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."