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Baltimore pianist Lafayette Harris Jr. is known for an energetic sense of rhythmic vitality, a tasty, full bodied musical approach to the keyboard, and a sensibility drenched in the blues. A staple at the Lenox Lounge in Harlem for a number of years as well as a member of various aggregations led by Max Roach, Harris’ new recording, “You Can’t Lose with the Blues,” reflects this experience as well as a myriad of influences, from boogie-woogie legend Sammy Price to Kenny Barron and Barry Harris, all of whom encouraged Lafayette as an up-and-coming player. Bassist Peter Washington brings a forceful sense of rhythm and lyrically rounded solos for the date and drummer Lewis Nash keeps the rhythms swinging strongly and as steady as a Swiss watch.
It’s a delight to hear three supremely talented musicians find common ground, especially considering it’s their first recording together. Pianist Tim Ray, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington have diverse styles, backgrounds and experiences. Ray is currently Tony Bennett’s musical director and a longtime road companion to Lyle Lovett. Patitucci initially made a name for himself with Chick Corea and has spent the better part of the last two decades with Wayne Shorter. Carrington, also with Shorter and a myriad of other great jazz artists, is at the vanguard of today’s drum corps. They come together on “Excursions and Adventures,” a powerful inaugural recording session for this trio that often transcends description with its gorgeous fidelity, colorful arrangements, and fabulous, nuanced performances.
Also this week, the exhilarating and exuberant Canadian trombonist Audrey Ochoa introduces strings into her previous configuration of horn, piano, bass and drums for “Frankenhorn,” a mix of chamber music with contemporary and Latin jazz;
The Airmen of Note from the United States Air Force celebrate their 70th anniversary with “Air Power.”
and with a sound reminiscent of small group swing from the ‘30s and ‘40s, violinist Jonathan Ng aims to get feet tapping with his sophomore release, “The Sphynx”.