There is no doubt that jazz is one of the greatest cultural exports to come from the United States. It has found enthusiasts on every continent, even in Antarctica where International Jazz Day has been celebrated at McMurdo Station. Singapore-based pianist, organist, composer, and arranger JEREMY MONTEIRO is surely one of the most prolific jazz recording artists on any continent. He is now releasing JAZZ-BLUES BROTHERS, his 46th album as leader. For this latest release, Monteiro has teamed up with co-leader ALBERTO MARSICO, one of the most renowned B3 players in Europe.
JAZZ-BLUES BROTHERS was originally released in every country of the world except in North America in 2014 on the Verve label. Monteiro is now releasing it in North America on the Jazznote label with three new tracks.
Monteiro has been called "Singapore's King of Swing." The Straits Times has said, “Monteiro's eclectic and international style, drawing from disparate inspirations, put Singaporean jazz into the global spotlight.” Marsico is very popular in Europe and Asia. He has released 11 CDs as a leader. Joey DeFrancesco says, “The gentleman that you are listening to here on this particular recording is one of my very favorite organists. Alberto Marsico is a fantastic jazz organist.” JAZZ-BLUES BROTHERS comprises three compositions penned by Monteiro, five by Marsico, and one co-written and made famous by Etta James.
The compositions on JAZZ-BLUES BROTHERS blends swing, soul, blues, and pop, creating an appealing, funky atmosphere performed by an eclectic group of international musicians, including sax player SHAWN LETTS, a native Oklahoman who has lived in Singapore for many years, guitarist EUGENE PAO, a Hong Kong native who has worked with top artists like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and McCoy Tyner, to name just a few, and drummer SHAWN KELLEY, a native of Syracuse, NY, who has lived in Southeast Asia for many years and who has toured, recorded and performed with a artists such as Ernie Watts, James Moody and Eric Marienthal. Each of these musicians are at the top of their game. Vocalist MIZ DEE LONGWOOD hails from Berkeley, CA, and now a resident of Oakland, sings the blues on “I’d Rather Go Blind” and “I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water.”
Monteiro first met Marsico several years ago when the organist was performing in Singapore but could not find a Hammond B3 anywhere on the island. He knew Monteiro by reputation and asked for his help. The two have been friends ever since.
Monteiro is the master of feel-good jazz tunes, and Marsico is certainly a kindred spirit. They open the album with Marsico’s tune “Opening Act,” a swinging, toe-tapping number about which Monteiro says, “I thought this would be a good tune to open the album, because it really lets people know what the band is all about.” “Olympia” is by Monteiro and made its debut on an Ernie Watts album. With tongue in cheek, Monteiro says, “I wrote Olympia after watching the Olympics in Los Angeles live on television. I really wanted to write an anthem for Olympics. No one asked me to, but I wrote this anyway.” The funky tune features a smoking solo by Monteiro.
“I’d Rather Go Blind” and “I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water” were recorded live at the prestigious Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The songs feature Miz Dee Logwood, a great blues singers who is well-known in Northern California but deserves much wider recognition. Monteiro’s tune “Mount Olive” first appeared on Monteiro’s previous album Live at No Black Tie. For JAZZ-BLUES BROTHERS, Monteiro changed the feel from swing to funk. The song’s title refers to the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., where Monteiro visited while on tour and was enraptured by the music he heard there. “Lou” is Marsico’s bluesy, sexy tribute to Lou Rawls, who was a major influence on him.
Marsico wrote “Jack-Pot” honoring organ great Jack McDuff, who recorded the composition and for which he titled his 1996 album. Marsico wrote “Catastrophy” about the early days of the 21st Century. Each of the musicians takes a solo on this edgy tune that seems to sprint to the finish line. “Wishy Washy” has been part of Marsico’s live repertoire for many years. The song, which is reminiscent of a boogaloo, was recorded remotely during the pandemic with Monteiro in his home studio, Letts in an adjoining studio, Kelley in Thailand, Pao in Hong Kong, and Marsico in Italy.
Monteiro and Marsico prove to be worthy allies in the piano/organ jazz format. JAZZ-BLUES BROTHERS is catchy, soulful, swinging, and injected with a joyfulness that is eminently satisfying.
1. OPENING ACT 7:00
2. OLYMPIA 8:03
3. I’D RATHER DRINK MUDDY WATER 4:07
4. MOUNT OLIVE 6:14
5. LOU 11:47
6. JACK-POT 7:58
7. CATASTROPHY 4:36
8. I’D RATHER GO BLIND 7:45
9. WISHY WASHY 5:02
JEREMY MONTEIRO piano
ALBERTO MARSICO organ
MIZ DEE LONGWOOD vocals (3,8)
SHAWN LETTS tenor saxophone
EUGENE PAO guitar
SHAWN KELLEY drums
Produced by JEREMY MONTEIRO & ALBERTO MARSICO
