Jazz Society of Pensacola Reviews
About the reviewer: F. Norman Vickers is a founder of the Jazz Society of Pensacola and Pensacola JazzFest, and a former president of the American Federation of Jazz Societies. He is a member of the Jazz Journalists Association and the Jazz Photographers Association. He is a serious amateur multi-instrumentalist.
 

added July 27, 2010

JAMIE OUSLEY: Back Home
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

This CD on the TIE label by bassist composer Jamie Ousley was recorded in Osaka, Japan and Miami. This is a mix of Ousley's own compositions plus Rodgers & Hammerstein's My Favorite Things and Chopin's Nocturne in E flat major, the latter done in a uniquely jazzy way. There are three vocal numbers, one by a female identified as SAMM, LeNard Rutledge and Nanami Morikawa. Ira Sullivan, well known to Pensacola jazzfans is prominently featured on soprano sax, flugelhorn and alto flute. One Latin track, of unique interest for melody, rhythm and use of various instruments-violin, mandolin, cuatro and maracas- by Jhonny (sic) Mendoza. There are eleven tracks in all.

This record I can recommend for double bass, and Ira Sullivan fans plus those willing to explore somewhat wider horizons than straight-ahead jazz. More info at www.jamieousey.com and Tie Records.


added June 23, 2010

PHIL WILSON & MAKOTO OZONE: LIVE AT THE BERKLEE PERFORMANCE CENTER
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

Wilson & Ozone This outstanding performance, now almost 28 years old, by master trombonist/educator Phil Wilson and his then pianist/pupil Makoto Ozone was recorded at Berklee School of Music where Wilson still teaches and continues to inspire his students. Ozone has gone on to international fame. Originally released as an LP, this is the first appearance in CD form. There are 40+ exciting minutes and seven tunes: Stella By Starlight; Here’s That Rainy Day; Gravy Waltz; These are the Days, an original by Wilson; Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave to Me; and Coltrane’s Giant Steps.

This recording should be of significant interest to those interested in piano and/or trombone. Wilson, who was a member of Woody Herman’s band before settling in at Berklee, performs remarkable rhythmic and melodic feats on the trombone including performing two notes simultaneously. For those unfamiliar with this feat, it is produced by playing one note while humming another. Ozone thrills the listener with brilliant improvisation and technical skills. The interplay of these master artists is exciting, as compared perhaps to watching a Wimbledon tennis match.

The CD should be of special interest to Jazz Society of Pensacola (JSOP) longtime members as both artists appeared here on separate occasions. Ozone was featured at an early Pensacola JazzFest and Phil Wilson appeared for a special JSOP event in duo performance with late pianist Dave McKenna. It was during that event I learned that Wilson is also a concert-quality pianist, a fact not widely known.

In conversation with Tom Burns, President of Capri Records, we discussed how the CD happened to be released now. Burns said, “Wilson and I are longtime friends and we have produced some of his recordings. It seemed to be a worthwhile project, especially after hearing the performance, so we decided to proceed.”

I agree wholeheartedly with this assessment.

added June 7, 2010

JOHN BUNCH: Do Not Disturb
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

John BunchThis elegant trio recording is a fitting tribute to this eighty-eight year old musician who died March 30, 2010. He had played his final gig just two weeks before. Bunch has been called the "Fred Astaire of the piano" by drummer/author George Simon.

Musical colleagues include guitarist Frank Vignola and string bassist John Webber. The recordings were made October 13 and December 22, 2009 at Nola Studios in New York City.

There are thirteen well-chosen tunes here for seventy-two minutes of sheer enjoyment. Liner notes, always outstanding on the Arbors Records, are by Brian Peerless of London. He's a jazz writer, promoter and contributor to New Grove Dictionary of Jazz.

One might say that Bunch is a jazz equal opportunity employer in that he gives his side-men Vignola and Webber a chance to solo while he superbly "comps" for them. Two tunes particularly impressed me in this regard. On Eddie Vinson's tune, Four, (many people think this is a Miles Davis tune) there is a delightful piano/guitar chase. On Ellington's Come Sunday, guitar solo is particularly poignant.

