Toots Thielemans has not only been the world’s greatest jazz harmonica player for the past 60 years but, for much of that period, he was also practically the world’s only jazz harmonica player. Preceded by Larry Adler (who played jazz on a part-time basis) among major figures, Thielemans originally made his living as a guitarist. However by the mid-1950s, his virtuosity on the harmonica began to overshadow his guitar playing and he has reigned supreme ever since, setting a standard that has still not been reached by anyone else. What other harmonica player could hold their own in a jam session with Oscar Peterson?

90 Yrs. includees both a CD and a DVD that celebrates Toots Thieleman’s recent 90th birthday. The CD is drawn from several concerts from 2006-11 and includes such Toots favorites as ‘Wave,” “The Dolphin,” “One Note Samba” and Paul Simon’s “I Do It For Your Love,” along with three of the harmonica player’s originals. He is teamed with pianist Karel Boehlee, bassist Hein Van de Geyn and drummer Hans Van Oosterhout.

The DVD has six selections from a 2011 club date with Thielemans enjoying himself playing such numbers as “Autumn Leaves,” “St. Thomas” and his biggest hit, “Bluesette.” He shows throughout both the CD and the DVD, that even at 90, he still has a lot to offer.

- Scott Yanow

The French pop singer Elodie Lauton teams up with the Dutch jazz pianist Jasper van’t Hof, electric bassist Peter Borfoi, drummer Steve Arguelles, and Swiss producer Felix Graf (who contributes keyboards and some electronic programming) for a set of original music. Ms. Lauton wrote the lyrics (which are all in French) while co-writing the music with Graf except for three songs written by band members.

The general plot of the music is about a woman who left home and is waiting at the airport on standby for a flight. The day finds her at the turning point of her life as she wistfully and a little bit impatiently waits to get a chance to fly away to a fresh beginning and a new life.

While Lauton is a strong pop singer who sounds comfortable with the occasional electronics, she also shows in spots that she is an excellent scat singer. Otherwise, most of the jazz interest is provided by Jasper van’t Hof, who takes a particularly fine piano solo on the ballad ”On The Tip Of My Tongue” and is a major asset to the set.

The overall performances are intriguing even for listeners who are not familiar with French.
 
Scott Yanow

Last week Zapp 4 visited Virus Radio 5, to watch the show, click on this LINK!

Watch MYXOMATOSIS
Watch PARANOID ANDROID
Watch A WOLF AT THE DOOR

This Thursday Zapp 4 is performing in Paradiso together with The Paradiso Orchestra “The Radiohead Songbook - A tribute to one of the greatest bands ever.

Paradiso Amsterdam
Thursday 16th of May 2013, 20.30 hr.
Tickets available on www.paradiso.nl


More upcoming concerts
22-06-2013   Festival Classique, Den Haag
14-07 2013   North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam
12-09-2013   Festival van Vlaanderen, Brussel
01-11-2013   De Abdij, Aduard
03-11-2013   Beauforthuis, Austerlitz
29-11-2013   Stadsgehoorzaal, Leiden

Patrick Bebelaar, a top jazz pianist from Germany, teams up with American bassist Joe Fonda and veteran Germany trumpeter Herbert Joos on this introspective and thought-provoking trio date. The musicians perform eight originals (four by Bebelaar and two apiece by Fonda and Joos) plus quiet versions of “My One And Only Love” and “I Remember Clifford.” Oddly enough, one of the originals is called “Stella By Star Light” but has no relation to the standard “Stella By Starlight.”

While all three musicians have opportunities to be showcased, Bebelaar is the most dominant voice on the set.  His classical training is felt in spots as is his openness to several eras of modern jazz and World Music. His playing is mostly introspective and sometimes recalls Bobo Stenson and Keith Jarrett although his own musical personality comes through and he is effective on the brief high-energy “Reloaded.” Joe Fonda displays versatility and is consistently inventive both as an accompanist and a soloist. Herbert Joos, who is only on around half the selections, is in the spotlight on the unaccompanied “Conversation With I.D.” which has him utilizing a horn that lets him switch quickly back and forth between open horn and muted. On other songs, his pinched notes and general tone are a little reminiscent of Kenny Wheeler. He is also very expressive (as is Bebelaar who contributes a rumbling sound) on “Requiem (for Pit).”

