JAM Magazine: October/November 1994 Issue: For the Record

Paul Hofmann
THINGS ARE LOOKING UP!
MHR Records CD-03

Personnel: Paul Hofmann, acoustic piano; Gerald Spaits, acoustic bass; Tommy Ruskin, drums.

Tracks: Things Are Looking Up; Doxy; Seven Steps To Heaven; Blues For Alan; When I Fall In Love; January Waltz; Miles Remembered; Blues For David; The Look In Your Eyes; R And D At Hattie's; Pitter-Patter; Shalom.

Take two esteemed Kansas City jazz veterans (bassist Gerald Spaits and drummer Tommy Ruskin), a relatively new, and very welcome addition to the area jazz scene (pianist and transplanted upstate New Yorker Paul Hofmann), put them together in one of KC's finest studios (Soundtrek) with a gifted engineer (Ron Ubel) running the board...and what do you get? A swinging, rock-solid date, just out on CD, entitled Things Are Looking Up!, Paul Hofmann's third release on his own MHR label.

The fare here is acoustic trio-playing at its finest (plus some tasty solo piano and one piano/drums duo). Whether it be recognizable standards ("Doxy," "Seven Steps To Heaven," "When I Fall In Love") played to near perfection, or a healthy batch of Hofmann originals (8 of the disc's 12 cuts), this project represents a combination of charts and musicians predestined to work some genuine magic in the studio. What a pleasure it must have been for Ron Ubel to simply sit back and enjoy.

Especially noteworthy is the trio's treatment of the album's title tune (and first track), "Things Are Looking Up!," a relatively obscure Gershwin brothers song composed a year before George Gershwin's death in 1937. It sets the mood perfectly for what follows: inventive and technically masterful piano choruses, in-the-pocket, Gibraltar-like bass lines (and solos), and the precision drumming of one of the area's most respected and recognizable stickmen.

Things Are Looking Up! is highly recommended. It's available at select retail outlets in and around the Kansas City area, or you can pick up a copy whenever you have the chance to catch Paul Hofmann and friends live.

If you'd like additional information about this recording, as well as 1991's When You Dream and '92's Serenades, Waltzes and Romances, call 913-897-2678.

-- Mike Metheny

Kevin Mahogany
SONGS AND MOMENTS
Enja-80722

Personnel: Kevin Mahogany, vocals; John Hicks, piano; Ray Drummond, bass; Marvin "Smitty" Smith, drums; Arthur Blythe, alto saxophone; Kevin Eubanks, guitar; Michael Mossman, trumpet; Robin Eubanks, trombone; Steve Wilson, clarinet, alto sax; Willie Williams, clarinet, tenor sax; Phil Brenner, alto flute, soprano sax; Gary Smulyan, bass clarinet, baritone sax. Arrangements by Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard and Maria Schneider.

Tracks: The Coaster; West Coast Blues; The City Lights; Night Flight; Next Time You See Me; Songs and Moments; Caravan; My Foolish Heart; Red Top; Jim's Ballad; Take The A-Train; When I Fall In Love.

If you've spent any time in the jazz circles of Kansas City over recent years, there's no doubt you've been afforded the pleasure of experiencing the artistry of Kevin Mahogany.

Recognized and supported by peers, audiences and critics alike, Kevin has not only moved to the forefront of today's jazz singers, he has once again reaffirmed the breadth and depth of talent that comes from this town. His exemplary efforts to achieve local and national recognition have finally paid off due not only to years of hard work, but to a success ethic that enables preparation to wed with opportunity.

As with any jazz singer, phrasing, timing, intonation, dynamics, interpretation of lyrics, and creative expression form a single litmus test when it comes to reaching an audience. Since singers tend to carry varying degrees of maturity and schooling in these areas, the ones who stand out usually show an understanding of these fundamentals, regardless of the setting. With a big band, a small group, or even in a duo, the jazz singer who covers all of the important bases will invariably win over the listener.

