Honolulu Jazz Quartet, The: Straight Ahead

The Honolulu Jazz Quartet has been together for over twenty years now and to celebrate this feat the band released their latest album Straight Ahead in 2022. In the band are:

John Kolivas (bass)
Tim Tsukiyama (sax)
Dan Del Negro (piano)
Noel Okimoto (drums)

The band mixes original compositions with traditional pop and jazz standards, putting together thirteen enjoyable tracks of post bop jazz. Each member brings something a little different to the band, formed by each member’s musical upbringing.

The band tackles the classic “Scarborough Fair� to kick things off and it is a good choice. A nice bass and drum intro, then saxophone delivers that familiar melody, with subtle piano colouring the background. Tempo changes, a great groove, and creative arrangement jazzes this one up to great effect. The Beach Boys’ “In My Room� has a classic sound where each member takes a solo spot. The upbeat and lively “Right Back With The Snack� is a playful original with piano and sax trading fantastic solos, followed by the fiery “Bess You Is My Woman Now� with its funky bass lines. More great bass highlights “Blues 9.5�, with more twists and turns and fabulous musicianship.

Straight Ahead is a fine jazz album, melodic, creative, and extremely well played. Jazz fans take note.

Track Listing:
1. Scarborough Fair (5:44)
2. In My Room (6:06)
3. Right Back With The Snack (5:20)
4. Bess You Is My Woman Now (5:03)
5. Blues 9.5 (3:24)
6. Boppin’ in Baltimore (6:16)
7. Economic Blues (6:18)
8. Fascinating Rhythm (4:03)
9. Carl’s Way Home (6:12)
10. They Grow Up Too Fast (4:42)
11. Wes’ Side Brah! (4:02)
12. Wichita Lineman (6:07)
13. Straight Ahead (4:47)

Added: March 18th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band on Facebook
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Language: english

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