Now Playing: Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra – The Capitol Studios Sessions
BLUF: — Smooth, playful jazz that’s impossible not to enjoy.
This album is pure charm and swing. Jeff Goldblum brings his quirky energy and real love of jazz to every track, backed by a tight, talented band. It feels like a classy night out at a smoky club, full of fun and smooth grooves. I keep coming back to it, and it always makes me smile—it’s just that cool.
Arranged By – Frank Woeste, Ibrahim Maalouf
Double Bass – Larry Grenadier
Drums – Clarence Penn
Piano – Frank Woeste
Saxophone – Mark Turner
Trumpet – Ibrahim Maalouf
BLUF: Tasteful, tight, and beautifully played; small-band jazz at its best.
This album is pure class from start to finish. Russell Malone’s guitar tone is smooth and warm, and his playing has that perfect mix of skill and soul. The trio setting gives the music lots of space — every note, bass line, and drum hit feels natural and alive. It’s the kind of jazz that’s easy to listen to but never simple to create and always reminds me how good a small group can sound when everything just clicks.
First chance to listen to 1965’s Horace Silver QuintetLive at the Penthouse, a mono release on the Blue Note label. Kicking off with The Kicker on side A, and ending with a fantastic version of Cape Verdean Blues. Supposedly a German pressing, but there is more vinyl surface noise than I care for, mostly in the form of pops and ticks. Also a minor edge warp so I’ll be seeking a replacement copy. As far as the recording and the performance this is a keeper. Woody Shaw and Joe Henderson compliment Horace nicely.
BLUF: Smooth, natural, and full of classic jazz charm.
This album is exactly what its title says — wonderful jazz. The trio plays with great feel and balance, giving every song a smooth swing and easy flow. The piano lines are bright and playful, the bass warm and steady, and the drums crisp but never too much. The recording itself sounds clean and lively. A good reminder of how great simple, well-played jazz can sound.
Well not only am I enjoying disc 2 of Thelonious MonkLive at the It Club, but Charlie is digging it as well as he rests on my lap with his tail tapping to Ben Riley’s ride cymbal taps on Misterioso.
Matthew Shipp TrioNew Concepts in PIano Trio Jazz, certainly one of the better 2024 releases. The style that immediately comes to mind is Third Stream Jazz, a certain classical chamber influence. The playing is first rate as Matthew is joined by Micheal Bliss and Newman Taylor Baker.
Bassist Emma Dayhuff Innovations & Lineage: The Chicago Project , recorded live at Madison’s Cafe Coda jazz club. Nice straight ahead set featuring the always welcome vocals of Dee Alexander. As demonstrated on this recording Isaiah Collier is coming into his own, more restrained and tasteful. Kahil El’Zabar adds excellent percussive overtones and accents throughout. Emma’s solo on the second track is a stand-out, as she has her instrument singing out. Available on Qobuz, unfortunately hard copy releases continue to e delayed.
My listening schedule is all shaken up by pain management on Lucinda’s broken arm. I’m on my second listen of disc 3 of this very interesting box set released last week.
Another cold morning with a wife fighting pain. I got her back to sleep and read about someone’s upcoming “trillion dollar pay package.” That made me shiver and think of “Million Dollar Bash” so I put on disc 3 of this great box set.
Bob Dylan "Bootleg Series Vol. 11 The Basement Tapes Complete " Columbia 6 cd set, disc 3