Overall this is a thought-provoking set of subtle and melodic jazz.
 
Scott Yanow

Challenge Records proudly presents Elan Mehler Trio, featuring Tod Hedrick and Max Goldman, with his live album: Being There, Here. On this record he’s playing the standards in acoustic setting, recorded in Therme Vals, Switzerland, the very spa hotel where the pianist was first ‘discovered’ performing by world-renowned DJ, label boss and talent spotter Gilles Peterson.

To introduce this talented, international pianist, we’ve collected some great quotes from his shows and previous albums that were released on Brownswood Records:

"When Elan Mehler plays, people stop what they are doing and listen in rapt attention. Exactly this effect Elan's upcoming live album "Being There, Here" has on its listeners."
Charles Waring (Record Collector, MOJO magazine, Wax Poetics, Shook and Blues & Soul and www.soulandjazzandfunk.com)

“Mehler’s touch is as nuanced as Bill Evans’s, and his phrasing draws on both jazz and classical music without directly importing licks from either. The subdued certainties of his playing bring a crowded room to total silence.”

“Intriguing Gilles Peterson piano protege Mehler has Jarrett and Mehldau links, but achieves mesmeric effect with a lot more space and a lot fewer notes.”
- John Fordham (Guardian)

Elan Mehler grew up outside of Boston and started playing piano and composing at the age of 6.  In 2000 Elan spent a year in Paris being the house pianist at the “Malone’s Bar.” Which he credits as the largest piece in his musical education.  On returning to NYC Elan formed his first trio and performed at the Knitting Factory, Tonic, Smalls, Barbes, The Elbow Room, The Living Room and any other room that had a piano and would let him in. In 2006 he met BBC Radio Presenter and Record Producer Gilles Peterson at a solo piano gig in Switzerland and was subsequently signed to his fledgling Brownswood Records.

Elan Mehler recorded three albums on Brownswood Records. 2007's "Scheme For Thought" called a "...work of mellow magnificence" by Time Out and garnering a four star review from MOJO Magazine, was selected as a top ten record of 2007 by the editor of Jazzwise Magazine.  2009's "The After Suite," "a masterpiece with a capital 'M,"  --All About Jazz, was hailed as "...positively rhapsodic" by Time Out.  2010's collaboration with the Oklahoman singer-songwriter Adam McBride-Smith, Half Seas Over, built  "...a productive relationship between two genres of music that few jazz artists other than Bill Frisell have managed to splice..." The Guardian, received a four star review from Uncut Magazine and  was called an "immediate contemporary classic" by Rockerilla.

In 2007 he toured around Euope, during the ‘Brownswood Loves Jazz tour. Together with formerly labelmate (Brownswood Records) José James, Amsterdam (Paradiso), Paris (La Flèche d’Or), Berlin (Bohannon) and London (Queen Elizabeth Hall, Bush Hall, Pizza Express Dean Street, The Vortex).

This month the debut album of Valentina Tóth ‘Hungarian Horizon’ is album of the month at Opus Klassiek. The review (in Dutch) you can find here:

http://www.opusklassiek.nl/cd-recensies/cd-mb/mbbartok01.htm

This Sunday, on the 12th of May, this young and talented pianist will perform in the Spiegelzaal, live broadcasted by Radio 4. This performance is prior to AVRO’s Sunday Morning Concert (zondagochtend concert) in Concertgebouw, Amsterdam. Between 10 am and 10.50 am she will have an interview with Hans van der Boom and will perform a few pieces of het debut album Hungarian Horizon.

