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Best known for his work with the Jazz Passengers and Groove Collective, Bill Ware has been an asset in collaborations across multiple genres, featuring in the work of well-known musicians and bands like Steely Dan and Elvin Costello. Ware has maintained his own ensembles for just as long. The vibraphonist and composer had been on an ambitious mission to write a vast catalog of music when he was struck by the need to simplify his sound. This led to new pieces for his elastic ensemble, the Club Bird All-Stars, as can be heard on Ware’s new recording, “Martian Sunset.”
The Scott Silbert Quartet marks the centennial of one of jazz’s most beloved voices, tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, with a heartfelt tribute recording, “Dream Dancing.” Released to coincide with Sims 100th birthday anniversary on October 29, the album captures the warmth, humor and effortless swing that made Sims a cornerstone of the jazz tradition. Featuring Scott on saxophone, Amy Shook on bass, Robert Redd on piano and Chuck Redd on drums, the quartet offers an intimate set drawn from both classic standards and fresh originals.
Also this week, the Flying Horse Big Band pushes the envelope of big band jazz and jazz improvisation with its ninth album, “Unbridled,” featuring tenor sax titan George Garzone; trumpeter Anthony Stanco’s third album, “In the Groove,” resides in the gritty, soulful world of hard bop, captured live at Traverse City’s The Alluvion; and “High Standards” is the first in what will be four releases in pianist Ted Rosenthal’s Trios in 4 Acts collection.