Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet; A Blue Time

 

From the first few measures of Duke Jordan's jazz classic “Jordu”, you just know that this is going to be the straight ahead stuff you've admired all your life. Drummer Joe Syrian leads this octet through a terrific ten tune talent laden journey. Considering the use of “motor city” here, one may make the connection with scores of Detroit jazz heroes over the decades. Indeed they carry the performance with titles like “Agua de Beber”, “Norwegian Wood”, “Charade”, “Blue Bossa”, “Nature Boy”, and a pristine vocal by Lucy Yeghiazaryan on “Teach Me Tonight”. This octet and its crisp arrangements and super song choices combine for a breath of fresh air. Give them a shot!

Circle 9 Records; 2026; appx. 51 min.

Joe Gransden; Let's Take A Chance Together

 

Someday I'll get a meaningful answer as to just why I've always “hung my hat” on singers who also play something. For example: Shirley Horn, Meredith d'Ambrosio, Nat Cole, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, and such. Most of these vocal standouts play piano  but in this case, Joe Gransden's vocal offerings are backed in part by some flawless trumpet work. On a mix of newer material and forever tunes like “When Your Lover Has Gone”, “Smile”, “Close your Eyes”, “So In Love”, “Don't Get Around Much Anymore”, “Where Or When”, “The Way You Look Tonight”, and a shoulder tap to a guy named Sinatra with “Young At Heart”! One can really tell that Joe Gransden is about quality songwriters. On both trumpet and vocals, he and his colleagues deliver only the good stuff.

Joe Gransden; 2026; appx 49 min.

Nat Reeves; Now In Time

 

Is forty years long enough? Apparently not for jazz bassist Nat Reeves who has been at the task for over four decades! It is clearly evident here as he surrounds himself with younger all stars on a hip run through the essence of the art form. Most of the tunes are originals “back in the day” by heroes like Sonny Stitt, Jackie McLean, Pharaoh Sanders, and more. Titles familiar to you are these: “On Green Dolphin Street”, “Alice In Wonderland”, “Portrait Of Jennie”, and probably McLean's “Appointment In Ghana”. Those supremely gifted cats previously referred to include Orrin Evans, piano; Eddie Henderson, trumpet; Steve Davis, trombone; Eric Alexander, tenor sax; and Jeff “Tain” Watts, drums. That, in baseball parlance, is a grand slam home run. The music says it all.   And I, for one, am grateful for players like this who insist on keeping it exciting, relevant, and respectful of the truly American treasure we refer to as jazz!

Side Door Jazz; 2066; appx. 66 min.

HAVE SOME FUN WITH GEORGE'S QUIZZES!

 Here are partial lyrics from songs you know. How many titles can you identify? Answers tomorrow...

1. my heart grows tipsy
2. when the kids grow up
3. gloom and misery everywhere
4. footsteps that you hear
5. I'm a little lamb
6. I haven't got a chance
7. I become more mad about you
8. a sigh is just a sigh
9. that dream is here beside me
10. down deep in my heart
11. all glow again
12. my heart seems to know
13. I'll tell you no lie
14. and when you caught my eye
15. let me take you by the hand

GEORGE'S BRIEFS

Robert Jospé; The Night Sky

If Latin rhythms are your cup of tea, you'll want to give this spirited quartet a listen. Led by drummer Robert Jospé, the group gives us an impressive journey on nine original selections and two standards, Leonard Bernstein's “Some Other Time” and Billy Strayhorn's “Take The A Train”. Kudos to all in this foursome for their tasty and consistent music making.

Self-produced; 2026; appx. 49 min.

Daphne Roubini; Whiskey Scented Kisses

Singer Daphne Roubini's Lady Day-influenced vocals carry strong feelings on seven songs new to me---six of those seven are her originals---and two long admired gems, “You Leave Me Breathless” and “This Year's Kisses”. Roubini is backed by a subtle and well arranged ensemble. The real good news is that some of these “new” tunes have an “old” feel---much like treasures from say, the 1940's. Nicely done, Daphne. And thank you, Ms. Billie.

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 32 min.

The Paul Keller Orchestra; Thank You Notes: The Music Of Gregg Hill

By golly, here's yet another recording featuring the music of Gregg Hill. He has apparently connected with a wide range of jazz orchestras, each of which has released a CD of his stimulating work. In this case, it's The Paul Keller orchestra, performing Hill's impressive orchestrations for a big band. You're going to like Keller's fresh, high spirited renditions of Hill's music.

Cold Plunge Records; 2026; appx. 60 min.

Brian Dickinson with the Penderecki String Quartet; October Songs

If you're ever seeking something combining both jazz and classical content, look no further than this combination of jazz trio and string quartet. The leader and pianist on the session is Brian Dickinson. He also serves as composer of all selections but one. There is enviable blissful and beautiful content here. It all sounds tailor made for both the classical and jazz communities. Great concept and gorgeous music. Highly recommended!

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 52 min.

Arvind Ramdas; Here We Go

I like the title of this CD because it doesn't shout, brag, or overstate the fact that marvelous musicians are here to state their case. From there, it's up to you. Leadership here is provided by drummer Arvind Ramdas. He assembles a straight ahead, in-the-pocket quintet which plays it all for the pure joy and tradition of the art of jazz. The music is playful, intimate, and challenging while remaining accessible and true to the assigned task. Solos are perfectly executed and outstanding musicianship is the call of the day. The seven tunes played here include sometimes surprising but welcome choices composed by luminaries like Kenny Dorham, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Vernon Duke, Peter Bernstein, Roy Hargrove and more---mostly encompassing bop flavored delights. The single standard on the date is an exquisite take on “Autumn In New York”. It is all heavyweight jazz making. Indeed, here we go!

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 50 min.

Bernie Senensky; Duos

Close friends in Vancouver, B.C. have for years hipped me to Bernie Senensky, a pillar of Canada's jazz community for a long, long time. Well, now I get my chance to acquaint myself with a very intriguing and satisfying recording. It features Senensky's piano combined with an outstanding bevy of tenor or alto sax players, all in duo performances. As for Senensky, I hear a lot of Bud Powell-like chops in his distinctive bop drenched piano. The session features a different saxophonist on every track, including Eric Alexander, Vincent Herring, P.J. Perry, Cory Weeds, and a host of other gifted reed stars. Most of the selections are credited to the leader. The well known choices are “I Hear A Rhapsody”, “I Thought About You”, “In My Life”, and “My One And Only Love”. Senensky “defines” bop piano here, and his numerous partners simply ride the wave on a joyous jazz journey.

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 49 min.