For more information: http://spiegelzaal.radio4.nl/uitzending/188928/Spiegelzaal.html

On Sunday May 12th Isabelle played live in the program "Spiegelzaal" (AVRO), together with Rudiger Ludwig and Ulrike Payer, a piece ('Tanti Anni Primo')  of the new cd "Tango!". This was the first live presentation of the new CD. This performance is prior to AVRO’s Sundaymorning Concert (zondagochtend concert) in Concertgebouw, Amsterdam and always broadcasted live between 10 am and 10.50 on Radio 4. Listen back to the program: here

On May 10th, Isabelle van Keulen also had a live interview in the studio with presentor Diewertje Blok in NTR’s program 'Podium' on Radio 4. She was interviewed about the new CD "Tango!" and also about her concert in the Concertgebouw on Saturday May 11th. Besides the interview, also the piece 'Oblivion' was played. Listen back to the program: here

The new Super Audio CD has now been released and will move a lot of people all over the world because of its directness and the emotions it evokes. This is one of our highlights of this year on Challenge Classics already! This project will be also available on film on DVD and BluRay very soon!

Classical music lovers all over the world know her name: violinist Isabelle van Keulen is a soloist who, for many years now, has built a strong career internationally. She plays with all the important orchestra's, performs in famous concert halls and keeps on recording extraordinary CD's of a very high level. Take for instance her latest release of December 2012 with music of Prokofiev together with her duo partner, pianist Ronald Brautigam.

But now Isabelle dares to do something totally different! She wanted to do it for many years and finally her dream can come true to play and record the music of Astor Piazzolla. This music she has loved since she was a child of six years old. With her new ensemble she also plays in concert halls and she recorded this beloved tango music on SACD and on film (on DVD and Bluray) in January 2013 in Mechelen (Belgium). In a bonus documentary that goes with the BluRay, Isabelle and her colleagues Ulrike Payer, Christian Gerber and Rudiger Ludwig tell about this music, about the tango technique and about their instruments. This not only gives us insight in Piazzolla himself but also gives more information about the typical tango sound and how this is produced and why this music is so moving and goes straight to the heart!

The (music)film of "Tango!" is a moving project made by director Hans Pannecoucke and his filmcrew. The BluRay will include a behind the scenes documentary. The atmosphere of both the film and documentary give a good idea of the feeling the musicians have with this beautiful, heartfelt music and with each other. Watch the trailer here: LINK

Line Up
Isabelle van Keulen: violin
Christian Gerber: bandoneon
Ulrike Payer: piano
Rüdiger Ludwig: double bass

Jazz became known in Europe when the Original Dixieland Jazz Band caused a sensation in England in 1919. Throughout the 1920s, many American jazz musicians visited Europe where they found work plentiful and liquor which was illegal in the United States during Prohibition) flowing easily.

This CD features European recording sessions by five different groups that include Americans. Trumpeter Frank Guarante had recorded impressive jazz sessions during 1922-23 in the U.S. with the Georgians. In Switzerland in 1926, his six selections for the very rare Kalophone label balance some hot jazz with dance music and are pleasant enough. Guarante is actually in better form and much more featured on the seven titles (including two versions of “Sugar Foot Stomp”) with the Devonshire Restaurant Dance Band, showing what he learned from King Oliver when he was in New Orleans.

The Plantation Orchestra, a show band that includes both Johnny Dunn and Pike Davis on trumpets, sounds fine on four numbers that include some hot ensembles and concise solos. Eddie South, the second significant jazz violinist to emerge (after Joe Venuti), performs “Doin’ The Raccoon” and the intriguing gypsy melody “Two Guitars.” This CD concludes with five of the six numbers that singer Noble Sissle and his orchestra recorded in 1929. Sissle was an enthusiastic and spirited showman who usually included top jazzmen in his bands. Clarinetist Buster Bailey is most notable among the soloists on these rare numbers.

1920s collectors will find a great deal of interest throughout these obscure but worthy performances.
 
