Our latest reviews for your reading and listening pleasure!

Robert Glasper – DOUBLE BOOKED: Robert is one of the coolest jazz pianists on the globe today… the album cover & the intro to the CD remind me (in some strange way) of albums from Eddie Harris back in the day, but the “meat” of the CD is fantastic keyboards like you’ll hear on the opener, “No Worries” – a superb track!  An even dozen great pieces of music, but it was the 10:04 “Festival” that made the album work for me;  clear shades and flavors of Monk are totally present in his playing, but I heard little touch of George Duke-like wonderment on this excellent and engaging track.  “For You“, though too short at only 2:12, is soulful and wonderful!  I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for listeners who love hearing a keyboardist who can play all manner of keys – acoustic as well as electric.  “EQ” (energy quotient) is 4.98.  Get more information at http://www.robertglasper.com/ Rotcod Zzaj

Rich Halley Trio – MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS: “Problematic” is what my review of this fantastic CD featuring Rich’s full-throat sax work is, in that it sat in the queue for awhile… really unfortunate, as this is one of the best CD’s I’ve heard from him.  This gent is a monster player, steeped in the kind of jazz all of us with it in our blood want to listen to each & every moment of every day!  “Distant Peaks” is a 7:54 gem that takes you through all the moods one can have… excellent drum intro (with a whistler to boot) and one of the most emotional sax solos I’ve ever heard.  Clyde Reed does bass & Dave Storrs (of Louie Records) plays percussion & does vocals.  A splendid jazz experience that fully rates my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) level of 4.98.  Get more information at http://www.richhalley.com/ Rotcod Zzaj

Ray Sharp – RAY SHARP: I sorta’ “grew up” next to where Ray’s comin’ from (I lived over in Breathitt County for about 4 years).  He’s definitely into th’ kind of “countrified soul” I heard while I was down there way back in the late ’60′s & early ’70′s, & he’s got it DOWN, ‘specially on tunes like “Diggin’ On James Brown“… he’s definitely funkified this one!  He’s got 37 tracks out there (there were 34 when I pulled the tracks), & all of them are free download – so go GIT yers’ while you still can.  Ray’s rendition of “Born Under A Bad Sign” tells you that he KNOWS these blooz whereof he sings!  I’m quite impressed… Sharp is SHARP, people, & doesn’t come across as “starstruck” at all.. just a natural talent with high energy for your ears!  I give him my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) of 4.97.  Get more information at http://www.reverbnation.com/raysharp Rotcod Zzaj

Phil Woods – THE CHILDREN’S SUITE: My last review of Phil’s wonderful reed work was in issue # 73 & it’s truly nice to have him back again – especially since the jazz here will (as the title implies) attract children to the beauty he’s laying down for you here!  “Come Out With Me“, though at a nice & easy pace, sounds just like a jazz fairy crooning in your ear.”Pinkle Purr” just DANCES with the kind of life th’ kiddies will love!  Strangely enough, I found “Knight-In Armour” my favorite track of the 14 on this great album, in great part because of the high-energy guitar intro, I reckon.  If you’re looking for something to educate th’ kids on just how much fun music can be, this comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me… “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.95.  Get more information at Phil’s site!     Rotcod Zzaj

Toots Thielemans – EUROPEAN QUARTET LIVE:  A totally engaging session from Toots & his pals… Karel Boehlee on piano/synth; Hein Van De Geyn on double bass & Hans Van Ooosterhout on drums.  If you haven’t heard the magick this gent makes with a harmonica, you owe it to yourself, your ears & your soul to taste what he’s been doing for many, many years… as on “Summertime“… one of the most soulful renditions of this classic you will ever hear!  An even dozen hits of high-energy jazz that will stick in your mind for years… check out one of my favorites, “Round Midnight“… no rushing here, it’s all at a relaxed pace, yet as energy-infused as your hottest rock band!  The “capstone” track for me, though, was Toots’ own composition, “Bluesette“!  Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably heard Mr. Thielemans somewhere before; this is one of his greatest recordings!  I give him & the group my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, along with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 (the highest an artist can get here).  Get more information at www.challengerecords.com Rotcod Zzaj

