Showing posts with label John Allred. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Allred. Show all posts

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Ed Polcer & His Swingtet - Lionel, Red & Bunny

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:08
Size: 140.0 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:02] 1. King Porter Stomp
[3:45] 2. Stompin' At The Savoy
[3:20] 3. Darn That Dream
[3:45] 4. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
[2:27] 5. It Might As Well Be Spring
[5:57] 6. Bernies Tune
[3:28] 7. I See Your Face Before Me
[4:23] 8. Down By The Old Mill Stream
[4:22] 9. Don't Take Your Love Away From Me
[2:49] 10. Just One Of Those Things
[4:01] 11. I Can't Get Started With You
[2:49] 12. Blue Skies
[4:17] 13. I'm Old Fashioned
[3:34] 14. I May Be Wrong
[4:12] 15. I Hadn't Anyone Til You
[4:50] 16. Almost Like Being In Love

In addition to Ed Polcer, this swinging CD features (among others) vibraphonist John Cocuzzi as well as Vince Giordano, John Allred, Ken Peplowski, Ken Ascher, Joe Ascione, Norman Simmons, Frank Tate, and Judy Kurtz on vocals.

Ed Polcer has become one of the most sought after performers on the jazz festival circuit. He has appeared in hundreds of concerts, festivals and jazz parties throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Ed joined Benny Goodman's Sextet for an American tour in 1973. An expert showman, Ed has led numerous concerts with varied themes, including his extensive U.S. tours for Columbia Artists. In 1992, '93 and '94, "A Night At Eddie Condon's", transported the audience back to the famous nightclub and gave a musical retrospective of American jazz over the last 100 years. Since 1996, Ed's "Magic of Swing Street" has offered classic jazz in its many forms as it was played on New York's fabled W. 52nd Street, including four appearances at New York's Lincoln Center. Ed's recent presentation, "When Broadway Meets Swing Street", merges show tunes with the world of swing. "Lionel, Red & Bunny" is a centennial celebration of legendary jazz musicians Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo and Bunny Berigan.

In 2004, he was honored to play for the official opening of the Louis Armstrong House museum, and became a member of the Statesmen of Jazz. President Clinton invited Ed to play for the 1994 Congressional Ball in the White House, and in 2001, Ed appeared in a command performance in Bangkok for the King of Thailand. If you dropped in at Eddie Condon's club in New York City between 1975 and 1985, chances are good you ran across Ed. Besides being the resident cornetist and bandleader at that historic jazz spot, he was also the manager and co-owner. At Princeton University, he joined Stan Rubin's Tigertown Five, perhaps the best-known collegiate Dixieland group of the day. With that band he made several Carnegie Hall appearances and performed at the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly in Monaco.

In the 1980's, Ed was honored to serve as President of the International Art of Jazz, as well as a member of the Advisory Panel of the Jazz Musicians Foundation of New York. Ed's biography has been included in the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, the Encyclopedia of Jazz in the '70s and the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz, both compiled by Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler, and Trumpet Kings by Scott Yanow. In Great Britain, Ed is listed in The Guinness Who's Who of Jazz, as well as Jazz, the Essential Companion and Jazz, the Rough Guide. Chip Deffaaa devoted a full chapter to Ed in Traditionalists and Revivalists in Jazz.

Lionel, Red & Bunny

Monday, October 3, 2022

John Allred, Jeff Barnhart, Danny Coots - The ABCs Of Jazz

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:07
Size: 155.9 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:36] 1. Pick Yourself Up
[6:41] 2. My One & Only Love
[3:28] 3. All Through The Night
[5:03] 4. I Believe In Miracles
[3:49] 5. Anita
[5:11] 6. Some Of These Days
[8:18] 7. First Song
[4:05] 8. Just One Of Those Things
[5:33] 9. Medley Puttin' On The Ritz Bernie's Tune
[3:57] 10. In The Still Of The Night
[7:13] 11. Medley Jitterbug Waltz Valse Hot
[3:27] 12. You Must Be Losin' Your Mind
[3:17] 13. There's A Gal In My Life
[3:23] 14. High Society

John Allred - trombone; Jeff Barnhart - piano; Danny Coots - drums; Dave Stones - bass.

