Here are three artists that any self respecting jazz fan will find a friend in.
1) Local cat Hamid Cooper is always performing somewhere, leading his Afro-Cuban band with percussive delight. He can play anything that hands can hit, as his instrumental solos clearly demonstrate. Between these creative grooves, he and his sextet supports percolate through classics like “Cantaloupe Island,” “Sway” and “Guantanamera” making jazz that sounds smooth without being “smooth jazz.” A bit of Persian influence pops up now and then, particularly on the meditative “The Good Shepherd.” Nice mainstream material, with just a dash of spice.
2) Chris Greene, a master of soprano and tenor saxes, leads a simpatico team of Damian Espinosa/p-key, Marc Plane/b and Steve Corley through a pleasant evening of hip jazz at gig at The Mayne Stage in October 2011. Some soulful funk is present of “Bride of Mr. Congeniality” showing of the leader’s leathery tone, and the very virile rhythm section. On the Latinized “Future Emperor…” and mysterious “Stat” Greene spotlights his lithe soprano, while Plane’s bass and Espinosa’s explorative keyboards are in fashion on “Three & Six.” Lots to like here.
3) Carol Robbins is possibly LA’s only jazz harpist, and she makes it work! I’ve seen her in concert a few times, and it’s mind boggling! Here, she teams up with Angelenos Billy Childs/p, Larry Koonse/g, Gary Meek/sax-cl, Darek Oles/b and Gary Novak/dr for a sterling collection of chamber jazz. Moods reminiscent of Kind of Blue pervade elegant themes like “Moraga” and the peppy “Straightaway,” with mix the of Meek’s celestial soprano and Robbins’ heavenly harp. Koonse’s elegant guitar intertwines sublimely on “Dolore” while Child’s delivers a Chopinesque sonata with the plucky lady on “Rotadendren” and “Every Time We Say Goodbye.” This is music that is so sensitive, it might need a mood ring!
Single Malt Recordings
Jazzcats Records