jazz2love

Album:  Trio Vol. VI Artist:  Takeshi Asai Label:  Fono Bono Records Websites: http://www.takeshiasai.com/index.html http://triov6.takeshiasai.com http://epk.takeshiasai.com Trio Vol. VI , the 6th trio album from pianist-arranger-composer-producer Takeshi Asai showcases his versatility as a jazz improviser, a straight-ahead jazz raconteur, and a torch song balladeer.  Joined by his longtime partners, bassist Bob Gingery and drummer Brian Woodruff, Asai takes audiences along a series of vignettes clad in daydreaming reflections and expressive phrasing.  The album includes 9 original compositions written by Takeshi, many of whom are dedicated to popular figures, and one popular song, "Fire and Rain" penned by James Taylor. A conceptual orator, Asai's performance affects listeners powerfully, rousing their mental sensibilities to conceive picturesque landscapes along the lulling swells of "Iota" and "Mes Demoiselles," which is dedicated to Pablo Picasso. ...

Album: A Centering Peace Artist: Brian Woodruff Sextet Label: QJOG Records Website:  https://brianwoodruffmusic.com A Centering Peace is the third offering from the Brian Woodruff Sextet led by drummer-composer-bandleader Brian Woodruff. Supported by Michael Rodrigues on trumpet, Lisa Parrott on soprano and alto saxophones, Alan Ferber on trombone, Pete McCann on guitar, and Matt Clohesy on bass, Woodruff guides the band through a continuous flux of extemporaneous solos and melodic phrasing. The passages flare and ebb organically, amassing kaleidoscopic fluctuations. There is a rawness in the refined parlance of the sextet that is traditional to the jazz milieu while flexing the creative leanings of each musician. Vocalist Elisabeth Lohninger imprints a swinging, sultry vibe on "King Size Blues" that is entrancing. The slinky swagger of Lisa Parrott's alto sax is complemented by the sleek puffs of Alan Ferber's trombone, encircling Lohninger's vocals like a lush ...