jazz2love

Album:  Major Influence Artist:  Graham Dechter Label:  Capri Records Website:  https://www.grahamdechter.com https://www.caprirecords.com The smooth jazz trimmings of guitarist-bandleader Graham Dechter are aurally gratifying on his latest release Major Influence from Capri Records.  Geared for cultivated audiences, Dechter is accompanied by Tamir Hendelman on piano, John Clayton on bass, and Jeff Hamilton on drums. Influences of straight-ahead jazz are lodged in the rhythmic pattering of "Moonithology," as Hamilton's perky brushed strokes are pleated into the bopping pulse of Clayton's bass and Hendelman's twirling keys.  Dechter's guitar licks ignite a sizzle in the strutting riffs along "Minor Influence," imbuing the track with a bluesy smoothness.  Elements of smooth jazz are heard in the serene atmospherics of "Pure Imagination" and the bouncy guitar licks of "Reference."  The bopping beats of "Bent on Monk" perva...

Album:  Jazz It Up Artists:  Bob Arthurs and Steve Lamattina Label:  Blue Griffin Recording, Inc. Website:  www.bobarthursmusic.com Jazz It Up , the latest CD from the collaboration of trumpet player Bob Arthurs and guitarist Steve LaMattina is a vessel for Ukranian folk songs, interpreted using European blues and American jazz conjugations.  The endeavor proves to be a mellow outing sewing together moments of quiet contemplation and episodic anecdotes. The seeds of appreciation for traditional Ukranian melodies are planted, displaying their vitality and intrinsic ability to speak to global societies.  Fundamental sounding, the tunes resonate with people of diverse cultures.  For instance, "Walking Around the Garden" permeates a bluesy French persuasive, reminiscent of the culture's nightclub atmosphere with smooth vocals and a sparsely layered melody containing a slow-simmering guitar strum and the occasional flare of the trumpet.  The bluesy...