Republic of Jazz

Friday, December 1, 2017

Bernat Font Trio - _Storytellers (feat. Martí Elías & Joan Motera) SWIT RECORDS 2017

This album of mostly original songs by Bernat Font brings an exciting new sound to the jazz world. I was extremely impressed when I saw Bernat live with his trio recently in Barcelona. They have managed to capture that feeling and good vibe on this recording.

Bernat plays with great swing and technique but is also a unique and original voice on the piano. His compositions delight with their often mysterious twists and turns and never leave the listener feeling bored or unchallenged! He also is a master at using space, allowing the music to breath. Bernat Font is a welcome voice on today’s jazz scene and this recording manages to avoid licks and cliches. This is a delight in today’s music world.

Review by Ray Gelato

1. Take-off 5:16

2. Flapping Birds Dance 7:26

3. The Whole Thing 6:43

4. The Everyday Sublime 4:58

5. Up Above The Sky 4:52

6. Fire Alchemy 6:54

7. Entering A Dream 5:47

8. Like Someone In Love (piano solo) 3:49

9. K’s Tune 4:50

10. Disoriented 5:14

11. Adventures Of A Wolf Dog On A Full Moon Night 4:22

Bernat Font, piano

Joan Motera, double bass

Martí Elías, drums

All songs composed by Bernat Font except #8 by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen.

Recorded on September 12, 13 & 14, 2016 at Espai Sonor Montoliu. Recorded, mixed and mastered by David Casamitjana.

Fabio Zeppetella / Emmanuel Bex / Roberto Gatto / Geraldine Laurent - Chansons! (2017)

Chansons! is a musical conception similar to a diplomatic treaty or melodious embrace between cousins. Essentially, it's an innovative exchange between two neighboring worlds that have always eyed and inspired one other with reciprocal curiosity. Italy and France unite as allies on the musical front, gathering on the field four extraordinary talents: Fabio Zeppetella, Roberto Gatto, Géraldine Laurent, and Emmanuel Bex. This original quartet uniquely interprets eleven songs that best reflect the musical tradition of singer-songwriters belonging to these two countries. Starting from the highly popular jazz composer Bruno Martino, passing through the ever-present Fabrizio De André and Francesco De Gregori and arriving to Pino Daniele, another milestone; on the French scene are idols such as Jacques Brel, Leo Ferré, Yves Montand, and Joe Dassin. The quartet's interpretation is extraordinary and the songs on Chansons! enchant from beginning to end. While the harmonious complicity of Gatto, Bex, and Zeppetella is a well-known fact, the musical fluency added by the involvement of Laurent is unexpected, further enriching this innovative project.

01 E La Chiamano Estate 05:38

02 Bocca Di Rosa 05:15

03 Buonanotte Fiorellino 01:14

04 A Me Me Piace O' Blues 04:05

05 Napule È 05:09

06 Luna Rossa 06:11

07 Avec Le Temp 03:29

08 C'est Si Bon 05:03

09 L'été Indien 07:02

10 Les Temps Des Cerises 04:36

11 Le Bon Dieu 04:40

Fabio Zeppetella - guitar

Emmanuel Bex - organ, voice

Géraldine Laurent - alto sax

Roberto Gatto - drums

Rossy & Kannan Quartet (feat. Putter Smith & Jimmy Wormworth) - _play the music of Harold Arlen (SWIT RECORDS 2017)

During the decade from the mid 1920s through the mid 1930s, American popular music found its own identity, distinct from European roots. Tin Pan Allrhythm, Broadway. and later, Hollywood, began to capture the energy and rhythm of the burgeoning streets of America.

Composers like Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin. Richard Rodgers and Harold Arlen collectively created what we now refer to as the Great American Song-book. They wrote music that so profoundly resonated with the public that it was the soundtrack for the lives of people all across the country and in some cases, around the globe.

In this pantheon of great writers, Arlen is unique. He and Gershwin were far moere influenced by jazz than their compatriots. But Aelen's melodies often had a more bluesy, melancholic feeling to them, even in the uptempo numbers. And his ethereal harmonies seem to come from some other world. His compositions are singular and follow their own distinct inner logic. And yet his songs are popular songs -hit songs- with memorable melodies that want to be sung and swung.

Our quartet tries to honor the original melodies and structure of these song while offering our own interpretations. As always, our masterful rhythm players -bassist Putter Smith and drummer Jimmy Wormworth- imbue every note with a swing that is at once driving, joyful, and full of mistery. Jorge Rossy proves again that he has truly found his voice on the vibraphone. He digs into these songs with abandon and delight, constantly finding new melodies and directions.

