jazz2love

Album: Puppets, The Music Of Gregg Hill Artist: Randy Napoleon Label: Origin Arts/OA2 Website: randynapoleon.com A musical depiction of imaginary figures coursing along a continuous journey is expressed in Greg Hill's assortment of hot-bop, country folk and sonic pop fusions presented by guitarist Randy Napoleon on his 2022 release Puppets, The Music of Gregg Hill .  Accompanied by the stirring vocals of Aubrey Johnson and woodwind player Seth Ebersole, the recording has a rhythm section consisting of Rick Roe on piano, Rodney Whitake and Brandon Rose on bass, and drummers Quincey Davis and Will Crandell.  The outcome is a joyful ride, overflowing with uplifting sensations. Opening with “Andy’s Lament,” Johnson's soft vocal tones enhance the cheery mood created by the playful ringlets of Napoleon's guitar strings in conjunction with the bowing lines of Whitaker's bass.  “Fan-O-Gram” boasts a hot-bop frenzy that enlivens the recording with Aubrey's scatting, then rec...

Album: Soul Ransom Artist:  Jonivan Jones Label:  Self-Release Website:  https://jonivanjonesmusic.com/album/soul-ransom Smoky blues folk and roots rock atmospheres are paired with country western twange, simmering at a slow burn on singer-songwriter-guitarist Jonivan Jones's latest release Soul Ransom .  The freestyle fluidity in the chord patterns are reminiscent of Muddy Waters as the smooth growl of Jones's vocals brand a ghostly presence along  the melodies.  From the shimmying grooves of "Loose State" to the languid throttle of "Agua Mala," the recording showcase Jones's multi-faceted talent to be malleable and tailor each track to be individual and distinct. The grit and rawness of Jones's vocals chomp at the rustic terrain of "Fry," creating a heavy-footed stride.  Waves of psychedelic echoes emanate from the guitar strings along "Buzzards," as a wailing harmonica etches phantom-like silhouettes in the background.  Trav...