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dragonfly

A discriminating and effortless blues groove is the overall feel of “Hip Factor” by Steve Allee from the album “Dragonfly” Owl Studios 2008.

This trio is comprised of Bill Moring-bass, Tom Horner-Drums, and Steve Allee-keyboards/piano. Special guests Rob Dixon and Rich Perry -sax, round out the group.

What’s interesting about this particular jam is the the mid tune unison between Dixon and Allee. This is one of those tunes that can be enjoyed in just about any setting. I happen to listen to it while driving to work.

When the tune begins,the horns sound like a muted trumpet(a la Miles), until it gets underway. The tonal quality of all instruments played have an elegance rooted in simplicity.

Tom Horner is rather soft spoken on the drums opting for what sounds like brushes on the snare. Bill Moring is equally minimal on the bass, offering counterpoint to the drums.

The crux of the tune lies in the afore mentioned sax and piano phrasing, at first alternatively, then combined.

If listened to closely, you can hear Allee change from electric piano to acoustic and back again.This is my only slight dissappointment, I think the acoustic piano sounds better, at least in this case. Get off anyway!

Track listing:

1. Bus To Belmopan
2. Dragonfly
3. Somewhere
4. Yummy
5. Morning Glory
6. X&Y
7. Dedication Suite: Conversation With Bill
8. Dedication Suite: Thaddeus
9. Dedication Suite: If I Were a Bell
10. Hip Factor

Personnel:

Steve Allee-keyboards Bill Moring-upright bass Tim Horner-drums
Rich Perry, Rob Dixon-saxophone

letter to herbie

When listening to Naked Camera by John Beasley from the album “Letter to Herbie” 2008 Resonance Records, one is immediately reminded of Freddie Hubbard style of trumpet, which I mean as a compliment to Roy Hargrove, who is actually playing.

As the album name implies, this is a tribute to the great Herbie Hancock, with some Wayne Shorter thrown in for good measure.

All the cats on this jam are tight. They include Beasley on keyboards, Christian McBride-acoustic/electric bass, Jeff Watts-drums, Michael O’Neill-guitar, Louis Conte-percussion and Hargrove.

This tune reminds me of the old CTI lps of the 70s when what became “smooth jazz” hadn’t been coined as a phrase, let alone a genre, and wasn’t as boring as it’s become today.

The album is a reshaping of some classics with an original stamp, which is probably why Freddie comes to my mind! Duh!

Track listing:

1. 4 AM (Herbie Hancock) 5:51
2. Bedtime Voyage (Herbie Hancock) 6:13
3. Chan’s Song (Herbie Hancock) 6:15
4. Three Finger Snap (John Beasley) 4:36
5. The Naked Camera (Herbie Hancock) 5:20
6. Eye of the Hurricane (Herbie Hancock) 4:17
7. Diana (Wayne Shorter) 4:23
8. Hear and Now (John Beasley) 6:20
9. Still Time (Herbie Hancock) 4:09
10. Vein Melter (Herbie Hancock) 3:21

Personnel:

John Beasley - Piano, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet, Synthesizer
Christian McBride - Acoustic and Electric Bass
Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts - Drums
Roy Hargrove - Trumpet
Steve Tavaglione - Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet
Michael O’Neill - Guitar
Louis Conte - Percussion

east of angel town

What can I say, I just like Peter Cincotti’s voice. “Always Watching You” from 2007/09 “East of Angel Town” 143/Records is just a nice tune. Not to mention his style of piano. He’s got a blues-jazz kind of pop vibe on this jam.

I guess the litmus test for me is: “If I saw these cats playing at a small club, would I be impressed?”. I think I would.

Musical embellishments include sexy sax riffs by Scott Kreitzer, addition vocals by Jochem Van Der Saag, David Foster-keyboards, Nathan East-bass, and Obed Calvaire-drums.

Blues seems to have an “everyman’s” quality about it which connects with the listener. And I’m sure the fellas out there can relate to his lyrics to a greater or lesser degree.

Track listing:

Angel Town
Lay Your Body Down (Goodbye Philadelphia)
Be Careful
Cinderella Beautiful
Make It Out Alive
December Boys
U B U
Another Falling Star
Broken Children
Man On A Mission
Always Watching You
Witch’s Brew
Country Life, The
Love Is Gone Bonus Track
Come Tomorrow Bonus Track

Personnel:

Peter Cincotti (vocals, piano); Keith Robinson (guitar); Dean Parks (acoustic guitar); Michael Landau, Michael Thompson (electric guitar); Scott Kreitzer (saxophone); David Foster (keyboard); Nathan East, Barak Mori (bass guitar); Obed Calvaire (drums); Jochem Van Der Saag (background vocals).