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1 UP PR
PEZ WILSON: Although there is no mistaking that he’s a professional through and through that wants to make it, you get the feeling Wilson is how Chris Botti would sound if he didn’t have his eyes fixed on being a pop star riding at the top of the charts. An old-school jazzbo in his soul, Wilson sings and swings with distinction, while his capable well-traveled crew bring up the rear nicely. With film music chops underpinning things, Wilson brings the genre a nice breath of fresh air.
(Landscape Music) (www.pezwilson.com)
APPLESEED
DAVID BROMBERG QUARTET/Live New York City 1982: This live date pulled from Bromberg’s private stash of recordings was recorded during his burned-out phase. Actually, you wouldn’t know it from the playing here. A high-octane bluegrass and blues date, a rougher form of this was available only to fans at concerts. Seasoned pro that he is/was, you can tell Bromberg was determined not to let the fans down. Originally intended to be a document for fans only, this is one of the you are there are moments that it’s nice was preserved. Even if you aren’t a hard-core fan, it’s hard not to be impressed by the skill and chops on display.
1110
DARRELL SCOTT/Modern Hymns: When you’re dealing with a singular voice that you trust like Scott’s, even if you trust him it’s hard not to approach an album of covers feeling a little circumspect. Far too many covers albums are simply time fillers and not enough of them are trips to bountiful. Well, if you trust him you simply have to trust him. This set falls into the “Trip to Bountiful” arena, but unlike the Nancy Griffith effort, Scott’s album has more of a personal edge than a worldview age. Aside from greatly admiring the composers he picked out to honor here, he’s worked with most of them in a professionally intimate way. That gives this set the kind of personal edge you felt the time he produced a set by his father. This is a tasty album that comes directly from the heart and will connect with his fans just like he was turning out another set of originals.
1111
MCG JAZZ
BOB MINTZER BIG BAND/Swing Out: Whether covering Miles Davis signature songs or digging into its own formidable batch of originals, the always reliable Mintzer leads his big band in a big brassy, high-octane set that really delivers the goods. Leading the way with perfectly honed shops that he knows how to keep sharp, this delightfully swinging set is not what you would expect from an East Coaster about to shuffle off to join a West Coast University Jazz program. Never showing off chops just because he can, Mintzer and company simply know how to have a good time and want to share the fun. Big band fans must check this out.
1030
PORTINO TRIO/Vinho Do Porto: Another fine example of what happens when you transplant a skilled Brazilian drummer to New York, this set of trio and quartet work that mixes up the best of Brazilian and New York jazz and New York jazz vibes. This is a happening, swinging party record that shows the energetic side of jazz and properly amps up all its aspects, whether tipping the cap to Ellington or Jobim. Even if you aren’t familiar with these players, everyone on board here has paid their dues and has now come to collect. If this cat is new to you, this is a discovery you will be glad to make.
1033.
Volume 31/Number 262
July 19, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record
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