After years of experimentation and exploration, it can be beneficial and, occasionally, revelatory to look backwards to known paths and accomplishments. The reexamination of an older composition can lead to new discoveries and goals for an ensemble that has been performing together for years. Pianist and composer Greg Reitan has led his fantastic trio of bassist Jack Daro and drummer Dean Koba since 1996, formed shortly after their graduation from University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. Their long and fruitful tenure has created a fantastic partnership, which can be fully enjoyed on the new recording, “Post No Bills.” The rearranged title track is the very first tune the trio ever played together, for the 1996 Hennessy Cognac Jazz Search in New York City.
With her burnished voice, penetrating emotional interpretations, solid sense of swing, and hip repertoire, Julie Kelly’svocals never fail to capture all the senses at once. A seasoned veteran, Julie has appeared and recorded with luminaries including Ray Brown, Gary Foster, Alan Broadbest, and Chris Botti. Legendary jazz critic Leonard Feather has said that Julie “radiates a sense of joy and spontaneity. Listening to her, you are reminded that jazz singing is alive and well.” Her new CD, “Happy to Be,” which combines the talents of Grammy Award-winning masters and young virtuosos alike, offers up a feast of storytelling that draws from classic vocal jazz, bebop roots and fresh originals.