Jeff Barnhart, one of the top stride pianists on the scene today, and the versatile and very fluent trombonist John Allred, join with drummer Danny Coots and bassist Dave Stone in a wide-ranging repertoire, which includes three obscure Fats Waller tunes, an unlikely medley, a long-forgotten Hoagy Carmichael song, numbers by Sonny Rollins and Charlie Haden, and a pair of dixieland warhorses in presenting an unusually eclectic program of The ABC’s Of Jazz.

The ABCs Of Jazz

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Warren Vaché, The New York City All-Star Big Band - Swingtime!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:49
Size: 141.5 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[3:01] 1. Swingtime!
[5:15] 2. From This Moment On
[3:56] 3. I've Got My Fingers Crossed
[4:00] 4. Mr. Bojangles
[4:36] 5. The Way You Look Tonight
[6:09] 6. Stompin' At The Savoy
[8:23] 7. B. D. Blues
[3:16] 8. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[4:35] 9. A Portrait Of Jenny
[3:52] 10. Ain't Misbehavin'
[6:27] 11. Saturday Night Fish Fry
[3:14] 12. When You're Smiling
[4:59] 13. Let The Good Times Roll

Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Chuck Wilson; Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Alan Barnes; Bass – Murray Wall; Drums – Jake Hanna; Piano – Steve Ash; Tenor Saxophone – Harry Allen, Rickey Woodard; Trombone – John Allred, Matt Bilyk; Trumpet – Randy Sandke; Trumpet, Vocals – Warren Vaché. Recorded on January 11 and 12, 2000.

Some album titles so accurately describe the contents that there's almost nothing meaningful that a poor review can say about it. Such is the case with Swingtime!, wherein what is advertised is precisely what one gets—a baker's dozen of inflexibly swinging sorties by trumpeter Warren Vaché and his New York City All—Star Big Band (underweight division). The band includes only two trumpets (Vaché and Randy Reinhart), two trombones, four saxophones and rhythm, but after listening for a few moments you won't care about that, as these gentlemen more than compensate for fewness of numbers by pouring their heart and soul into every note on the page. Mind you, this isn't "contemporary" Jazz—no one is trying to plant fresh seeds or set new standards—but sure as the sunrise, it does swing! A large measure of credit for that must go to the intrepid rhythm section, anchored by drummer Jake Hanna and crowned by Steve Ash's tasteful piano and Murray Wall's walking bass. But everyone has a hand in making this engine go, and the band's consistently sparkling section work is complemented by emphatic solos from Vaché, Ash, tenors Rickey Woodard and Harry Allen, trombonist John Allred and clarinetist / baritone Alan Barnes, each of whom has technique and resourcefulness to burn. Besides playing sublime trumpet, Vaché discloses solid albeit unpolished vocal talent on "I've Got My Fingers Crossed," "Saturday Night Fish Fry" and "Let the Good Times Roll." Swingtime! reminds me of another superb Nagel—Heyer album released some five years ago, The Buck Clayton Swing Band Live from Greenwich Village, on which Vaché also played. Clayton's band was larger (16 members) but the payoff was about the same—pure, unvarnished swing from first note to last. If swing's your bag, open this one for a bushelful of pleasure. ~Jack Bowers

Swingtime! mc
Swingtime! zippy

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Jeff Lashway - Reunion

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:53
Size: 153.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[7:25] 1. Get To The Gate
[5:16] 2. Doxy
[5:20] 3. Down Here On The Ground
[4:54] 4. The Touch Of Your Lips
[6:27] 5. The Quintessence
[9:32] 6. Sweetbop
[7:22] 7. For NOLA Medley
[6:05] 8. One By One
[8:32] 9. Gingerbread Boy
[5:56] 10. Airegin

Jeff Lashway: piano; Jim Rotondi: trumpet; John Allred: trombone; Frank Basile: bari sax; Jeff Rupert: tenor sax; Richard Drexler: bass; Todd Coolman: bass; John Jenkins: drums; Vinnie Colaiuta: drums; Jimmy Hall: vocals.

