Here’s a disc that takes vocalese to an exciting dimension. Pianit Ron Di Salviowrote the tunes (which are essentially famed compositions by the jazz icons ranging from Duke Ellington to Bud Powell) and lyrics which are also clever tributes to the focused topic. Speaking of legends, he brings along the tap tap tapping drums of Jimmy; Cobb as well as Derrick Gardner/tp, Rob Smith/ts-bs, Patrick Terbrack/as and Matt Heredia as a finger snapping team that supplies the melody, rhythm and framework for songs such as “Dave’s Brew” (dedicated to Brubeck) and “Mingustino” (ditto for Charles Mingus). As for the clever lyrics, they are sung and swung by the vocal quartet of Aubrey Johnson/sop, Jiana Hunter/alto, Andy Inglat/tenor and JC Coffey/b. When they work together, as on “Oscar-nice-inicity,” they have a high toned delivery that is joyful and infectious. Other times there are solos as on “Tonight Mood Indigo” for Ellington. Some of the tunes are themed from famous tunes, such as “Bud’s Blossom” taken from Bud Powell’s “Bouncing With Bud” and “Mingustino” sung by Aubrey Johnson, which is delivered from “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” The tunes themselves reflect the joy of jazz, and the vocals make these artists that more accessible. A fun one to savor.
Blujazz Productions