Kenny Kotwitz & the LA Jazz Quintet When Lights Are Low

Kenny Kotwitz & the LA Jazz Quintet
When Lights Are Low
PM Records, LLC

In his liner notes to "When Lights Are Low," Scott Yanow writes that "It is a superior mood album, a revival of the classic sound of the Art Van Damme Quintet, an opportunity for one to hear five masterful musicians blending together, and a very good excuse to listen to some wonderful music." Art Van Damme was one of the few prominent jazz accordionists who was a member of a big band, on the staff of NBC performing on countless radio and television shows, as well as led a quintet of accordion, vibes guitar, bass, and drums. He made his first recordings as a leader in 1945 and led his quintet by 1947. He recorded at least 42 albums as a leader and 100 as a sideman. At different times, guitarists Johnny Smith and Joe Pass were in his quintet. Other recordings included Harry James and Jo Stafford.

Kenny Kotwitz is one of Van Damme's few students, and one of the few accordionists to record with Van Damme. He leads a quintet of guitarist John Chiodini, vibraphonist Nick Mancini, bassist Chuck Berghofer, and drummer Kendall Kay. It is quite a distinguished group, and the music here is more in the vein of elegant, sophisticated ensemble playing with short melodic solos. There are very attractive renditions of "Skylark," "Harlem Nocturne," "Mood Indigo," and "Polka Dots and Moonbeams." At the same time, it would be hard to call any of these performances, all well played, to be compelling. They are relaxing, tuneful, and soothing performances that are easy on the ears.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here they perform Jobim's "Estate."

Amber Weekes Pure Imagination

Amber Weekes
Pure Imagination
Amber Inn Productions

A fixture on the Los Angeles jazz scene, and mentored by (among others) Sue Raney, Amber Weekes showcases her distinctive musical personality on a collection of American songbook classics and some more recent musical delicacies. Among those heard backing her are guitarists Mitchell Long and Ramon Stagnaro, flutist Justo Almario, altoist Keith Fiddmont, baritone saxophonist, Dale Fielder, violinist-arranger Mark Cargill, vibraphonist Nick Mancini, and bassist Trevor Ware. Cargill, who also conducted the string section, and bassist Trevor Ware are co-producers of this album.

The album opens with 'Pure Imagination" from "Willa Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," a delightful duet with Sue Raney with some amusing banter at its end. Weekes has an engaging, intimate, and flirty vocal approach. She swings vigorously despite an understated, almost whispering, vocal style with the swinging orchestral backing for "It's All Right With Me." Then there is her charming singing on "When He Makes Music" with Cargill's insistent violin solo.

Weekes is a great fan of Oscar Brown's songs. Brown's songs heard here includes a seductively sung, almost whispered, rendition of "The Snake." This track is built around Trevor Ware's bass backing. Peter Smith adds piano and Scotty Barnhart moaning trumpet obligatos and muted trumpet solo. It is followed by the sparkling, swinging "Gotta Be This or That," with some terrific saxophone from Fiddmont. Trevor Ware's bowed bass provides the sole backing for the hauntingly beautiful interpretation of Oscar Brown's "Brown Baby."

There is some splendid, uncredited guitar on the twenties' jazz classic "After Your Gone," and superb New Orleans brass band backing on Paul Simon's "Gone At Last," set to the music of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." Then there is her charming bossa performance of the Barry Manilow & Johnny mercer penned "When October Goes" with lovely flute from Danilo Lorenzo." Another Oscar Brown song, "Mr. Kicks," is given an exuberant treatment with more exceptional saxophone from Fiddmont.

Weekes provides an introspective ballad rendition of "When October Goes," which is a bonus track. This interpretation closes this captivating set of distinctive jazz vocals.

I received my review copy from a publicist. here is a video of her performing "The Snake."