an instant classic. Quite frankly, had Frank Sinatra lived to hear this album, I am certain he would relay his muchas gracias and felicidades to his namesake, Francisco “Paquito” Hechavarría for a job well done. 

John David Simon was raised in Philadelphia and since his young adulthood has been an in-demand saxophonist for several territorial bands, accompanying visiting jazz dignitaries and participating in jam sessions sharpening his skills. He met legendary trumpeter Clark Terry in the early 1980s establishing a friendship that endures to this day. Terry calls Simon “Old Faithful” because of his classic, fat tenor sax sound. John David often played in the soulful organ-sax groups that abound in Philadelphia which led him to be noticed by the renowned “Mighty Burner”-Charles Earland who took him out of Philly on tour for the first time. In the early 1990s Mr. Simon settled in New York where he has become a mainstay in the jazz scene both as a sideman and as a leader.

For his debut album, “And Friends” on his very own Warm Grooves Records label, John David Simon enlisted some of his best musical pals to join him, sadly two of band mates,  fellow Philly drummer Bobby Durham and the esteemed vocalist Etta Jones, passed away after the recording and did not live to see the release of this CD.  Ms. Jones is John’s special guest on 2 tracks while the remainder of the album focuses on a fine mixture of grooves and bop that will make heads nod, fingers snap and toes tap while never straying far from the elements of swing so essential for enjoying modern jazz at its finest. In addition to adding his masterful horn talents, NEA Jazz Master, Clark “Mumbles” Terry contributes four of his compositions to the mix. Longtime Dizzy Gillespie pianist, Mike Longo, veteran trombonist Eddie Bert and Matthew Parrish on bass round out the ensemble.  John David Simon’s “And Friends” is an ideal way to close out 2009 and commence 2010; a recording that will likely be played well into the future as good music never goes out of style.

 

Throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, Mike Longo was the pianist for Dizzy Gillespie’s touring and recording band. During his stint with Diz, he contributed several compositions to the Gillespie playbook.   Mike has played piano professionally since he was 15 years of age. As a young adult he had the opportunity to play with Cannonball Adderley and honed his early skills under Oscar Peterson’s tutelage enabling him to land his gig as Dizzy’s pianist.

In 1975 Mike left Gillespie’s band to form his own trio and began recording and touring around the world. For his follow up to the highly acclaimed 2007 release, “Float Like A Butterfly”, Mike naturally had to record “Sting Like A Bee”. Once again Longo has created a buzz about his playing among critics, radio hosts and jazz fans. For his latest album Mike recruited veterans Bob Cranshaw on bass and Lewis Nash on drums. The trio shines brightly on originals and standards, playing in unison or soloing.  Noted jazz producer Bob Magnuson states, “Mike Longo has developed a personal style of playing coming from a deep understanding of the principles and behaviors of African rhythm and contemporary harmony. Dizzy passed his knowledge to Mike through their close friendship, apprenticeship, and endless hours on the bandstand”.  After you listen to “Sting Like A Bee”, you’ll be floating like a butterfly from the Mike Longo Trio’s sweet musical honey.

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For the first Heath Brothers recording since the passing of bassist Percy, the surviving brothers, saxophonist Jimmy and drummer Albert “Tootie”, dedicate their “Endurance” album to their eldest sibling.  The Heaths hail from the “City of Brotherly Love”-Philadelphia and for over 60 years have made vital contributions to jazz, both individually and collectively.

“Endurance” is on the new * independent Jazz Legacy Productions label which matches the high caliber of their music with exquisite state-of-the-art packaging. The veteran Heath Brothers team up with the young lions with bright futures, Jeb Patton-piano and bassist David Wong who admirably fills in the void of the late Percy assuring the masterful sounds of the Heath Brothers feel right at home. Highlights include “From A Lonely Bass” which Jimmy composed as a memoriam for his brother Percy, the emotional "Ballad for Leadership Suite," an impressive segment from Jimmy’s commission for the inauguration of the president of Howard University  and the quartet’s take on the chestnut “Autumn in New York”

For those of us who like swinging-provocative jazz and family values, “Endurance” by the Heath Brothers is the perfect combination!

