Carl Allen; Tippin'

I'm sure that Carl Allen remains one of the first call drummers in New York City. It's just that I haven't heard anything recorded in quite a spell. But here he is, back on CD with super associates Christian McBride on bass; Chris Potter on tenor and soprano saxophones and bass clarinet; and on one cut, John Lee on piano. The tunes are mostly originals but you may be sure there's some familiar territory as well. The opener, for instance, is Parker's mood, a classic in the bebop book. You'll also hear Frank Loesser's “The Inch Worm”, Irving Berlin's “They Say It's Wonderful”, and Charles Strauss' “Put On A Happy Face”. If you are a member of the Lawrence Welk fan club, I daresay this is not your cup of tea. But if you wish to experience intense contributions from all players, try this one out.  

Cellar Music; 2024; appx. 64 min.

Michel Petrucciani Trio; Jazz Club Montmartre | CPH 1988

Sensational French pianist Michel Petrucciani was well on his way to the summit of the jazz mountain when he passed away in 1999 at the tender age of 36. The European label Stoyville Records has, to our delight, issued this 1988 live performance of Petrucciani with jazz greats Gary Peacock on bass and Roy Haines on drums. On this two-CD set Petrucciani is simply head shakingly amazing. Total playing time is well over 100 minutes of pure piano joy and brilliance. The Frenchman is a fountain of creativity and is absolutely stunning at an often frenetic pace. He and his trio mates move from one five star selection to another. Seven of the twelve pieces are his incredible originals, but he also finds room for material by stalwarts Rodgers and Hart, Duke Ellington, Ornette Coleman, Kosma and Mercer, and Churchill and Morey's “Someday My Prince Will Come”. If you are smart enough to still be buying CDs this is a MUST. His audience is wildly enthusiastic at the end of each track and I believe that you will be too. It is tragic that we lost this savant so young. But here is your chance to revel in his piano genius.

Storyville; 2024; 2 CD's: 50:30 and 56:12

David Caffey Jazz Orchestra; At The Edge Of Spring

As the above tells us, this IS a jazz orchestra in all its glory. These gifted musicians take on eight compositions with fervor and excitement. The soloists are fiery, on target, and seemingly ready to curl your hair. Each section is joyfully precise and every individual plays like this is their album. And let's hope that's not the case! There are too many stirring, outstanding solos to credit them all. This is a highly skilled jazz orchestra playing complex but thoroughly swinging music. Power and punch live here. We all love big bands, but this is truly a jazz orchestra.

HDC Music Publications; 2024; appx. 57 min.

Tom Wakeling; West By Northwest

In regards to one's life work, it's often said “Do what you love.” Well, that adage would apply to Tom Wakeling. During the day, he served on the music faculty of suburban Clackamas Community College and at night he splays bass on gigs throughout the 

Portland, Oregon area. On this straight ahead, energetic album, Wakeling heads a quintet in a live and lively performance. His colleagues, all first cabin players, include Jason Carder, trumpet and flugelhorn; Angelo Versace, piano; and Don Moio, drums. The album is perfectly balanced between original works and familiar choices like Benny Golson's “Out Of The Past”, the Gershwins' “The Man I Love”, Monk's “Evidence”, and two songs with the same title, “Lotus Blossom”. You may be aware that song TITLES are not copyrighted. As a result, trumpet great Kenny Dorham and composer-pianist Billy Strayhorn could both use the title “Lotus Blossom” on very different melody lines. This is superb five star jazz. Great solo work, perfectly honed ensemble playing and an adventurous choice of tunes all live here. Tom Wakeling has been a fixture of Portland's jazz circles for decades. How nice that he gets this opportunity to record with such stimulating friends.

Cellar Music Group; 2025; appx. 64 min.

Jim Snidero; Bird Feathers

Charlie Parker was just thirty-four when he passed away in 1955. That's nearly three quarters of a century ago. But his music has lived on through the decades. On this CD it's in the hands of gifted alto sax man Jim Snidero. He honors Bird's legacy along with Peter Washington, bass, and Joe Farnsworth, drums. No piano here, so all three players get to display their considerable improvisational skills. Five of the nine tunes heard on this session are Parker originals including “Scrapple At The Apple”, “Ornithology”, and “Confirmation”. The other four are all standards that Parker often played. How about “These Foolish Things”,  “Embraceable You”, “The Nearness Of You”, and “Lover Man”. This is a hugely innovative approach to Parker's repertoire with far reaching solo work. Parker's legions of fans will welcome and enjoy this striking meeting of these brilliant players. It's been said for years but it's still worth repeating: BIRD LIVES!

Savant; 2025; appx. 48 min.

Jackson Potter: Small Things

Guitariast Jackson Potter leads a piano-less quintet through a very thoughtful and accessible menu, both originals and some you know and love. Potter's tone on guitar is warm and sensitive on the ballads and vigorous and creative on up-tempo material. Potter's colleagues, all admirably supportive, include Alex Ridout, trumpet and flugelhorn; Troy Roberts, tenor sax; Hamish Smith, bass; and Marcello Cardillo, drums. FYI, the standards here include “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”, “Everything I Love”, and Dave Brubeck's “The Duke”. The original compositions are mostly lively entries. Every one of them demonstrates the depth of talent and the joy of making meaningful music by Jackson Potter and friends.

Shifting Paradigm Records; 2024; appx. 60 min.

ANSWERS TO GEORGE'S QUIZZES:

1. Straighten Up And Fly Right
2. Sunny Side Of The Street
3. Nice Work If You Can Get It
4. Route 66
5. Exactly Like You
6. Almost Like Being In Love
7. Sweet Lorraine
8. Too Marvelous For Words
9. Embraceable You
10. Yes Sir That's My Baby
11. I've Got The World on A String
12. What Is This Thing Called Love
13. 'Deed I Do
14. It's Only A Paper Moon
15. Sunday