O’s Place Reviews Gerry Gibbs’ ‘Weather or Not’

O’s Place Reviews Gerry Gibbs’ ‘Weather or Not’

Sep 11, 2017

“Gerry Gibbs   –   Weather Or Not        4/3

O’s Notes: We truly enjoyed Gibb’s last effort Thrasher Dream Trio. He changes direction for his latest effort Weather or Not, a dedication to the jazz-fusion movement from Weather Report. Pianist Alex Collins, bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Gerry Gibbs form an acoustic trio (aside from touch of organ and Rhodes). The package includes two discs, the first dedicated to the music of Weather Report but in more of a straight-ahead swing style and the second containing Gibbs originals. Rather than showing up in the studio and relying on pure spontaneity for cohesion, Thrasher People actually practiced as a band for four months prior to entering the studio! The practice paid off. Disc 1: a little slow getting started but fully up to speed on “Sightseeing”, “Birdland” and “Elegant People”. Forget about that legendary Fusion groove, this is truly a new take on Weather Report’s music. Disc 2: These sixteen songs were composed by Gibbs from 1981-2016 and capture many snippets of Gerry’s life during the period. Some tunes are frolicking and some are peaceful; all are palatable.”
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O’s Place Jazz Newsletter reviews Dave Liebman’s ‘Expansions:LIVE’

O’s Place Jazz Newsletter reviews Dave Liebman’s ‘Expansions:LIVE’

Jun 2, 2017

O’s Notes: “Expansions are a series of open, free form interpretations of classics and originals. Dave Liebman (soprano sax, fl) leads a quintet with Bobby Avey (keyboards), Matt Vashlishan (alto sax, cl, fl), Tony Marino (b) and Alex Ritz (d). There are 14 well-developed songs on two discs, the first is all acoustic and the second, electric. We liked “All Blues”, “Selim” and “Good Bait” on D-1. And we were energized by D-2 especially on “Footprints”, “Ugly Beauty” and “Danse La Le Fueeur”. This album works in part because the Dave sticks close enough to the original themes to help listeners connect while also infusing a generous dose of improvisation. The recording quality is also excellent capturing all of the nuances and air around the instruments.”
D. Oscar  Groomes
O’s Place Jazz Newsletter
O’s Place Jazz Newsletter reviews Rale Micic’s “Night Music” CD

O’s Place Jazz Newsletter reviews Rale Micic’s “Night Music” CD

Mar 20, 2017

 

 Rale Micic – Night Music 4/3
O’s Notes: Serbian guitarist Rale Micic moved to New York 17 years ago and has made himself a notable part of the jazz scene. He assembles a fusion-based quartet to perform Night Music, a collection of original music with a few well-placed arrangements of Bela Bartók’s classical compositions. As the title suggests, much of the program is soothing ballads featuring Micic’s liquid, warm melodies and a touch of mystery. Among the best selections are “Hotel Insomnia” and “Blue”. Pianist Danny Grissett delivers an explosive solo on the title track, one of the Bartók arrangements that illustrate the lively adventures that can occur after dark. Jonathan Blake (d) and Corcoran Holt (b) also deliver strong support in a fine recording.

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