I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The New Jersey Sessions, from Sean Hong Wei and Jeremy Monteiro, and I really like it. Opening with Charlie Parker's Dewey Square, Alex Sipiagin on trumpet, Jay Anderson on bass and Evan Sherman on drums lay out the basic rhythm/ melody. Sean Hong Wei leads off with a stimulating solo on tenor sax and Jeremy Monteiro follows with a real nice solo of his own. Sipiagin steps up with a real nice trumpet solo punctuated by Monteiro and Anderson rolls in a real nice bass solo of his own crowned by Sherman on drums. Excellent opener. Influenced by Coltrane's arrangement of Billy Eckstine's I Want To Talk About You, Hong lays down his own interpretation with rich tenor tone. Coaxed by Monteiro and anchored by Anderson and Sherman, this is a solid entry to the set. Marvin Fisher's, When Sunny Gets Blue is another rich ballad and Hong's sax really sings it joined by Houston Person. Expressive phrasing and simple backing by Monteiro, Anderson and Sherman gives Hong plenty of room. Anderson takes an extended bass solo which contrasts Hong nicely. Milt Jackson's, Bags' Groove, really does have a terrific groove with Hong sharing the lead with Houston Person also on tenor sax. I really like Monteiro's piano work on this track adding in a really nice swing. Wrapping the release is The Duke's, Sophisticated Lady, where Hong and Monteiro share the spotlight. Monteiro's piano is precise and sensitive and Hong's sax rich and expressive. Excellent closer.
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