- Scott Yanow

Next Sunday, the 12th, it's Mother's day. To celebrate this day with you we have made a Mother's Day selection for all music loving mothers. We offer a 15% discount on:

Valentina Tóth - Hungarian Horizon   
Cor Bakker - Elettra Due
Shanti Snyder - Cloud 9
Lucia Aliberti - Early  Verdi Arias
Toots Thielemans - 90 Years

Valentina Tóth
"In my parents’ house I often heard Hungarian folk music. I thought it was something truly special. Hungarian music is emotional and impulsive. Just like the Hungarians. That music feels so very familiar. It’s hard to explain why I play it the way I do. I want to play it the way I feel it.”
Discount code: MD72522

Cor Bakker
Jazz is a great love of Cor Bakker. And now with his newest album "Elletra Due" the love blossomed.  On this CD the pianist presents his audience his own individual style: "Jazz can afford freedoms. And i drill a deeper layer in myself by composing"
Discount code: MD07

Shanti Snyder
A talented singer-songwriter, an accomplished guitarist and, foremost, a singer who digs deep into her soul. On this CD she is collaborating with Angelo Verploegen and Marc van Roon.
Discount code: MD75771

Lucia Aliberti
Lucia Aliberti presents twelve Verdi heroines. Each character senses all too well the need to show resolve in an extreme situation. The Verdi that Lucia Aliberti interprets here is mainly a Verdi the world has not encountered up to now, and it soon becomes apparent that the “unknown” Verdi is also a “Verdissimo”.
Discount code: MD72589

Toots Thielemans
Last spring one of the world's famous jazz icons turned 90 years old! His anniversary is honored with the CD 90yrs.! The CD 90 yrs. is a brilliant registration of how Toots still plays for his fans. The tracks are recorded during his latest tours around the globe.
"Mega-veteran harmonica player Toots Thielmans still sounds fantastic as he rounds the corner on his century on this planet." - Jazzweekly
Discount code: MD70167

Click here to go to the selection in our webshop
  

A superior Dutch jazz pianist, Michiel Borstlap has been busy since 1992 when he graduated from the Hilversum Conservatoire. He recorded 16 albums in the 20 years that followed including 2012’s 88. He won the 1996 Thelonious Monk Composition Competition with “Memory Of Enchantment,” a piece that Herbie Hancock later recorded and that is included on 88. Also in his career thus far, Borstlap cut an album of selections by Weather Report (which he recorded acoustically), recorded Solo Standards, and worked with such American and European notables as Roy Hargrove, Han Bennink, Toots Thielemans, Bill Bruford and Jon Hendricks.
           
88 is a wide-ranging album that also features electric bassist Boudewijn Lucas and drummer Erik Kooger. On the brooding “Memory Of Enchantment,” the trio is joined by trumpeter Ruud Breuls and guitarist Jerome Hol. Some selections have Borstlap showing individuality on the Fender Rhodes (really cooking on the funky “Live DJ”), he takes “You Know I Do” as a solo piano showcase, and he comes up with fresh statements on Ron Carter’s “Third Plane” and an explosive “Just One Of Those Things” in addition to his own originals.

Michiel Borstlap dominates the music with his impressive technique, versatility and constant creativity. While one can hear hints of Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock in spots, Borstlap has his own style and deserves to be recognized as a modern day giant of the jazz keyboard.
           
Scott Yanow

Benjamin Schaefer is a brilliant young pianist (33 at this writing) whose playing is at times a bit reminiscent of Bill Evans,’ particularly in its chord voicings. Born in Germany in 1981, Schaefer received extensive classical training before taking up jazz in 1998. By 2004 he had evolved to the point where he became a member of the German Youth Jazz Orchestra and the NRW Landesjazzorchester. That year he made his recording debut as a leader.

Schaefer and his trio with bassist Robert Landfermann and drummer Marcus Rieck have been together for several years. Their close communication is impressive, with Schaefer’s piano being first among equals. Landfermann (who takes occasional solos) and Rieck are very subtle in support of the pianist, often extending his voice so it sounds as if all three instruments are being played by the same person.

While not sounding like a duplicate of any of these players, Schaefer’s ability to caress melodies, his thoughtful approach (even at faster tempos), and his tasteful way of building solos does hint at Bill Evans and to a lesser degree Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau. Where he differs is that his music is sometimes more classical-oriented, and he can be a more intense player.

