One of the most under-appreciated jazz writers as well as composers, Mark Winkler continues to build up his impressive catalogue of songs and albums with an album so hip you’re going to need to visit the chiropractor after a couple listens.
He mixes his own material up with other like minded pens such as Dave Frishberg, Paul Simon, Gershwin and Rogers/Hart. He picks the best Angelenos for the backup, including Jamieson Trotter/p, John Clayton-Dan Lutz/b, Mike Shapiro-Jeff Hamilton/dr, Larry Koonse-Pat Kelley and horns that include Bob McChesney on trombone. Shark skin sharp deliveries by Winkler include his own “Your Cat Plays Piano” and a title track that will make you want to memorize the lyrics. He teams up gloriously with compatriot Cheryl Bentyne (if you ever get a chance to see them together, drop your other plans and GO) on a playful “I Wish I Were In Love Again” while a deeply felt “I Chose The Moon” displays Winkler’s ability to compose and deliver a light in the window torch song. Gotta love this guy, and why doesn’t someone else do his material as well?
Café Pacific Records