Yoshie Fruchter – PITOM: There isn’t anything you can “call” this… totally unique music with influences from the furthest corners of the universe (& a couple out beyond ours, too).  I can imagine a group of cowboy aliens sittin’ ’round a campfire fiddlin’ up some shenanigans like the opener, “Skin and Bones either “ghostly” or “ghastly”, depending totally on your mood at the time you listen.  At some moments, I’m reminded of Zappa orchestrals, then at others, as on “Freigel Rock“, I can’t help but think of the magickal (& alchemical) guitar antics of my pal Davey Williams.  Turns out to be “The Dregs” that gets my vote as favorite track.  This is a high-energy group that will surprise (& sometimes amaze) your ears… for the seriously jaded listener who wants a bit o’ “panic mode” in the listen, I give them a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and an “EQ” “energy quotient” rating of 4.96.  “Serious” jazzers (in other words, those who don’t like music that’s FUN) may not make it through the first 3 cuts, but it will be your loss.  Get more information at http://yoshiefruchter.com/ Rotcod Zzaj

The David Liebman Trio – LIEB PLAYS THE BLUES A LA TRANE: I have reviewed and listened to a lot of David’s work over the years & can say unequivocally that this is among my favorite.  Some of that is probably because I just dig down deep on blues music, but the other reason is that this is some of the liveliest & high-energy reed work I’ve heard from him – like, EVER, man!  The opener, “All Blues” is absolutely RADIANT… David’s sax leads, of course, but Marius Beets bass & Eric Ineke’s drums are right ON, volkz… he literally takes you to the edges of the universe on this one, & if you don’t grok “the blues” after you listen to this, you’re soul is charred already!  This was recorded live in Belgium, & it’s one of the best live recordings I’ve heard in many years!  It’s the 11:07 “Mr. P.C.” that got my vote as favorite… this one definitely “takes you through the changes”!  I give this my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.  It also gets my “PICK” for “best live jazz recording of 2011″.  Get more information at www.challengerecords.com Rotcod Zzaj
 

Call & Response & Friends – & FRIENDS: Our pals at pFmentum have been sending us music that challenges both the mind & spirit for many years now… as I remember, few of them featured the kind of excellent spoken-word that this album does.  There are 34 pieces here, most of them under 2:00 long… only a couple of samples available, as in “Two Henny Youngman Poems“… those with a bit of poet in you will BLOW your MIND… VERY humorous!  The other was “The Two Times I Loved You The Most In A Car“… definitely a “new view” on “love”.  An extra benefit is that you can read all the poems as you listen to the tunes on the pFMENTUM page. It would have been nice to have a couple more tracks up for sample, but it makes it much more interesting to read the poems as you play the CD.  Since my start in performance was with spoken word, this one may hold my attention a bit more than for some of you who are more “musically inclined”, but I can guarantee you a most enjoyable listen.  In fact, this one gets (not only) my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98, but it’s also my “PICK” of 2011 for “best spoken word CD”.  Get more information at http://www.pfmentum.com/PFMCD060.html Rotcod Zzaj

Dan Block – DAN BLOCK PLAYS THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON (FROM HIS WORLD TO MINE): I hadn’t listened to Dan’s splendid reed work before, but I’m sure one reason we received this in for review is because it features a gent we have reviewed a lot, vibraphonist Mark Sherman.  As I sit here groovin’ on “New York City Blues“, it’s easy to hear the wild imagination this cat has as an arranger/composer & band lead… mighty mellow music… I’ve no doubt th’ Duke is smilin’ down as he hears this!  14 excellent tracks that feature some of the most beautiful sax I’ve heard in years (reminds me in some ways of my first listens to Stan Getz) on the ultra high-energy “Suburbanite I’m highly impressed, not to mention enchanted.  My favorite track was the 4:51 “Creole Blues“… magick through & through.  I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96.  Get more information at www.mileshighrecords.com Rotcod Zzaj

