Album Review: Alice Blue by Ravita Jazz

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Album:  Alice Blue
Artist:  Ravita Jazz
Label:  Ravita Music
Website:  https://www.baltimorebass.com/
 
Ravita Jazz is a jazz sextet led by bass player Phil Ravita and includes: percussionist Mark Leppo, saxophonist Paul Carr, pianist Greg Small, drummer Nucleo Vega, and vocalist Deidre Jennings.  Their 2025 release Alice Blue canvasses a wide breadth across the adult contemporary jazz spectrum, intersecting swaying bossa nova swells with bebop trimmings, torchlight atmospheres, and straight-ahead jazz harmonies.  Ravita Jazz's sonic representations are reflective of the adult contemporary jazz culture, featuring five originals by Ravita, two compositions by Small and three covers.


Diving in, the dreamy atmosphere of "Almost Blue" is blanketed in ruminating keys, traveling along plush rhythmic beats, creating a tranquilizing vibe. The soothing timbres of Jennings's vocals caress the lyrics tenderly with a deep reverence in "From the Start," anchored by wispy bossa nova wavelets.  The bebop trimmings of the title track are delicately sculpted by Carr's sax, which he switches to an R&B/soul tint through "I Can't Stand the Rain" as Jennings's vocals turn passionate, projecting a determined spirit.
 
The poetic versing of Small's keys trickling gently across "Hereafter" is mesmerizing, while the lounging wails of Carr's sax has a succor effect on the aural senses.  Warm sensations emanate throughout "Blackout" fomented by Small's soft stroking keys and Carr's languid musings on the sax, jumping into the bopping beats of "Golden Sky," kicking the tempo into a festive mood with the pumping beats of Ravita's bass.
 
Uplifting, spirited, and tranquilizing, Alice Blue is a relaxing elixir on the listener's sensibilities, stirring up harmonious vibrations and warm sensations from start to finish.  Ravita Jazz's music is representative of the adult contemporary jazz culture, integrating complementing flavors across the jazz spectrum and shaping them into a refined menagerie.
 
Musicians:
Paul Carr - soprano and tenor saxophones
Mark Leppo - percussion
Phil Ravita - electric and acoustic bass
Deidre Jennings - vocals
Greg Small - piano
Nucleo Vega - drums

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