On Songs and Moments, Kevin Mahogany emerges as just this kind of singer as he demonstrates a command of the basics while providing a supportive presence for a distinguished cast of talented sidemen. In this context, Kevin knows just when to stretch, pullback, add and subtract. His is not just a voice, but a voice in the ensemble.

There are twelve tracks on Songs and Moments; a blend of both standards and lesser known tunes. Here Kevin has chosen pieces that roar, swing, drive and showcase the full range of his dynamic capabilities. With a rich, fluid baritone, Kevin alternates between upper and lower registers without effort. Notice, for example, how he uses his voice to sound like a walking bass on Wes Montgomery's "West Coast Blues." And notice how he gives the listener a series of "rides" on "The Coaster," "Caravan," the "Night Flight" and the "A-Train," all as he shows he can scat with the best of them. Also, there's "When I Fall In Love," a special treat in which Kevin gives the Victor Young/Edward Heyman classic its due by singing the beautifully written lyrics as if he really means them.

Songs and Moments is a solid effort. If there are any questionable spots, they would be found on those rare occasions when the lyric gets lost in the back-up band's hot mix ("The Coaster," "Caravan"), or when Arthur Blythe's embellishments distract rather than support on "My Foolish Heart."

Still, the essence of Songs and Moments -- and of Kevin Mahogany himself -- is best summed up by the opening lyrics of Sergio Mihanovich's understated melody to "Jim's Ballad"...

"...Music brings him joy, in such a way that the world seems unreal; then he's just a boy who can express all the feeling he can feel, suddenly he lives just as intensely as everyone who gives, knowing his troubles are over soon, as long as Jim can play his tune..."

-- J.P. Makus

THE TRILOGY BIG BAND AUDITIONS
Sea Breeze Jazz CDSB-2059

Personnel: Bill Crain, Steve Herold, Gary Richmond, leaders; Doug Talley, Greg Briggs, Bill Crain, Mark Cohick, Steve Herold, saxes; Gary Richmond, Jay Sollenberger, Bob Harvey, Karl Sievers, Stan Kessler, trumpets; Dan Strom, Johnie Eager, Jim Cann, Earlie Braggs, Bob Koester, trombones; Wayne Hawkins, piano; James Jeffley, bass (Greg Whitfield, bass, on "Chromotones" and "Fruit Loops"); Tom Morgan, drums.

Tracks: Time Check, Three Card Molly, Time After Time, Night Lights, Fruit Loops, Icarus, Zone 3, Tunisia, Chelsea Bridge, Chromotones, The Song Is You.

If you like really great big band jazz, The Trilogy Big Band is a must for your collection. If you are not sure whether or not you like big band jazz, this is a great CD for you to use to answer the question. If you don't like big band jazz, try this one and you'll likely change your mind. This CD is impressive from the liner notes through the last note played.

All eleven tracks of this CD are well done. And I feel that they saved the best for the last. "The Song Is You" is done in just over five minutes of super up-tempo (240 bpm) power. This masterfully arranged tune drives the whole ensemble hard from start to finish. Arranger David Aaberg (Director of Jazz Studies at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg) must have decided to test the band's stamina as well as its ability to play with emotion on this tune.

One of the marvels of this CD is the arranging of co-leader, Steve Herold ("Time After Time," "Night Lights," "Tunisia," and "Chelsea Bridge"). He provides plenty of opportunities for both sections and soloists to shine. Check "Night Lights" and "Tunisia" to get a feel for the passion and sentiment of his arrangements.

For those who feel that big band jazz doesn't offer enough room for individual freedom and improvisation, try the nearly 30 shining solos included in these laser beams. Leader Bill Crain's usual spotlight as tenor soloist is beyond the just routine. Doug Talley's reed work definitely puts him in the category of those deserving wider recognition. While Jay Sollenberger's great trumpet and flugelhorn work shines, the brilliance of Stan Kessler's playing is not to be overlooked. And to top it off, the rhythm section is very impressive.

