Jeff Berlin, Ben Sidran, Jeff Denson 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:
BOBBY BROOM – KEYED UP (JAZZ): The opening chords of “Second Thought” confirms instantly that Bobby Broom continues to elevate his acumen. He brings along long-term band members Kobi Watkins (drums) and Dennis Carroll (bass) for yet another spirited ride of contemporary jazz, with pianist Justin Dillard joining them for a daring adventure through time-tested jazz standards. With a recording career dating back to the early 1980s, Broom is as skilled an arranger as he is a guitarist. The interplay between Broom, Dillard, Watkins and Carroll makes me truly believe in telepathy. Additionally, space is granted for Bobby Broom to stretch his legs on songs like “Humpty Dumpty” (check out Dillard’s electronic keyboard solo) and “Driftin’.” Broom and his band will awe you while leaving a smile on your face.
JEFF DENSON, BRIAN BLADE + ROMAIN PILON – FINDING THE LIGHT (JAZZ): Finding the Light is the result of a few gigs drummer Brian Blade played with bassist Jeff Denson backing Joel Harrison. They decided to expand on their chemistry, initially enlisting guitarist Romain Pilon for 2019’s trio-recorded Between Two Worlds. The follow up is enthusiastic, challenging, and endearing. “Daily Jubilee,” with Blades’ faux shuffle, Pilon’s challenging fretboard runs, and Denson’s meaty bass, is endearing and densely packed. “Terre” is perhaps my favorite song on Finding the Light. Composed by Pilon, the song is bluesy, and dark. Bassist Denson starts the slow-burning fire with his expressive bass intro, only to have his challenge met by Blade’s brush work and Pilon’s meaty picking. The song is the musical equivalent of a fine bourbon. Out now on Ridgeway Records, Finding the Light should not go overlooked. Hopefully, they will take this on the road soon.
JEFF BERLIN – JACK SONGS (JAZZ/ROCK): This intriguing tribute by Jeff Berlin to one of his bass heroes, Jack Bruce, was eagerly awaited. A talented writer, arranger and jazz/rock player, Berlin brings his considerable skills and talents to bear in this collection of collaborations produced by John McCraken. Jack Songs is not a covers album, but more of a reimagining of Bruce songs. The results vary in success. While “Theme From an Imaginary Western” is an effective ballad, I can’t help but want something more forceful like “Smiles Story and Morning Grins.” Still, Berlin is effective in representing the nuances that Jack Bruce displayed. With excellent players like Alex Lifeson, Gary Husband, Tony Levin, and even Geddy Lee, you’ll be impressed by how well these songs pay homage to Jack Bruce while adding to the legacy of Jeff Berlin.
BEN SIDRAN – SWING STATE (JAZZ): Out now on Nardis Records, Swing State is Ben Sidran’s first all-instrumental album. Hard to believe this iconic jazz keyboardist and composer hasn’t jumped into these waters before. The title track, an original composition, is as fresh and dynamic as any of Sidran’s prior work. Part of the success of Swing State is because Sidran enlisted bassist Billy Peterson, who he’s worked with numerous times – including during Ben Sidran’s tenure with the Steve Miller Band. Another part of this album’s warm feel is producer and drummer Leo Sidran, who is a fine solo artist and composer in his own right. Though the album was recorded in just two days, songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “Laura” are examples of what a master these three musicians are. Each of their discographies should be thoroughly explored. If this is your entry point to Ben Sidran, then you’re in for a treat.
THE PAT PETRILLO BIG RHYTHM BAND – THE POWER STATION SESSIONS (JAZZ): Bringing big-name talent into an already-established big band could be a recipe for disaster. Band leader/drummer Pat Petrillo has made his name working with headliners such as Patti LaBelle and Gloria Gaynor, while navigating the Broadway orchestra pits. The Power Station Sessions calls on a few of his high-profile friends. The result is an inspiring collection of songs and equally inspiring performances. “48th Street” smells of New York City, with its East Coast-feeling horn chart, and funky guitars. Horn man Lenny Pickett does the heavy lifting with his sax, and Chic’s Nile Rogers provides his trademark funk licks over top of Petrillo’s stunning snare and high hat work. Equally effective is Petrillo’s arrangement of Steely Dan’s “Black Cow” which features Oz Noy on guitar; and “Big Man on Mulberry Street,” featuring Tom Timko on sax.
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