Throughout the decades, the bands of trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson were, by very nature, heavily brass and ensemble section oriented. Occasionally, Ferguson's pianists were given the opportunity to shine, launching into extended solo tune introductions or brief solos. Some of those pianists were (or would become) stars or leaders in their own right. They included Mike Abene, Allan Zavod, Pete Jackson, Jaki Byard, Bob James, Christian Jacob and others. Even Chick Corea did a short stint before returning to forever. With Reunion, his first CD as leader, ex-Ferguson pianist Jeff Lashway steps out—and up—to brilliantly demonstrate that he is an outstanding jazz pianist, composer and leader deserving of wider recognition. Accompanied by an all-star line-up, Lashway and friends deliver ten marvelously entertaining selections. This reunion is an intelligent, involving jazz swingfest.

Jeff Lashway's playing gives the impression that he draws sounds and wonderfully improvised lines right out from the keyboard. He has that kind of touch and awesome Oscar Peterson-worthy technical chops. With his swing ("One by One"), comping sensitivity ("Quintessence," showcasing the deep sound of Ferguson cohort Jeff Rupert), and soul ("Gingerbread Boy" and the slickly reworked "Airegin"), Lashway rises to this recording occasion and delivers. "Reunion" is a terrifically entertaining, swinging, and most enjoyable CD, the music and its players shining throughout. Hopefully Lashway and his team will reunite again soon. ~Nicholas F. Mondello

Reunion

Friday, January 22, 2016

Jake Hanna & His After Hours Gang - The Joint Is Jumpin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:27
Size: 145.3 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[5:42] 1. Exactly Like You
[6:32] 2. My Ideal
[9:00] 3. P-Town
[6:46] 4. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[5:56] 5. These Foolish Things
[6:17] 6. Look For The Silver Lining
[7:26] 7. Oh! Look At Me Now
[6:05] 8. June Night
[5:36] 9. Can't We Be Friends
[4:03] 10. The Joint Is Jumpin'

Jake Hanna: Drums, leader; Jack Sheldon: Trumpet; Tommy Newsom: Tenor; John Allred: Trombone; Ross Tompkins: Piano; David Stone: Bass.

Jake Hanna, one of the all-time drummer greats, has assembled a group of the guys with whom he has jammed after hours for many years to make this relaxed swinging date. Jack Sheldon, on trumpet and also providing some of his one-of-a-kind vocals, Tommy Newsom of The Johnny Carson Tonight Show fame on tenor, Ross Tompkins, also from The Tonight Show, on piano, John Allred, trombone, and David Stone, bass.

The Joint Is Jumpin'

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

John Allred - In The Beginning

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:17
Size: 163.2 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 1993/2006
Art: Front

[ 7:29] 1. I Got Your Letter
[ 7:09] 2. Autumn Leaves
[ 5:52] 3. Eveline
[ 5:27] 4. Stompin' At The Savoy
[ 5:14] 5. Koenig's Gig
[ 4:16] 6. Sweet Clifford
[ 9:31] 7. Jitterbug Waltz
[13:08] 8. Blues For The Rich
[ 6:41] 9. A Child Is Born
[ 6:26] 10. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

This is an impressive first step in the career of trombonist John Allred. The son of trombonist Bill Allred, John has a similar style, based in traditional jazz and swing and sometimes hinting at more modern styles. Accompanied by pianist Johnny Varro, bassist David Stone, and drummer Ed Metz Jr., Allred stretches out on three originals (the blues-with-a-bridge "Blues for Rich" is most memorable) and such standards as "Autumn Leaves," Clifford Brown's "Sweet Clifford," and "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You." Betty O'Hara sits in on double-bell euphonium for "Stompin' at the Savoy." Fun and swinging music. ~Scott Yanow