Tune List:

  1. John's Bunch
  2. Doxy
  3. Bill
  4. Do Not Disturb
  5. My Ideal
  6. Anthropology
  7. I've Just Seen Her
  8. Four
  9. My Man's Gone Now
  10. In Your Own Sweet Way
  11. Come Sunday
  12. You're My Everything
  13. Get Out of Town
Purchase: Arbors Records, Inc. www.arborsrecords.com; Amazon or your favorite record store.

added May 13, 2010

CHAMPIAN FULTON: the breeze and I
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

Champian FultonThis is the third CD for this talented twenty-four year old vocalist/pianist. It is in trio format with her accompanists on the previous recordings, drummer Fukushi Tainaka and bassist Neal Miner.

She comes from a jazz family. Her father Stephen is a jazz trumpeter/educator.

Of the thirteen tunes on the album, several are instrumental and feature her pianistic skills. Instrumentals are: Land’s End, by Harold Land; The Sheik of Araby, Lecuona’s The Breeze and I; Easy to Love and My Heart Stood Still. Easy to Love, for example, is cleverly done as up-tempo instrumental instead of the expected slow ballad with vocals.

Vocal tunes include Exactly Like You; Day In, Day Out; The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else; Say It Isn’t So; I’m Gonna Lock My Heart and Throw Away the Key; In Confessin’; and If I Had You.

Her selection of tunes is eclectic and most of them will be familiar to serious jazzfans. I particularly liked her rendition of the Rube Bloom-Ted Koehler tune I Can’t Face the Music. I agree that her vocals reflect influence of Dinah Washington and Peggy Lee.

Localizing and personalizing this album, Champian was a finalist a couple of years ago at the Phillips/University of West Florida Jazz Piano competition. Our New York performers at recent Pensacola JazzFest—pianist Russ Kassoff, violinist Aaron Weinstein, guitarist Howard Alden and drummer Dennis Mackrel—were universally complimentary of Ms. Fulton’s vocal and pianistic skills.

She has various gigs around NYC and is a regular at Swing 46 on Sundays noon- 3 p.m.

One may purchase CDs from Amazon, CD Baby or Ms. Fulton’s website www.champian.net.

added March 31, 2010

JOHN FEDCHOCK NY SEXTET: Live at the Red Sea Jazz Festival
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

This CD, John Fedchock NY Sextet, led by trombonist John Fedchock features selected members of his New York Big Band performing at the 2008 Red Sea Jazz Festival. In the liner notes, Fedchock explains that this live performance was recorded for Israeli TV. Because of the high quality of the sound it was feasible to make a CD for distribution.

Performing with Fedchock are Scott Wendholt-trumpet and flugelhorn; Walt Weiskopf-tenor saxophone; Allen Farnham-piano; David Finck-bass and Dave Ratajczak-drums. The band is a tight-knit group and perform well together. There is over sixty minutes of excellent jazz performance. All tunes are Fedchock originals except the Ellington/Tizol Caravan and Tom Harrell’s Moon Alley.

This 2010 CD is released by Capri Records, Bailey, CO.

 

added February 16, 2010

SCAT SINGER ORI DAGAN’S DEBUT CD: S’CAT GOT MY TONGUE
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

Ori DaganToronto vocalist Ori Dagan has released his first CD. He’s a baritone with good delivery. There is a varied selection of original material featuring his scat singing including the title piece, S’cat Got My Tongue. In his version of the Woody Herman piece Four Brothers, he duets with tenor saxophonist Chris Gale accompanied by piano, bass and drums. His S’Qua Badu Bop is a duet with soprano Sophia Perlman. There’s also a hip version of The Surrey With The Fringe On Top. He can deliver ballads “straight” as well. This is evidenced by his Star Eyes with Hammond B3 accompaniment by Bernie Senensky. Other tunes feature piano. Here’s a “talent deserving wider recognition.” I’d compare his clever vocals to that of Giacomo Gates and Jay Leonhart.

See his website www.oridagan.com. Purchase from his website or Amazon. He also has some videos on You Tube.

 

added February 11, 2010

THREE’S COMPANY: Holly Hoffman and Bill Cunliffe
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

Three's Company
Isn’t it wonderful to drop in on a beautiful conversation, whether verbal or musical? Improvisation is the conversational musical equivalent, and when done eloquently, can be most satisfying. Two recordings from Capri Records of Bailey, CO provide just that.

