Monteiro, Jeremy

Label: Jazz Note
Homecoming
Kool

Performance: 4
Sound: 5

O's Notes: Jeremy plays piano and is fortunate to have Ernie Watts (sax) playing with him on four tracks. Greg Fishman plays sax on the opener, "Jazzybelle's Shuffle" an upbeat and engaging tune that sets the tone for the set. They also show poise on ballads like "Remember". All of the music was written by Monteiro with a couple collaborations. He shares the stage with the band and also shines on piano, notably on "Blues For Ray".

Hamilton, Scott

Label: Concord
Across the Tracks
Swing

Performance: 5
Sound: 4

O's Notes: Hamilton leads a well-oiled ensemble for nine jazz classics. The unmistakable warmth of his tenor sax resonates over Gene Ludwig's bubbling organ on "Save Your Love For Me" and "Sweet Slumber". We also liked the toe-tapping groove of "Cop Out" featuring cat and mouse solos between guitarist, Duke Robillard and Hamilton. Doug James broadens the brass adding baritone sax on "Intermission Riff" and "Parker's Pals". They sound great on the burners and the ballads making this is an enjoyable session all the way through.

Clarke, Stanley

Label: Heads Up
Night School
Fusion

Performance: 4
Sound: 4

O's Notes: Master bassist Stanley Clark got together in October 2002 with a wealth of friends for a benefit concert at the Musician's Institute. Stanley, Karen Briggs (violin) and Bela Fleck (banjo) combine for a blazing melodic exchange on "Song To John". Sheila E (d, perc) joins the party on "Big Jam" before Stevie Wonder sang "Every Day I Have The Blues". They finished with and all-star bass cast playing "School Days" culminating with Marcus Miller and Clarke thumping and scratchin' up a fuss! This is a visual bassist's delight.

Berman, Mark

Label: Mark Berman
The Genesis Project
Pop+Jazz

Performance: 4
Sound: 3

O's Notes: The Genesis Project is based on the book of Genesis combining spirituality with a save-the-planet message. It is tastefully done with rich harmonized vocals and vibrant music all written and arranged by Berman. There is a bit of ragtime, some swing and contemporary jazz surrounding the vocalists. The lyrics are a timely reminder of nature; it's beauty and how it evolves. We were inspired both musically and consciously. This is not only a wake-up call for action, and good listening but a heartfelt message as well. Along with the strong vocals from the singers, Ted Nash & Aaron Heick (sax), JJ McGeehan (g) and Bill Mitchell & Berman (p) make strong contributions. We were inspired!

Tofani, David

Label: SoloWinds
Nights At The Inn
Swing

Performance: 4
Sound: 4

O's Notes: Dave is swinging hard for this set of ten songs, mostly covers with a few originals. Bassist Evan Gregor and Ronnie Zito (d) keep a blistering pace on "Brushes On The Snare" while pianist Jesse Green keeps it all together. Tofani breathes soothing notes into "A Child Is Born" trading with Green on a relaxing melody. This session is a wonderful blend of tempos that makes it a delight to listen to.