Marcus Shelby Orchestra – SOUL OF THE MOVEMENT: There’s a good solid reason why this CD makes me feel “at home”… I was raised in a church – literally; being a PK (that’s “Preacher’s Kid”, for those who aren’t familiar with the term). Of course, in my dad’s churches, though the “spirit” was there, it wasn’t nearly as dynamic as what Marcus delivers here! As I listen to his power-packed version of “Amen” (especially when vocalists Faye Carol, Kenny Washington & Jeannine Anderson), I’m more reminded of some of the hip-swaying & rockin’ I experienced right after leaving home down at black churches in Virginia & Alabama…. this tune will TRANSPORT you to whatever your version of heaven might be! I last reviewed his stunning works in issue # 82, & this album takes you even deeper into the roots of where the jazz all came from! The scat work at about 3:00 on “Black Cab” is the best I’ve heard in 20 years, & the 15-piece orchestra backing up the vocalists certainly doesn’t hurt either. My favorite of all 12 tunes, though, was the 11:37 “Birmingham (Project C)“… it projects PURE POWER! This one gets (not only) my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99, but it gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best jazz concept CD”! Get more information at www.marcusshelby.com Rotcod Zzaj

Bob Gluck, Joe Giardullo, Christopher Dean Sullivan – SOMETHING QUIET: Though the CD title does reflect a “mood”, of sorts, the astounding music you will hear coming from Bob’s piano (as well as Joe’s soprano sax & Christopher’s bass) on “Waterway” is surely better than most jazz I’ve heard (yet) in 2011; it’s an epic journey that your ears will stay glued to through the entire 11:45! Bob’s original “October Song” features each of the instruments and displays the clear talent and high energy you would expect from total pros, which is what these guys are in spades! The mood isn’t raucous on any of the songs, keeping to the quiet/focused theme, but the trio projects power on all the tracks, especially my favorite (the closer) “Lifeline”; one of the best & all the moods you might imagine are covered in this one! I give Bob & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. This is definitely one of my favorite CD’s for 2011! Get more information at http://www.electricsongs.com/somethingquiet.html Rotcod Zzaj

Griffith-Stevens Quartet – ONLY LOVE: Michael (Jefry Stevens) is in fine form, piano-wise, with vocals by Miles Griffith, Dominique Girod on bass and Dieter Ulrich on drums on this 2008 recording (just released in January 2011). These folks have been playing together on various projects over the last 15 years or so, & this CD certainly displays the wealth of energy and talent in wonderful ways. Just listen to Michael’s down-low & sweet original “When I First Met You” – in the jazz/blues arena, it doesn’t get any better than this! My personal favorite on the album, though, was (another original from Stevens/Sannwald) “Highway Blues“… if you’ve never had the blues before, you’ll understand “instantly” what they’re all about, both from the vocal and from Michael’s strident keyboard – it’s almost like they’re both talking those blues right in your ear! I give this one my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96. Get more information at the ARC (Artists Recording Collective) site. Rotcod Zzaj

Whiteboy Slim – I’m Still Here: Think of a kind of odd cross between Dr. John, Frank Zappa & Howlin’ Wolf, & you’ll have a pretty good idea of what Slim does for your entertainment… I’ve been reviewing him for a long time now, & we hooked up again on REVERBNATION a couple months back… I’ve always loved gut-funk blues, & “Whiteboy Slim’s Walkin’ Blues” will put you right DOW-un into that blues zone that all of us love… his guitars on this one just KICK some tail! Simple roolz on a blues set, & when you listen to Slim’s rendition of “I Got The Blues“, you’ll GET th’ message (and a good strong dose o’ th’ blooz, too)! It was Slim’s version of “Route 66” that turned my krank (& got my vote for favorite right away). For blues-lovers everywhere, this gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at his REVERBNATION page! Rotcod Zzaj

