The album gets off to a wonderful start with "Groovin' High," a Dizzy Gillespie number. There is a fun, light, playful vibe as it begins with the interaction between Jimbo Ross and Stuart Elster. And when the musicians move into the main body, there is a good amount of cheer, especially in Jimbo's playing. It is like we are invited to a festive gathering led by Jimbo Ross. This is something certain to raise your spirits. Stuart delivers an excellent lead on piano, keeping things moving, keeping spirits high, while Peter Marshall's bass work beneath it has its own special charm. If you'd like to forget about the world's current troubles, this music should do the trick. A good guitar lead follows, Joe Gaeta at first keeping with the established dance, while adding his own delightful touches. And before the end of this opening track, we're treated to some brief, but lively drum solos by Ron Wagner. Then we return to that initial section, signaling the dance is complete. That's followed by "In Walked Bud," a great choice, for it seems to pick up where "Groovin' High" left off. Jimbo has a great freedom early on, taking off into some glorious territory, knowing he'll be followed. No one is lonely or alone in these places. It's as if setting off for the mountains, leading a troupe of musicians and other explorers. Joe's guitar lead follows, as he takes up a position in front, charting a new path with the same destination in mind. Stuart's piano lead seems to add more energy to the endeavor, shining more light upon the path. The interactions between the instruments in the second half are exciting, one of my favorite sections of this album. Fantastic. This is the first of three Thelonious Monk compositions included on this album.
The second Dizzy Gillespie tune, "A Night In Tunisia," begins with its great rhythm, and soon we are off a new journey, familiar and yet new, Jimbo finding fresh territory to explore, and new ways to explore what might have been so familiar, and doing so with skill and joy. He takes charge of this place. We know we are in good hands, as he charms us right out of our blues. Joe Gaeta's guitar lead delights and pops and moves. At the heart of this track is its rhythm. There is some outstanding stuff on both drums and bass. Everything is working perfectly here. Then "Peri's Scope" has a sweeter, softer tone at the start, a friendly hand reaching out and taking hold, leading us in a dance. Our partner hums to us, making sure we remain within the music, within the dance. But how could we ever miss a step with these guys? There are magical touches to Stuart's piano lead, as if we're entering a fairy tale before things begin to rock a bit more. Reality or fantasy, it doesn't matter, as long as we can stay in the realm these musicians have opened for us. The guitar lead focuses our attention on the movement before Jimbo then sweeps us up into the air again and builds something for us all there, a place where we can enjoy ourselves.
There is a light, pleasant vibe at the start of "Afternoon In Paris," feeling like a wonderful walk through daylight when the air is cool and the flowers are in bloom. This music takes us to places we long to go, helping us escape from the twisted mess of our current landscape. And during the piano lead we sense more excitement in the air. It is no longer a casual stroll. Now there is a point to our excursion, a purpose. Though that doesn't in any way lessen our enjoyment. And everyone we meet along the way gets caught up in the joy of the movement, the joy of the moment. "Nica's Dream" follows. There is a different kind of energy here, a different sort of passion. Here the dance has a more intimate, more focused sense. There is something classy here. Furs and good wine. But nothing stuffy. Elegance and smiles, the strings seem to express. And joy, joy, joy. The guitar spins us around on the floor, seeming to promise an endless celebration, an endless escape from whatever it is we are eager to forget. This song was composed by Horace Silver, the first of three Horace Silver tunes included on this disc. It's followed by "Juicy Lucy," also written by Horace Silver. There is a delicious, playful vibe to it from the start, the kind of song that struts in, but never takes itself too seriously. Life is much too short for that anyway. Let's enjoy ourselves. The guitar lead certainly encourages us to do that very thing. and the beat keeps us feeling light, never aware of our own bulk, our own dimensions. And during Stuart's piano lead, we can carry ourselves on our toes, twirling around with ease.
Jimbo Ross' instrument takes on a certain character at the beginning of "Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-lues Are," creating this character, filling it out, and dancing it about. It is so vivid for us. And perhaps as we listen, we become that character. Why not? Jimbo's work is absolutely wonderful, one of the album's most delightful performances. And Stuart Elster delivers a strong lead on piano, reminding us how good life can be. Jimbo Ross again delivers some excellent work, over a cool rhythm, to start "Whisper Not," a tune composed by Benny Golson. And during Stuart's piano lead, you might find yourself snapping your fingers or anything else you can snap. That's followed by "I Mean You," the final Thelonious Monk composition included on this album, and it's a fun one. This is one of the most delightful tracks, in large part because of Jimbo's playing, his approach. And the piano is hopping. This track also features an excellent guitar lead. Everything is moving, swinging. This track is one that should add some cheer to your day.
Things then slow down a bit for "Gloria's Step," a track with warm tones and a late-night, kind of romantic feel, particularly during Stuart's piano lead. Yet, that doesn't mean this track lacks excitement. Just listen to that guitar lead. And there is a good vibe during Jimbo's lead. Thing then move at a good clip on this rendition of Miles Davis' "Solar." There is certainly a bright feel to the music, to the approach, and a joy in the sound. Again, this is music that will melt away all troubles and distractions. This track features some excellent drumming, and I'm especially fond of that work on drums toward the end. The album concludes with its third Horace Silver composition, "Nutville," which has a cool vibe from the start, with that steady rhythm and delicious work by Jimbo on strings. Partway through, it picks up the pace, Jimbo's strings flying around the room with confidence, with knowledge, with experience, and we can't help but get caught up in the motion. This track also contains some fantastic stuff on piano. A perfect way to end this excellent album.
CD Track List
- Groovin' High
- In Walked Bud
- A Night In Tunisia
- Peri's Scope
- Afternoon In Paris
- Nica's Dream
- Juicy Lucy
- Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-lues Are
- Whisper Not
- I Mean You
- Gloria's Step
- Solar
- Nutville
Beyond The Groove was released on August 21, 2026 on Bodacious Records.
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