Tom Schuman: Reflections Over Tome (2010)

Tom Schuman has released several great CDs before, but this is arguably the best. Starting with "A Quote From Mr. Z" he channels the spirit and genius of the late Joe Zawinul. Tom's composition and performance on this track establishes him as this era's successor to Zawinul. Equally impressive is Tom's collaboration with former Dazz Band and Kool & the Gang lead vocalist, Skip Martin on "When." With a nod to Oprah and Deepak Chopra, Tom lays down the new social anthem. Other highlights include the beautiful and melodic "Sofia's Eyes" and perhaps the fastest performance of the John Coltrane classic, "Giant Steps" ever performed on the piano. Push Play and enjoy!

The album features Bonny B, Kevin Stixx Marshall and Ludwig Afonso on drums, Ameen Saleem (upright bass on Giant Steps), Jay Azzolina, Alvin White, David Becker and Andy Wasson on guitars, Skip Martin on trumpet, flugelhorn and vocals, Julian Tanaka on tenor and soprano sax. Tom plays keyboards and introduces his alter egos Schu Thomas on bass and Slide Funkshin on drums/percussion.

Tracklist:

01. A Quote From Mr. Z (4:47)

02. Seven 4 You (4:28)
03. Sofia’s Eyes (6:21)
04. Flections Over Time (4:53)
05. Hooked On Rockin (5:11)
06. Follow Your Heart (4:42)
07. When! (5:01)
08. God Please Bless America (5:19)
09. Dat’s Wassup! (5:10)
10. Giant Steps (4:55)
11. I Still Miss You (3:42)
Reflections Over Time
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Jay Azzolina: Past Tense (2000) mp3 @ 320K

Apart from an intriguing arrangement of Kurt Weill's hauntingly lovely "My Ship," guitarist Jay Azzolina's first album as a leader in eleven years is devoted entirely to original compositions. What may come as a real surprise to those familiar with his earlier work is the straight-ahead nature of the compositions and of his quintet's playing style. Gone are the rockish tone and slick fusioneering of his previous solo work and his two albums with Spyro Gyra. Instead, Azzolina leads a quintet (guitar, tenor sax and piano trio) through a set that includes the spiky, bluesy strut of "Inside Pie Eyes," the minimalist "Black Waltz," and a difficult and highly original treatment of the "I Got Rhythm" chord changes entitled "Rhythms Change." Azzolina's tone is self-consciously traditional, warm and round with the occasional edge of John Scofield-style vinegar. His supporting group couldn't be more empathetic — John Pattitucci spends most of his time on string bass (though it sounds like he's playing a fretless electric on "Marvelous Marvin") and drummer Adam Nussbaum keeps things well grounded while still creating lots of rhythmic interest. Best of all is tenor player Chris Potter, who spars with Azzolina throughout the album and keeps him on his toes. Highly recommended!!!

(105MB)