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If there is one thing that enhances great music then it’s a great back-story to support it and that’s what we have with the CD ‘Friends’ from Austin, Texas based keyboard player Kirk Fischer. When Kirk sent one of his compositions to legendary arranger and trumpeter Greg Adams for his comments he could not have imagined that the result would be a ten-song collection that blends interesting covers with outstanding new music. Not only that, with luscious string arrangements, the brass driven power of Greg’s all conquering East Bay Soul and Adams’ sublime production, ‘Friends’ has instantly emerged as one of the surprise contemporary jazz packages of 2017.
Based in LA and formally a member of the Asia America Youth Symphony, sax-man Justin Klunk has recently released his second EP, ‘Clarity’. It includes the sparkling ‘Changing Tides’ that has just been released to radio and provides ample insight into the pop, rock and smooth jazz influences that typify his playing.
When, back in 2007, I reviewed ‘On The Way’ by up and coming saxophonist Justin Young I commented that it said much for Young’s potential that Paul Brown had invested his time to mix the album and play guitar on one of the twelve choice tracks. That potential was realised two years later with ‘Nothin But Love’ and led to a yearlong residency at Spaghettini's Jazz club in Seal Beach, CA. Now, brand new for 2017, he is back with his latest CD, ‘Blue Soul’.
The first track to be serviced to radio is the heartfelt ‘Always There’ that provides a timely reminder of what a great player Justin Young is.
Now for a great way to start the New Year and ahead of the release of his ‘Blackstreams’ EP saxophonist Walter Beasley is headed for serious airplay with the hypnotically rhythmic ‘Don’t Say A Word’.
Although in January it seems a little premature to be talking about stand-out tracks of the year, in this case there seems to be little doubt that this one will be right up there.