Finally, a special note to my brothers (Jerry and Don) who were very impressed with their Christmas gifts last year: "The Spirit Of Kansas City Orchestra;" guess what you'll be getting for Christmas this year!

-- Dean Hampton

Angela Hagenbach
COME FLY WITH ME
Amazon Records ARCD-3913

Personnel: Angela Hagenbach, vocals; Danny Embrey, guitar; Russ Long or Joe Cartwright, piano (Cartwright also on synthesizer); Bob Bowman or Gerald Spaits, acoustic bass; James Jeffley or Greg Whitfield, electric bass; Ray DeMarchi, Todd Strait or Doug Auwater, drums; Doug Auwater, Gary Helm and Angela Hagenbach, extra percussion; Kim Park, flute, alto & tenor saxophone.

Tracks: My One And Only, Tenderly, The Sweetest Sounds, Lazy Afternoon, 'Round Midnight, Berimbau, Come Fly With Me, Get Out Of Town, Solitude, Agua de Beber, Yesterdays, Lush Life, Felicidade.

With this new CD release by the fine young Kansas City singer, Angela Hagenbach, I'm sure all of her fans (and they are considerable) are saying: "It's about time!"

Angela's outstanding debut recording (on her own label, Amazon), displays the wonderful musical sensitivity and know-how that has come from "working all over town" with many of Kansas City's finest musicians.

The program for this new recording includes ten great jazz and/or popular standards, two Antonio Carlos Jobim bossa nova jems, and a song that I was not familiar with, "Berimbau."

Angela has surrounded herself with really outstanding musicians who would be welcomed on any recording made anywhere in the world. The program of songs shows her great love for Latin music as well as straight ahead jazz. Those great classic jazz and/or popular standards include: "My One And Only" by George and Ira Gershwin; Cole Porter's sultry "Get Out Of Town;" Billy Strayhorn's poignant "Lush Life" (here done as a "lush" duet with pianist Cartwright); "Tenderly" by Walter Gross and Jack Lawrence; Ellington's masterpiece, "Solitude;" "The Sweetest Sounds" by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers; the too-seldom done "Lazy Afternoon" by Jerome Moross and John La Touche; Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays;" "Come Fly With Me" (the CD's title) by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, and Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight," done as a gorgeous duet with bassist Bob Bowman. The two Jobim bossa nova lovelies are "Agua de Beber" and "Felicidade." Rounding out the program is an unknown song (to me, at least) titled "Berimbau."

This is a very exciting debut release by an equally exciting young Kansas City talent. Throughout the whole program, Angela's considerable musical and dramatic abilities are on display and her style will bring to mind Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn. As mentioned before, all the musicians involved in this project are top-notch.

The CD is titled "Come Fly With Me"... I know I'm on board, and I invite you to pick up this new release and join Angela and her super musician friends.