The group maintains a strong connection to the jazz tradition that still allows each member to express his own identity fully. Of course, this IS tradition of jazz for players to swing together, cach with their own voice.

Michael Kanan

1 It's Only A Paper Moon 6:12

2 I'll Wind 6:23

3 Let's Fall In Love 4:53

4 I've Got The World On A String 5:15

5 Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive 4:42

6 Come Rain Or Come Shine 6:40

7 If I Only Had A Brain 5:03

8 The Man That Got Away 8:43

9 Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead 4:49

Jorge Rossy vibes & marimba

Michael Kanan piano

Putter Smith contrabass

Jimmy Wormworth drums

Van Morrison - Versatile (2017)

Written By Hal Horowitz // www.americansongwriter.com

No one would accuse the prolific Van Morrison of being stingy with his recorded output, but this, his 38th album, comes just over two months after his previous release.

Granted both are dominated by covers — September 2017’s Roll With The Punches tackles blues and soul classics, Versatile from November of the same year revisits jazz and vocal standards — but they also include a handful of newly penned originals. And even if he’s not singing with the unbridled passion of his younger years, evident on 1973’s career highpoint It’s Too Late To Stop Now tour recordings, neither is he phoning it in.

Here, he mixes swinging versions of George and Ira Gershwin’s “A Foggy Day” and Cole Porter’s “I Get A Kick Out Of You” with more contemplative, but no less inspired readings of “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” and a bluesy “Making’ Whoopee.” While nothing will make you forget performances of these chestnuts from crooners that made them famous (Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole), it’s clear Morrison isn’t coasting just to grab some late-career cash from his aging fan base, likely the only ones willing to spring for this collection composed predominantly of Rat Pack-era standards. Perhaps he could have dug a little deeper instead of adding yet another version of the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” to the existing boatload of versions that already exist, but Morrison commits himself to the tune as if he’s just discovering it, maintaining the structure while scatting around lyrics with reverence and reserve.

Better still are the six new tunes Morrison penned for this set. The easy jazz of “I Forgot That Love Existed,” the spirited kick of “Only A Dream” and the finger popping sashay of “Take it Easy Baby” may not be new standards but they aren’t lame imitations either. Van and his horn-propelled small combo capture a sure sense of sassy energy that pushes even the most laid back of these performances into compelling, if not exactly edgy territory.

This is worlds away from Rod Stewart’s often overblown, undercooked and somewhat schlocky explorations into similar material. Morrison has always been influenced by this style of music and his interpretations maintain the vitality and effervescent qualities that make them withstand decades of social, and musical, changes. Versatile may ultimately be a minor addition to the Irish icon’s swollen catalog, yet it’s another example of Van Morrison’s inimitable flair as an interpreter and arranger. It’s hard to imagine spending over an hour with these 16 tunes and not coming away with an appreciative grin and an acknowledgement of the singer’s timeless talents.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Hélène Breschand & Elliott Sharp - Chansons du Crépuscule (2017)

Chansons du Crépuscule -“songs of dusk”- is a collection of original songs and interpretations recorded in Paris by New York guitarist/composer Elliott Sharp and French harpist and vocalist Hélène Breschand. The music on the disc was inspired by the music of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg presumably including their classic 1969 recording Je t’aime…moi non plus, whose title, if not its period pop sound, finds an oblique echo in Sharp and Breschand’s “Je t’aime Tant”. Chansons du Crépuscule tends more toward an angular, hard-edged expressionism carrying the strong imprint of Sharp’s sonic alchemy and Breschand’s Dadaesque vocals. But they can switch registers at will, as the softly melancholy “Le Dernier Mot” shows; diverseness is the other side of their virtuosity.

1. Extase (04:58)

2. La langue dans ma bouche (03:36)

3. Je t’aime tant (05:05)

4. Ne lui dis rien (04:36)

5. Goutte A goutte (06:03)

6. The Cuckoo (06:49)

7. Amor (05:02)

8. Le bloque cri (05:56)

9. Nouveau monde (05:27)

10. Le dernier mot (03:28)

11. Chose Rose (01:10)

Recorded by Jean-Charles Versari @ Studio Poptones - May 12, 2014

Mixed and mastered by E# @ Studio zOaR - NYC - July 2014

All French lyrics by Hélène Breschand except La Langue Dans Ma Bouche with lyrics by Elliott Sharp, The Cuckoo which is traditional, and Chose Rose which is an African-American spiritual translated by Marguerite Yourcenar.

