After 30 years of critically acclaimed recordings featuring compositions of the jazz and pop world’s greatest writers, Chicago-based guitarist Bobby Broom releases “Upper West Side Story“, his first recording of entirely original compositions. Providing a most intimate look at Broom’s musical personality and his trio’s fully developed group chemistry, the tunes reflect a wide range of influences across a spectrum of genres while always remaining deep the tradition of the modern jazz guitarist.
Featuring an all-star cast of musicians, Australian drummer Andrew Swift’s debut recording packs a “Swift Kick.” From the inimitable trombone and vocals of Wycliffe Gordon, to the tough, gritty solos of modern day tenor titan Eric Alexander, the disc is a straight-ahead record with wide mainstream appeal. Veteran pianist George Cables brings his signature brand of hard swinging piano, while rock-solid bassist Dwayne Burno teams up with Swift to lay a solid foundation for a bevy of exciting instrumentalists that includes trumpet master and Iowa native Ryan Kisor, rising saxophone star and Iowa native Sharel Cassity, skilled guitarist Yotam, and virtuoso trombonist Michael Dease.