Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.
The youngest member of and NEA Jazz Master with his musical family, Jason Marsalis has proven his genius and dedication to the art form of jazz by first establishing himself as a world class drummer, and then completely reinventing himself as a master on the vibes and other mallet instruments in the mold of greats such as Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson. In fact, he has been selected as a featured artist to tour with the legendary Lionel Hampton Big Band to share the music of the beloved bandleader. Jason’s new project, “Melody Reimagined: book 1,” is the first in a series that finds him in his element writing, producing, and arranging all original music. Those familiar with his recent work will recognize his solid band, formerly dubbed the Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet, and now called the 21st Century Trad Band with Austin Johnson on piano, Will Goble on bass and Dave Potter on drums.
Guitarist George Cotsirilos has been a fixture on the San Francisco jazz scene for 40 years. All About Jazz has described his work as “…meticulous and tasteful” with “…an impeccable sense of timing” and “…his approach to harmony is whimsical, but patently beautiful at all times.” “Mostly in Blue” is his new album of mostly original compositions. Taking advantage of his decades-long performing relationship with pianist Keith Saunders, bassist Robb Fisher and drummer Ron Marabuto, Cotsirilos creates a warmly swinging recording.
Also this week, Bay Area pianist Adam Shulman gathers up his sextet for his fifth CD as a leader, “Full Tilt”.
Veteran saxophonist Scott Hamilton and his trio featuring pianist Rossano Sportiello a
nd bassist J.J. Shakur were recorded in Vancouver “Live at Pyatt Hall.
Reedman Dan Block gets back to his Midwest roots with his guitarist brother Rob Block on “Block Party: a Saint Louis Connection.”