Nov 6, 2017
By: D. Oscar Gomez
O’s Notes: The Bug is mostly a modern jazz session featuring the compositions of producer Miles Donahue who plays alto sax, flugelhorn and trumpet on this outing. The title track is a little bit more contemporary with a really cool swag to it courtesy of drummer Larry Finn and guitarist Mike Stern. They bring that same jazz-fusion groove to “Hawthorne Highway” and “Swamp House”. Ralph Peterson handles drumming duty of all other selections along with pianist Tim Ray and bassist Tamil Shmerling. Guest Jerry Bergonzi adds tenor and soprano sax on four selections notably on “Clifford” paralleling Donahue’s strong work on flugelhorn. Miles illustrates his depth as a musician, collaborator and composer on this set. There’s a lot here!
Oct 20, 2017
WHALING CITY SOUND
ALMA MICIC/That Old Feeling: A first rate jazz singer that deserves to be known west of New York, she knows how to wrap herself around the oldies in fine form. A tasty set that is a hallmark for anyone that’s swirled martinis in a clip joint where a thrush holds court will know just what this all about and what treasures lie beyond the bytes. Tasty throughout.
99
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here.
Sep 20, 2017
Forever young 3/3
D. Oscar Groomes- Veteran guitarist Reggie Young has spent most of his life in supporting roles to stars like Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley. On Forever Young he steps into the forefront as a leader performing seven classics with a decidedly contemporary, pop vibe. There’s a smoky blues groove on “Memphis Grease” and a laid back relaxed feel on “It’s About Time” and “Exit 209”. The latter two illustrate the dominant theme on a late but respectable debut.