Bassist and composer Amanda Ruzza has recently released her newest CD “This Is What Happened.” The hard driving, funk ridden collection of 7 songs features Ruzza on her electric bass and an equally talented cast of New York’s finest. Ruzza is joined by Mauicio Zottarelli on drums, Alex Nolan on guitar, Mamiko Watanabe on Rhodes, Cliff Korman on piano and Chris Stover on trombone. The recording most notably features David Binney and Lucas Pino on saxophones. Binney is featured on altos and soprano saxophones. Pino plays tenor and soprano.

From the opening cut Larry and I it is obvious that I was going to L O V E this recording – and I do. Binney’s opening alto sax unison with Ruzza’s bass caught my attention immediately. Ruzza went on to display her talents both slapping and fingering her electric bass. The sound of the classic “slap bass” pioneered by Larry Graham in the 70s and popularized by players like Marcus Miller in the 80s is used sparingly by Ruzza. It somehow sounds fresh and new again.

Fresh and new is how David Binney sounds as well. The grooves he solos over may sound similar to Chick Corea’s Electric Band recordings; however his sound is not at all like Eric Marienthal or even David Sanborn. He has his own unique sound and approach without an overabundance of edge in the sound.

The remainder of the recording could be characterized as “modern fusion” for lack of a better term. Whatever you call it, the odd combinations such as soprano saxophone and trombone work well here. These two instruments in the wrong hands could be a disastrous instrumentation. Pino and Stover navigate the melody and solos on Pagao and Gin flawlessly.

All in all his Is What Happened” includes a variety of Brazilian influenced, rhythmic infused songs expertly executed by Amanda Ruzza and her group. The production values employed in the studio give this music a crisp new sound - unlike the glossy sheen of recordings from the 1980s.

If you are a fan of contemporary, electric jazz with great grooves you will certainly love “This Is What Happened” by Amanda Ruzza. The sound and style may be familiar but the creative twists and turns make this recording stand out.

You can find out more about Amanda Ruzza at www.amandaruzza.com

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Tom Tallitsch’s “Heads or Tales” and Brandon Wright’s “Journey Man” represent just two of the fine recordings available from Posi-Tone.

Tom Tallitsch’s “Heads or Tales” Press Release reads:

“Tom Tallitsch unleashes a big sound and lets his horn do the talking with “Heads or Tales,” his debut CD for Posi-Tone. Joining Tallitsch on the date is label mate organist Jared Gold, along with the steadfast rhythm section of guitarist Dave Allen and drummer Mark Ferber. Featuring a program of exciting new compositions, and one tasty Neil Young cover thrown in for good measure, this session flows like a compelling collection of short stories, and will certainly speak volumes to discerning listeners about the quality Tallitsch’s talent as player and as a composer. With a delicate balance of modernity and classic aesthetics, “Head or Tales” is insightfully straight ahead and refreshingly melodic enough to evoke a wide assortment of bright moments in jazz fans everywhere.”

Brandon Wright’s Press Release reads:

“Brandon Wright swings out his axe and unleashes a big sound on “Journeyman,” his second release for Posi-Tone Records. Joining Wright on the date is the familiar rhythm section of pianist David Kikoski, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Donald Edwards. With a program of exciting original compositions, and a few tasty covers, the whole session swings into action and shines with bright moments. Wright has noticeably moved to another level. Avid listeners will certainly agree that the record is a hard-hitting performance that will encourage jazz enthusiasts to travel along with the “Journeyman” in amazement and delight.”

 Find out more about this and other new releases at Posi-Tone Records at www.posi-tone.com  

“Saxophonist Ralph Bowen reaches for new vistas andsu rpasses himself with his latest release "Total Eclipse." Bowen plays with remarkable technical precision and a manifest knowledge of his materials. His sound is hard and extraordinarily well-centered, his articulation sharp, and his command of the tenor saxophone complete. Nevertheless, the depth of his artistry is considerable. Ralph Bowen is as substantial a musician as jazz has ever produced. The musical program covers a wide spectrum of styles and sounds when Bowen's brilliant original compositions are presented with the able assistance of a solid group of sidemen, including organist Jared Gold, guitarist Mike Moreno, and drummer Rudy Royston. Jazz fans everywhere will swing with intense delight as Bowen soars to new heights with "Total Eclipse."

Jazz organist Jared Gold just released his CD Golden Child for Posi-Tone Records on March 27th, 2012. The energetic trio features Gold on organ, guitarist Ed Cherry and Quincy Davis on drums.

“Organist Jared Gold sets his standards high and arrives in style with his latest release "Golden Child." Serious listeners will be delighted to simply sit back and dig the music when Jared brings all the right stuff to this groovy and hard-hitting date. While the focus and crux of "Golden Child" rests squarely upon the shoulders of Mr. Gold and his B-3 organ, the strong showings of guitarist Ed Cherry and drummer Quincy Davis also provide their melodic highlights and consistently exhibit the kind of strong rhythmic support that always keeps the session in the pocket. With an exciting program of musical selections from a wide range of styles, from the funky and familiar to the soulful and original, "Golden Child" certainly exceeds expectations as a swinging collection of performances that jazz enthusiasts can bank on with confidence.” – Posi-Tone Records

Although this recording does not feature or even include a saxophone, I still feel it worthy of mention. Jared Gold’s previous offering on Posi-Tone featured saxophonist extraordinaire Ralph Bowen. You can read that review here. The absence of Bowen on Golden Child may be conspicuous to saxophone lovers however the trio of Gold, Cherry and Davis is absolutely complete within itself.

You can find out more about Ralph Bowen, Jarred Gold and Posi-Tone Records here.

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