Additional text in Le Bloque Cri by Rabindranath Tagore

All songs published by zOaR Music-BMI and Hélène Breschand-SACEM

Photographs by Cy Fore

Paul Jones with Leon Boykins and Rajiv Jayaweera (2017)

Hailed as a “force to be reckoned with” (StepTempest), saxophonist and composer Paul Jones is creating his own brand of unique and stylized jazz and is an in demand sideman in the US and abroad. With a singing yet dark toned saxophone coloring Paul creates music that is based in the history of jazz and classical music while infusing elements from the modern pop aesthetic. Making music that is challenging and complex while remaining attainable as a simple song is the crux behind Paul’s musical world. “Anyone can make the simple complicated. Creativity is making the complicated simple” (Charles Mingus).

Short History, his recent debut album as a leader, received a four star rating from Downbeat Magazine; the recording was noted for showcasing his melodic yet gutsy playing while highlighting his individual harmonic stylings and varied literary and musical influences. “Jones and his ensemble shift moods with throttle-forward speed, revealing so many musical possibilities right off the bat that the listener gets the impression that anything can happen” (Downbeat).

Short History opens sparsely with tenor saxophone and piano improvising over the original ballad Women, inspired by the Charles Bukowski novel. As the band begins to fill in the space around the tonal theme this playing continues and does so in both covers (I Could Write a Book and Hey, It’s Me You’re Talking To) plus original tunes. They display why Mr. Jones is noted as having “creativity up to his eyeballs” (Midwest Review). Released through Blujazz Publications, Short History features the front line of Alex LoRe on alto saxophone, Matt Davis on guitar, Sullivan Fortner on piano, Johannes Felscher on bass, and Jimmy Macbride on drums.

In NYC, Paul has performed at the Rose Theater at Lincoln Center, St. Peter’s Church, The Kitano, Tea Lounge, Shapeshifter Lab, Café Vivaldi, Highline Ballroom, and Rockwood Music Hall. In the fall of 2014 he was a finalist in the Julius Keilwerth Saxophone Idol Competition where he performed alongside Ernie Watts at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago. Paul regularly collaborates and has recorded with Matt Davis’ band Aerial Photograph, Nicky Schrire Plus 4, Leon Boykins’ Interval Songs, Jonathan Parker’s The Interloper, Ryan Khun’s Circle, and Yuki Shibata’s Come and Go.

Internationally Paul has been featured at Ronnie Scott’s and the Library Club in London. With Aerial Photograph Paul performed at the Contemporary Music Institute in Zhuhai, China, at many of the prominent jazz venues in Seoul, South Korea such as Club Evans, and at the Jarasum Jazz Festival, the largest jazz festival in Asia. Through Amsterdam Conservatory’s Keep an Eye on Jazz program Paul was a featured performer at the famed Bimhuis.

Interested in many styles of music, Mr. Jones’ pop career has also been quite active. He recently recorded with Sebastian Kole for Motown Records, Ryan Leslie of Universal Records, and Eli “Paperboy” Reed for Capitol Records. As a member of Eli “Paperboy” Reed’s Trueloves, Paul performed at festivals and clubs across 35 states, Canada, and Europe, including Lollapalooza, South by South West, and the Beale Street Music Festival. Paul regularly collaborates and has recorded with the Uptown Partydown, Brett Ferguson, Tory Hanna, The Jack Moves, Adam Lasher, and St. Lucia.

As a teacher Paul imparts his passion for learning to his students by using music as a tool to help them grow as individuals and achieve in whatever field they choose. Paul has taught privately at CenterStage, Harrison School of Music, Needham Music, PS-290, and the Rye Arts Center. During the summer he has taught courses in music theory, improvisation, music history, and lead ensembles at camp Encore Coda in Sweden, Maine.

Internationally, Paul has given masterclasses at the Contemporary Music Institute in Zhuhai, China and the Gimcheon School of the Arts in Korea.

Today, Paul makes his home in New York City where he has reoccurring performances at the Bar Next Door and the Cornelia Street Café. Active members of Paul’s bands include Henry Cole, Phil Markowitz, Fransico Mela, Sam Miniae, Yasushi Nakamura, Clarence Penn, Marcelo Pellitieri, Peter Slavov, Colin Stranahan, and Glenn Zaleski. Paul holds degrees from Berklee College of Music and Manhattan School of Music (MSM). Some of Paul's teachers have included Charlie Banacos, Hal Crook, Gary Dial, George Garzone, Tony Malaby, Phil Markowitz, Donny McCaslin, and Steve Wilson. While at MSM Paul had the opportunity to perform alongside Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, and Joe Lovano.