Jordan Reyne – BIRDS OF PREY: You can get a list of players for this 2004 release (originally from 1997) from Jordan on her site… she also has a FREE DOWNLOAD of the entire CD available there. I wasn’t able to find any individual/linkable downloads for the tracks, so you’ll want to ensure you visit the site linked in above to hear what she’s doing. It’s an odd mix that combines Celtic singing with heavy shades of industrial and experimental, particularly on compositions like “megalomania”… if you’re yearning for something a bit gentler, you’ll fall in love with “Perfidity” right away… Jordan’s haunting vocal will carry you to another zone entirely! My favorite track (from an energy perspective) was “Millstones”… heavy and totally engaging! I give this CD a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for listeners who want something with a slightly jaded aural view. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.96. Get more information at www.jordanreyne.com/birdsofprey.html Rotcod Zzaj

Eastern Boundary Quartet – ICICLES: I’ve been reviewing music from pianist Michael Jefry Stevens & bassist Joe Fonda for quite some many years now, most recently in issue # 106. This recording, released in January 2011, adds drummer Balazs Bagyi and reedist Mihaly Borbely (from Hungary). There were actually a couple of other CD’s from their ’09 tour & recording sessions during shows. “Icicles” is a wonderful example of just what happens when creativity is loosed on an audience, particularly on tracks like the opener, “Fish Soup“… a great excursion into many moods that will take you up, down & in-between! The 9:09 “Borders” is ultra high-energy & will have you up & ready to dance ’round your room (or the great outdoors, around a vodka-inspired fire… ha! ha!). My favorite, though, was “Hungarian Jazz Rhapsody”… slow build, with total engagement on the part of each artist. For those enthralled with jazz, it doesn’t get any better than this. I give this a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at www.michaeljefrystevens.com Rotcod Zzaj

Mike Milillo – MIKE MILILLO: Mike is another of those characters who is an “enigma”, so to speak… I’ve been listening to & reviewing his music ever since the original MIXPOSURE, & recently had direct contact with him on the nets for the 20 or so songs I’m reviewing here, but the only track I could find (direct) was “Passage“, a song he did with fellow MIXER Ed Drury. & that’s really a shame (I think) because these 20 pieces deserve to be heard… especially compositions like “Rug People” (my favorite track from this grouping), a sort of “cross” between Frank Zappa, Stanley Turrentine & Big Brother whispering in your ear… ha! ha! What attracted me most strongly to Mike’s playing in the first place was his sense of humor about music… he doesn’t let “tradition” bog down what he plays! On these 20 pieces, he’s doing saxophone in some of the best playing I’ve ever heard him do (& believe me, I’ve heard a lot of what he plays). You can visit his REVERBNATION site, though I’m not sure he’ll have much there – enigma is the keyword. Doesn’t matter – I give him my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Rotcod Zzaj

Matt Panayides – TAPESTRIES OF SONG: Here’s a fantastic PACIFIC COAST JAZZ release from Matt’s superb guitar work, as well as tenor sax from Rich Perry, bass by Steve LaSpina and with Dan Weiss on drums. Well woven musical tales that will hold you spellbound through the entire 8 original pieces with all the verve of the “good old days” in jazz, albeit with a decidedly 21st Century flavor that will make your ears fall in love with his talent right away. There aren’t any cliches in Matt’s compositions, but there’s lots of raw energy and love of playing evident! I was particularly entranced by tunes like the down & funky “Why Bail Them Out?“… 6:48 minutes of pure aural pleasure. He paints aural imagery with his guitar especially poignantly on pieces like the sweet&low “Different Place“, & keeps your motor runnin’ in fine form on cuts like the 7:59 “Freedom’s Illusion” – my favorite on the CD, by the way! I’m highly impressed with his talent and skill & give him my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for jazz listeners of all stripes. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.97. Get more information at www.mattpanayides.com Rotcod Zzaj

