Monday, November 22, 2010

Gadd's Gang Live - Bob

Steve Gadd has had a remarkable career during the past 40 years, working with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie and Chick Corea to Maynard Ferguson and George Benson. When it comes to his own projects, the drummer loves to play good-time groove music that has the danceable qualities and bluesiness of the best R&B along with the adventurous solos and impeccable musicianship of jazz. On his new CD -- "Live at Voce" -- he's joined by organist Joey DeFrancesco, the passionate baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber, and the versatile guitarist Paul Bollenback, a quartet which has been together since 2007 creating grooves and hard-driving swing that are reminiscent of the best organ groups of the '60s.

Also notable. In a diverse career spanning three decades, keyboardist Pete Levin has performed with hundreds of jazz artists, including Miles Davis, David Sanborn, and Wayne Shorter, along with a 15-year association with Gil Evans and an 8-year stint with Jimmy Giuffre. His new CD "Jump!" documents his continuing efforts to push the envelope of the traditional organ trio. The set features a collaboration with the remarkable guitarist Dave Stryker, legendary drummer Lenny White, and dazzling percussionist Manolo Badrena.

Also out with new music this week: Japanese trumpeter Takuya Kuroda makes his debut as a leader, "Bitter and High"; trumpeter and Chicago native Brad Goode unveils his exciting new quartet on "Tight Like This"; and veteran keyboardist and composer Bill O'Connell features saxophonist Steve Slage, trombonist Conrad Herwig and vibraphonist Dave Samuels on his new release, "Rhapsody in Blue."

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