George Kahn, Alex Acuña & Lyman Medeiros - Straight Ahead (2018)

West Coast Jazz pianist George Kahn’s ninth album is a “groove party” from start to finish. The twelve tracks (all featuring George on piano, Alex Acuña on drums, and Lyman Medeiros on bass) were recorded live in studio over three days. The songs build on Kahn’s love affair with West Coast Jazz, presenting seven new originals dedicated to jazz greats like Dave Brubeck, Wynton Kelly and Joe Sample. Five cover tunes round out the set bringing contemporary pop tunes into the jazz lexicon, turning songs by Adele, Prince, Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd into new jazz standards.

STRAIGHT AHEAD is just what it sounds like: The songs are melodic and catchy, the feel is contemporary yet classic. Building on Kahn’s strong catalog of jazz releases, this set of twelve instrumentals will always be a good companion, wherever you are and whatever you do. Alex Acuña (a top Latin percussionist and studio musician, possibly best known for his albums with Weather Report) brings nuance and color to all the songs, especially his solo in “Wynton Kelly”. Lyman Medeiros, a young gun on the Los Angeles jazz scene, holds the groove together with his “big funky” sound.

Notes From George:
I have always wanted to record a piano trio album, and in Alex Acuña and Lyman Medeiros I finally found my perfect partners. Like on my Cover Up! CD, I have chosen to mix the old (Work Song) with the new (Can’t Feel My Face).

The seven original compositions all borrow from and are inspired by the Jazz Piano Giants upon whose shoulders I stand:

• Wonton Kelly (tribute to Wynton Kelly)

• Roger Killowatt (tribute to Roger Kellaway)

• Get Naked (tribute to Joe Sample)

• Secrets (tribute to Dave Brubeck)

• Red’s Riff (tribute to Red Garland and Count Basie)

• Follow Your Heart (tribute to Bill Evans)

• Dreamin’ (dedicated to my wife Diana, for her unflagging support and love) 

A series of CD Release concerts are scheduled in the Los Angeles area in April and May 2018 with a West Coast tour planned for later in the year. In keeping with his promise to help to homeless population of Los Angeles, one dollar from all album sales will be donated to PATH (People Assisting The Homeless www.epath.org)

1. Rumour Has It 4:44

2. Work Song 5:40

3. Thieves in the Temple 5:55

4. Wonton Kelly 5:40

5. Can't Feel My Face 5:30

6. Roger Killowatt 4:09

7. Get Naked 4:55

8. Secrets 5:49

9. Thinking out Loud 4:21

10. Dreamin' 6:10

11. Red's Riff 4:11

12. Follow Your Heart 6:41

George Kahn  piano

Lyman Medeiros  bass

Alex Acuña  drums