JERRY MACK AND HIS LITTLE BIG BAND
Fortress of Feathers
New York City native Jerry Mack spent most of the last two decades under the piano, carving out a reputation as a first-call concert piano technician. With the release of Fortress of Feathers, Mack finally shows what only a select few have known all along, that he’s a formidable artist behind the keyboard as well. With help from renowned saxophonist Bob Mintzer, Mack holds court at the Hammond B-3 for this set of Latin and R&B flavored originals. Reminiscent of composer Carla Bley’s organ-fronted small groups, Mack’s Little Big Band is a fresh take on the arranger as bandleader, and one that holds considerable promise. Ace pianist Clifford Carter guests on “A Step Away” for a piano/organ summit that simmers.
(Jerry Mack, www.jerrymack.com)
MARC COHN
Join The Parade
Marc Cohn is a master of the big hook and the little earthquake. The ace songsmith and multi-instrumentalist, (whose 1991 mega-hit “Walking In Memphis” virtually reinvigorated the entire singer/songwriter genre), returns after nearly a decade off the scene with an album steeped in soul. From the retro Al Green-esque vocals and arrangements on “If I Were An Angel,” to the melding of piano, Wurlitzer, and organ on “Live Out The String,” Cohn conjures up a near perfect mix of texture and testimony. Credit producer Charlie Sexton for pushing Cohn into new sonic territory (aided by ace keyboard work from Benmont Tench and Patrick Warren) while still maintaining his immediately identifiable sound. Join The Parade is triumphant return.
(Decca, www.deccarecords-us.com)