Arkadia Jazz All-Stars - The Stars Of Jazz Vol 2 (2023)

““…A most savory and consumer-friendly clutch of fresh compilations. …a top-of-the-ladder cast… …rewarding jazz without compromise.” – Dr. Herb Wong, Jazz Educators Journal

Although the repertoire of Jazz may ostensibly seem to stay the same, in reality it is constantly evolving. The original recordings of Jazz standards sound very different then recent versions, as the Jazz narrative continues to expand while musical and cultural influences leave their enduring mark on the it’s sound.

Benny Golson and friends, including the late Nat Adderley, show their funky side in a greasy version of “Moanin”.
The lush “I Want To Talk About You” features the rich saxophone of Gary Bartz.
“My Favorite Things” is pulled into standard 4/5 time by Dave Liebman in a Grammy Nominated performance.
New additions to the jazz jazz heritage can be seen in the recent focus of Joni Mitchell, with the cool neon buzz of Lew Tabackin’s tenor sax in “Blue Motel Room”.
Joanne Brackeen’s version of “Tico Tico” goes a step further, from standard time into 5/4. Try dancing to that.
The pathos of “My Funny Valentine” is magnified by Randy Brecker’s heartbreaking solo, which earned a Grammy Nomination as well.
“Joy Spring” is reworked into a solo piano masterpiece by the incomparable Billy Taylor.
Alan Pasqua and Bob Mintzer. Contribute two bop originals, the rollicking “The Law of Diminishing Returns” and “Six Gun”.
And of course, “Out of Nowhere” features the legendary Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter with the gypsy master Django Reinhardt, recorded over 80 years ago.

The “Arkadia Jazz All-Stars: The Stars Of Jazz Volume 2”, is an extraordinary musical experience, proving that while Jazz often remembers the Standards, it is truly a living, evolving art form today.