Mike Longo and the New York Jazz Ensemble Oasis

Mike Longo and the New York Jazz Ensemble

Oasis

Consolidated Artists Productions CAP 982

Bag of Bones; Chanson; Mikeís Lament; Love Walked In; Alone Together; Infusion; The Godfather; Lazy Afternoon; Covenant City; Nocturnal Sea Voyage; The Night We Called It A Day; No More Blues; Song of My Dream (For Duke) (74.52)

Mike Longo. piano, leader; Joseph Magnarelli, Gary Gruzio, Freddie Hendricks, Waldron Ricks, Nabate Isles, Seneca Black, trumpets; Bob Magnuson, Lee Greene, Gerry Niewood, Frank Perowsky, Matt Snyder, Claire Daly, saxes; Sam Burtis, Bob Suttman, Eric Goletz, Curtis Fowlkes, Jonathan Greenberg, Don Mikkelson, trombone; Santi DeBriano, bass; Daryll Pellegrini, drums; Adam Raffety, guitar; Hilary Gardner, vocals, recorded June 2004 in NYC

New York based musicians always have something special to say - which is the case with this hip team led by the highly experienced Mike Longo.

Mike had strong work links with the great Dizzy Gillespie both as a featured pianist and as an arranger which has led him in the meantime to be greatly in demand. His arrangements are superb and the solos from Magnarelli, Guzio, Lee Greene, Gerry Niewood and Frank Perowsky are first class. The rhythm section with Santi DeBriano's vibrant bass playing and Daryll Pellegrini's dynamic drumming provides the cushion upon which the band swings mightily.

Hilary Gardner's vocals bring a welcome change of pace to the high powered proceedings.

by Al Merritt

New Sounds - February 2005