On Leaves Like Snow, Benjamin Schaefer and his trio perform eight originals, one by Rieck, and the obscure “We Have All The Time In The World” which they take at a ballad pace. The music is thoughtful, melodic and quietly powerful, easily recommended to fans of acoustic jazz piano.
 
Scott Yanow

On May 10, Randal Corsen will release his new album Symbiosis on Challenge Records. This record contains Corsen's own compositions where he incorporated elements from his Antillian roots. He will introduce this project to the public with a release concert in Bimhuis, Amsterdam on May 26.

Symbiosis, The newest project from Randal Corsen, with a line-up consisting of some of the most talented young musicians from the Netherlands. With Symbiosis, he aims to achieve a far-reaching fusion of contemporary jazz and Latin, funk and pop, leaving plenty of room for the contributions and interpretations of his fellow musicians Mark Schilders, Glenn Gaddum jr. and Vernon Chatlein. ‘This recording not only represents the Symbiosis between my playing and that of my fellow musicians, it also reflects my own musical symbiosis, which is a result of my musical journey till now.’

The music is primarily jazz, but there are still traces of Antillean, Latin, Caribbean, classical, funk, rock and every other music stule that he has encountered along the way. The music is more contemporary and more experimental then his debut 'Evolushón' (2004) album where he won an Edison Jazz Award with. 'Evolushón' includes both standards and originals.

Compositions inspired by the opera 'Katibu di Shon'
For the Commemoration of abolition 150 years slavery, Corsen composed the opera 'Katibu di Shon' (Slave of Master), named after the book written by Carel de Haseth, who also wrote the libretto for the opera. The opera is collaborating with one of international well-known director Monique Wagemakers and initiator, mezzo soprano Tanio Kross and an ensamble containing Matangi Quartet. The try out of this opera will be on the 30th of june is for the public. The Premiere, on the 1st of July will be exclusive for the Dutch King and attendees.

For composing the opera, he had to break with all traditions in the typical Antillean music that he know so well. It gave him so much freedom as a composer, having only the ‘limitations’ of the libretto. But for Symbiosis, he gave no limitations! Proud of his Antillean roots, he has always consciously incorporated elements from Antillean music in his compositions. This time he realized that his musical heritage would always be a part of him and of his music, no matter what music he writes.

Other projects
Randal Corson was also the musical director and arranger of the ‘Tribute to Doble R’ project of the Metropole Orchestra, in collaboration with IKO Foundation. The TV documentary about this project was shown on tv in the Netherlands and the former Dutch Antilles.

Release concert
Sunday, 26th of May, 20.30hr
Bimhuis, Piet Heinkade 3, Amsterdam
Tickets on www.bimhuis.nl

Line-up
Randal Corsen - piano
Glenn Gaddum jr. - bas
Mark Schilders - drums
Vernon Chatlein - percussion


Click here to listen to the song 'Prove It' composed by Randal Corsen from the upcoming album Randal Corsen Symbiosis on YouTube!

Upcoming concerts:
May 18 - DJS, Dordrecht
May 26 - Bimhuis, Amsterdam
May 31 - Mijke’s Middag – live Radio 6
June 22 - Klein Koninkrijk, Olst (Marzio Scholten & Randal Corsen)
July 26 - Robeco Zomerconcerten (2 Shows, Marzio Scholten & Randal Corsen), Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
December 1 - Porgy en Bess, Terneuzen
December 15 - Pol’s Place for Jazz, Bergen op Zoom

On Thursday the 9th of May, The Tierney Sutton Band will perform in the North Sea Jazz Club in Amsterdam. This is the very first time they perform in the Netherlands!