In The Beginning

Monday, November 2, 2015

Allan Vaché's Florida Jazz Allstars - Allan Vache's Florida Jazz Allstars

Styles: Clarinet Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:00
Size: 160,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:39)  1. Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland
(5:00)  2. Spain
(7:12)  3. My Inspiration
(6:44)  4. My Honey's Lovin' Arms
(5:00)  5. Krazy Kapers
(4:47)  6. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
(6:33)  7. Breezin' Along With the Breeze
(6:09)  8. South Rampart Street Parade
(3:49)  9. What's New?
(5:18) 10. Jubilee
(5:36) 11. Poor Butterfly
(5:07) 12. Sleep

This interesting Dixieland-oriented set features a septet of fine players who at the time were based in Florida. Clarinetist Allan Vache, trombonist John Allred, pianist Johnny Varro and ageless bassist Bob Haggart are quite well-known in trad circles, while drummer Ed Metz, Jr. has a growing reputation. Guitarist Bob Leary (who takes two vocals) sounds fine, but it is the up-and-coming cornetist David Jones who is the main discovery of this CD. The musicians all have chances to shine, and among the many high points of the easily enjoyable set are "Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland," "My Honey's Lovin' Arms" and "Jubilee." ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/florida-jazz-allstars-mw0000046946

Personnel: Allan Vaché (clarinet); Bob Leary (guitar); David Jones (cornet); John Allred (trombone); Johnny Varro (piano); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

Allan Vache's Florida Jazz Allstars

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Warren Vaché, John Allred Quintet - Jubilation: Live in Bern Switzerland at Marians Jazzroom

Styles: Cornet And Trombone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:21
Size: 159,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:31)  1. Old Devil Moon
(7:48)  2. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(6:48)  3. Song For My Father
(6:25)  4. My One and Only Love
(8:08)  5. Change Partners
(7:40)  6. Strollin'
(4:14)  7. Sweet Hunk O' Trash
(7:01)  8. Jubilation
(6:34)  9. Strike Up the Band
(6:02) 10. Caravan
(3:05) 11. We'll Be Together Again

Warren Vache is one of just a few active cornet players, though he proves to be a lot more wide-ranging in his choice of songs than the late great Ruby Braff (while also possessing a greater sense of humor). Having studied with Pee Wee Erwin, Vache gained early experience playing with Benny Goodman, Vic Dickenson and Bob Wilber. He has recorded over three dozen albums as a leader and is a regular on the jazz party circuit. These 2007 performances at the renowned Marians Jazzroom in Bern, Switzerland pair the cornetist with trombonist John Allred, a jazz party favorite who has had surprisingly few chances to record as a leader. Rounding out the group is the Manhattan favorite Tardo Hammer on piano, Australian bassist Nicki Parrott (another jazz party regular) and drummer Leroy Williams. In spite of his reputation as a mainstream performer with an emphasis on swing and standards, Vache mixes in quite a bit more. The breezy setting of Horace Silver's "Song For My Father" showcases Allred rather well, while the sauntering pace of Silver's "Strollin'" features tight harmony by the two horn players. 

Vache and Parrott enjoy a playful vocal duet of James P. Johnson's obscure "Sweet Hunk O' Trash," with the leader answering Parrott's vocals with hilarious spoken commentary until they switch roles. Of course, they are on the money in their interpretations of standards, especially on the sparkling "Strike Up the Band" and the remarkably subtle treatment of "Caravan." ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/jubilation-live-in-bern-switzerland-at-marians-jazzroom-warren-vache-arbors-records-review-by-ken-dryden.php
 
Personnel: Warren Vache: cornet, vocal (7, 11); John Allred: trombone; Tardo Hammer: piano; Nicki Parrott: bass, vocal (7); Leroy Williams: drums.

