It leans more to the blues side than usual, even for Jimmy Smith but this time he's brought blues stars like B.B. King, Dr. John and Etta James along for the ride. Russell Malone plays guitar and shows a whole funkier side to his style here than with Diana Krall. Now if I have to tell you how good Jimmy Smith is , I don't know where to start; try this, the best chops, the most flavors the best grrrr-oove a B-3 man can get. Listening to this record, you will get the dishes done in half the time! It would be one third of the time, but I took time out for the dance steps.
Rob McConnell Tentet Justin Time Records Just150-2
First of all, they are not camping out. It's a full ten piece band, just one step up from a Nonet. So with the rhythm section, piano bass and drums, you've got two trombones, three saxes, a flugelhorn, and a trumpet. It might sound like a lot, but it's half the size of The Boss Brass, Rob's previous band, and it has twice the room for jamming. You get a couple of standards, a couple of tunes by Dizzy, and some bossa novas. This group can burn and they can do a slow simmer. It's the best of both worlds because you get some dynamite solos, and some full fat charts. A good direction for the big band sound of the 21st century.
Nnenna Freelon Soul Call Concord CCD-4896-2
Sing, sing, sing, Nnenna tries it all. If you like scat, she does it, if you like R & B smooth, she does it, if you like a little harmony in your jazz, she brings in the a-capella boy group, Take Six who usually only do gospel music, on "Straighten Up and Fly Right". Freelon likes trying new things on old songs and she has the chops and the imagination to pull it off. On this CD you get a lot of variety with Spirituals, Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder and Rogers and Hart tunes. She is a dynamic singer and her voice is strong and sure, so if you are a fan of Peggy Lee or Diana Krall, this may not be your girl, but if you like a singer with some kick, try Nnenna.
Margo Reed Margo Live! MP2000
OK, she wasn't born here, but she has been singing in Arizona for years and we consider her a hometown girl. Now finally, thanks to Pat Myers and friends we have Margo on CD to listen to at home whenever we want to. Everyone is good on this; Armand Boatman at the piano is his usual amazing self, Dwight Killian is a young phenom bass player, and Dom Moio kicks butt in his unique and subtle way. Clark Rigsby gets the sound just right to capture that joyful spirit and energy that only Margo can make happen. It's a variety of classic standards and a little blues, and it comes together just right on this release. Good work all around.
Larry Coryell Inner Urge MCD 7064
You might remember him doing jazz fusion back in the 60's or playing with Sonny Rollins or Mingus in the 70's. It's hard to pin him down to one style; he has done so many different things, but he is always versatile and imaginative. This release is the smooth groove of the flashy guitarist, it's got his usual amazing chops, with just enough blues to make it fun. John Hicks at the piano builds a solid but spacious room for Coryell to play in, and they weave together a fine sound straight down the middle of genuine jazz.
