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Mt. Hood Jazz Band and Combo 2007: I'm Still Here
ByAlto saxophonist Max Bryk has several features; his exuberant solo in John Coltrane's "Grand Central shows a Phil Woods influence, yet he is just as convincing on the tender ballad "The End of a Love Affair," playing with economy while delivering a heartfelt performance. Tom Peters is not only an excellent trumpeter, but contributes the cool "Out of Sync," on which he plays a sassy muted solo.
Several selections have multiple soloists. Trumpeters Cory Palacios and Jeff Johnson set a high standard with their respective muted and open solos in John Clayton's "I Be Serious 'Bout Dem Blues," but each player makes a case for their presence in the band. The catchy unison of guitarist Michael Backus and tenor saxophonist Sam Solano makes Jerry Bergonzi's demanding "Out House come alive.
The guest tracks are special, too. King's vocals are the centerpiece of a swinging "I've Got You Under My Skin (including her spirited scatting over a catchy vamp), while trumpeter Memory is featured in her own Basie-like swinger "Blues For Warren." Bock is heard on trombone in the breezy samba "Beijo Inocente," with fine solos as well by pianist Nick Ettlin and trumpeter Jeff Johnson. Highly recommended!
Track Listing
Grand Central; I've Got You Under My Skin; I'm All For You; Beijo Inocente; I Be Serious 'Bout Dem Blues; End Of a Love Affair; Out House; The Refrigerator; Out Of Sync; Blues For Warren.
Personnel
Susie Jones: director. Jazz Band: Wes Luttrell, Eli Fisher, Dustin Williams, Michael Kurtz, Sergey Bogza: trumpet; Dave Coyle: alto sax, flute, clarinet; Gideon Hawkins: alto sax, clarinet; Sam Solano: tenor sax, flute, clarinet; Charles Holton: tenor sax, clarinet; Billy Gaechter: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Josh Bennett, Matt Hutson, Chris Traylor, Alex Cook: trombone; Andrew Washburn: piano; Michael Backus: guitar; Dave Speranza: bass; Brian Sprague, Sam Henry: drums, percussion. Winter
Album information
Title: I'm Still Here | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Sea Breeze Vista
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