Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Bernie Dresel has been one of the busiest studio musicians in the world since moving to Los Angeles in 1983. He’s traveled the world, occupying the coveted drum chair for Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band since its inception in 1999, and an overlapping 15 years as drummer for the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Bernie’s own jazz orchestra, The BBB, is one of L.A.s most exciting large ensembles…a combination of intense swing and fiery soloing, as well as tight ensemble playing. Their new CD, “The Pugilist,” was recorded against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the musicians recorded separately in the own home studio settings and their parts then put together in a studio.
John Coltrane is one of the great cultural icons of the 20th century, his influence transcending musical boundaries and his sound still resonating with music lovers of all stripes. “Stretching Supreme,” the newest disc from reedman Dave Wilson, is an homage to Wilson’s idol, whose music changed the course of Wilson’s life and career. The compositions were recorded live at Chris’ Jazz Café in Philadelphia in 2017 and 2018, representing the full, exciting sound and improvisatory chops of the band.
Also this week, pianist Pete Malinverni pays tribute to one of his idols, composer Leonard Bernstein, on his new release, “On the Town”;
keyboardist Yaron Gershovsky, who has been the musical director for The Manhattan Transfer since 1979, covers a broad spectrum, ranging from contemporary jazz to jazz/rock, samba and beyond on “Transitions”;
and keyboardist Micah Graves’ third album, “Pawns,” fuses elements of bebop, fusion, funk and storytelling that fits the theme around renewal, hope and revival.