Jubilation:  Live in Bern Switzerland at Marians Jazzroom

Monday, April 20, 2015

Harry Allen - Hits By Brits

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:17
Size: 133.4 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[7:04] 1. Cherokee
[7:16] 2. Roses Of Picardy
[6:56] 3. Just In Time
[4:18] 4. These Foolish Things
[6:33] 5. I Hadn't Anyone Till You
[4:31] 6. You're Blasé
[7:05] 7. Limehouse Blues
[3:34] 8. A Nightingale Sang In Berkely Square
[5:48] 9. Got A Date With An Angel
[5:08] 10. The Very Thought Of You

Recording Date: November, 2006. Drums - Chuck Riggs: Guitar – Joe Cohn; Saxophone – Harry Allen; Trombone – John Allred; Bass - Joel Forbes.

Tenor saxophonist Harry Allen can evoke Lester Young disciples like Stan Getz or Zoot Sims one minute and the heavier swing-era tenorists the next. On his latest release, Allen’s sound and articulation lean toward the aggressive end of the scale, although on ballads like “You’re Blasé” and “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” he often brings to mind a reflective Sims or Ben Webster.

All the tunes are by Englishmen, except “Just in Time,” whose composer, the American Jule Styne, was born in London. Well-known bandleader Ray Noble wrote “The Very Thought of You,” “I Hadn’t Anyone Till You” and the classic jazz vehicle “Cherokee.” Also included are “Roses of Picardy,” “These Foolish Things,” “Limehouse Blues” and “Got a Date with an Angel.” The informal arrangements consist largely of Allen, guitarist Joe Cohn and trombonist John Allred (on four tracks) stating the melody, taking choruses, trading phrases and taking the chart out.

Allen is in great form, whether swinging ebulliently or caressing a melody, and the virtuosic Allred is consistently impressive. Cohn seemingly inherited dad Al’s melodic sense, as he spins nimble, tuneful lines at any tempo. The fine rhythm section also includes bassist Joel Forbes and drummer Chuck Riggs.~David Franklin

Hits By Brits

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

John Allred & Charlie Bertini - Live & Unplugged

Size: 182,0 MB
Time: 78:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. It's Only A Paper Moon (Live) (10:22)
02. The Blues Walk (Live) ( 9:10)
03. I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Live) ( 8:12)
04. Top Shelf (Live) ( 7:09)
05. I'm In The Mood For Love (Live) ( 5:57)
06. Sweet Georgia Brown (Live) (10:17)
07. Perdido (Live) ( 4:47)
08. Squeeze Me (Live) (10:09)
09. Some Of These Days (Live) ( 4:49)
10. Strike Up The Band (Live) ( 7:43)

Musicians:
John Allred, trombone
Charlie Bertini, trumpet & flugelhorn
Dave Solazzo, grand piano
Tom Bronzetti, guitar
Phil Flanigan, bass

The Center for the Arts of Homer in Homer, New York, was originally the First Baptist Church of Homer. Built in 1893 from locally made bricks, the building exemplifies the Richardson Romanesque style that was popular in that era.

After more than a century of serving parishioners in this tiny town nestled in the rolling hills of Central New York, the church was purchased in 2001 by a small group of caring local individuals who dedicated themselves to a dual mission of enhancing opportunities for appreciation of the arts and preserving this historic Homer landmark.

Since its official opening in 2005, the center has proven to be a remarkable concert venue. With no amplification or reinforcement of any kind, the near-perfect acoustics of the former church sanctuary provide a memorable listening experience that is sonorous yet warm and delicate at the same time.

This unique setting was a perfect place for trombonist John Allred and trumpeter Charlie Bertini to shine. Although these two accomplished artists had previously played together countless times in different ensembles over a period of many years, this performance marked the first time the two of them had paired for a full-length concert together.

