Ez It Iz Music artist: Andy Ezrin - I Was Here - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Was Here, from Andy Ezrin and it's a solid mix of jazz and fusion styling. Opening with Grapes, Randy Brecker on trumpet and Donny McCaslin on tenor sax blend nicely creating an inviting intro. Andy Ezrin on piano sets up the melody on piano and improvises a broader theme, with strong solo lines by McCaslin, joined by John Patitucci on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums. A vibrant solo by Brecker really stands out nicely before the 5 circle back for a cohesive opener. Easy shuffle, Greenwoman, finds McCaslin leading the melody on sax. Patitucci on bass sets up a complex bass line reinforced by Gilmore's riveting snare work on drums and an aggressive solo by McCaslin contrasts nicely with Ezrin's solo work on piano. Pop funky, Ain't That Some Shit, is a definite radio track with McCaslin wailing on tenor sax, floating on a bed of piano and B3 by Ezrin. A snappy bottom by Patitucci and Ari Hoenig on drums. Wiggle Room is my favorite track on the release with a lot of freedom around a central melody, anchored by Patitucci and Gilmore but stimulating soloing by Ezrin and McCaslin and Patitucci. Brecker had the lead on Never Enough, with it's memorable melody and pace. Ezrin walks the melody along on piano, joined by Patitucci making for another of my favorite tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Cascades, a clean piano elaboration by Ezrin. With a nice phrasing and execution, a great closer for a cool release. 

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Toy Robot Music artist: Troy Roberts - Green Lights - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Green Lights, from Troy Roberts, and it's solid. Opening with title track, Green Lights, Troy Roberts on tenor sax shows his chops with excellent melodic riffs over a solid bottom by John Patitucci on bass and Jimmy MacBride on drums. Guitarist Paul Bollenback on guitar really adds strong fusion guitar work with full spectrum sound, leading back to Roberts who expands his sax work. Tight opener. Solar Panel is an aggressive track with excellent drum articulation by MacBride and a jagged melody lead by Roberts. Patitucci really drives on bass and Bollenback adds round fusion tones before riffing into a terrific solo of his own. Very cool. I really like the rhythm of Up To No Good with a strong melody line by Roberts and one of Bollenback's best guitar runs on the release. This is my favorite track on the release with super phrasing by Roberts on his expanded solo on the melody. Excellent! Wrapping the release is a cool jam, Stretch Armstrong,  led off by Bollenback. Roberts takes the baton and rides high on Bollenback,s chord structure over Patitucci and MacBride. Excellent! 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Henri Elkan Music artist: Wayne Alpern - Frankenstein - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Frankenstein, from Wayne Alpern and it's a clever blend of pop, hip hop, jazz, blues and sampling in an organized fashion. Opening with Carol King's top hit, You've Got A Friend, Alpern remolds the track with with synthesized sounds, trumpet and guitar leads and extended turnarounds. With help from David Mann on reeds, Tatum Greenblatt and Brad Mason on trumpet, Mike Boscarino and Mike Davis on trombone, John Patitucci on bass, Andy Ezrin on keys, Kevin Ramessar on guitar and Clint De Ganon on drums, its a full house. Mann, Greenblatt and Mason produce the fire power for horn led Motown track, Ain't That Peculiar made popular by Marvin Gaye. Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island is my favorite track on the release with Greenblatt and Mason working with Ezrin on the lead and warm backing by Boscarino and Davis. Martha and the Vandellas' hit, Dancing In The Streets is another top track on the release with some hot playing by Patitucci, Greenblatt, Mason, Mann, Boscarino and Davis but for me, artistic vocal additions throughout the track really detracted from the musical efforts of the instrumentalists. Wrapping the release is Steve Winwood's Gimme Some Lovin', which is really done in orchestra style a la Doc Severinsen style arrangemet. If you like dual trumpets and upbeat driving tempos, this is your day. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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