By Mark Gresham
This Is, the self-produced debut album from Atlanta jazzman Nick Longo, lays down a foundation of driving cosmopolitan jazz that screams midtown Manhattan, but foreshadows the possibility of a fresh, identifiable uptown Atlanta style, if he chooses to pursue it. Longo's rhythm-driven lead vocals are featured prominently on two tracks, but up front on alto and baritone sax is where Longo marks his turf on the mostly instrumental disc. His dad, John “Pops" Longo, plays tenor sax on nearly half the disc and wrote the penultimate track, “Cool Breeze," the sole tune not penned by Nick himself. Together, they serve up high energy and often boppy funk with hints of manic R&B. 4 stars
This Is, the self-produced debut album from Atlanta jazzman Nick Longo, lays down a foundation of driving cosmopolitan jazz that screams midtown Manhattan, but foreshadows the possibility of a fresh, identifiable uptown Atlanta style, if he chooses to pursue it. Longo's rhythm-driven lead vocals are featured prominently on two tracks, but up front on alto and baritone sax is where Longo marks his turf on the mostly instrumental disc. His dad, John “Pops" Longo, plays tenor sax on nearly half the disc and wrote the penultimate track, “Cool Breeze," the sole tune not penned by Nick himself. Together, they serve up high energy and often boppy funk with hints of manic R&B. 4 stars
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