Soul soothing stimulating jazz Val Gardena – ACROSS THE DIVIDE: I was highly impressed when I reviewed composer Christopher James’s work on his “Grace From Persistence” album; so much so that he got a “PICK” from me for “most engaging compositions”… his new work with the Val Gardena group (produced & arranged with Andy Snitzer) takes things to the next level, to be sure, with some soul soothing and stimulating jazz.
You’ll hear high energy players like John Patitucci on bass, Gene Lake and Nate Smith on drums, Taylor Eigsti on piano, as well as trumpet from Chris Botti on stunning tunes like “Two of One” – some of the best jazz I’ve listened to (yet) in 2020… I predict this track will be getting a LOT of airplay from jazz DJ’s across the globe!
Though there weren’t any live videos yet, you’ll still want to SUBSCRIBE to the Val Gardena YouTube topic channel, where you’ll find many of their previous albums… I’m told there may be a LIVE video posted there soon, too, so keep an eye out for it.
When it comes to “upbeat”, it just doesn’t get any more down & funky than on “Why Not” (no sample available; will add when I’m told the album has gone live)… there’s a SUPERB organ on this tune that just SMOKES it, folks, as well as some ultra-cool guitar!
The opening title track for the album, “Across the Divide”, creates a truly soothing atmosphere… I found myself hitting the “replay” button on this tune often, and I think you’ll be doing the same; some very nice voice weaves ride in, under, around and through the lead trumpet – a very satisfying piece of music.
There was no question in my mind as to what my personal favorite song would be after I listened through the album the first time… “Back in Time” again features Chris Botti’s tantalizing trumpet lines… the tune is totally engaging and the recording is flawless!
I give Val Gardena a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99 for this stimulating jazz adventure. Get more information about the album on the Christopher James website. Rotcod Zzaj
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