Wanna hear some fresh fret work? Give a listen!
Guitarist Jake Hertzog fronts an unorthodox quartet with Randy Brecker/tp-fh, Harvie S/b and Victor Jones/dr for nine originals that mix the lyricism and sophistication of jazz with the rhythmic sensibilities of rock. His tone is clear as a bell on “All Over Now” and “Cleared To Fly” while counterpoints by Brecker and thick bass lines by S make you pay attention to the scorecard. Some simple chimed chords on “Is it Summer” lead to some fun shuffle rhythms on “Hands On” while a pastoral “Sending Home” has some breezy fretwork by the composer. Folksy electric blues on “First To Rise” display his heart’s desire, while the title track is a fascinating mix of cheerful 60s pop chords and hip jazz licks provided by a Brecker Brother. Highly impressive and imaginative.
Phill Fewt teams up with Ronie Martinez/dr, Robert Prester/key, Russ Howard/b and Hendrik Meurkens/harm for some peppy and energetic Brazilian jazz. Exciting sounds bounce around on “Samba de Cayo Hueso” and the sensuously acoustic “Bossa Blues #2”. Meukens’s harmonica adds wonderful textures on “Florianopolis” and the whole band charges like a stampede on “Dig This Samba.” All throughout, Fest is clear, clean articulate and above all swinging.