Jeff Hest - Downtime - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Excerpts from liner notes by Howard Alden Not your everyday selection of tunes by not your everyday jazz guitarist! Rather, an eclectic but personal program by an eclectic, but personal, versatile guitarist, Jeff Sherman. Yes, this is a guitar, bass and drums album and there have been many albums with this instrumentation made. But it's unlike the average guitar trio album, something quite different and can't be grouped with the run-of-the-mill product in this field. Many guitarists are perfectly happy glibly playing yet another variation of 'I've Got Rhythm' changes, blues, 'I'll Remember April' and a handful of overplayed vehicles with which to exhibit their chops and dexterity. Then there are the rare players like Jeff Sherman who pick interesting and unhackneyed tunes, interesting ways of playing them and base their improvisation and variations on the spirit of the tune. --------------- REVIEW Achieve total mellow-osity with this guitar, bass and drum jazz trio. The Trio lays it down smooth and quietly for you, perfect for that night on the sofa, fire in the fireplace, glass of red wine, and the Oakland Raiders on TV (sound off!). AUDIOHIGHWAY --------------- ARTIST INFORMATION Jeff Sherman, jazz guitarist, has spent his entire professional life in music. He has held many academic positions. Currently he is Director of Jazz Studies, and teaches jazz and classical guitar at Bellarmine College in Louisville. He also has a long and varied performance career including a tour with Marvin Gaye, and the Saints. He has many previous recordings. He has many solo and ensemble performances with the Louisville Symphony Orchestra, and many concerts with headliners such as Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minelli, Bob Hope, Boots Randoph, Jamey Abersold, the Lettermand, Gene Bertoncini, Kenny Poole, and the list goes on on... In short, if can be done on a guitar, Jeff has probably done it

Boise-based Jeff Baker offers this tribute to the vocal stylings of Chet Baker. While not a clone of Chet, the arrangements on the album and Jeff's haunting, smooth, and provocative vocal treatment recall the legendary song styling of the trumpeter/vocalist. Though he refers to Chet's repertoire throughout the album in phrasing and certain melodic moments, Jeff's homage does not abandon his own approach. His polished voice comes through, showcasing a variety of styles. He can swing hard, be tender, and his efforts on InchAutumn in New York/September SongInch are impressively deep and innovative. This is a pleasing tribute to a jazz legend, and more importantly, it marks the presence of Jeff Baker as a fresh sound in vocal jazz. Album Tracks 1. How Deep Is the Ocean? 2. Touch of Your Lips 3. I Get Along Without You 4. My Ideal 5. But Not for Me 6. Oh You Crazy Moon 7. Thrill Is Gone 8. Let's Get Lost 9. My Funny Valentine 10. Easy Living 11. Autumn in New York/September Song 12. Everything Depends on You

That the power of the melody comes through matters more than anything to me, reflects drummer, composer, and bandleader Jeff Sipe. His selfless dedication to the song at hand - to elevating it, enriching it, and propelling it - is why Sipe has long been considered a leading light in a vital, unique musical landscape that expands to encompass elements of jazz, rock, country, and funk. It's a landscape he helped to create, over a career now spanning more than three decades and including membership in such influential outfits as Colonel Bruce Hampton's Aquarium Rescue Unit and, along with collaborations with Shawn Lane, Jonas Hellborg, Phil Lesh, Béla Fleck, Jeff Coffin, Warren Haynes & the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration, Debashish Bhattacharya and many more. Album Tracks 1. Trumpets 2. Alberta 3. Banana Pudding 4. April 5. Lightning Man 6. Renee 7. Naima 8. Home Town 9. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry 10. Happy Evil Happy