That's actually my favorite version of "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and I've always loved that song. Thanks for not ignoring me like most people here.
I don't think we have a lot of common tastes, but it's always nice to acknowledge that common ground when it appears!
Vanessa Perica Orchestra - The Eye is the First Circle Year: 2023
Style or Subgenre: Contemporary Big Band
This 2023 release was one of my $1 fundraiser on-a-whim blind pickups. Once again, I have a new candidate for best dollar ever spent. It turns out Ms. Perica is a fantastic composer and bandleader! Most of the seven tunes on this album are stellar, and perfectly delivered by her 19 piece jazz orchestra. As great as the compositions are, the improv solos also fit in exceptionally well. With brass getting to the fore much of the time, the tunes can become reminiscent of some early Chuck Mangione recordings; to be clear, that is not a negative as early brother Chuck could definitely lay down some seriously swinging big band chops before he went totally mainstream. I can tell right now, this album is going to get some serious play; I think it will be particularly suited to road trips as well as the living room.
Hafez Modirzadeh - The People's Blues Year: 1996
Style or Subgenre: International Jazz, Avant Garde
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Mostly introspective middle eastern influenced jazz ranging from reasonably mainstream to totally avant garde, sometimes in the same song. A very interesting listen even if it's not going into serious rotation.
Judy Whitmore - Come Fly With Me Year: 1996
Style or Subgenre: Standards
Saturday Night Vocals gave me my introduction to Judy Whitmore last night. Other than on a couple cuts, the singing on this gently swinging, travel-themed affair isn't all that jazzy. What it is, is exceedingly pretty in a perfectly traditional style. Throughout, I couldn't help but imagine Doris Day singing these standards. In the end, it's a highly enjoyable as I concluded not until after my second listen.
It was interesting to learn the range of this Renaissance woman's talent; in addition to being a marvelous singer, he is also a bestselling fiction author (published under the name Judith Whitmore), theatrical producer, licensed therapist, and a certified pilot qualified on multi-engine jet aircraft! Come Fly with Me indeed!
Marcin Wasilewski / Slawomir Kurkiewicz / Michal Miskiewicz - Trio Year: 2005
Style or Subgenre: Modern Creative, Piano Jazz
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Here we have another beautifully introspective and understated Marcin Wasilewski on ECM date. Along with bassist Slawoimir Kurkewicz and drummer Michal Miskiewicz, the powerful yet gentle pianist continually shows great musical vision in his expressions of everything from his originals to covers of related artists (Tomasz Stanko) to classic jazz covers (Wayne Shorter) to eccentric Icelandic pop (Bjork). In each case, the trio make the music their own, and more importantly, they make is compelling and beautiful. The sonics on this album are also exemplary. Much to love here!
Yotam Ben-Or Quartet - Impermanence Year: 2005
Style or Subgenre: Modern Creative, Contemporary Jazz
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I should not have put any time listening to this album. I spotted it as a new release with an artist championed by Avishai Cohen, so sure, great recommendation, I'll give it a spin. What I didn't realize is that this cat plays.... harmonica? That's right up there with bagpipes and accordion for annoying, non-jazz instruments! But I know there are exceptions, and by the time I realized what was going on, this cat had captured me. This is a really fun album! So glad I entered it clueless and ignorant; made the joy of discovery so much sweeter. This whole set is light and lively, melodic contemporary jazz that can't help but delight the ear.
Tetel di Babuya - Meet Tetel Year: 2025
Style or Subgenre: Vocal Jazz
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Many might find this a fun album; this Brazilian songstress, has quite a style. The vocal affect was a little too Betty Boop for me to really get on board.
Nankai Trio - Antarctica Year: 2025
Style or Subgenre: Fusion
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After a relatively disappointing Saturday Night Vocals last night, checking out this most impressive new fusion trio this morning was most welcome! These cats have chops as wicked as ever heard. For those not attuned to relentless shredding, this album could be a little fatigue inducing, but I thought it was incredible. And don't let the chops fool you; they can play with some real feel as well. To say I'm really jazzed about this one would be a massive understatement.
Winther / Andersson / Watts Year: 2025
Style or Subgenre: Contemporary Jazz, Post Bop
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This is the kind of energetic, swinging contemporary post bop that puts an ear to ear grin on my face and sets my toes a'tappin! Great compositions, superbly delivered by a trio that is totally in sync and laying it all out there with some fire in their bellies. Great stuff here.
Sam Coombes - Time of Life Year: 2025
Style or Subgenre: Modern Jazz, Post Bop
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English sax man leads a quartet through a very solid set of modern post bop here. I can't say his alto tone will every be my favorite, but he plays lines that fit well in the compositions and his sidemen are exemplary in their synchronous support. The quality of the music easily overcomes any disconnect my ear may have with his tone.
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