-- Dick Wright

RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1994 MAIN INDEX

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		Paul Hofmann THINGS ARE LOOKING UP! MHR Records CD-03 Personnel: Paul Hofmann, acoustic piano; Gerald Spaits, acoustic bass; Tommy Ruskin, drums. Tracks: Things Are Looking Up; Doxy; Seven Steps To Heaven; Blues For Alan; When I Fall In Love; January Waltz; Miles Remembered; Blues For David; The Look In Your Eyes; R And D At Hattie's; Pitter-Patter; Shalom. Take two esteemed Kansas City jazz veterans (bassist Gerald Spaits and drummer Tommy Ruskin), a relatively new, and very welcome addition to the area jazz scene (pianist and transplanted upstate New Yorker Paul Hofmann), put them together in one of KC's finest studios (Soundtrek) with a gifted engineer (Ron Ubel) running the board...and what do you get? A swinging, rock-solid date, just out on CD, entitled Things Are Looking Up!, Paul Hofmann's third release on his own MHR label. The fare here is acoustic trio-playing at its finest (plus some tasty solo piano and one piano/drums duo). Whether it be recognizable standards ("Doxy," "Seven Steps To Heaven," "When I Fall In Love") played to near perfection, or a healthy batch of Hofmann originals (8 of the disc's 12 cuts), this project represents a combination of charts and musicians predestined to work some genuine magic in the studio. What a pleasure it must have been for Ron Ubel to simply sit back and enjoy. Especially noteworthy is the trio's treatment of the album's title tune (and first track), "Things Are Looking Up!," a relatively obscure Gershwin brothers song composed a year before George Gershwin's death in 1937. It sets the mood perfectly for what follows: inventive and technically masterful piano choruses, in-the-pocket, Gibraltar-like bass lines (and solos), and the precision drumming of one of the area's most respected and recognizable stickmen. Things Are Looking Up! is highly recommended. It's available at select retail outlets in and around the Kansas City area, or you can pick up a copy whenever you have the chance to catch Paul Hofmann and friends live. If you'd like additional information about this recording, as well as 1991's When You Dream and '92's Serenades, Waltzes and Romances, call 913-897-2678. -- Mike Metheny Kevin Mahogany SONGS AND MOMENTS Enja-80722 Personnel: Kevin Mahogany, vocals; John Hicks, piano; Ray Drummond, bass; Marvin "Smitty" Smith, drums; Arthur Blythe, alto saxophone; Kevin Eubanks, guitar; Michael Mossman, trumpet; Robin Eubanks, trombone; Steve Wilson, clarinet, alto sax; Willie Williams, clarinet, tenor sax; Phil Brenner, alto flute, soprano sax; Gary Smulyan, bass clarinet, baritone sax. Arrangements by Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard and Maria Schneider. Tracks: The Coaster; West Coast Blues; The City Lights; Night Flight; Next Time You See Me; Songs and Moments; Caravan; My Foolish Heart; Red Top; Jim's Ballad; Take The A-Train; When I Fall In Love. If you've spent any time in the jazz circles of Kansas City over recent years, there's no doubt you've been afforded the pleasure of experiencing the artistry of Kevin Mahogany. Recognized and supported by peers, audiences and critics alike, Kevin has not only moved to the forefront of today's jazz singers, he has once again reaffirmed the breadth and depth of talent that comes from this town. His exemplary efforts to achieve local and national recognition have finally paid off due not only to years of hard work, but to a success ethic that enables preparation to wed with opportunity. As with any jazz singer, phrasing, timing, intonation, dynamics, interpretation of lyrics, and creative expression form a single litmus test when it comes to reaching an audience. Since singers tend to carry varying degrees of maturity and schooling in these areas, the ones who stand out usually show an understanding of these fundamentals, regardless of the setting. With a big band, a small group, or even in a duo, the jazz singer who covers all of the important bases will invariably win over the listener. On Songs and Moments, Kevin Mahogany emerges as just this kind of singer as he demonstrates a command of the basics while providing a supportive presence for a distinguished cast of talented sidemen. In this context, Kevin knows just when to stretch, pullback, add and subtract. His is not just a voice, but a voice in the ensemble. There are twelve tracks on Songs and Moments; a blend of both standards and lesser known tunes. Here Kevin has chosen pieces that roar, swing, drive and showcase the full range of his dynamic capabilities. With a rich, fluid baritone, Kevin alternates between upper and lower registers without effort. Notice, for example, how he uses his voice to sound