New & Recommended Jazz CDs by Bob Bernotas, Host of WNTI's Just Jazz - August 12, 2008 August's six new CD recommendations: You Are There, Sashimiki, Grupo Yanqui Rides Again, Taking the Soul for a Walk, SchwarzMarkt, Rainbow People
Bob Bernotas, WNTI's host of Just Jazz, makes the following six CD recommendations:
Roberta Gambarini & Hank Jones: You Are There (Emarcy): Roberta Gambarini is one of the finest jazz singers on today's scene, and it's a joy to hear her "alone together" with one of our most venerable jazz veterans, everybody's favorite pianist, Hank Jones. This intelligent program of show tunes and standards has many highlights, with three gorgeous ballads - "Stardust," "Lush Life," and "Something to Live For" - at the top of the list.
Adriana Miki: Sashimiki (Apria): This is a bold and revealing venture by Brazilian singer Adriana Miki, rooted in the traditions of Brazilian jazz, the samba, and the bossa nova, informed by elements of World Music, forward looking, and intensely personal. Each track is a miniature journey to an unknown land, unseen and unexplored, but warm and welcoming.
Bennett Paster & Gregory Ryan: Grupo Yanqui Rides Again (Miles High Records): Grupo Yanqui, a sextet co-led by pianist Bennett Paster and bassist Gregory Ryan, plays original, infectious Latin jazz with a sense of humor. Paster and Ryan are accomplished players and talented composers, who also know the value of a good song title - for example, Ryan's "If Woody Had Gone Right to the Police…" (There has to be a story behind that.)
Dafnis Prieto: Taking the Soul for a Walk (Dafnison Music): The gifted Cuban drummer Dafnis Prieto reveals his formidable composing talents on this soulful, passionate Latin jazz release. His cohesive sextet features the accomplished Terry brothers from Cuba - Yosvanny on saxophones and Yunior on bass - and Avashai Cohen on trumpet.
Gina Schwarz: SchwarzMarkt (ATS Records): Austrian bassist Gina Schwarz is the winner of the 2007 Hans Koller Pries as Austria's "Side(wo)man of the Year." From the way she performs (and writes) on her debut CD, Gina would be a "Most Valuable Player" anywhere, even in New York. This appealing quintet date also features some of Austria's best jazz artists, including trombonist Robert Bachner.
Steve Turre: Rainbow People (High Note): Having apprenticed with jazz masters like Ray Charles, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Art Blakey, and Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre has earned his place at the forefront of modern jazz trombone playing. On this new release - his thirteenth as a leader - Turre maintains the high standards of playing and presentation to which all trombonists, make that, all musicians, should aspire.