Backed by a stellar rhythm section of piano, guitar and acoustic bass, John and Charlie clearly enjoyed the communication and spontaneity of performing live that evening. Fortunately, the fleeting, magical moments they shared were captured by recording engineer Ray Ackerman and can now be enjoyed by all. This performance is truly pure and organic jazz at its finest.

Live & Unplugged

Saturday, September 20, 2014

The Harry Allen & Joe Cohn Quartet - Stompin' The Blues

Styles: Guitar And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:17
Size: 150,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:33)  1. You're Driving Me Crazy
(7:17)  2. I'll Get By
(5:10)  3. Stompin' the Blues
(5:01)  4. My Old Flame
(4:52)  5. Don't Want to Have To
(5:21)  6. But I Will
(9:20)  7. I Only Have Eyes for You
(8:18)  8. (I Would Do) Anything for You
(6:28)  9. Medley It Might As Well Be Spring, Spring Is Here
(5:54) 10. So There

Despite his still young age, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen has released nearly 40 CDs. Even more impressive is that he plays mostly standards, and while that well is deep, there's no easy chore in making American popular songs fresh and vibrant within the mainstream. Allen accomplishes this by changing up his bands, working hard on his personalized post-Stan Getz voicings, and occasionally inviting veteran hero/musicians to his recording sessions. In this case, fellow tenor man Scott Hamilton joins the band Allen co-leads with the excellent primarily rhythm guitarist Joe Cohn, and there's a story behind the recording date. Hamilton, living in London, England, flew to the U.S. shortly after the terrorist threat there in February of 2007 and was forced to check his saxophone instead of carrying it with him on the flight, and it was badly damaged in transit. But somehow Hamilton was able to piece the hurt horn together, and he sounds as good on it as he ever has. Trombonist John Allred is another modern miracle on this effort, as his playing in accord with, opposite to, and in conversational mode with Allen is sheer genius. 

Why is Allred not hailed as one of the top five jazz trombonists going today? Some good swingin' music is created as Allen and Allred trade alternating choruses for the obscure "I'll Get By" and go back and forth in chat-chat mode during "I Only Have Eyes for You," while each adopts solo lines on the medley melodies of "It Might as Well Be Spring" (Allred) and "Spring Is Here" (Allen). Of the three selections with the twin tenors plus 'bone, "You're Driving Me Crazy" is as interactive as any Dixieland tune, the deep saxes take eight-bar turns for "My Old Flame," and all three horns hit a singsong groove as the cool bass of Joel Forbes and Cohn's guitar prep "(I Would Do) Anything for You." Of the originals penned by Allen, "Don't Want to Have To" evokes a Gerry Mulligan or Dave Brubeck/Paul Desmond classical jazz stance moving forward, wryly followed by the just fine swing of "But I Will." The title track is a basic romping, bopping 12-bar blues, while the end game piece, "So There," has Allen and his band syncopatin' as hard as he ever has. This is yet another complete, effervescent, solid session for Allen. It's also a treat to read the liner notes by Herb Wong. Any jazz fan can receive special insight reading what Dr. Wong has to say. ~ Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/stompin-the-blues-mw0000786043

Personnel : Joe Cohn (guitar); Harry Allen, Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); John Allred (trombone); Joel Forbes (bass instrument); Chuck Riggs (drums).

