ANTONIO CIACCA QUINTET
RUSH LIFE
Italian-born, New Yorkbased pianist and composer Antonio Ciacca channels the ghosts of recordings past on Rush Life, an old school, strut-ified blowing session. Backed by the sympathetic rhythm section of Kengo Nakamura on bass and Rodney Green on drums, (and joined by saxophonist Stacy Dillard and trumpeter Joe Magnarelli), Ciacca dishes-out a healthy dose of originals and jazz standards, with his elegant touch taking center stage throughout the varied set. On the venerable “I Remember Clifford,” Ciacca’s surprising reharmonization and whisper of a solo serve to make the tune all his own. And on “Green Dolphin Street,” the staccato ensemble figures and metrically modulated swing breathe new life into the most familiar of songs. Ciacca plays from the heart, and Rush Life is worth an unhurried listen. Jon Regen (Motema, antoniociacca.com)
THE FEATURES
SOME KIND OF SALVATION
Ranging from subtle, piano-driven melodies to smooth synth textures — and marked with thoughtprovoking lyrics and catchy pop hooks — Nashville’s The Features drop the engaging Some Kind of Salvation. The strength with which they rock makes up for occasional lyrcial heartstring-tugs, such as the line “not even lions can tear us apart” from the track “Lions.” The incongruity of the quaint whistle sounds on “The Gates of Hell” unexpectedly bring it to life. Flits of saxophone and other horns melt nicely with delicate piano and keyboards provided by Mark Bond, adding a sweetness that brings to mind Kings of Leon — a band that shares The Features’ hometown, not to mention producer/engineer Jaquire King. Powerful rock, highly recommended. Contessa Abono (Loose Tooth, thefeatures.com)
JERMAINE LANDSBERGER
GETTIN’ BLAZED
Organist Jermaine Landsberger has been making a name for himself across Europe of late. On Gettin’ Blazed, the rest of the world is finding out why — he’s one formidable force on the Hammond B-3. Joined by an allstar band that features guitar giant Pat Martino, saxophonist Gary Meek, bassist James Genus, and drummer Harvey Mason, Landsberger struts his way across the double manuals on a varied set of blues-tinged originals and covers. Not just another Jimmy Smith clone, Landsberger’s Larry Young-ish mix of harmonic tension and percussive soloing is a welcome addition to the current crop of Hammond hopefuls. His work on tunes like “Sno’ Peas” and the Horace Silver classic “Filthy McNasty” shows a surefooted technique that artfully blends burning lead lines with thoughtful, ensemble-minded accompaniment. Gettin’ Blazed is an impressive debut. Jon Regen (Resonance, resonancerecords.org)