Pick of the Week: Andy Rothstein
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Jazz is challenging to the people that create it and the fans that listen to it. I know you are probably thinking why would I want to be challenged as listener, after all isn't it supposed to be relaxing and fun? Well "Wit of The Staircase" is all of that and then some.
The overall jazz experience is enjoyable in many ways and artists like Andy Rothstein allow you to discover and explore every facet of the genre by offering up a cross section of sounds through an all-instrumental expedition into jazz-rock-fusion.
Just as he did on his previous release "Voodoo Tone" three years ago, Rothstein takes his guitar to jazz paradise and beyond in a very sophisticated way. It never hurts to have amazing support by other competent musicians and as it turns out that is the one underlying factor that makes this CD everything it can possibly be.
With stalwart players such as Tony Senatore (bass), Van Romane (drums), Manolo Badrena (percussion), Lew Soloff (trumpet), Tom Hammer (keyboards), Tom Timko (saxophones), Steve Jankowski (trumpet), Erik Lawrence (saxophone), Luther Rix (drums) and Pete Levin (organ), the inevitable transpires with relative ease and grace leaving you with music magic that will satisfy even the most discerning jazz audiophile.
"Compass" points the way to a jazz-fusion wonderland and the others then follow while "Word for Word" invites you to rock, surf, and take in some jazz while windsurfing on your favorite tropical island paradise. The next trip then turns it all upside down with a more traditional swinging jazz number "Just Friends" (although they sound like lovers to me). That is the kind of diversity that is consistently presented on this CD.
Andy and his all-star cast serve this entire musical meal up in the most precise yet playful fashion.
Jazz is supposed to be for serious musicians, but fear not, every one of these gents have their chops down and give every genre they represent true justice. When "Wit of The Staircase," is done you feel like you just got the grand tour of jazz and all the subgenres all in one sitting. This is an excellent listen worth many more spins after the first. You would be well advised to check this out several times before you decide that nothing was missed along the way.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck offers up weekly music picks for iBerkshires. Find more reviews at muzikreviews.com and contact at info@muzikreviews.com.
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| Genre: Jazz-Rock-Fusion Label: Vermicious Kind Music Web site CD Baby Link Source Link |

