Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
“Far Far Away” brings us ever so close to the genius of Jim Snidero. For this, his 25th recording as a leader, the renowned altoist joins forces with inimitable guitar hero Kurt Rosenwinkel, whose searing, innovative playing is on full display. Snidero himself demonstrates a broadsword of a sound, and the rhythm section of pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Farnsworth groove and interact at the highest levels of artistry in this magnificent all-star quintet. Jim’s six originals create the perfect mix of current trends and tradition. Swing, Latin, and Euro grooves are all represented, with classics from McCoy Tyner and Richard Rodgers rounding out this amazing recording.
Jesse Davis is a true bebopper. His big, soulful sound on the alto sax has been on display on many records over the years. He’s been somewhat quiet on the recording front of late, but “Live at Smalls Jazz Club” reminds us what an incredibly melodic improviser he is. Davis combines the perfect blend of blues and bebop and, although he has an abundance of technique, he is not flashy. He’s backed by pianist Spike Wilner, who runs Smalls Jazz Club, and his rhythm section of Peter Washington and Joe Farnsworth.
Also this week, guitarist Doug MacDonald gets away from his recent chamber jazz work for a “Big Band Extravaganza”;
Panama-born New York-based bassist, composer and arranger Santi Debriano and his Arkestra Bembe harness the power of the Yaruba tribe’s bembe celebration for “Ashanti”;
and Indianapolis-based reedman and composer Mark Ortwein unveils his debut release, “It Was Time.”