jazz2love

Album:  The Ways In Artist:  James Zollar Label:  Label: JZAZ Records Websites:  https://www.rsberkeley.com/james-zollar https://www.discogs.com/artist/954763-James-Zollar https://wyntonmarsalis.org/personnel/detail/james-zollar A straight-ahead jazz oeuvre, The Ways In from bandleader and trumpet player James Zollar resumes a quest where pioneers of the trumpet's sympathetic vibrations like Clifford Brown and Bill Coleman left off.  Zollar shows audiences the delightful, melodious tone of the trumpet, moving in harmony with an array of brass, woodwinds, and rhythm instruments. The robust wails of Zollar's trumpet strutting languidly along "Do Nothing 'till You Hear From Me" emotes an enduring personable trait, unwavering persistence in the face of being dejected.  The recording switches to a joyful atmosphere in "Swing Spring" with jangly beats from percussionist Chembo Corniel, interfacing with the buoyant ripples generated by Michael Rorby's trom...

Album:  Mood Walk Artist:  Fred Randolph Label:  Creative Spirit Records Website:  https://fredrandolph.com Moon Walk , the fourth CD from bassist-composer Fred Randolph as a leader applies Big Band swing panache with bebop flare.  Inspired by the likes of Clifford Brown, Chick Corea, and John Coltrane, Randolph's team of players perform what one expects from a jazz outing with tunes that shuffle and waltz,  engage in quick steps and stargazing, the recording touches numerous precepts of the jazz repertoire. The honeyed wisps of Sheldon Brown's flute infuse "Strange Game" with a cushiony texture as Brian Rice's percussive chimes shower glittering sprinkles across the track.  The ethereal feel of the composition acts like a balmy salve on the aural senses, evoking a stargazing ambience.  The CD changes course on the title track, blowing out with vibrant Big Band hued shrapnel as the wailing toots of the horns give the composition depth and add ...