Heavy Tin – reFUSED: I first reviewed these gents in issue # 107 & was quite favorably impressed with their “bop jazz” style. On this CD there is a much stronger “jazz feel” to their compositions, particularly on pieces like the totally laid-back “Sweet Beet“, though there’s plenty of strong percussion and beat goin’ on with tracks like “The Swing Prophet“, one of my favorites. Piano (like no other from B.R. Pearson, bass by Izzie Reel & drums from Viktor Lorak all blend together in a quite satisfying energy mix that will keep your mind moving right along in that good old “jazz vein”. I’m impressed again, and expect you’ll be hearing much more from these cats. No matter what you think, though, do this one with your headphones ON… I can guarantee you that you will dig cuts like my favorite, “The Nooki #“… very nicely crafted & played. I give them a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96. Get more information at www.concinnityrecordings.org Rotcod Zzaj

Mac Gollehon – STRAIGHT AHEAD: Woo-hoo, this takes me back… Mac’s brass (trumpet & trombone) together with baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber on the opener, “Fish Market“, makes me think I’m back in those bump & grind strip clubs I was weaned on after leaving home… heh! heh! This is that lively gut-funk kinda’ jazz that got me hooked on it so many years ago, & that’s especially true on tracks like the title cut (an original by Mac), “Mac Straight Ahead“… I’d say that has something to do with organist Greg Kogan’s strident keyboard work, but Mac’s brass is right in-front & brassy, as it should be. The mix seemed to have a bit of “echo” on it, though after fiddling ’round with my own machine’s sound FX, I was able to listen to it in “raw” form… I’d look at that on the next recording, though…. this was only a minor critique, though. My favorite track featured Mac’s trombone, “Strange Behavior“; each player got to shine on this one! The high-talent & full-tilt energy of the players made this experience a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at www.mac-nyc.com Rotcod Zzaj

Adia Ledbetter – TAKE 2 RENDEZVOUS WITH YESTERDAYS: We didn’t get Adia’s first effort for review, but this February 2011 release is her second release, & it’s way cool. She’s one of the hottest female singers in the spotlight today, and you’ll hear why that’s a well-deserved accolade when you listen to “Can’t Help Lovin’ ‘Dat Man o’ Mine” – total SOUL, right? This isn’t “jumpin’ jazz” designed to astound you with hooks & gimmicks… the focus is purely on the talent Ms. Ledbetter is able to demonstrate, and a clear love of vocal work. It was “These Foolish Things” that immediately captured my heart & won my pick for favorite track, though! Any way you hear it, you’ll know you’re in the presence of real talent… I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) of 4.96. Get more information at www.jazzijua.com Rotcod Zzaj

MJ Territo – DOWN WITH LOVE: MJ does a whole host of jazz styles with her vocals on this debut CD, but her unique concept twist on this one is that they’re all themed around the idea that the songs are all about “unlove”. She selected a splendid crew of players to back her up, including Alan Rosenthal on piano, David Shaich on bass, Jon Doty on drums and guests Dennis Winge on guitar and Libby Richman on alto sax. I particularly enjoyed the lilting “Throw It Away“… it’s clearly evident that MJ is enjoying the singing & the band is right on time from the opening note. My favorite track was the down & funky “Gotta Serve Somebody“… a real slip/slidin’ track that demonstrates something about her ability to have FUN with the music (and for this reviewer, that is the KEY ingredient to success). I give this one a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.95. Get more information at www.mjterrito.com Rotcod Zzaj

