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

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

Here we have a portion of lyrics to well known standards. How many of the song titles can you identify?

Hint: All songs are associated with Nat King Cole.

1. cool down papa
2. leave your worries
3. holding hands at midnight
4. San Bernadino
5. prayed each night
6. the whole human race
7. a brand new choo choo toy
8. that old standby
9. the many charms about you
10. I don't mean maybe

     11. sittin' on a rainbow

     12. who can solve the mystery

     13. oh my, do I?

     14. a cardboard sea

     15. it never goes by

GEORGE'S BRIEFS

Neff Irizarry; Cambio [Change]Guitarist Neff Irizarry leads a very energetic Latin influenced quartet with vibes, bass, and percussion. The eleven songs heard here are all originals conceived with high spirits and a fun loving feeling. This is feel good music to be sure. And it is very well played from the first note to the last. 

Blue Canoe Records; 2024; times not indicated

Dan Moretti And Brazilia; Celebrating Wayne Shorter

Tenor and soprano saxophonist Dan Moretti has assembled an ensemble playing the music of one of jazzzdom's true greats, Wayne Shorter. The group frames these selections in a Latin surrounding and it all comes across perfectly. Tunes include “Black Nile”, “Fee Fi Fo Fum”, “Speak No Evil”, and perhaps my two personal favorite Shorter compositions, “Yes Or No” and “Footprints”. Wayne fans, you'll want to get your hands on this one.

Roots Grooves Records; 2024; appx. 51 min.

Gardyn Jazz Orchestra; Vinyl Brews

The Gardyn (yes, that's how they spell it) Jazz Orchestra is a big band with high energy. They blast away on six originals and three alternate takes in a live and lively performance. Most of the players are featured in riveting solos. Everybody—-orchestra and audience---seems to be having a wonderful time. Undoubtedly, you will too!

JCGardner Music; 2024; appx. 47 min.

Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet; Secret Message

Now here is a talented bunch that makes no apologies for playing mostly from an era when songwriting was truly an art. As a result we are treated to sparkling, fresh interpretations of “Bye Bye Blackbird”, “Star Eyes”, “Night And Day”, “I Should Care”,  and a few titles from more recent years. These inform us that some of us still care about quality music well performed.

Circle 9 Records; 2024; appx. 45 min.

Doug MacDonald; Santa Monica Session

The sound of Doug MacDonald's bright, feel good guitar is back once again for us to enjoy. With a polished and supportive rhythm section, MacDonald swings with authority on tunes like “Lady Bird”, “Prisoner Of Love”, “Walkin'”, “Pent Up House”, “Perdido”, and a few of his own very well performed originals. Doug MacDonald is fortunate to record quite frequently and each disc is a delight to hear.

Dmac Music; probably 2024; appx. 37 min.

PJ Perry; No Hugs

There's a story behind this title: During the Covid pandemic we weren't able to hug each other. Hence, No Hugs, the title of this CD. If you haven't already done so, you need to check out the exciting alto player PJ Perry. His quintet winds its way through eight original compositions, all of which are a delight to the ear. Some may call this hard bop, but the music played here is so lyrical and so together that you may think twice before using that reference. The tempos are swinging but not excessively so. Everybody gets ample opportunity to display impressive solo chops. Let's say it this way: This is the heart of the jazz art from every standpoint. PJ Perry and his pals are simply enjoying another day at the office. And this office brings first class jazz from note one.

Cellar 20; 2024; times not indicated

Charles Tolliver "Live At The Captain's Cabin"

One might say that trumpet man Charles Tolliver chose the road less travelled. To my ears, his music is “out there”, sort of Charles Tolliver meets George Russell. This two-CD set is particularly interesting because Tolliver and company go for broke on CD #1 and sound much more straight ahead on CD #2. Also notable is the presence of the late piano giant John Hicks who is up to the task on any tempo. Tolliver, when he brings the tempestuous tempo down, is a fountain of ideas. Warning: This is not music for your great aunt Muriel who owns a collection of Mantovani. You might have to stretch a bit, but there are worthwhile things happening here. Take the plunge; it won't hurt a bit.

Reel to Real; 2024; times not indicated

Cliff Korman "Urban Tracks"

There is a certain way of playing the piano where it produces a gentle and exquisite sound. We hear it only rarely, even among the best known piano heroes. But here it is in the hands of Cliff Korman. Every note is pure perfection as Korman and his trio give familiar fare such as “Manhã de Carnaval”, “All The Things You Are”, and “Whisper Not”. In addition to these, Korman includes beautifully crafted originals, some with a suggestion of sensitive and “Latinesque” sound which approaches poetic purity. I think it will capture and envelop you from note one.

Self-produced; 2024; appx. 57 min.

Jason Marshall "New Beginnings

Do you care to sample the big, burly sound of the baritone saxophone? If so, I think perhaps Jason Marshall is your man. He leads a first cabin east coast rhythm section of Marc Cary, piano; Gerald Cannon, bass; and Willie Jones III, drums. Marshall and crew kick it off with Joe Henderson's “Recordame”, a rousing opener. Most of the rest of the session is devoted to jazz classics like Sonny Rollins' “Airegin”, Luis Bonfa's “Black Orpheus”, and Charles Mingus' classic “Peggy's Blue Skylight”. The two standards in the set are “I'll Never Stop Loving You” and Rodgers and Hart's “forever” tune, “I Could Write A Book”. Marshall is a big toned baritone and his pals provide perfect support.

Cellar 20; 2024; appx. 41 min.