New releases today: Jazz

Review: Chico Hamilton's The Dealer receives a well-deserved reissue on vinyl for jazz enthusiasts in 2024. Originally released in the midst of the vibrant 60s jazz scene, the album showcases Hamilton's exceptional talent as a drummer and bandleader, with a seamless blend of jazz, funk, and soul, dynamic rhythms and melodic improvisations. Hamilton's distinctive style and innovative approach to composition shine through each track, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. This warranted and welcomed reissue allows both longtime fans and new generations to experience the timeless brilliance of Hamilton's music, reaffirming his status as a jazz great.

Review: Gerry Mulligan's album Night Lights exemplifies his mastery of the baritone saxophone within the West Coast jazz scene. Recorded at The Nola Penthouse Studios in New York, Mulligan's quintet delivers a captivating performance. The title track sets the tone with Mulligan's crystalline piano work, while Art Farmer and Bob Brookmeyer showcase their finesse in solos. Louis Bonfa's 'Carnival' and 'Wee Small Hours' evoke emotion, with standout solos by Jim Hall. Mulligan's arrangement of Chopin's 'Prelude In E Minor' adds depth, leading into the upbeat 'Festive Minor' and the tender 'Tell Me When.' Despite being overlooked upon its release, Night Lights remains a gem, cherished by enthusiasts for its timeless elegance and still growing with recognition,