Record Reviews

ENRICO RAVA / PAOLO FRESU ~ SHADES OF CHET EDEL CONTENT 4029759089025 (Barcode: 4029759089025) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of a fabulous Italian Jazz album, which pairs the country´s two leading Jazz trumpeters Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist (born 1939) and Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist (born 1961), who represent two generations of the Italian Jazz scene, playing side by side in a quintet setting, which features other Italian Jazz Masters: pianist Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist, bassist Enzo PietropaoliFind albums by this artist and drummer Roberto GattoFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine Jazz standards, which were associated with the repertoire performed by the great American trumpeter Chet Baker, who lived in Italy for many years. Although the album is completely straightforward and offers no groundbreaking innovation whatsoever, it is nevertheless a perfect example of beautifully performed mainstream Jazz, which is a faultless encapsulation of everything that this music has to offer. Of course the presence of Rava and Fresu, who belong to the top class of Europe´s trumpeters, is a wonderful bonus, especially when they exchange licks playing simultaneously. This album´s version of "My Funny Valentine", which is the song most often associated with Baker and his tragic life, is simply a timeless classic, but the entire set is remarkable. The true Jazz cognoscenti will of course enjoy the comparison between the two trumpeters, their respective technique and emotional finesse. It also shows that Europeans can play mainstream Jazz as well and often better than their colleagues from across the pond. In short this is trumpet heaven for connoisseurs of Jazz trumpet and a superb tribute to one of the greatest Jazz trumpeters ever, but also a most entertaining piece of music of the highest quality. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 02/04/2016Posted: 02/04/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DON RENDELL / IAN CARR ~ SHADES OF BLUE / DUSK FIRE BGO 615 (Barcode: 5017261206152) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2004 1st and 2nd albums by one of the greatest UK jazz groups in all times, co-led by saxophonist Don RendellFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist. Both leaders are exceptionally gifted players and composers, but also the rhythm section includes some of the best UK players ever, especially the brilliant piano player and composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist. The level of compositions is extremely high and presents possibly the best amalgam of modern jazz influences with both jazz and classical traditionalism. Truly extraordinary achievement.

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

OFIR SHWARTZ ~ SHADES OF FISH HEVHETIA 0075 (Barcode: 8588005257138) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the second album by Israeli Jazz pianist / composer Ofir ShwartzFind albums by this artist, recorded in a piano trio format with bassist Gal ShayaFind albums by this artist and Slovenian (resident in Israel) drummer Gasper BertonceljFind albums by this artist. It presents nine (one repeated twice) original compositions, all by Shwartz (and a short solo piano piece as a hidden bonus track). The music consists mostly of melodic, lyrical ballads, which are Shwartz´s preferred modus operandi, but this album also introduces w few new elements in his music, like Rocky rhythms and "harder" approach in some of the tunes and certain moments of free improvised passages. Fortunately he is able to handle the different musical environments with ease and elegance. As a result most of the album is similar to the debut album, well within mainstream Jazz and melodic material and only parts venture into more ambitious territory. The trio performance is excellent from start to finish and presents a very high level of interplay between the three individual musicians, who obviously treat each other with respect and sympathy. Shaya is a wonderful bass player, very expressive and melodic, able to carry a tune and cooperating fabulously with the piano. His tone and technique are both outstanding. Bertoncelj keeps a relatively low profile, as appropriate for a piano trio, but his presence is definitely felt at all times as part of the trialogue. Overall this is a very impressive sophomore release, clearly pointing out the way towards establishing a career for Shwartz, which he builds up consistently and scrupulously. This album is a treat for piano trio lovers, with a few surprises therein, and deserves to be heard far and wide. It is also the first Israeli Jazz album released on the excellent Slovak HevhetiaFind albums on this label label, hopefully by far not the last. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend