jazz2love

Album:  Vulnerability Artist:  Eric Bell Label:  Self-Released Website:  https://ericbellmusic.com Vulnerability , the debut recording from pianist-composer Eric Bell is a compilation of multi-faceted soundscapes adorned in reverb guitar, jaunty keys and sleek saxophone toots.  Accompanying Bell are bass player Cole Sainburg, drummer Nico Vasquez, guitarist Dean Anbar, and tenor saxophonist Eric Hirschhorn. "Start" opens the disc with glittery synth effects creating a bevy of cinematic raptures.  A choreography is formed with Anbar's guitar riffs supporting Bell's repeated ostinatos played on piano and Hammond organ.  Bell follows up with "The Way You Look," quilted in percussive beats kneaded by improvised doodles on the saxophone, seguing into glistening keys. Bell's interpretation of Wayne Shorter's "Witch Hunt" is sheath in a cascade of jaunty keys and bopping beats.  The musicians produce an interactive environment as one musician acts...

Album:  Live at Blue Bamboo Artist:  Chris Cortez Label:  Blue Bamboo Music Website:  bluebamboomusic.com Rife with good vibrations, Live at Blue Bamboo from guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader Chris Cortez offers audiences a sweet escape from the rigors of the real world.  Recorded live, Cortez and his ensemble craft buoyant scores, requiring nothing more from listeners than to absorb the pleasing melodies sprinkled in improvisations that complement the arrangements. Coalescing facets of straight ahead jazz, Latin swing, bop, and rhythm and blues, the recording is melody-driven, providing ample solo excursions from flutist Dan Jordan, trumpet player John DePaola, and tenor saxophonist Jeff Rupert.  The shuffling pattern of Bob Thornton's keys traipsing across “Arlington Park” is augmented by the incisions made by Rupert's sax and DePaola's trumpet, amplifying the jovial mood.  The bopping rhythm of "The Visit" is a sprightly piece, changing into a ...