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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MVDaudio artist: Bob Holz - Holz-Stathis: Collaborative - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Holz-Stathis: Collaborative from Bob Holz and it's packed with power. Opening with The Tunnel, drummer Bob Holz sets a tight riff joined by Ric Fierabracci with a funky bass line. Randy Brecker is full out on the refrain but when his gets his slot really lays in some nice chops. Dean Brown rips it up on guitar and Billy Steinway on keys give the track it's own glow. World Turned Upside Down has a cool wandering melody featuring John MacLaughlin on guitar, Jean Luc Ponty on violin, Ralphe Armstrong on bass, and James Moody on acoustic guitar. With it's jagged rhythm, Holz really holds it tight and McLaughlin's soloing is excellent and Ponty is always magical when with McLaughlin so this is a treat. Latin flavored, Palo Viejo, features some real nice flute lead and solid sax work from Brandon Fields. With Fierabracci on bass, Alex Acuna on percussion, and Holz really kicking it on drums, this is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Holz and Darryl Jones create a bottom that really kicks on You Can Get It and Brecker's sensitivity on trumpet really shines. David Goldberg and Ada Rovatti on sax are flat out. Hot track for sure. The angular attack of Jamie Glaser on guitar complimented by Holz tight work on drums gives Flight of Fancy real fuel. Armstrong on bass really forms up a strong bass solo and the addition of Karen Briggs on violin works perfectly. Very cool track. Wrapping the release is Lookin' Back over some deep funk by Benjamin Shepherd on bass and Steinway on keys. Brecker, Rovatti and Goldberg pair up nicely on melody and Holz really holds on tight for some rich sax and trumpet soloing and support guitar soloing by Brown. Excellent closer. 

  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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J-Nett Music artist: Jae Sinnett's Zero To 60 Quartet - Commitment - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Commitment, from Jae Sinnett's Zero To 60 Quartet and it's strong. Opening with Takin' It There, this release comes alive with Randy Brecker upfront on trumpet, with Jae Sinnett really bringing it on drums. This track is vital with excellent sax work by Steve Wilson, Terry Burrell on bass and piano by Allen Farnham on piano. Excellent opener. Laying back in 3/4 time, Brecker lays out the beautiful melody of Simone, with a light and tight backing by Farnham and Sinnett. With Burrell keeping a firm hand on the groove, Farnham takes a nice very stretch on piano with Brecker closing the loop on trumpet. Very very nice. Muhammara's Dance is an excellent showcase for Sinnett with it's ultra funky drum work. Farnham further enhances the percussive nature of the track with a really cool piano interlude and Brecker's trumpet soloing really is strong. Excellent track. Wilson's sax interpretation of Bernard Ighner's Everything Must Change is really inciteful providing it a meaty thoughtfulness that I haven't heard on this track. Farnham continues with an introspective piano solo making this one of my favorites on the release.  Wrapping the release is De Saudade/Jobim No More Blues with it's infectious Latin rhythm. Burrell and Sinnett really get the action moving and Brecker takes the top with a bright trumpet lead. Countered by Farnham on piano he really takes the Latin spirit and keeps it rolling. This is a high spirited closer for a really strong release. 

  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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Futurism Records artist: Grant Geissman - Blooz - New Release Review

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blooz, from Grant Geissman and it a solid fusion of blues and jazz. Opening with Preach, with it's Latin spun gospel approach, Geissman on guitar plays fluid lead lines punctuated by Randy Brecker on trumpet and backed by Jim Cox on B3, Trey Henry on bass and Ray Brinker on drums. Brecker takes a nice long interlude, followed by Cox for a really nice opener. Santana influenced, Carlos En Siete has a great Latin beat and ceratinly has Santana's Mesa Boogie tone. With a lot more intricate percussive rhythm pattern and excellent phrasing, Geissman sets a high bar for this release. Strong piano work by David Garfield, complimented by Russell Ferrante on Rhodes, Trey Henry on bass, Tiki Pasillas on percussion and Ray Brinker on drums, this is a great number. Sax master Tom Scott is featured on Fat Back with Cox on Wurlitzer, Henry on bass and Brinker on drums. Rage Cage is a really nice uptempo romp with Geissman leading the way with excellent articulation. If you like that "Gatemouth" sound, you'll love this. Pairing Robben Ford with Geissman on Robben's Hood is a stroke of genius with trading guitar solos over a snappy funky beat by Brinker and Henry. One G and Two J's has a funky New Orleans sound with Bernie Dresel laying the groundwork on drums and Kevin Axt on bass. Geissman invites Josh Smith and Joe Bonamassa to jam with him over this hypnotic rhythm with their own unique styles resulting in a really cool take. Russell Ferrante shows excellent poise and chops on piano on Stranger Danger. This track is subtle and laid back but really nicely done. Wrapping the release is Sorry Not Sorry with Geissman opening with warm chords, with Henry adding a warm bottom, Brinker light on the drums and with nicely crafted Rhodes piano woven in. Very nice closer for an excellent release. 

  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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Purple Pyramid artists: The Fusion Syndicate - New release review

Now here's something different! I just received the new release from The Fusion Syndicate. This band is made up of jazz, rock and blues superstars and the recording is all you could wish for in this format. Billy Sherwood, writer of all compositions and with a background of top bands as long as your arm played keys, guitars drums, synth and vocals throughout this recording. The opening track, Random Acts Of Science, has strong hints to the Mahavishnu Orchestra featuring Rick Wakeman (Yes) on keys, Jerry Goodman (Flock, Mahavishnu Orchestra) on violin, Nik Turner (Hawkwind) on sax and Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets)on bass. This is a terrific track and one that shows not only the virtuosity of all of the instrumentalists and excellent writing skills of Sherwood, but also brings back into the forefront one of my favorite fusion violin players. This is no lightweight composition and all instrumentation is first class. Next up is Stone Cold Infusion, a funky track featuring Steve Stevens ( Billy Idol, Michael Jackson) blistering guitar work, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) keys, Mel Collins (King Crimson, Camel, Alan Parsons) sax, Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree)bass, and the unmistakable work of Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra) on drums. There is a lot of hot playing on this track! Molecular Breakdown features David Sancious on keys, Jay Beckenstein (Spyro Gyra) sax, Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Steve Vai)on bass and Gavin Harrison (Porchpine Tree) on drums. Particle Accelerations features Mr. Larry Coryell with his unmistakable style on guitar, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theaterm Black Country Communion) on keys, Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea)sax and Chester Thompson (Zappa, Genesis, Steve Hackett)on drums. Coryell's playing alone on this track is worth the price of admission. At The Edge Of The Middle is a bit more laid back featuring Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple) on guitars, Jimi Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra) on piano, Randy Brecker (Brecker Brothers) on trumpet and Percy Jones (Brand X , Soft Machine)on bass. Morse and Brecker both play outstanding riffs on this track. Atom Smashing features John Etheridge (Soft Machine) on guitars, Tony Kaye (Circa, Badger, Yes) on Hammond and synth and Chad Wackerman (Zappa)drums. This is a fairly straightforward track but extremely tight musicianship. In The Spirit Of... features Steve Hillage (Gong, Khan) on guitars, Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech) on keys, Theo Travis(soloist) sax, Justin Chancellor (Tool)on bass and Asaf Sirkis (soloist) who is a prime contributor on this track on drums. This is an excellent recording if you are at all interested in progressive J/R Fusion. The casual listener will enjoy smooth sax solos and the serious musician will feel the heat of hypnotic drums, tight bass riffs, ripping guitar solos and intricate key solos along with great composition. 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”