Dave Penn - Next Step - CreativeTone
Next Step is an extraordinary new album from Bassist David Penn that exemplifies his continued trajectory in the jazz world as an artist and composer. The album is a follow-up to his debut album Back On Track which was well received and initiated his musical resurgence. David composed all but one of the songs on this album which musically captures his lifelong musical experience. His group, CreativeTone, consists of vocalist Raquel Lozano, saxophonist Fareed Mahluli, pianist Joel Stewart, and drummer Tracy Williams. The group clearly comes through as a cohesive unit that provides clarity and authenticity to the music that connects with the listener in a special way. The arrangements breathe with intention, allowing each instrument to occupy its own space while cleverly contributing to a cohesive whole. Raquel’s vocals on “Sunrise” and “You Are The One For Me” are icing on the cake to an album that provides the listener with a wonderful overall musical experience.
Eliane Elias - AO VIVO - Candid Records
Captured in its entirety during a singular night at the SFJAZZ Center’s Miner Auditorium, AO VIVO is an intimate and vibrant portrait of multi-GRAMMY® winner Eliane Elias in her element. Performing alongside her stellar quartet—guitarist Leandro Pellegrino, drummer Rafael Barata, and bassist Marc Johnson—Elias delivers a masterclass in the rich rhythmic spectrum of Brazil, from high-octane samba and bossa nova to baião and Afro-Brazilian grooves. The repertoire draws from Elias’s GRAMMY-winning and nominated discography featuring works by iconic composers like Antonio Carlos Jobim, Ary Barroso, and Dorival Caymmi, the album also highlights Elias’s own evocative composition “At First Sight” and a piece by the celebrated Armando Manzanero. Elias continues to define the intersection of jazz brilliance and classical sophistication. AO VIVO captures the unmistakable elegance and exhilarating energy of a world-class artist sharing an authentic, high-level musical dialogue with a live audience.