Brian Ralston – TORTOLOGY: I first hooked up with Brian (he calls himself Self Tort) on the “original MIXPOSURE” (lost & gone forever, unfortunately), & was highly impressed with the energies he projected on the songs we were reviewing there by him. He made contact late last year & gave me a digital download of this self-release… you’ll hear the power he projects on the opener, “Self Sufficient… the jazzheads out there will be up in arms, saying what in heck are you doin’, Zzaj? While this definitely isn’t jazz, it more than meets my primary criteria for whether I will review a CD or not… HIGH ENERGY! The great striding bass line on “One Hour With You” has some strong hints of alleycat jazz, even. My favorite cut of the 13 tracks I listened through, though, was the guitar-laden “Dark Eyes“… absolutely haunting & powerful. I give this a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96. Get more information at http://www.selftort.com/fr_press.cfm Rotcod Zzaj

Shawn Bell Quintet – THINGS YET UNKNOWN: There’s absolutely nothing “cliche” about Shawn’s ice-cool ‘bone playing… any images you may have had about the trombone being (only) an old ’50′s jazz mode will be totally dispelled as soon as you hear the first few bars of the opener (& title track) “Things Yet Unknown“! I’ve little doubt that much of the energy being projected here is strongly related to the youth of the players (Shawn on trombone, Quentin Coaxum on trumpet, Jonathan McQuade on flugelhorn, Ross Margitaz’s bass from Nathan Brown & drum set by Samuel Jewell), but the fact that all 7 tracks are originals is a strong factor as well. I particularly liked the edgy drive of “Lost Pursuit“, but the slow build and high dynamics of the 8:27 “When I Cry” made it my pick for favorite tune. Any way you hear it, this is a young player to keep your ears on… I predict there will be a LOT more jazz flowing from him in the coming years… he gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as my “PICK” of this issue for “best debut jazz CD”. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98. Get more information at www.reverbnation.com/shawnbell Rotcod Zzaj

Jason Robinson – THE TWO FACES OF JANUS: On this high-powered CD (one of three mailed in for review – at the same time), Jason’s totally solid tenor & soprano sax & flute work is joined by Marty Ehrlich’s alto sax & bass clarinet, Rudresh Mahanthappa’s alto sax, guitar from Liberty Ellman, bass by Drew Gress & drums from George Schuller; Jason was last reviewed in issue 65, though he’s graced our pages many times before). The opening track, “Return to Pacasmayo” makes the CD worth purchasing on it’s own! There are 9 more tracks to groove (thoroughly) to, though, not the least of which is the stunningly beautiful “Tides of Consciousness Fading” – total talent on display here, & jazz lovers with adventure in their blood will keep spinning this for the duration! My personal favorite, though, was the closer “The Twelfth Labor“… total groove, & jadedly heavy reed lines that you’ll simply fall in love with. I give this my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at the LABEL SITE. Rotcod Zzaj

Tomas Michaud – BEAUTY & FIRE: If your musical mood right now is for something pretty and soothing, Tomas’ wonderfully global range of musical adventure will surely “punch your button”. Though this is our first listen to his talent, he has several other CD’s to his credit. One of the things that makes Tomas’s music so full of life and energy (in my opinion, anyway) is that all dozen tracks are originals. Just listen to the beautiful “Embrace In The Mist” to get a sense of the adventure you’re about to embark on. Tomas’ guitar style is crystal clear and flawless in execution… check out “Tribute” to hear why I’m so impressed… lively & on-time music to bring you up out of whatever funk you find yourself in. My absolute favorite piece, though, is the gentle “Lotus In The Moonlight“… intricate shades of wonderful! I give Tomas a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Tomas’ MYSPACE page! Rotcod Zzaj

Kitty Brazelton – ECCLESIASTES, A MODERN ORATORIO: Though I’m not a big opera fan, anything that Kitty puts out is well worth experiencing… & that is EXACTLY what this 1 hour and 13 minute CD is all about.. an experience! I’ve reviewed a lot of work by Kitty, most recently in issue # 55; this album is far deeper than some of her others. Kitty tackles “time”, via a story from the bible. She calls the group that performed these marvels “The Time Remaining Band”, and they will carry you to the very edge of the continuum… just be careful, they might not bring you back! Listen to one of my favorites, the 17:22 “The Beginning and Ending of All Things”… if this track doesn’t inspire you to think about your meeting with the maker, you’re already part of the “undead”. It was the 5:03 “Heaven” that was my favorite of the dozen tracks, though… there are sonic adventures (& nuances) galore on this one. While Kitty’s music isn’t for every listener, those with a taste of adventure in their blood will agree when I declare this MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED… “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.96. Get more information at iNNOVA. Rotcod Zzaj