Pianist/arranger and recent Grammy winner Bill Cunliffe pairs with flutist Holly Hoffmann on THREE’S COMPANY. Cunliffe and Hofmann have collaborated before so this is a reunion of sorts. Of the eight tunes on this CD four are Cunliffe originals, with one--the title tune- by Holly. The remaining three are by Burton Lane, Billy Strayhorn and Gabriel Faure. Drummer Alvester Garnett joins in on Holly’s composition, Three’s Company. Jazz and classical violinist Regina Carter joins in on Strayhorn’s Star Crossed Lovers for exciting musical conversation. Clarinetist Ken Peplowski participates on the Cunfliffe composition Reunion. Clarinet-flute combination is particularly pleasing to this reviewer’s ear. This recording is a pleasing hour of listening. Be sure to listen often to catch the musical nuances.

 

added February 11, 2010

THREE FOR THE AGES: Michael Pagan Trio with Bob Bowman and Ray DeMarchi
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

Michael Pagan Trio
Michael Pagan is pianist, arranger-conductor and music educator. He is currently assistant director of jazz studies at U. Missouri/Kansas City. He keeps his pianistic chops up with a one night a week gig in KC. His collaborators on this Capri CD are bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Ray DeMarchi. Pagan selects some well-known tunes from the American Songbook: You Don’t Know What Love Is, How Deep is the Ocean, I Should Care and The Best Thing for You (Would Be Me.) Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Gethsemane; Atras da Porta by Francis Hime & Chico Buarque and Persona by Enrico Pieranunzi are lesser known tunes. Victor Feldman’s Falling in Love is not the more familiar tune of similar name by Rodgers and Hart. Pagan includes his own composition, Three For the Ages. There is good rapport among the three artists here. Bowman’s bass solos are sensitive and add appropriately to the musical mix. De Marchi’s drumming is tasty and supportive. Pagan plays jazz piano as this reviewer, a serious amateur jazz pianist, would aspire to play.

Congratulations to Tom Burns, Capri Records owner and executive producer. He’s given us two gems.

 

added October 21, 2009

SALTMAN KNOWLES: YESTERDAY'S MAN
CD Review
by F. Norman Vickers

Saltman KnowlesThis CD by bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles is their sixth CD. All  ten tunes are original, composed by  either of the leaders.  It is interesting that each has five tunes.  Sometimes, a CD with all original
tunes makes for difficult listening,  as there is no standard with which to compare.  However, all the tunes are well-executed and keep this listener continuously  engaged.

Of special interest is the soprano steel pan played by Victor Provost and the wordless vocals  by Lori Williams-Chisholm. The steel pan, precisely in tune, makes for added excitement. Other performers are Antonio Parker, alto saxophone; Doug Pierce, flugelhorn and trumpet; Brian Settles, soprano and tenor saxophones; and Jimmy"Junebug" Jackson, drums.

This is the sixth CD for Saltman and Knowles.  
It is released by Pacific Coast Jazz, www.pacificcoastjazz.com.  
Release date is January 26, 2010.
It's worth the wait. 

 

added October 6, 2009

Randy Sandke's Jazz for Juniors
Arbors Records ARCD 19385
CD Review by F. Norman Vickers

Randy Sandke's Jazz for JuniorsHere's a CD written especially for the young, but like many classic efforts-think Wizard of Oz and Christopher Robin stories-there is inspiration for all ages. Jazz trumpeter Randy Sandke has written delightful music and clever songs which introduce listeners to each principal jazz instrument. Jazz sophisticates will recognize some of the artists.

The fable begins with the trumpet playing tiger ( Sandke) who needs to meet other jazz players for his band. This leads to a series of adventures and travels-- geography lesson-- and introduction to other animal players.

Besides Sandke; Hip Hippo (Wycliffe Gordon) plays tail-gate trombone; Penguin (Ted Rosenthal ), piano; Swan (Wayne Escoffery) tenor sax; Drummin' Dromedary (John Riley); Elegant Elephant ( Jay Leonhart,)bass; Jenny the Giraffe(Howard Alden,) guitar; Cockatoo (Ken Peplowski,) clarinet and Robin (Chuck Wilson,) flute. Allan Harris and Carolyn Leonhart handle the hip vocals and speaking parts.

