CD Review: 2-CD Set - Marcus Strickland's 'Triumph Of The Heavy'

Marcus Strickland

Triumph Of The Heavy [2 CD]

Strick Muzik

The jazzy leanings of Marcus Strickland are showcased on his latest 2-CD set of instrumental tunes. The basic foundational elements of a jazz quartet are present with David Bryant on piano, Ben Williams on bass, E.J. Strickland on drums, and Marcus Strickland on sax, clarinet, and bass clarinet. Volume 1 contains ten instrumental tracks with names as diverse as "'Lectronic," "A Temptress' Gait," "Za Rahula," and "Bolt Bus Jitter" to name a few. Despite the somewhat odd names, the music shines with complex grooves that seem to float effortlessly in and out of different rhythms without any difficulty. Volume 2 continues the good music with seven more tracks. "Mudbone," "Gaudi," and "Cuspy's Delight" are especially entrancing. Marcus knows how to play with jazzy nostalgia and obtain excellent results. In short, Triumph Of The Heavy has mass 'sax' appeal that will be loved by session artists and jazz aficionados the world over. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Oscar Penas' 'From Now On'

Oscar Penas

From Now On

BJURecords

Oscar Penas' latest work is a Spanish/Jazz excursion that is full of smooth rhythms, cool grooves, and improvisational goodness. As a guitarist and composer, Oscar strikes a perfect balance between Spanish and jazz music. A bit of flamenco-type rhythms, Latin sensibilities, and smooth jazz leanings make From Now On a classy little gem. Oscar is joined by Dan Blake on saxophones, Moto Fukushima on electric bass, Richie Barshay on drums, Gil Goldstein on accordion and piano, and Franco Pinna on bombo leguero (Argentinian drum). Smooth jazz characterizations aside, Oscar also employs a Brazilian presence with "Choro N. 1" and "Choro N. 2". The entire album is instrumental. The soothing sounds of Oscar's guitar and additional work by assorted musicians makes From Now On an exciting musical journey for everyone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Addis Acoustic Project's 'Tewesta'

Addis Acoustic Project

Tewesta (Remembrance)

World Village

The jazzy sounds of Ethiopia's Golden Era of music during the 1950's and 60's are reimagined by the Addis Acoustic Project on Tewesta. The album's title is Amharic for 'remembrance'. As a nod to nostalgia, Tewesta is a mostly instrumental work of fifteen different songs by the Addis Ababa-based group. The album is directed by guitarist and arranger Girum Mezmur. The instrumental repertoire consists of the guitar, accordion, double bass, mandolin, clarinet, darbouka, bongos, oud, and massinko. The mandolin provides a more Celtic sound; especially on 'Selam Yihoun Lehoulachin'. However, the rest of the album is uniquely Ethiopian with some Latin and Klezmer-type rhythms and sounds. An exceptionally jazzy song is 'Enigenagnalen,' which precedes a slow and soulful ballad called 'Kewedet Tegegnech.' Mezmur is 'mezmur'izing [sic] on all accords. A thirty-page liner booklet includes history/music information in English and French. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Mattson 2's 'Feeling Hands'

The Mattson 2

Feeling Hands

Galaxia Records

Jared and Jonathan Mattson bring us a different kind of jazz with Feeling Hands. In this case, their hands are quite apt at the drum kit, various percussion, guitar, bass, piano, and horn arrangements. This is not your typical jazz ensemble. Feeling Hands has attitude...surf-itude to be exact. Yes, the surf jazz, punk, and folk-rock genres from the land of sand and sun are eloquently reinvented by the talents of the Mattsons. An array of other instruments add a touch of classic, Brazilian or Latin melodies with sounds of relaxation. All of the songs are instrumental. The additional horn, sax, and string accompaniment sets the stage for some classical leanings that are fresh and perfectly aligned with surf jazz music. The spacious riffs are delicately produced without the interference of vocals or seemingly disparate genres. Anyone with an interest in surf music, jazz, South American, and instrumental music will find The Mattson 2 pleasantly satsifying. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jeff Fairbanks' Project Hansori - Mulberry Street