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A jazz vocalist usually has to hone their craft for many years before beginning to establish their particular style and following.  By the same token, it is especially difficult for vocalists to gain the respect of their instrumentalist colleagues. One of the few exceptions has been Roberta Gambarini whom after leaving her native Italy in the late 1990s burst upon the New York jazz scene and immediately won the admiration of veteran musicians and critics while building up her own fan base around the world. As a former clarinetist she has mastered using her wide vocal range as an instrument.  In her short career she has played with some of the biggest legends of jazz,  James Moody, Hank Jones, Herbie Hancock and others including many collaborations with her label mate Roy Hargrove

Ms. Gambarini’s most recent effort is “So In Love” on the EmArcy Records label and it serves as a splendid showcase for the diversity of her vocal skills, be it in a duo with the pianist, in a trio or as part of an ensemble, her delivery adapts perfectly to the format as do her choice of songs which were almost all arranged by Roberta. Although recorded in New York, Roberta requested the presence of Colorado based pianist Eric Gunnison.  Gambarini and Gunnison have played on the same stage both as part of the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Big Band and at Roberta’s performances in Colorado. Moreover, as a young lady in Italy signorina Gambarini was influenced by Carmen McRae whose last pianist was Eric Gunnison therefore they blend their talents into an exquisite elixir guaranteed to please the most discerning jazz vocals fans. After listening to the entire album, you too will be so in love with the music on this magnificent session.

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Saxophonist Ricky Sweum

Saxophonist Ricky Sweum(rhymes with phlegm) is the lead tenor sax soloist for the U S Air Force Falconaires Big Band, he’s also a former member of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Gerry Gibbs Thrasher band. Ricky currently resides in Colorado Springs where besides touring with the Falconaires, he’s a member of Denver’s  Chie Imaizumi Jazz Orchestra as well as leading his own quartet.  Sweum was raised in Eugene, Oregon and while in high school became a member of the 1992 McDonald’s All American Jazz Band which took him to New York where he studied under the direction of Henry Mancini.

Ricky Sweum's debut on Origin Records showcases the saxist’s versatility and originality, he leads the quartet in a direction that is uniquely his own. Ricky shows his skills as a composer as he wrote all 11 of the album’s selections. On “Pulling Your Own Strings” Sweum pays homage to some of his sax heroes such as Sonny Rollins and the late Michael Brecker. Moreover, as a frequent consumer of ice cream by the pint full, Ricky wrote a song for his favorite brand-Ben & Jerry’s to close out a most delightful session. Ricky on tenor and soprano sax is joined by Wayne Wilkinson-guitar, Jason Crowe-bass and Henrique de Almeida-drums who fit in perfectly with Sweum’s prowess.

This CD is a bop burner start to finish so make sure you enjoy your ice cream before you play this CD or else it will melt faster than you can consume it.

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Although David "Fathead" Newman knew the pancreatic cancer he had been fighting for several years was close to winning the battle when he recorded his final studio album just a few weeks before passing away, one would never know by listening to his parting shots.

Looking for spectacular fireworks and explosive sax runs that’ll thrill you for a moment than leave you empty afterwards? Well if that is the case, this is not the recording for you because throughout this session a lifetime of experience comes flowing out of Mr. Newman’s sax and flute with a velvety fluidity that’ll make you feel warm and fuzzy while admiring the gracefulness of a true saxophone legend’s last testament.

Knowing his time was nearing its conclusion David selected timeless standards with personal significance as well. “Fathead” didn’t want any sadness about his pending departure, he wanted to elicit the same joy he provided millions of listeners around the world over his magnificent career spanning over 5 decades in the splendid statement of an album that closes with Newman’s self-penned farewell and title track “The Blessing”, featuring David on flute taking it back to his church roots and proving that music is indeed the joyful noise.

Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band

The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band’s latest recording, “I’m BeBoppin’ Too” for Half Note Records reunites many of Dizzy protégés with former Gillespie sidemen and others for a tour de force big band recording session that provides refreshing new takes of music written and or performed by Dizzy. The outstanding Roberta Gambarini is the guest vocalist for several tracks, James Moody and Roy Hargrove are also featured instrumentalists and vocalists. Former Denver resident, trumpeter Greg Gisbert is showcased on several tracks with blazing solos. After one listen to this CD from start to finish you too will be hummin’ “I’m BeBoppin’ Too!” 
 

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Wynton Marsalis "He and She"

Founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion, Blue Note Records is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary year and its founder would undoubtedly place his stamp of approval on the latest recording by Wynton Marsalis. “He and She” is a concept album based on the most endearing of all subjects: the relationship between a man and a woman. Mr. Marsalis is a Pulitzer Prize recipient and has put forth a love and life story in spoken word and music in a variety of styles played elegantly by his gifted quintet, blues, jazz, swing and even a Cuban danzón.

The compositions are well written and the execution of them shine brightly, not only from Wynton’s trumpet but from his outstanding band mates as well, saxophonist Walter Blanding, pianist Dan Nimmer, bassist Carlos Henriquez, and drummer Ali Jackson all contribute mightily to the brilliance of this CD. Instead of focusing on the trials and tribulations of a lifelong relationship, Wynton’s story brings out the joys of a lasting romance. Marsalis may be criticized for injecting poetry, written and narrated by him for this recording, however these brief interludes help underline the story. “He and She” is one of those rare finds in music, not only will this album please your ears and at times make you want to dance, it will also zing the strings of your heart!

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Benny Golson, The Best of Benny Golson

April is Jazz Appreciation Month as designated by the Smithsonian Institute of Washington D.C. in 2001. At jazz89 KUVO we honor jazz every day but take our daily appreciation a step further with special daily programming throughout April. Continuing our tradition of selecting a classic jazz recording as our April CD of the Month, this year we have chosen NEA Jazz Master, composer and saxophonist Benny Golson, who turned 80 years young in January. Mr. Golson is one of the few remaining survivors of 1958’s legendary “Great Day in Harlem” photograph and he had a cameo appearance in the 2004 film, The Terminal in which Tom Hanks’ character is in search of Benny’s autograph to complete his father’s collection of “Great Day in Harlem” signatures.

 

Besides being a gifted saxophonist, Golson is a talented composer and music director who has played with some of the best names in jazz including Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. In 1959 Benny teamed up with Art Farmer to create the landmark group The Jazztet, which introduced the world to perhaps Golson’s most recognizable composition, “Killer Joe”. The Best of Benny Golson spans the years 1957 to 2004 and features some outstanding performances by Benny of mostly his own songs, such as “Whisper Not,” “Along Came Betty” and “Five Spot After Dark”.  In addition Benny pays homage to his former band leader, Count Basie, with an amazing rendition of “April in Paris”.  No collection of Benny’s best would be complete without “Killer Joe”, so for your pleasure this compilation concludes with a stellar version of “Killer Joe” from The Terminal, closing the magnificent CD with a golden lock.

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Steve Gluzband, "Hot House: A Cuban Tribute to Charlie Parker"

 

The Blue Note Seven, "Mosaic"

Al Hood & Dave Hanson, "Just a Little Taste"

We begin 2009 with a homegrown choice for our January CD of the Month: Al Hood & Dave Hanson’s "Just a Little Taste" for Kakeda Music.

Trumpeter Al Hood and pianist/composer/arranger Dave Hanson enlisted some of the Front Range’s finest musicians for this album chock full of refreshing takes on standards and provocative original compositions accompanied by a string ensemble, "Just A Little Taste" pays tribute to the "Golden Age" of instrumental writing with lush orchestral accompaniment yet maintains the essential elements of jazz.   Hanson has captured this nostalgic era with his writing and arrangements. Moreover, he managed to add a great deal of freshness to the art form.  Two of the session’s songs pay homage to Al’s main trumpet influences - Clifford Brown and Lee Morgan - and you will surely hear nods to some of his other favorites throughout the CD. The album also showcases original music by Pete Olstad and the skillful playing of Ken Walker, Todd Reid and Rich Chiarluce among others.

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