Album Review: Lovers and Love Songs from Willie Jones III's All-Stars (WJ3)

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Album:  Lovers and Love Songs
Artist:  Willie Jones III's All-Stars
Label:  Night Is Alive
Website: https://nightisalive.com/albums/lovers-and-love-songs/

Jazz drummer Willie Jones III takes audiences on a journey of romantic tunes through the decades on his latest CD Lovers and Love Songs from the Night Is Alive label.  His band, the Willie Jones III's All-Stars, abbreviated to WJ3 All-Stars, display a dexterity and gentleman-like rapport reminiscent of the great big band era.  Their contribution to the format signifies a modern chapter in the memoirs of straight-ahead jazz.

Ralph Moore's saxophone plays many of the main motifs through the tracks, taking the lead along "I've Never Been In Love Before," showing a narrative voice that meanders into elegant twists as Steve Davis's trombone twines gently around the phrases and Terell Stafford's  trumpet puffs luxuriously, forming dulcet ringlets.  The flow of the instruments is enjoyable.  The Latin tone in the saxophone swirls drizzled across "I'm An Old Cow Hand" add a jazz-inspired hue to a country western favorite as the bluesy swagger of the sax gives "Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You" traction to create intimacy with the listener.

The cheerful ripples of the horns shaping "From This Moment On" exude a big band sonorous, illuminating an alluring playfulness. The torchlight radiance of "Here's That Rainy Day" puts the spotlight on the silky strokes of Donald Vega's piano keys, which fosters the weeping sensations along "Cry Me A River."  The finale "Jitterbug Waltz" highlights the sparkle in Vega's keys.

Proficient at playing swing and big band-oriented formats, Willie Jones III shows an affinity for the art form.  The WJ3 All-Stars have a keen understanding of swing and a deep appreciation for the pioneers of the craft.  It is evident that the band members have built a life around honing their interpretations of the jazz and pop standards they perform.

Musicians:
Willie Jones III - drums
Ralph Moore - saxophone
Steve Davis - trombone
Terell Stafford - trumpet
Donald Vega - piano
Gerald Cannon - bass



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