There is truth in advertising in the Fresh Sound New Talent Label. This Spanish label finds artists that show a hopeful future for jazz. Here, we’ve got pianist Johannes Wallmann leading a flexible team of Gilad Hekselman/g, Russ Johnsoon/tp, Sean Conly/b, and Jeff Hirshfield/dr . With Johnson on plunger, the band can deliver a fun and funky New Orleans atmosphere on a slinky “Wookie’s Groove” and can skate as softly as Sonja Henie as Dayna Stephens’ tenor adds warmth on “November Song.” The team knows how to bop with kinetic and swift drum work on “Paper Balls” while Conly and the leader deliver a mysteriously swinging atmosphere on “The Town Musicians of Brooklyn.” Some wonderful nocturnal piano work is served up by Wallmann on “Lakeshore” and Heksleman’s electric guitar musings daintily bop with Johnson on “I Could Have Danced All Night. “ Are they coming to LA soon?
Fresh Sound New Talent