Bob Acri: The Cavalcade of Music Foundation Presents Bob Acri

Chicago-based pianist Bob Acri has impressive musical credentials that include seventeen years as staff pianist for the NBC/ABC Radio Orchestra, touring with Harry James, and being the house pianist at Mr. Kelly's jazz club in Chicago. This is only Acri's second album. His debut, Timeless (Southport, 2002), featured the same originals that are performed here in a quartet setting. Bob Acri has founded The Cavalcade of Music Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organization, which will receive all proceeds from the sale of this album.

At the age of 85, Mr. Acri is a sure-footed pianist and composer who has assembled a sextet of estimable and tested musicians and is very much an equal opportunity employer. Trumpeter Lew Soloff is featured on the first two tracks, "Wake Robin" and "Watch What Happens," upon which he plays beautifully. To no one's surprise, Soloff is also the centerpiece of "I'll Remember Clifford." He is also featured in a much hotter style on "Sweet Georgia Brown."

Frank Wess' flute expertise is shown in a duet with Acri and the trio on the original "Lonely Girl" and tenor sax on "Tribute to Buddy." Chicago violinist and recording artist Diane Delin gets some good opportunities on "It Could Happen To You" and "Sleep Away." Acri's skills at leading a trio are presented on his own "Bob's Blues" and "Why Did I Choose You." Rounding out the group are two of the most frequently-recorded artists in jazz—bassist George Mraz and drummer Ed Thigpen— who form the backbone of this sextet.

...Presents Bob Acri is a quality package for both the leader and the players, displaying the talents of a pianist/composer who has been flying below the radar for too long.