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Warren Vaché & John Allred Quintet - Top Shelf

Styles: Bop, Big Band
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:33
Size: 166,4 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:04)  1. Top Shelf
(6:04)  2. Sweet Pumpkin
(4:43)  3. Aussieology
(7:51)  4. Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-lues
(5:39)  5. Moonlight in Vermont
(4:30)  6. Tiny Capers
(5:26)  7. The Best Thing for You
(6:12)  8. Spontaneous Combustion
(5:12)  9. By Myself
(5:35) 10. My Romance
(5:47) 11. Whisper Not
(5:09) 12. East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)
(5:15) 13. A Parisian Thoroughfare

Warren Vaché and John Allred have played numerous times together, working at jazz parties and club dates, as well as making an earlier CD for Arbors. Accompanied by pianist Tardo Hammer, bassist Nicki Parrott, and drummer Leroy Williams, they explore more than a few forgotten gems that have plenty of potential, starting with the snappy rendition of trumpeter Blue Mitchell's "Top Shelf," a breezy bop vehicle with on-the-money ensembles and tight solos all around. Thelonious Monk's "Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-lues" is one of his less frequently performed works, but the quintet plays it with the wry sense of humor that is a part of many of the jazz legend's pieces.

Cannonball Adderley's sassy, loping blues "Spontaneous Combustion" is full of fire, while Parrott's bop vehicle "Aussieology" crackles with energy as well. There are a number of familiar songs as well. The interplay between the leaders is the highlight of the standard "By Myself." The quintet begins with a free-form introduction to "Parisian Thoroughfare" that is somewhat reminiscent of the hilarious duo recording by Jaki Byard and Roland Kirk, though their interpretation is at a far more relaxed tempo, much like a brisk stroll that still allows time to see the sights. Top Shelf is a welcome alternative to the many jazz CDs of all originals by young unknowns or all familiar repertoire by artists of all ages. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/top-shelf-mw0002014682.

Personnel: Warren Vaché (vocals, cornet); John Allred (trombone); Tardo Hammer (piano); Leroy Williams (drums).

Monday, May 5, 2014

The Eddie Metz Jr Trio - Bridging The Gap

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:08
Size: 144.6 MB
Styles: Swing, Contemporary jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[5:47] 1. Falling In Love With Love
[4:06] 2. Huggin' Higgins
[5:18] 3. Overjoyed
[4:38] 4. I'm Old Fashioned
[5:47] 5. Count Your Blessings (Instead Of Sheep)
[5:39] 6. Bodhisattva
[4:37] 7. Ner Blues
[4:15] 8. One Less Bell To Answer
[4:25] 9. The More I See You
[4:24] 10. Crazy Life
[4:28] 11. Little Girl
[4:53] 12. More Than You Know
[4:44] 13. Gotta Get A Hold Of Myself

Veteran jazz musicians like drummer Eddie Metz, Jr. encounter the same challenge all of the time, particularly when they play weekend jazz parties: the obvious aging of their audience. Although many older fans resist the playing of newer pop material, musicians have to find a way to draw new listeners to eventually replace older ones. So he recruited Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello and bassist Nicki Parrott, with fellow jazz party regulars John Allred (trombone) and Harry Allen (tenor sax) added on several tracks. There are plenty of great old standards: delightful, swinging trio settings of "Falling in Love with Love," "I'm Old Fashioned," "The More I See You," and a sublime "More Than You Know." Modern pop is represented by enjoyable interpretations of Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed" and Steely Dan's "Bodhisattva" and a bossa nova setting of 1970s Italian pop singer Gino Vannelli's "Crazy Life," featuring Allred carrying the melody, while Parrott sings "One Less Bell to Answer," a hit decades earlier for the 5th Dimension.

Metz penned the understated "NER Blues," which will be immediately recognized by any seasoned jazz fan as a tribute to Count Basie, while the full quintet is heard in the sassy "Huggin' Higgins," a peppy salute to veteran pianist Eddie Higgins, another jazz party regular who crosses paths with the rest of the band on occasion. Metz has done his part to bridge the generation gap among jazz fans; now it is up to the listeners to take the first step across it. ~ Ken Dryden

Ed Metz, Jr. (drums); Nicki Parrott (vocals, bass instrument, bass guitar); Rossano Sportiello (piano); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); John Allred (trombone). Audio Mixers: Veit Renn; Charlie Bertini. Recording information: Nola Studios, New York, NY (02/18/2008/02/19/2008).

Bridging The Gap