Nick Finzer, Bernie Chiaravalle and others are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately …
NICK FINZER – CAST OF CHARACTERS (JAZZ): Not only does Nick Finzer have an excellent record company (Outside In Music) and podcast, he also continues to raise the bar release after release. Cast of Characters, the trombonist’s latest, is yet another gem. This time, leader Finzer invited sax player Lucas Pino, guitarist Alex Wintz, pianist Glenn Zaleski, bassist Dave Baron and drummer Jimmy Macbride into his big musical tent. Their harmonious interaction over the 14 Nick Finzer compositions is nothing short of magical. “A Sorcerer (Is a Myth)” starts Cast of Characters with communal alchemy. The sonic tension and feel rises, song after song. “The Guru” is the ultimate display of Finzer’s powers, bringing things to a climax. Pino, Wintz and Finzer have all had albums on my best-of lists over the past few years. Cast of Characters is another worthy contender.
CAMINO 84 – THE ALL NEW CAMINO 84 (INDIE POP): What is this? Finely crafted, hipster, Latin flavored pop? The brainchild of Boston-based Ryan Lucht, Camino 84 really does straddle genres. One thing which is obvious after listening to “Responsible,” the opening song, is that Lucht knows how to work a hook and is an expert arranger. Yet, the deeper you jump into The All New Camino 84, the more you appreciate the lyrics and the playing. The three players Lucth deploys on his arrangements bring a pop sensibility to his Pretzel Logic-era Steely Dan-like arrangements. “Little Too Late” should be a hit. The All New Camino 84 has too much charm to be ignored.
PAT COIL – MUSIC FOR HUMANS AND OTHER SPECIES (JAZZ): Keyboardist and composer Pat Coil has released a finely crafted, fan-financed solo album. Anyone who has caught Michael McDonald over the last few years is already aware of Coil’s chops on the Hammond B3. However, he’s had a long and fruitful solo career as a bandleader, as well. The 10 tracks on Music for Humans and Other Species, all produced by Pat Coli, lean heavily on his melodic sensibilities. “Lost and Found” is a dense and powerful opener, where Coil’s acoustic piano dances with Mark Douthit’s tenor sax. The album has a wide-ranging feel, as “3 ’til Midnight” demonstrates Coil’s arranging chops, as he utilizes vibes, percussion, drums, and electric bass. Music for Humans and Other Species is delightfully layered, and a sonic throwback to some of the best keyboard-led jazz albums of the ’70s.
BERNIE CHIARAVALLE – THIS IS WHAT I SEE (POP): Michael McDonald guitarist Bernie Chiaravalle discussed this solo album when we last spoke last year. A prolific songwriter and master guitarist, Chiaravalle relies on highly melodic arranging skills and musical acumen instead of his formidable chops to create another in a string of fine pop albums. Starting his 10th solo album is the positive, uplifting “So Good,” and the message could not be more timely. Though This is What I See has big-name guests – including Michael McDonald, bandmate Dan Needham and Mark Douhit – Bernie Chiaravalle performed the majority of the instruments. The results speak for themselves. Check out the title track “This is What I See.”
BOSSACUCANOVA – BOSSA GOT THE BLUES (JAZZ / WORLD MUSIC): A weird and wonderful combination of bossa nova and technology. Bossa Got the Blues brings in guitarist and bossa nova icon Roberto Menescal, the father to Bossacucanova band member Marcio Menescal. The song “1937” fires on all cylinders with its clarinet, samples and infectious rhythms. Blues and rock elements abound on the album, and there are splashes of pop rock, too. “Laudir’s Theme,” a song dedicated to the late percussionist for the band Chicago, goes in a fascinating, unexpected yet joyous direction. The reach of Bossacucanova’s music should not be underestimated. This is good stuff.
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