A three-time Grammy nominee for “Best Jazz Vocal Album”, Tierney Sutton is often described as “a singer’s singer”, but just as often, she is described as a “musician’s singer”, who uses her voice like an instrument.  She has fronted the Tierney Sutton Band for over 20 years now. Both the band’s music and it’s business style make it stand out in the crowd: the band’s members are incorporated partners and make all musical and business decisions as such. Their CDs have consistently topped the US jazz radio charts and their 9th release as a unit, “American Road” was released in September 2011 on Challenge Records. Tierney has been Jazzweek’s Vocalist of the Year, has received the LA Jazz Society’s Vocalist award, and has been at the top of critics and listener’s polls.  Among others, the following reviews were given:

"Shifting to a more emotionally direct, folk-oriented repertoire proves a winning move, as she pares back the flights of fancy and digs deeper into the lyrics." Clives Davis - The Sunday Times - January 2012

"With both feet firmly on the ground, the band creates a powerful presence." Henning Bolte - Jazzism - January 2012

Click here to go to buy this album in our webshop. To receive your 15% discount on American Road, use the code NSJC at the checkout!

Concert information
Thursday 9th of May, 21:00h
North Sea Jazz Club
Westergasfabriek
Pazzanistraat 1
1014 DB Amsterdam
For concert tickets and more information, click here!

Line Up
Tierney Sutton: zang
Ray Brinker: drums
Kevin Axt: bas
Mitch Forman: piano

New album in September
Later this year, on September 24th, a new album of Thierney Sutton Band will be released! On this record they will bring a tribute to Joni Mitchell and songs that Joni Mitchell made famous. The title, ‘After Blue’ is based on the legendary album ‘Blue’ of Joni Mitchell. More information soon!

The Double Moon label’s Jazz Thing series focuses on younger jazz musicians in Europe who deserve to be heard. Vibraphonist Sonja Huber and her guitarist Matthias Siegrist certainly fit into that category.
 
Ms. Huber, who is from Switzerland and is 31, is most inspired by Gary Burton. Her fluency as a vibraphonist and her songwriting abilities (all ten selections on William’s Garden) are impressive. Her songs often use tricky time changes, have original chord changes, and are harmonically advanced. Matthias Siegrist, who also leads his own groups, is reminiscent of Pat Metheny at times, particularly in his ability to utilize a rockish sound on some of the selections yet still be a top-notch jazz improviser.

The Sonja Huber Quartet was formed in 2008 and this is their debut recording. With bassist Martin Wyss and drummer Daniel Bolli providing stimulating support (and Wyss contributing occasional solos), Huber and Siegrist are free to take wide-ranging solos and to interact with each other, knowing that the foundation behind them is very solid.

The ten selections cover a variety of moods and grooves and inspire the musicians to be at their most creative. Fans of Gary Burton, Pat Metheny and modern postbop jazz (along with the vibes-guitar sound) will certainly enjoy William’s Garden.
 
Scott Yanow

Tineke Postma and her quartet is touring in America!

TOURDATES:

09-05
Seattle Art Museum, Seatlle, USA Tineke Postma Quartet Tour

10-05
Portland Jazz Festival, USA Tineke Postma Quartet Tour

11-05
Tulas Jazz Club in Seattle (USA Tineke Postma Quartet Tour)

14-05
Shapeshifters Lab, Brooklyn, NYC-  USA Tineke Postma Quartet Tour

15-05
An die Musik in Baltimore (USA Tineke Postma Quartet Tour)

16-05
Mary Lou Williams Jazz Fest, Washington (USA Tineke Postma Quartet Tour)

LINE UP:
Tineke Postma: sax
Marc van Roon: piano
Frans van der Hoeven: bass
Martijn Vink: drums

Blazin’ Quartet is an excellent name for this group for the musicians play with consistent passion, intensity, and an openness to other genres of music. While very much a jazz album, Jalkan Bazz also has the strong influence of Balkan music and the musicians display the willingness to occasionally add electronics to make the results unpredictable and surprising.

The group is comprised of drummer Srdjan Ivanovic (who contributed most of the pieces), bassist Mihail Ivanov, trombonist Michael Rorby and tenor-saxophonist Joao Driessen. Driessen and particularly Rorby are superior soloists, able to swing hard while also being versatile. The trombone-tenor frontline may make one think of the Jazz Crusaders for a moment, but Ivanovic’s occasional use of programming on a synthesizer and Driessen’s utilization of an EWI gives the music a futuristic feel at times, even when it hints at traditional Balkan melodies. Guitarist Rambo Amadeus guests on four songs, taking a deep-toned vocal on “About Everything (It’s Complicated)” and Zlatko Baracskai adds some otherworldly sounds on his turntable during his four appearances.

Blazin’ Quartet achieves the difficult feat of looking both backwards in time and forward towards the future at the same time. While it may sometimes be difficult to categorize, the term “colorful creative jazz” fits its music quite well.
 
Scott Yanow

This CD is a change of pace for the Jazz Thing Next Generation series on Double Moon. While most of the artists on the label are up-and-coming jazz musicians, Nils-Christopher Vogler is a talented singer/songwriter. His background is partly in jazz and he even earned a degree in jazz vocals at the Folkwang University, but his original music is more pop-oriented and personal.

On his recording debut, We Can Be, the 26-year old performs 11 of his songs with a septet. While there are occasional solos from his sidemen, the focus is almost entirely on Nils-Christopher’s warm voice and his insightful lyrics about love affairs. Among the songs that he introduces are hopeful love songs (“We Can Be”), less optimistic tales about relationships (“River,” “Water And Sand” and the complex “A Little Light”), the abstract “On Your Way,” the end of a relationship (“Why Aren’t You With Me?”), possible beginnings (“We Get Close”), feeling magic (“Corona”) and the need to reach for new goals and heights (“Give It A Try”).

Despite his youth, Nils-Christopher shows a great deal of maturity in both his lyrics and his interpretations of the words. He has a great deal of potential for the future and this is a fine debut.
           
Scott Yanow

The Savoy Hotel in London was the original home for both the Savoy Havana Band (1922-23) and the Savoy Orpheans (1923-27). The hottest recordings by both of those orchestras plus the two sides by the Sylvians (who played at the Savoy during part of 1927) are included on this historical and enjoyable CD.

The music of each of these bands fit the mainstream of American jazz of the 1920s and is often more advanced than the other orchestras heard in England during the decade. The Savoy Havana Band is represented by six titles including “Farewell Blues,” “Henpecked Blues,” “When My Sugar Walks Down The Street” and “Everybody Stomp.” Its clean and danceable ensembles are peppered with occasional solos; best known among the sidemen is pianist Billy Mayerl. The Savoy Orpehans, which is featured on 16 selections, was originally inspired by Paul Whiteman but actually played hotter jazz (at least prior to 1927) during their best recordings. One can hear the evolution of jazz in the 1920s through their recordings which include “Eccentric,” “Copenhagen,” “Everybody Loves My Baby,” “Stomp Off, Let’s Go” and “Static Strut” among their best numbers. The Sylvians is most notable for recording one of the few instrumental versions ever of “Mississippi Mud.”

While jazz history books are fond of saying that the first significant European jazz musician was Django Reinhardt in the 1930s, Everybody Stomp shows that there was quite a bit of hot jazz to be heard in London in the 1920s.
 
Scott Yanow
 

Ilja Reijngoud is a busy trombonist, arranger and composer based in the Netherlands who has recorded over 75 CDs in his career so far. On Around The World, he gathered together a jazz quartet also including pianist Kris Goessens, bassist Eric Van Der Westen and drummer Marcel Serierse to perform ten of his originals. The most important addition was the young singer Elizabeth Simonian.

Ms. Simonian, who is in her twenties, was born on Cyprus to a Swedish mother and an Armenian father. Her voice is pretty, haunting and very musical, and she has a versatile style, which is a major asset to the date. While the music on Around The World falls into the modern mainstream of jazz, Elizabeth Simonian has opportunities to sing in several languages including Swedish, Greek, Armenian and Dutch, communicating well even to listeners who do not understand all of those languages. Her voice is friendly and inviting and she swings in a gentle manner, being particularly effective on out-of-tempo ballads.

Reijngoud takes plenty of warm trombone solos that are inventive within the hard bop tradition. Pianist Goessens is well featured, and there are many spots (including a couple of instrumentals) for the musicians to stretch out.

Around The World is surprisingly unified despite the many languages sung, and the music can easily be enjoyed by fans of modern straight ahead jazz.
 
Scott Yanow