jazz2love

Album:  Small Things Artist:  Jackson Potter Label: Shifting Paradigm Records Website:  jacksonpottermusic.com Small Things , the sophomore project from guitarist-composer Jackson Potter demonstrates his growth as a guitarist, composer, and arranger since moving to New York City in 2021.  His disc features several jazz luminaries, including Alex Ridout on trumpet, Troy Roberts on tenor saxophone, Hamish Smith on bass, and Marcello Cardillo on drums.  Additionally, saxophonist Jaleel Shaw and vocalist Sophia Formella perform on the title track. Potter's offering displays a free-style playing reminiscent of pianist Bill Evans, saxophonist Stan Getz, and guitarist Wes Montgomery.  The environment merges bop, straight-ahead jazz, and fusion into dynamic creations.  Potter is a musician's musician, showing others of his ilk the potential that the guitar offers to work as a contributing element within the jazz combo framework. Illustrating a charismatic play...

Album:  Green Lights Artist:  Troy Roberts Label Name: Toy Robot Music Website:  troyroberts.com Record Label address:  toyrobotmusic.com Facebook:  @TroyRobertsMusic Instagram:  @mistertoyrobot Bandcamp link:  https://troyroberts.bandcamp.com Typical of saxophonist and leader Troy Roberts is his indelible skill to form dynamic conversations with his bandmates.  Uniquely individual of himself is his proclivity to be both a stimulant and to be stimulated, exploring multiple ways in which he interfaces with his musicians.  His saxophone turns thoughtful and pensive in his musings along "The Question," then moves with a whimsical flair through the title track, and pivots to a suave and lofty voice as he helms the melodic course of "By Your Side," all from his latest release Green Lights . Marking his 16th offering as a bandleader, Green Lights presents Roberts's innovative collaborations with John Patitucci on bass, Paul Bollenback on guitar, a...

Album:  Nu Jive: Live at the Perth International Jazz Festival Artist:  Troy Roberts Label:  Toy Robot Music Website:  https://troyroberts.com/ https://troyroberts.bandcamp.com/album/nu-jive-live-at-the-perth-international-jazz-festival Nu-Jive, led by composer and saxophonist Troy Roberts and supported by guitarist Tim Jago, keyboardist Silvano Monasterios, bassist Eric England, and drummer David Chiverton, has released their first live recording, captured at 2022's Perth International Jazz Festival.  Based in Roberts' hometown of Perth, West Australia, where he made his debut at the festival 11 years prior, the recording consists of two complete shows, performing tracks from the quintet's portfolio of studio albums. In Nu-Jive's fashion, the ebbs and flow in the melodic patterns have a spontaneous feel, demonstrated by the prancing keys of Monasterios, cresting and receding intermittently across "Tribes and Tribulations," creating space for Robert's saxo...

Album:  Urbanessence Artist: Tito Carrillo Label: Origin Records Website:  www.titocarrillo.com Urbanessence is the second solo album from trumpeter/composer Tito Carrillo, fusing elements of pop, blues, funk, soul, and Latin swing, all the cultural flavors Carrillo has been exposed to and performed.  Comprised of nine original scores composed by Tito and one original by Phillip Kocheril, the recording is a pleasing ride through multi-shaded landscapes and multi-shaped arrangements. Accompanying Carrillo are Troy Roberts on tenor and soprano saxophones, Ben Lewis on piano, Clark Sommers on bass, Jay Sawyer on drums and cymbals, and Victor Gonzalez, Jr. on congas.  The slow burn of "Fire and Ice" showcases a dynamic drum solo that wilts away into the gentle musings of Carrillo's trumpet and Roberts' sax, entangling and moving in tandem.  Following along the slow burn theme is "Bliss Point," projecting a reflective mood tinseled in the willowy toots of Carril...

Album:  Best Buddies Artists: Troy Roberts & Tim Jago Label: Toy Robot Music Website:  www.toyrobotmusic.com Post bop, swing, cool jazz, and jazz improvisation are all elements which can each be found in the recording Best Buddies from saxophonist Troy Roberts and guitarist Tim Jago.  Supported by Karl Florisson on acoustic bass and Ben Vanderwal on drums, Roberts and Jago flex their creative instincts, articulating a call and response banter that embodies the phrase freedom of expression. The quartet's symbiotic repartee demonstrates their best friends relationship as each acts like a catalyst for the others, building on one another's statements and moving the course of the melodic progressions forward.  Jago's original composition, “A New Porpoise,” is an energetic interaction among the band members.  Based on Bronisław Kaper’s iconic “On Green Dolphin Street,” Vanderwal slings a playful rhythmic patter as Roberts sax whips up a cool froth and Jago's guit...

Album:  Stuff I Heard Artist:  Troy Roberts Label:  Toy Robot Music Website:  troyroberts.com Practically a one man show, Troy Roberts' performance on soprano, alto and tenor saxophones is countered by his chord movements on the acoustic bass and electric bass.  His recording Stuff I Heard becomes a dialogue between the instruments his plays supported by a backbeat from Jimmy MacBride on drums.  With all original works featured on the program, Roberts creates a textural variety that showcases his skills as a versatile musician and composer. “Lifeline” is a wonderful addition to Roberts repertoire.  The tranquilizing aesthetics are smoothly orchestrated with Middle Eastern style accents and saxophone phrases that integrate complementing furls.  His saxophone solo slinks gently as the notes nestle into the nooks and crannies of the chord progressions.  Exploring the orchestral colors of the saxophone, the pensive mood of “Prayer of Hope” i...