I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues and Cubes, from The Jazz Professors, and it's a full helping for straight up jazz. Opening with Blue Lamp, Jeff Rupert on sax and Dan Miller on trumpet share the lead on this first track exploring the work of Picasso. Joined by Per Danielsson on piano, Bobby Koelble on guitar, Marty Morell on percussion and Richard Drexler on bass. Cool opener. On Les Damoiselles D'avignon, Morell sets a tasty drum rhythm and Drexler's aggressive lines really have his bass humming. Danielsson lays out a terrific piano solo, followed by Rupert whose fluid sax work is undeniable. Koelble's fret work avoids the cliché with clean, thoughtful articulation. Very nice. I really like Charlie Parker's Segment with it's paired trumpet/sax lead and tight yet highly active bottom by Drexler. Rupert's lead sax lines, punctuated by Danielson is really nicely matched with the great trumpet attack by Miller. Excellent! Another beautiful melody on Promenade In Blue really works well for this set. Rupert's tone is excellent and Drexler's bass, though not over stated really adds another dimension. Danielsson takes a real nice stroll on piano with well executed concepts and Rupert circles back with a wailing great solo. Drexler gets a nice spot to show up front and he demonstrates poise and fluid grace. Very nice. On a bit more conceptual pace, Drexler's Picasso's Blue Lobster really flows with Rupert laying the groundwork, followed by strong solos by Drexler and Koelble before retuning to the alluring melody. Very nice. Wrapping the release is jazz rocker, The Iberian, with it's rocking, then swinging execution. Rupert really digs in on sax solo on this one followed by Miller on trumpet and Koelble on guitar. Drexler is just as aggressive under the melody with precise accents by Danielsson on piano and that ever tight drum snap by Morell. This is a strong closer for a really cool release.
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