Ron Helman is a jazz musician specializing in the flugelhorn who's main focus is classic jazz from the '50s and '60s. On his latest disc It Never Entered My Mind he delves into a variety of standards with his top notch ensemble: Mike Mainieri (vibraphone), David Spinozza (guitar), Rachel Z Hakim (piano, Fender Rhodes), James Genus (bass) and Joel Rosenblatt (drums). Guests include Ann Hampton Callaway (vocals) and Steve Wilson (alto and soprano sax).
The first two tracks "You've Changed" and "Just Friends" are prime examples of what this disc is all about. The former begins with gently yearning flugelhorn and vibraphone and continues with a slow dreamy vibe throughout. The latter is a little more urgent with Rosenblatt making his presence felt behind the kit. Flugelhorn and sax intermingle as softly hued piano give the music a delicate edge. Piano, flugelhorn and sax solos expand the musical palette while never losing the song's melodic sensibility. Other highlights include the joyous "Close Your Eyes" with its ever present flugelhorn and sax, the slow and bluesy "Born to be Blue" featuring a gorgeous vocal performance by Ann Callaway and the classic "Sweet Georgia Brown" highlighted by Genus's warm bass and Helman's sultry horn work. Vibraphone and guitar solos are also important ingredients here.
It Never Entered My Mind has been one of the most enjoyable jazz albums I have heard this year. Helman has brought these classic melodies to life once again making this release a must have for all fans of the genre.
Track Listing:
1. You've Changed (5:40)
2. Just Friends (6:11)
3. Close Your Eyes (5:12)
4. Born to be Blue (5:33)
5. All or Nothing at All (7:37)
6. When Sunny Gets Blue (8:11)
7. Sweet Georgia Brown (5:41)
8. Desafinado (5:19)
9. Don't Explain (5:51)
10. Overjoyed (4:02)
11. It Never Entered My Mind (6:09)
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Ron Helman is a jazz musician specializing in the flugelhorn who's main focus is classic jazz from the '50s and '60s. On his latest disc It Never Entered My Mind he delves into a variety of standards with his top notch ensemble: Mike Mainieri (vibraphone), David Spinozza (guitar), Rachel Z Hakim (piano, Fender Rhodes), James Genus (bass) and Joel Rosenblatt (drums). Guests include Ann Hampton Callaway (vocals) and Steve Wilson (alto and soprano sax).
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