At the end when the whole band is assembled, there are brief examples of many different styles of jazz from classic jazz through bop and modal, mainly for adults who don't have the vocabulary firmly in mind. Bonus: words for the songs are written in the liner notes so the young reader can follow along. If one plays this CD on a PC ( not a Mac computer) clever illustrations contained on the liner notes will come up on the screen.

We are recommending this for every grandmother to give as Christmas, birthday or other occasion gift. Adults can listen with the young and learn something too.

Where to purchase: Jazz Society of Pensacola, www.jazzpensacola.com , 850-433-8382 , $15; or Arbors Records, www.ariborsrecords.com.  

 

 *  added September 28, 2008

A STRAIGHT-AHEAD MELODIC JAZZ ALBUM CD     
(Why We're) Happy Together                 ( www.markguest.net )
Review by F. Norman Vickers

Jazz guitarist Mark Guest, of Asheville, NC is featured on this outstanding CD with pianist George Mesterhazy, a former pianist with the late vocalist Shirley Horn, and Guest's regular members of the trio-- bassist Ian Bracchitta and drummer Sonny Thornton. The Mark Guest - click to advance to www.markguest.netrepertoire includes jazz standards such as "There is No Greater Love," " Emily" and" Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans." Included here are three originals by Mark Guest: "This Tune Needs a Title," " Out There" and" Mardis Bossa." Guest's three originals need special mention. The album opens with Guest's “This Tune Needs a Title." The quartet sets up a melodic groove over which the guitar and piano can solo. "Out There" is played at a leisurely tempo with plenty of room to appreciate the innovative licks of the guitar and piano. There is also a nice bass solo. The third original, "Mardis Bossa" features guest artist Frank Southecorvo on alto sax, his only appearance on this album.

On all the numbers, there are elements of pleasant surprise. This is an album which can satisfy both the casual listener and the sophisticated jazz fan. It's sixty minutes of great music.

Personnel: Mark Guest, guitar; George Mesterhazy, piano; Ian Bracchita, bass; Sonny Thornton, drums; Richard Graham, percussion and Frank Southecorvo, alto sax.

Selections: This Tune Needs a Title; Emily; There is No Greater Love; Happy Together; My Romance; Out There; Mardis Bossa; Tenor Madness; Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans.

Contact and purchase information:     jazz@MarkGuest.net
 

 

*  added July 15, 2008

LARRY HAM: JUST ME, JUST YOU
CD Review by Norman Vickers

Larry Ham: Just me, Just you.... - CD review by Norm Vickers at the Pensacola Jazz SocietyThis solo piano album is Larry Ham’s first for the Arbors Piano Series. However, he’s played as sideman on several Arbors issues: The Earl May Quartet: Swinging the Blues; Dave Glasser: Above the Clouds; and Jazz Ambassador: Scott Robinson Plays the Compositions of Louis Armstrong.

Ham has played with Lionel Hampton’s orchestra (’86-’87) and Illinois Jacquet’s big band (‘90-’95). He currently is a member of the Earl May Quartet.

Ham’s innovative piano performance here gives new life and meaning to several jazz standards. Of the fifteen selections here, three are his originals. Brenda’s Waltz is interesting and melodic; Ridin’ the Blues is roadhouse, boogie piano; The Ring is a melancholy tune in F minor.

This is an album most listeners would likely leave on the turntable for repeat enjoyment.

Liner notes are by veteran jazz writer Nat Hentoff.

