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Mark Winkler: Hold On
ByThe album's strength lies not only in Winkler's supple phrasing and storytelling craft but also in the collaborative framework he has built. Six pianistsJohn Beasley, Rich Eames, Tamir Hendelman, Eric Reed, Jamieson Trottereach bring distinct tonal palettes to the session. The supporting cast reads like a who's who of L.A.'s jazz fraternity, including but not limited to the following: bassist Gabe Davis, drummer Christian Euman, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, trumpeter Brian Swartz and guitarists George Doering and Grant Geissmanneach contributing to the shifting landscapes over which Winkler weaves his narratives.
The title track, "Hold On," radiates optimism and resilience, opening the album on a note of determination. Beasley's piano underscores Winkler's message with refined sophistication. The irreverent pianist/composer Dave Frishberg wrote "A Little Taste," which swings brightly with Winkler showing his affection for the lyrics. Reed and Geissmann's accompaniment adds understated verve to the interpretation. Frank Loesser's gem "If I Were A Bell" is delivered by Winkler with playful intimacy, balancing humour and tenderness as Hendelman's piano keeps the number buoyant.
In 1965, Frank Sinatra released the Reprise album September of My Years, on which "It Was A Very Good Year" was a key track and became one of his signature songs. Not to be deterred by "The Voice," Winkler dives in to embrace the song's nostalgic depth with a soft bossa beat supported by Trotter's harmonic creativity and Swartz's colouristic flourishes on flugelhorn. Stripping back Billy Joel's pop classic "Vienna," Winkler uncovers a haunting, universal ballad that feels wholly his own, enriched by Beasley's lyrical piano.
What sets the album apart from earlier Winkler releases is the sense of discovery that pervades each track, not least so for the closer "I Dream of You Each Night," a tender and lyrical original that lingers long after the final notes. Sparse accompaniment from Reed and Swartz on open and muted trumpet frames Winkler's voice at its most vulnerable and sincere.
Track Listing
Hold On; A Little Taste; If I Were A Bell; Cat Women On The Moon; It Was A Very Good Year; My Future's Just A Memory; Vienna; Train In The Desert; The Devil Don't Want A Saint; My Electric Car; I Dream Of You Each Night.
Personnel
Mark Winkler
vocalsJohn Beasley
pianoTamir Hendelman
pianoEric Reed
pianoBob Sheppard
saxophone, tenorJamieson Trotter
pianoRich Eames
pianoGabe Davis
bass, acousticBrian Swartz
trumpetGeorge Doering
guitar, electricGrant Geissman
guitarChristian Euman
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
Greg Gordon Smith: piano; Kendall Kay: drums; Lemar Guillary: percussion; Joey De Leon: percussion; The GGS Singers: background vocals.
Album information
Title: Hold On | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Cafe Pacific Records
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