Jeff Fairbanks' Project Hansori

Mulberry Street

BJURecords

The multicultural roots of Jeff Fairbanks' jazz project incorporates the elements of Korean, Chinese, and American Big Band styles. Moreover, Jeff was trained in classical music with experience in African-American gospel and Latin salsa genres, too. Though, the latter genres are not represented on this album. The striking four-part "Mulberry Street" medley of New York's Chinatown region contains sub-titles of "Entrance and Funeral March," "Scaring Away Evil Spirits with Joyful Sounds," "Releasing Grief," and "The Send-off." Named for a street in Chinatown, the songs reflect the Buddhist and Western funerary musical styles all on a palette of big band and Asian tones. Each song is instrumental and reflects the mid-twentieth century Spaghetti Western and other American film soundtracks of the period. Interestingly, the album is rather cohesive and fluid in its musical approach and execution. There are ecstatic moments, as well as quieter jams with short interjections of trumpet, sax, or trombone. Notably, 'hansori' means 'one sound' in Korean. In closing, Mulberry Street can be summed up in one word: magnificent! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Anne Mette Iversen Quartet - Milo Songs

Anne Mette Iversen Quartet

Milo Songs

BJURecords

The soothing and imaginative sounds of the instrumental Anne Mette Iversen Quartet expects to turn heads with a reflective album of tunes inspired by the melodies of Anne Mette Iversen's boy named Milo. Anne plays the bass, while John Ellis plays tenor sax and clarinet, and Danny Grissett plays piano. Otis Brown III plays drums & cymbals for a splash of percussion. Milo Songs is an ode to Anne's son, which reflects the playful, yet slightly mature compositions. This is perfect music for lounging, reading, or dining. Seven tracks and nearly 50 minutes later, the music still resounds with intrigue and awe. Though, vocals are not present. However, Milo Songs was meant to be instrumental from the time Anne's boy came up with creative melodies at the tender young age of two. For a great listening journey, Milo Songs delivers with pinpoint accuracy and an infectious charisma. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Maria Volonte's 'Portrait'

Maria Volonte

Portrait

Network

Argentina's Maria Volonte is a talented singer and guitarist with a career spanning fifteen to twenty years. About a half-dozen albums under her belt, Maria brings us a selection of some of those songs on Portrait. Sixteen songs highlight Maria's career as a rootsy, folk-centered musician with an earthy charisma not usually observed in other South American musicians. Nearly one-hour of music includes the lighter sounds of South America without the more technical wizardry of more contemporary musicians. Despite a lack of electronica or dance music, Maria shines bright as a folk singer with rhythms as hot as her voice. Fans of jazz, Latin, Argentinian, and folk music will love it. A 'portrait' is only a snapshot in time, but Maria defies time. Moreover, a detailed liner booklet includes a biography, song information, and other notes in English, German, and French translations. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rufus Reid & Out Front's 'Hues Of A Different Blue'

Rufus Reid & Out Front

Hues Of A Different Blue

Motema

The richly-textured, jazz release, Hues Of A Different Blue, are not blues and in no way signify a somber tone. In fact, the release is rather bubbly with equal amounts of piano accompaniment, guitar, trumpet, double bass, drums, and saxophones. Moreover, the music is entirely instrumental. The music is more aligned with blue side of cool. Rufus Reid knows how to liven up any situation by creating engaging instrumentals with fun rhythms and sounds. An almost Brazilian composition, 'Francisca,' features some airy vocals and breezy guitar strumming from Toninho Horta. A mix of classic jazz, cool jazz, and Latin-tinged tunes incorporate a few ethnic influences, though primarily the music is good ol' American jazz. Fourteen tracks of really good music provide a lengthy listening session. If jazz is on your mind, then Rufus Reid & Out Front is not too far behind. ~ Matthew Forss