Rare are the jazz groups these days, so it’s encouraging to see one from LA making some fresh sounds. Keyboardist Lao Tizer puts together a working team of Eric Marienthal-Danny Janklow/wwinds, Aaron J anik/tp, Khristian Foreman/tb, Chieli Minucci/g, Carey Frank/B3, Karen Briggs/vi, Anthony Crawford-Cheikh N’Doye/b, Gene Coye/dr, Munyngo Jackson/perc and lead vocalist Elliott Yamin for a collection of rollicking and rhythmic originals.
of the instrumentals, “Kat’s Groove” is inflected with an irresistible R&B vibe, with Janklow’s alto surfing like a long-boarder, while his flute glide with Tizer’s Crusaderish soul on “Labyrinth”, and the the reeds get velvety on the pretty “Lullaby”.
Yamin’s blue eyed soul of a voice works fantastically on the funky “Boulevard of Stars” and a festive “New Orleans” while leading the chorus on “Shades Of Love”. This is the kind of jazz that is both accessible and energetic. Look for them in a local club-they got a blue collar feel for uptown ears.