Amadie, Jimmy

Label: TP Recordings
Kindred Spirits
Bebop

Performance: 4
Sound: 4

O's Notes: Those of you who don't know Jimmy Amadie are in for a treat. He is a pianist and former boxer who injured his hands so that playing, even one tune, requires months of healing. But when he can play, it is magical. Listen to him swing through the opener "Just Friends" and you'll understand. Unfortunately recording with Jimmy's health problems requires lots of time and patience but it is well worth it! The rest of the rhythm section is drummer Bill Goodwin and either Steve Gilmore or Tony Merino on Bass. All-star guest sax players Lew Tabackin, Lee Konitz and Joe Lovano join them. Jimmy shares the stage with these very capable musicians leading to some stellar moments like Lovano's solo on "Well Yon Needn't". After Amadie's strong performance on The Philadelphia Story we thought he'd reached his peak. We were wrong. This album is equally appreciable!

Cardamon, Callie

Label: Primavera
Easy Street
Ballads, Blues

Performance: 3
Sound: 4

O's Notes: Callie has a buttery smooth voice that is easy to cozy up with on these eleven selections. The program is mostly popular classics like "Let's Do It", "Moon River" and "AinÕt Misbehavin'". She also sings "I Love Jazz" a warm original. Eric Rawson, CardamonÕs husband, produces Easy Street. The band is solid and includes guest appearances from Rob Lockhart (cl). This is a good set.

One For All

Label: Jazz Legacy
Incorrigible
Bebop

Performance: 4
Sound: 3

O's Notes: One For All is a sextet with Jim Rotondi (t), Eric Alexander (sax), Steve Davis (tb), David Hazeltine (p), John Weber (b) and Joe Farnsworth (d). The unit has performed together for over 13 years and this is immediately apparent with the seamless changes and strong chemistry between them. The energy is robust with explosive exchanges in abundance on "Bewitched Bothered, and Bewildered", the lone cover. We enjoyed Hazeltine's work on "Voice" and the dancing brass throughout the session. There is a lot of variety here with four of the band members contributing originals. This one will get you energized.

Tranchina, Gabriele

Label: Jazzheads
A Song of LoveÕs Color
Ballads, Blues

Performance: 4
Sound: 3

O's Notes: Gabriele is a truly a global vocalist raised in Europe and now based on the New York jazz scene. She sings with a wide array of influences in several languages and different styles. Yet Tranchina puts her own slant on things. This is the case on the Latin classic "Samba De Una Nova S—" and "Solamente Pasi—n" with its strong mambo beat. Gabriele swings on "Today" one of several strong tunes written by her husband and pianist Joe Vincent Tranchina. Santi Debriano (b) is also among the strong musicians on the CD adding great solos on "Inœtil Paisagem" and "Asato Maa". The album is more than a collage of different ideas; it is a balanced effort that is also well executed and enjoyable to listen to.

Vanore, John

Label: Acoustical Concepts
Curiosity
Swing

Performance: 5
Sound: 4

O's Notes: John Vanore plays trumpet and flugelhorn. He composed six of the eight compositions for Abstract Truth, his large ensemble and he also produced the CD. "Simone" is an excellent example of the music on Curiosity. It is dynamic and really swings. The brass is powerful but never overwhelming. We enjoyed the layering on "Origami" written by Kevin Rogers (t) and also "Dream Dancing" by Mike Falcone (sax) featuring bassist Craig Thomas. It is an entertaining set and wonderfully fresh jazz!