Tuesday, March 4, 2014

CD REVIEW: HOW HIGH THE BIRD




HOW HIGH THE BIRD
Gelcer/Hoffert Trio
Independent
4.5 our of 5 Stars

One of my good friends and local musicians, Jim Gelcer, has been doing a lot of work these days doing exotic Kirtan yoga groove music.   However, he moonlights well as a capable and rhythmic jazz drummer and vocalist performing with the best of the best in the city of Toronto.

On his jazz CD, he teams up with pianist Paul Hoffert to explore the great standards taken in their own sweet ways.   For instance,  the tune “All Weep for Blues” melds in Miles Davis’ All Blues with Ann Ronell’s “Willow Weep for Me” to transform it as a creative jazz moment.   The same happens for “How High the Bird”, where the melodies of Ornithology and How High the Moon are fused together to create an organic jazz performance.

Other than a 5/4 take on Swinging Shepherd blues, the rest is very much straight ahead, tasteful, swinging jazz at its best that respects the tradition at its utmost highest.

One more word about Jim Gelcer.   He is a very smooth and sexy vocalist that channels Chet Baker very effectively and well.    His vocal take on “Everything Happens to Me” is a real highlight of the record.

Straight ahead at its best.

JIM GELCER WEB SITE

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