Brief Notes On New Jazz Releases

As we now begin to approach the end of this twisted year, feeling hopeful again after so much darkness and despair, musicians are here to help guide us safely into whatever world tomorrow will bring. Here are some brief notes on a few new jazz releases that you might want to check out. 

Noah Bless: “New York Strong – Latin Jazz!” – The opening track of the new release from trombonist Noah Bless is titled “Chasing Normal,” a title I think we can all appreciate these days. And who in 2015 would have predicted that the word “normal” would soon carry such weight, and that its return would produce such joy and relief and optimism? This is an original composition by Noah Bless, and it creates a pleasant and spirited atmosphere, perhaps just what we need as we finally near the end of this disastrous and ugly year. And before the tune’s conclusion, there is a delicious joy and excitement in the air, and the track features some great work on piano. It is one of two pieces written by Noah Bless on this disc, the other being “The Key,” an interesting piece that in some of its livelier sections feels like part of a theme to some wonderful 1970s television program or film. Most of the other tracks explore Latin jazz compositions, beginning with Rudy Calzado’s “Ganga,” featuring some wonderful percussion that will keep your body moving. Then check out that excellent bass work on “Canto De Ossanha.” This disc also includes a beautiful rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Ligia,” Noah Bless’ work here being gorgeous and moving. Probably the most surprising choice of tunes here is James Taylor’s “Fire And Rain,” with Noah’s trombone taking the vocal line. The group on this album includes Noah Bless on trombone, Mike Eckroth on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, Pablo Bencid on drums and Luisito Quintero on percussion, with Alejandro Aviles joining them on flute for two tracks. This album was released on October 23, 2020.

Marty Elkins & Mike Richmond: “‘Tis Autumn” – Vocalist Marty Elkins and bass player Mike Richmond deliver wonderful and intimate renditions of some classic material, beginning with “Old Devil Moon,” which features a rather sexy vocal performance and an extended bass solo. Then on “In A Mellow Tone,” Marty Elkins gives us some playful, rather sweet scat, something that is certain to help improve even the worst mood. I love Marty Elkins and Mike Richmond’s approach to the album’s title track, “‘Tis Autumn,” which has a friendly and light vibe. This track is charming and engaging, though then again that can be said of the entire album. On “Stairway To The Stars,” Mike Richmond plays both bass and cello, and the presence of cello helps to make this a moving and beautiful rendition. Of course, Marty Elkin’s gorgeous and passionate vocal performance also leads to this being one of the disc’s highlights. Mike Richmond also plays cello on their captivating and pretty version of “My Mother’s Eyes,” another highlight. “Honeysuckle Rose” features some delightful scat and an excellent bass solo. Then Marty Elkins’ vocal delivery on “I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues” is undeniably sexy, making this track a favorite of mine. So delicious. This album is scheduled to be released on CD on January 15, 2021.

Max Haymer: “Whirlwind: Live At Sam First” – Max Haymer’s new album, his first as a leader in twelve years, features mostly original material. However, the pianist opens the disc with an exciting rendition of Cole Porter’s “So In Love,” which contains some wild and wonderful work on piano. This version has a tremendous power at times, and will likely give you a fresh look at the familiar song. The trio for this live album (which, by the way, was recorded before the pandemic began) is Max Haymer on piano, David Robaire on bass, and Dan Schnelle on drums. “Whirlwind,” the album’s title track, takes us on a delightful journey that is warm and contains some surprises. This track features some excellent work on bass, as well as some wonderfully catchy themes on piano. “Proof Of Evil,” another original composition, has its own sort of excitement, and is dramatic at times. And in its rapid pace the track itself seems to be engaged in a battle against evil, and seems to be winning. This album is certainly never dull. All the tracks are vibrant, and every note seems to have purpose, like a line moving a story forward. Even the mellower, more romantic-sounding “Welcoming” and “Passed Time” draw us in and keep us completely engaged. Whirlwind opens with a Cole Porter song, and it likewise closes with one, “Love For Sale.” The energy is high right from the start, with some excellent work on drums, and this track moves at a great pace, with things flying right along. Halfway through, there is a really good drum solo. This album was released on October 15, 2020.

Frank Kohl: “Solitude” – This has been an insane and troubling year, but now at long last we can relax a bit, knowing a great change is coming to our country in January. Jazz guitarist Frank Kohl offers some beautiful and comforting solo guitar pieces on his new album, Solitude, the perfect thing as we approach the colder and lonesome days of winter. There is warmth to his playing, and this being a solo album, it feels like the guitar is addressing us one-on-one, working to combat the loneliness many people feel this time of year, particularly this year with the pandemic. This disc features mostly original compositions, and opens with a pretty and soothing original number, “Dreams In Color.” And in “Solitude,” the album’s title track, Frank Kohl is reaching out a hand, or lending his shoulder. He also seems to be saying that much can be accomplished in those moments of solitude, that those moments have their usefulness, and so we should not despair. “A Call For Peace” is a track that feels completely in line with what Joe Biden had to say in his victory speech, to bring the country together again after four years of division. It’s going to be difficult, but this music makes it feel possible, doesn’t it? Another highlight is “Still Missing You,” which has a sweet and sad beauty, and fits with the album’s theme of solitude. There are also a few covers on this album, including a good rendition of Duke Ellington’s “I Got It Bad” that at times has an improvised feel, and a wonderful version of Oscar Peterson’s “City Lights.” This album was released on October 30, 2020.

Deborah Silver: “Glitter & Grits” – “Who could ask for anything more?” Deborah Silver asks in “I Got Rhythm,” the opening track of her new album. In the moments before I put on this disc, I could have listed off dozens of things in response to that question, but once this delightful music starts, my needs seem to evaporate. Perhaps this music is taking care of everything, or perhaps it is putting things into perspective. At any rate, the music is excellent. That opening track features some wonderful work by Ray Benson on electric guitar. And Deborah’s vocal performance is lively and fun. And that track sets the tone for the album, which features completely enjoyable renditions of classic numbers like “That Old Black Magic,” “Get Happy” and “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home.” One of my personal favorites is her delicious rendition of “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter,” which features some nice work on fiddle and piano, as well as a totally adorable vocal performance. Perhaps the best vocal performance of the album is that on “After You’ve Gone,” another of the disc’s highlights. She varies her delivery throughout the track, sometimes sounding intimate and seductive, other times taking on more energy. That track also features some excellent work on fiddle. Deborah Silver and Ray Benson have a lot of fun on the duet of “Ballin’ The Jack,” a playful number, and Deborah also delivers a nice version of “Fly Me To The Moon.” Joining Deborah Silver on this release are Floyd Domino on piano, David Sanger on drums, Josh Hoag on bass, Dennis Ludiker on fiddle and mandolin, Eddie Rivers on steel guitar, Ray Benson on electric guitar and acoustic guitar, Rick McRae on electric guitar, Mickey Raphael on harmonica, and John Mills on saxophone and clarinet. This album was released on August 7, 2020.