CD Review: World Jazz from the Matt Geraghty Project

Matt Geraghty Project

Departures

Omnilingual Records

Acoustic and electric bassman, Matt Geraghty, entices listener's ears to come closer and never look back. The smooth jazz idiom and world jazz components are quite clear. Matt's incorporation of a slew of instruments including the sarangi, trumpet, drums, piano, accordion, guitar, cumbus, oud, rhodes, and others, make Departures sound like a world-class journey through Latin America, Europe, South Asia, and everywhere else for that matter. The Polish language lyrics by Anna Maria Jopek add a touch of nostalgic splendor best-suited for a high-end, lounge club. Thankfully, Departures is only a download or CD-away from stirring the mind and soul of anyone who listens to the music. The Matt Geraghty Project features scattered vocals, Weather Channel Local Forecast-type melodies (this is a plus here), and a global mix of influences that are not too overt. Departures is perfect for those airport delays or the comfort of one's sunlit patio. ~ 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