Keith Ailer: Spaces & Places

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: November 1, 1999

Since the male jazz vocalist remains a universal minority, Keith Ailer’s arrival on the scene represents a rare occasion. His voice is deep and strong, not unlike the clear delivery of Nat King Cole. For his session, Ailer has enlisted exciting partners who carry the jazz torch and improvise with hot hard-bop solos. Established in 1993, the Jazzateria label lists an eclectic group of artists: some new, some veterans, and all worth the attention.

"Midnight Sun" and "I Love You for Sentimental Reasons" emit a spark, a fair amount of drama, and some romance to surround Ailer’s solid delivery. His supporting ensemble enhances the affair with a welcome and spontaneous approach. Later, Gary Bartz and Marc Cary turn a corny arrangement of Lionel Bart’s "Where Is Love" into a swinger through their solo opinions. Of Ailer’s five original tunes, three stand off to one side as smooth R&B songs for our generation; they’re touched-up by the lush flute work of Y.C. Laws. The other two, "Spaces & Places" and "Blues For Khaliq," are performed as instrumental numbers with a mainstream jazz intensity that combines a loose swing with hot saxophone and piano improvisation. Although uneven, Keith Ailer’s album represents a tasteful vocal scene with superb accompaniment.

Track Listing: (I Love You) for Sentimental; Reasons; Midnight Sun; Long About Now; Where Is Love; Temptations; Spin Some Time; Spaces & Places; Blues For Khaliq; Goodbye My Love.Collective

Personnel: Keith Ailer- vocals, piano on "Goodbye My Love;" Gary Bartz- alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Michael Bowie- acoustic bass; Marc Cary- piano; Deidre Pascall- cello; Y.C. Laws- flute; Harold Summey- drums; Vinnie Valentino- guitar.

Record Label: Jazzateria
Style: Latin/World