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Russ Spiegel: Caribbean Blue
ByWhile everything on offer is respectable, it is the album's midsectiontracks 3-8that rise above the others and lend the session much of its vitality and charm. After harmonica virtuoso Hendrik Meurkens enriches the album's charming title song, the ensemble's three hornstrumpeter Brian Lynch, tenor saxophonist Tim Armacost and trombonist Javier Neroperform together for the first time on the lively, Caribbean-flavored "Island Song" and again on the emphatic "Slippery Slope," soloing superbly on each of them.
The session's lone ballad, "Inquietude," whose Portuguese lyrics are handsomely sung by Ben Beal, precedes the nonchalant "Retribution Blues," on which Armacost and organist Jim Gasior ensnare the even-tempered groove, a mind-set supplanted by momentum and heat on "The Streets of Milan," a flat-out swinger wherein Lynch, Armacost and drummer Lucas Apostoleris solo with adeptness and enthusiasmas does Spiegel. And speaking of Spiegelwho is, after all, the leaderhe solos persuasively throughout, his clear and mellow guitar providing a gentle counterpoint to the horns and a glue-like foundation for the ensemble.
The tracks not yet mentionedwhich are fine, but a step or so below the othersare "The Underdown Groove," "E. 22nd St." and "Smooth Move." As far as can be determined, Meurkens appears on four tracks including the brief finale, "Coda," trombonist Nero on the two songs already noted. Elsewhere, the group is basically a quartet or quintet with Lynch and/or Armacost on the front line. Considered end to end, Caribbean Blue is a well above average session with a number of pleasurable moments and first-rate performances by all hands.
Track Listing
The Underdown Groove; E.22nd St; Caribbean Blue; Island Song; Slippery Slope; Inquietude; Retribution Blues; The Streets of Milan; Smooth Move; Coda.
Personnel
Russ Spiegel
guitarJim Gasior
pianoLucas Apostoleris
drumsBrian Lynch
trumpetTim Armacost
saxophone, tenorJavier Nero
tromboneHendrik Meurkens
harmonicaBen Beal
vocalsAlbum information
Title: Caribbean Blue | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: RuzzTone Music
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Russ Spiegel
Album Review
Jack Bowers
Caribbean Blue
RuzzTone Music
Hendrik Meurkens
Brian Lynch
Tim Armacost
Javier Nero
Ben Beal
Jim Gasior
Lucas Apostoleris