William C. Harrington – G3: William just COOKS his sax/reeds on this grand CD (which you get free HERE). An improvised collection from various sets, it has many gems for those listeners not afraid to explore the nether regions… I particularly enjoyed tracks like “Fuzzbergenoids“… Williams’ energetic interaction with the hyper drums will send you runnin’ to yer’ doc for 10 refills of your 1000MB Valium scrip… OR, it will calm your nerves & put you at peace (the latter in my case.. ha! ha!). The track that turned the tide, though, & made me select it as favorite, was the electronically expansive “Events“… 5:03 droningly pleasureful moments, reminiscent (in some places) of what I imagine the outer rings of Saturn may sound like. For those listeners most enchanted with creatively inspired music, I give this my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97… in fact, William gets the “PICK” of this issue for “most intriguing improv”. Get more information at http://wmharrington.bandcamp.com/ Rotcod Zzaj

Jenny Davis – INSIDE YOU: Here’s a totally fresh rendition of standards by Jenny… her vocals flow naturally and with full vigor, no doubt. Just scope out her doing “On Green Dolphin Street“… you’ll feel like she’s right there in your living room. 10 tracks that will make jazz vocal lovers everywhere listen over & over again… the title track “Inside You” is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. My favorite listen, though, was the short/sweet “No More Blues“… Jenny wraps her spirit right ’round every word & pulls you into the vocal vortex she creates for your ears. It takes real vocal talent to sing with only guitar & bass backing you… if you slip, it will be evident right away – but there’s none of that here! I expect to be hearing lots more from this young lady… she gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.95. Get more information at http://jennydavisjazz.com Rotcod Zzaj

Lutalo Olutosin – TRIBUTE TO GREATNESS: This cat can HANDLE jazz vocals… I mean, he wraps his voice right around “Afro Blue“… this is far more than “just another vocal performance”… what distinguishes Lutalo from the others is that he projects POWER in every note, every phrase, every word! His performance on the closing track, “All Blues“… I keep wanting to think Lou Rawls, but after about 2 bars in, I realize that this is Lutalo’s soul punchin’ right on through my jaded aural appendages & grabbin’ me by the heartstrings! It’s Lutalo’s rendition of “On The Red Clay” that gets my 100% vote for favorite track, though… I’m highly impressed, & can almost guarantee you that you’ll be hearing far more from this high-talent, high-energy singer! I give him my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at http://www.sweetlumusic.com/fr_home.cfm Rotcod Zzaj

Jacqui Sutton – BILLIE & DOLLY: Jacqui’s vocals are among the best I’ve listened to (yet) in 2011. She opens the CD with a wonderfully laid-back rendition of “God Bless The Child“… “pleasant” is the keyword, to be sure. The banjo integrations on “Black Hole” will suck your ears right into the groovy vortex she creates with her vocals… recording is excellent quality through & through! You’ll definitely think you’re down in Cajun-town as you listen to the swamp groovin’ on “Those Memories of You“. There’s a heavy swing feel, & definite sweet jazz snatches competing for your aural attention, but it can’t be “classified” in any way shape or form. It’s for that reason (as well as some fantastic arrangements from Henry Darragh) that I give Jacqui’s debut CD my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.96, & when you add in the “FQ” (that’s “fun quotient), this one can’t be beat! Get more information at http://jacquisutton.com/ Rotcod Zzaj

Issue # 111, Poetry

Issue # 111, Zzaj-rant

Issue 111, Zzaj Interview with Leslie Pintchik