Tierney Sutton "Body And Soul" Paris Sessions
Sutton’s eleventh recording as a leader is a collection of romantic standards in a warm setting of duos and trios. Her crystal clear voice is paired with Parisian guitarist Serge Merlaud, creating simplicity of expression and sensitive phrasing, both very warm to the ear.
Andy Bey "I’ve Got A Right to Sing the Blues" Pages From an Imaginary Life
If anyone has got the right to sing the blues, it’s veteran vocalist Andy Bey. His lyrical voice has brought intensity to mainstream and neo-bop recordings from jazz giants Max Roach, Duke Pearson, Horace Silver and Gary Bartz.
Jazz insiders have always been quick to recognize the husky, distinctive phrasing of Bey. Aretha Franklin has recalled nights when Andy worked in the Village in New York City, saying “Soon as I finished my gig, I’d run over to hear him. Andy never got the recognition he deserved.” On Pages from An Imaginary Life, High Note’s founder Joe Fields has given Bey carte blanche to record just the way he wants to be remembered. His rich voice coupled with his austere piano work create an atmosphere of profound reflection and contemplation.
Michael O’Neill "A Night In Tunisia" New Beginnings
This Dizzy Gillespie classic is infused with new life by the lively voice of Kenny Washington who has long been considered one of the Bay Area’s best kept secrets. Few people can scat with Washington’s deft precision and soulful inflections. Pianist Geoffrey Keezer, who in 1989 joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers at age 18, takes a mesmerizing solo and O’Neill’s arrangement shows great respect for the vintage tune and sensitivity to the musicians working with him. Erik Jekabson’s trumpet solos on this album show he is a great talent deserving wider recognition.
Sergio Mendes "Sou Eu" Magic
The always inspiring Mendes continues to drink from the fountain of youth and surround himself with top talent. On this lively song written by the late legendary Brazilian pianist and composer Moacir Santos, guest vocalist Seu Jorge shows why he is one of the most respected and in-demand talents in contemporary Brazilian music.
Jason Moran "The Joint Is Jumpin’" All Rise
Known for his innovative approach to whatever material he chooses to interpret, pianist Jason Moran again surprises us with fresh, contemporary reworkings of material written decades ago by the great Fats Waller. “The Joint Is Jumpin’” is enhanced by the fresh voices of Meshell Ndegeocello and Lisa Harris. Moran’s electric piano ties it all together with a kinetic energy that makes this tune a dance party as well as a exercise in serious musicianship.
Here's Moran's version of "Ain't Misbehavon'" featuring Ndegeocello.
