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Mark Winkler: Late Bloomin' Jazzman
ByAfter the opening Gershwin standard "It Ain't Necessarily So" and the Michael Franks song "Don't Be Blue," Winkler's lyrical prowess begins to emerge on four superb pieces starting with Joe DePasquale's "When All the Lights in the Sign Worked" followed by the Eli Brueggemann-composed title track, and also on "In Another Way," before culminating and shining brightly with an outstanding treatment of Bill Cantos's "Bossa Nova Days" clearly one of the memorable songs of this date.
The Burton Lane classic "Old Devil Moon" is re-imagined here, sounding almost like a fresh new sound even though the singer kept to the established lyrics of the song. Winkler sings with heartfelt emotion on two beautiful love ballads "I Always Had A Thing For You," and "Before You Leave." He includes two of pianist Jamieson Trotter's compositions enhanced by his own lyrics on "Old Enough" and "Marlena's Memories" before closing the session with David Lucky's "If Gershwin Had Lived," capped off with some more of his inventive lyrics.
Prominently featured on this album are Winkler's supporting cast of LA's finest musicians, including saxophonist Bob Sheppard, guitarist extraordinaire Grant Geissman bassist John Clayton and drummer Christian Euman among others. It is certain that Mark Winkler is getting older, as we all do; unlike most, perhaps like a vintage wine, he is also getting better with time, as Late Bloomin' Jazzman plainly attests.
Track Listing
It Ain't Necessarily So; Don't Be Blue; When All The Light in The Sign Worked; Late Bloomin Jazzman; In Another Way; Boss Nova Days; Old Devil Moon; I Always Had A Thing For You; Before You Leave; Old Enough; Marlena's Memories; If Gershwin Had Lived.
Personnel
David Benoit
pianoJohn Clayton
bassJamieson Trotter
pianoBob Sheppard
saxophone, tenorNolan Shaheen
flugelhornKevin Winard
drumsJon Mayer
pianoGabe Davis
bass, acousticClayton Cameron
drumsBrian Swartz
trumpetGrant Geissman
guitarChristian Euman
drumsMark Winkler
vocalsAlbum information
Title: Late Bloomin' Jazzman | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Cafe Pacific Records
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