Sunday Music Muse Day, Jazz 90.1 (Goodies cont'd) Rodney Whitaker, Etiene Charles, and Chuck Mangione

This week's Sunday Music Muse day selections are the rest of the CDs we won at the auction at the Jazz90.1 annual Evening of Wine, Jazz & Art, at the Artisan Works. (see last week's entry)  First up, Rodney Whitaker When we Find Ourselves Alone. It a nice traditional jazz outing.

Next, is Etienne Charles, San Jose Suite.  The music of this CD "...exploits prodigious and protean talents in examining the history of African and First Nation peoples, their confrontation with colonial conquest and terror, and their remarkable and enduring cultural influence. The vast historical sweep of the Suite stretches from San Jose in Etienne’s native Trinidad to Costa Rica in Central America and San Jose in Northern California. (from the liner notes).  Hearing to this CD you can almost feel the Caribbean sun on your skin.

Okay, my last selection is well known Chuck Mangione, Greatest Hits.  I must confess that I maybe committing a sacrilegious act, by saying I'm not big a fan of Mangione, who is a local hero.  It may just be, for me, a case having heard "Chase the Clouds Away" and "Land of Make Believe"  one time too many.  I'll be donating this to my public library.

Again, these CDs will help fill the coming fall and winter day with hours of great listening.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Joey Alexander, Gerald Wilson, Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio

This week's Sunday Music Muse day selections are the result of attending the Jazz90.1 annual Evening of Wine, Jazz & Art, at the Artisan Works. an art gallery here in Rochester, NY.  My wife and entered a silent auction for station tote bag filled with CDs.  The name of the CDs weren't listed listed at the time of the bidding, so you had to trust in the good taste Jazz90.1 planner.  I'm happy to say we weren't disappointed.  I'll feature three of the CD this CDs this week and the remaining next week.

First up is Joey Alexander My Favorite Things, the 11 year old overnight sensation's first CD.  All the incredible praise and reviews calling this child prodigy a genius, is well deserve.  Within the first 2 minutes of hearing him play, your jaw will drop at realization the such mature, confident playing is coming from one so young.  Just amazing.

Next is Gerald Wilson Orchestra Detroit, a tribute to has home town, by the late bandleader who died in 2015 at the age of 96.  In September 2009, Wilson conducted his eight-movement suite "Detroit", commissioned by the Detroit Jazz Festival to mark its 30th anniversary.  This is swinging big band and wonderful tribute to Wilson long and storied career.

Finally, there is Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio is the drummer/leader's third going with this trio.  Quoting Dan Bilawsky from all about jazz,  "the focus toward pop-ish material from the '50s and '60s—the work of Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand, and others of that ilk—and put an audience in front of the band, recording live at Systems Two Recording Studio. Guests are part of the package again—now it's trumpeter Roy Hargrove and vocalist Cassandra Wilson, each appearing on a few tracks—and they help to add another wrinkle or two to the project without drawing focus away from the trio."  It's interesting that it's a live session where given just lead sheets. and no pre-concert rehearsal time. Talk about pressure, but the end results sounds great.

That's it for this week.  Enjoy.