Upcoming plans include releasing a suite for jazz quartet based on Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major and Gaspard de la nuit, plus a studio album of original songs based on continuing Paul’s process of turning words into melodies, and a live album recorded at the Bar Next Door.

1. You're My Everything 06:28

2. Simone 07:37

3. Central Park West 05:01

4. E.S.P. 06:38

5. The Process 05:25

6. Serenity 04:56

7. Winter's Song 07:03

Paul Jones - tenor sax and compositions

Leon Boykins - bass

Rajiv Jayaweera - drums

All audio and artwork by Paul Jones

Vincent Courtois / Daniel Erdmann / Robin Fincker - Bandes Originales (LA BUISSONNE 2017)

This is not a film score album. Not even an album with cover versions. Not at all. On the contrary, it is a journey, a sort of free and rigorous wandering in a world which is both alien and familiar to us. So, could it be Cinema? Yes, no doubt about it... But Cinema which has been remembered, revisited, rephrased.

With recurring themes, bringing forth secret sensations coming from a distant inside. Hiroshima my Love, Bright Sun , E .T., The Thomas Crown Affair, All the Mornings of the World, The Red Ball, The Green Ray, Take The Money and Run, Sleeping Paris, films from everywhere and elsewhere...Anything but a Pantheon, but rather the result of a swaying dreamy meditation. So films, revisited and corrected by a trio with unique sounds. A cello (Vincent Courtois), two saxophones (Daniel Erdmann, Robin Finckler), three reasons to be seeped in this intimate round dance, apparently austere but, in reality, shimmering and glimmering. No fad. No dramatic flourishes.

No opportunism. Just unreleased sounds. A music that recreates itself in our ears and recalls memories, in the present time, without nostalgia. So listen to Giovanni Fusco, Nino Rota, Michel Legrand, John Williams, Marin Marais, Marvin Hamlisch in their new attire. Get on board with the Courtois / Erdmann / Fincker trio . They love cinema, music, history, geography, adventure ... You are bound to love them !

Eric Le Lann - Mossy Ways (MUSIQUE À BORD 2017)

Le trompettiste breton Eric Le Lann accompagné de Patrick Manouguian (guitare), Philippe Bussonnet ( basse), Raphael Chassin ( batterie), et de Laurent Jouin (chant) nous délivre un album atmosphérique et féerique entre jazz / pop et rock .

La perspective est assez libre et nous permet de nous étendre dans des contrées imaginaires aux voyages et visions solaires, un parcours de mélodies et d'émotions.

L'envoûtement est directe, on se laisse bercer et réentraîner par une trompette lumineuse et le chant nous procure(sauf si vous connaissez le breton) un dépaysement totale.

On adore les titres 'Rêvent', 'An Diaoul Hag An Aour' avec ses chants bretons mystérieux, 'Del' pour son rythme ou 'Sierra Volare' pour son mystère.

L'album repousse les frontières de la musique et du jazz en nous faisant découvrir les facettes possible du genre, entre frontières et passages, des alternances sympathiques et mélodiques.

1 Rêvent 5:49

2 Mossy Ways 5:09

3 An diaoul hag an aour 6:12

4 Balladisa 5:04

5 DEL 5:27

6 Son mari vras 6:00

7 Sierra volare 4:42

8 See You Soon 3:40

9 Komedianez ar blijadur 3:23

Joost Lijbaart - Under The Surface (CHALLENGE RECORDS 2017)

'What would happen to our mind if we create something out of thin air?'' That question popped up more and more frequently in the mind of drummer Joost Lijbaart. Being a jazz musician he is used to improvisation within the structure of tune and melody, but he watned to let go of those boundaries and improvise spontaneously. Lijbaart: ''I performed with Bram and Sanne before on some occasions. After a couple of sessions and concerts together the idea of a fully improvised album became a logical next step because we had so much in common. The blend of Sanne's voice in combination with guitar and drums feels very natural. The lyrics, her whispering, talking and singing are so nigh the human body that it creates a prime vulnerability which makes the music open and accessible. Bram Stadhouders is one of the most creative musicians I know. His presence, both as a soloist or an accompanist plus his profusion of sounds renders all three of us the sensation that we are able to fly.

1 Silent Conversation 04:22

2 Above 05:33

3 Dream Cave 04:43

4 Adem 03:52

5 Together 02:22

6 Kyrie 01:15

7 After Silence 02:12

8 Under the Surface 06:34

9 Sibylla 05:35

10 Going Native 05:11

11 Before 04:41