Selections:

My Romance ( Hart/ Rodgers)
I’ll Keep Loving You ( Bud Powell)
Just, Just Me (Klages/ Greer)
Brenda’s Waltz (Ham)
How About You? (Freed/ Lane)
You Know I Care (Pearson)
It Could Happen to You ( Burke/ Van Heusen)
Don’t Mess Wit Nobody But Me ( unknownCalypso)
Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered (Hart/ Rodgers)
Ridin’ the Blues (Ham)
If I should Lose You (Robin/Rainger)
I Can’t Get Started (I. Gershwin/Vernon Duke)
My Shining Hour (Mercer/ Arlen)
The Ring (Ham)
The Star-Crossed Lovers ( Ellington/ Strayhorn)
 

*  added June 23, 2008

CHRIS FLORY: FOR YOU
CD Review by Norman Vickers

Chris Flory - FOR YOUManhattan-based guitarist Chris Flory, now in his mid 50s, is presented on this his debut album for Arbors Records. He selects jazz standards for this album with the exception of his own composition on the lead cut, J H Blues, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Some of the tunes are in trio format with organist Mike LeDonne and drummer Chuck Riggs. Other selections add tenor saxophonist Dan Block and trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso.

Detailed liner notes are contributed by longtime jazz journalist Ira Gitler. We learn that Flory took guitar lessons from Tiny Grimes at age 17 and studied with Carl Thompson in Manhattan until 1972. Flory traces his influences from Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis among others. Flory has “paid his dues” performing regularly with Scott Hamilton, and performing with Buddy Tate, Illinois Jacquet, Hank Jones and Jo Jones.

LaDonne’s organ adds spice to the mix and the entire album is pleasing. Peter DeRose’s The Lamp is Low was an adaptation of Maurice Ravel’s Pavane for a Dead Princess. According to the liner notes, this experience comes from a recording by Buddy Tate’s Celebrity Club Orchestra.

Another innovation is a bluesy adaptation of Billy Moll’s I Want a Little Girl. This tune was a signature item for the late trumpeter Doc Cheatham who also sang it. Doc would be an also-ran in the jazz polls in the
category “ Talent deserving wider recognition.”

In all, a pleasing recording which deserves repeat listening.

Selections:

J. H. Blues (Chris Flory)
For You, For Me, Forever More (Ira and George Gershwin)
Swinging at the Daisy Chain (Count Basie)
The Lamp is Low ( Mitchell Parish, Peter DeRose, Bert Shefter)
I want a Little Girl ( Billy Moll, Murray Mencher)
Three Little Words (Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby)
Bean-O (Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis)
Young and Foolish (Arnold Horwitt, Albert Hague)
A Beautiful Friendship ( Donald Kahn, Stanley Styne)
Vignette ( Hank Jones)
Mister Goodbeat (Jimmy Forrest)

Sample audio and CD available at: http://www.arborsrecords.com/recordtemplate.html?ProductID=19357
 

*  added June 23, 2008

Allen Vache': WITH BENNY IN MIND
CD Review by Norman Vickers

Clarinetist Allen Vache’ ( pronounce va-SHAY) has recorded with a small group of excellent musicians including guitarist Vincent Corrao, vibraphonist Christian Tamburr, pianist John Sheridan, bassist Phil Flanigan and drummer Ed Metz, Jr.  There are swinging arrangements associated with Goodman’s small group including such numbers as Flyin’ Home, Air Mail Special, Stompin’ at the Savoy, Seven Come Eleven and Goodman’s sign-off number, Goodbye.  Many from Pensacola and the Jazz Society may be familiar with these names because all have appeared under the auspices of the Jazz Society at one time or another with the exception of vibraphonist Tamburr and guitarist Corrao.  Vache’ and Sheridan were both associated with the Jim Cullum band at one time, so this is a reunion of sorts.  Both are now pursuing their independent careers.
 

*  added June 23, 2008

Ray Kennedy: THE RAY KENNEDY TRIO PLAYS THE MUSIC OF ARTHUR SCHWARTZ
CD Review by Norman Vickers

Pianist Ray Kennedy performs the music of Arthur Schwartz with his trio which includes his brother Tom on bass and Miles Vandiver on drums.  Guitarist Joe Cohn is guest artist on this recording.  Joe is the son of tenor saxophonist Al Cohn of the Woody Herman band.  These tunes are played with special finesse.  Some of these songs will be familiar to most listeners:  That’s Entertainment!, You and the Night and the Music, Something to Remember You By, Alone Together and Dancing in the Dark.  Although these are instrumentals, some of the songs are so familiar you’ll want to sing along.  Yet, these are played with such finesse that there is always a nuance or a surprise.