Fresh jazz classics limitless possibilities Alexander Claffy – STANDARDS: WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?: This splendid group features Alexander’s upright bass, guitar from Kurt Rosenwinkel, David Kikoski on piano, Adam Arruda’s drums (1,3 & 5), Mark Whitfield Jr also on drums (2 & 8), and Aaron Kimmel doing drums (4, 6 & 7), as well as Joel Frahm on tenor saxophone (2, 6 & 7), Benny Benack III’s trumpet (6 & 7) and Veronica Swift’s fantastic vocals (9)… but, don’t just “take my word for it”… scope out Joel’s stellar sax work on “You Must Believe In Spring“… this tune alone is worth the purchase of the release.
You can really get a feel for the “cool” they bring to jazz standards that is, as jazz master Ron Carter says, are “anything but standard“, in the EPK video below:
…& since you’re right there already, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to Alexander’s YouTube channel…
Their performance on the Wayne Shorter’s “Devil’s Island” (that sample won’t be available until just prior to the release of the album on 2 November, 2018) is full of the fire of life… I just LOVED David’s keyboard on this song, and have no doubt you will, too!
I suppose it’s no coincidence that the cooking opener, “Blues On The Corner” is by McCoy Tyner, from Philadelphia, as is Alexander… if any song merits consideration for a jazz award, it is this one… at the very least, I will predict you will hear jazz DJ’s across the country spinning this one on a regular basis.
The group’s treatment of Lennon & McCartney’s “Michelle” is nothing but magic (and like no other performance of the song you’ve ever heard)… again, the best way to witness that is visually…
It was actually easy to pick my personal favorite of the nine songs offered up for your aural adventure… the pacing is perfect on “Just One Of Those Things“, and again – it’s the most unique performance I’ve ever heard of this splendid piece of jazz.
I give Alexander and his superb players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this most memorable listening experience. Get more information on Alexander’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
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