Dominant 7 & Jazz Arts Messengers

Label: Tapestry
Fourteen Channels
Fusion

Performance: 4
Sound: 4

O's Notes: This is a remarkable project put together by some of the finest students and alumni at the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts. They form two jazz bands that play unselfishly with passion and poise that is beyond their experience. There is a cool vibe that exists on this recording, especially on songs like "Wetnap" and "The Cycle", with sweet brass harmonies. We preferred the music from the Jazz Arts Messengers with Evan White on tenor sax and David Paul (cl). But the Dominant 7 are also strong featuring Ryan Thrush (g) and Sam Yulsman (p). They take us through fourteen channels of engaging music, all originals that immediately stick to the listener like classics, a testament to the composers and the musicians, many of whom we hope to hear a lot more from!

Fuller, Tia

Label: Mack Avenue
Decisive Steps
Bebop

Performance: 4
Sound: 4

O's Notes: Tia plays sax and flute and wrote and arranged most of the ten selections. She is very talented and surrounds herself with strong supporting musicians. This is Fuller's third release and arguably the best yet! You may recognize her from her featured sax appearances on BeyoncŽ's DVDs but Tia is exploring the world of bebop here and extending the space. "Ebb & Flow" is a funky tune with lots of punch. It features guest artists Christian McBride (b) and Sean Jones (t). Next comes the soothing vibes of Warren Wolf on "I Can't Get Started" and then again on "Shades of McBride". Fuller shows a lot of depth on Decisive Steps and we anxious await her next move.

Hot Club of Detroit

Label: Mack Avenue
ItÕs About That Time
Swing

Performance: 4
Sound: 4

O's Notes: The "Hot Club" concept is a band paying homage to the music of Django Reinhardt. Hot Club of Detroit (HCOD) is Andrew Kratzat (b), Julien Labro (accordion), Carl Cafagna (sax), Paul Brady (g) and Evan Perrri (g). They make their third release extra special as they perform both new compositions and significantly freshened covers of Django's music. In the process they successfully capture the Reinhardt spirit while imparting a strong dose of their own character. Of note are the mellow tones of "Tristesse E Major Etude", nice guitar work on "Patio Swing" and the coordination speed on "On The Steps".

Motian, Paul

Label: ECM
Lost In A Dream
Fusion

Performance: 4
Sound: 5

O's Notes: Drummer Paul Motian teams up with pianist Jason Moran and Chris Potter on sax for this session. They were recorded live at New York's Village Vanguard during February 2009. It is easy to become engulfed in the music, all original compositions by Motian as he uses dynamics and pace to draw listeners into his space. Aptly titled Lost In A Dream put us in the clouds in a very relaxed state. We enjoyed the warmth of "Be Careful It's My Heart". The pace picks up and the mood shifts with "Ten" and "Drum Music" as things get more energetic. "Abacus" features Motian with a lengthy and rousing drum solo, one of the highlights of the set proving that he remains among the jazz elite drummers.

Simon, Michael

Label: Fresh Sound New Talent
New York Encounter
Latin

Performance: 5
Sound: 4

O's Notes: Trumpeter Michael Simon breathes fresh Latin bebop through his horn. Michael composed the new music with two tracks written by his older brother, pianist Edward Simon. There is no shortage of talent with Miguel Zen—n (sax), Andy Gonzalez (b), Roberto Quintero (congas, perc) and brother, Marlon (d) in the band. They captured our interest from the start on "Mi Amigo El Machista" and never let go. The blending of percussion, piano and brass is balanced and engaging. Varied tempos and syncopated beats with fresh music make this one of the best Latin jazz albums of the year. We are making that statement in May!