Bob Holz: Live in New York & L.A.
ByFrontloading the album with half a dozen numbers recorded back in 2016 in Syracuse, New York, Holz leans mostly on familiar fare. Opening with Miles Davis' immortal "All Blues," the band is right in the zone. Vocalist Ronnie Leigh offers soul in good supply, guitarist Chet Catallo cuts a cool-to-blazing trail, and Holz's brushes have their moment in the sun during that engaging opener. Then it's off to Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower," served up as an appropriately fusion-forward dish; over to "A Night in Tunisia," showcasing keyboardist Tom Witkowsky's hyper happenings and Leigh's scat soloing; on to Ralphe Armstrong's slow and sizzling "Blue Mashed Potatoes," featuring the composer's welcoming work and leaning into the titular form with a 12/8 feel; and off to a passionate take on "Georgia on my Mind." Then, to close out the New York night, Holz and company move into Catallo's winning "Blues for C.C."
Hopping over to Los Angeles in late 2018 and early 2019, Holz finishes things off with two originals. "Jammin' Man," with reggae undertones and a structure that's open to the implications in the title, finds saxophonist Brandon Fields, guitarist Mike Miller and bassist Ric Fierabracci in prime form. And the slick "Riptide," with glazed grooves and glories, brings the album to its conclusion. Holz, working with well-matched bands, touching down in different styles and settings, and laying down the law, leaves much to appreciate with his handiwork.
Track Listing
All Blues; Little Sunflower; A Night in Tunisia; Blue Mashed Potatoes; Georgia on My Mind; Blues for C.C; Jammin' Man; Riptide.
Personnel
Bob Holz: drums; Brandon Fields: saxophone; Ralphe Armstrong: bass; Mike Miller: guitar; Joey De Leon: congas; Chet Catallo: guitar; Ric Fierabracci: bass; Billy Steinway: keyboards; Ronnie Leigh: voice / vocals; Joey De Leon Jr. : congas; Tom Witkowsky: keyboards.
Additional Instrumentation
John Heard: percussion.
Album information
Title: Live in New York & L.A | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: MVD Audio
About Bob Holz
Instrument: Drums
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