like a walking bass on Wes Montgomery's "West Coast Blues." And notice how he gives the listener a series of "rides" on "The Coaster," "Caravan," the "Night Flight" and the "A-Train," all as he shows he can scat with the best of them. Also, there's "When I Fall In Love," a special treat in which Kevin gives the Victor Young/Edward Heyman classic its due by singing the beautifully written lyrics as if he really means them. Songs and Moments is a solid effort. If there are any questionable spots, they would be found on those rare occasions when the lyric gets lost in the back-up band's hot mix ("The Coaster," "Caravan"), or when Arthur Blythe's embellishments distract rather than support on "My Foolish Heart." Still, the essence of Songs and Moments -- and of Kevin Mahogany himself -- is best summed up by the opening lyrics of Sergio Mihanovich's understated melody to "Jim's Ballad"... "...Music brings him joy, in such a way that the world seems unreal; then he's just a boy who can express all the feeling he can feel, suddenly he lives just as intensely as everyone who gives, knowing his troubles are over soon, as long as Jim can play his tune..." -- J.P. Makus THE TRILOGY BIG BAND AUDITIONS Sea Breeze Jazz CDSB-2059 Personnel: Bill Crain, Steve Herold, Gary Richmond, leaders; Doug Talley, Greg Briggs, Bill Crain, Mark Cohick, Steve Herold, saxes; Gary Richmond, Jay Sollenberger, Bob Harvey, Karl Sievers, Stan Kessler, trumpets; Dan Strom, Johnie Eager, Jim Cann, Earlie Braggs, Bob Koester, trombones; Wayne Hawkins, piano; James Jeffley, bass (Greg Whitfield, bass, on "Chromotones" and "Fruit Loops"); Tom Morgan, drums. Tracks: Time Check, Three Card Molly, Time After Time, Night Lights, Fruit Loops, Icarus, Zone 3, Tunisia, Chelsea Bridge, Chromotones, The Song Is You. If you like really great big band jazz, The Trilogy Big Band is a must for your collection. If you are not sure whether or not you like big band jazz, this is a great CD for you to use to answer the question. If you don't like big band jazz, try this one and you'll likely change your mind. This CD is impressive from the liner notes through the last note played. All eleven tracks of this CD are well done. And I feel that they saved the best for the last. "The Song Is You" is done in just over five minutes of super up-tempo (240 bpm) power. This masterfully arranged tune drives the whole ensemble hard from start to finish. Arranger David Aaberg (Director of Jazz Studies at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg) must have decided to test the band's stamina as well as its ability to play with emotion on this tune. One of the marvels of this CD is the arranging of co-leader, Steve Herold ("Time After Time," "Night Lights," "Tunisia," and "Chelsea Bridge"). He provides plenty of opportunities for both sections and soloists to shine. Check "Night Lights" and "Tunisia" to get a feel for the passion and sentiment of his arrangements. For those who feel that big band jazz doesn't offer enough room for individual freedom and improvisation, try the nearly 30 shining solos included in these laser beams. Leader Bill Crain's usual spotlight as tenor soloist is beyond the just routine. Doug Talley's reed work definitely puts him in the category of those deserving wider recognition. While Jay Sollenberger's great trumpet and flugelhorn work shines, the brilliance of Stan Kessler's playing is not to be overlooked. And to top it off, the rhythm section is very impressive. Finally, a special note to my brothers (Jerry and Don) who were very impressed with their Christmas gifts last year: "The Spirit Of Kansas City Orchestra;" guess what you'll be getting for Christmas this year! -- Dean Hampton Angela Hagenbach COME FLY WITH ME Amazon Records ARCD-3913 Personnel: Angela Hagenbach, vocals; Danny Embrey, guitar; Russ Long or Joe Cartwright, piano (Cartwright also on synthesizer); Bob Bowman or Gerald Spaits, acoustic bass; James Jeffley or Greg Whitfield, electric bass; Ray DeMarchi, Todd Strait or Doug Auwater, drums; Doug Auwater, Gary Helm and Angela Hagenbach, extra percussion; Kim Park, flute, alto & tenor saxophone. Tracks: My One And Only, Tenderly, The Sweetest Sounds, Lazy Afternoon, 'Round Midnight, Berimbau, Come Fly With Me, Get Out Of Town, Solitude, Agua de Beber, Yesterdays, Lush Life, Felicidade. With this new CD release by the fine young Kansas City singer, Angela Hagenbach, I'm sure all of her fans (and they are considerable) are saying: "It's about time!" Angela's outstanding debut recording (on her own label, Amazon), displays the wonderful musical sensitivity and know-how that has come from "working all over town" with many of Kansas City's finest musicians. The program for this new recording includes ten great jazz and/or popular standards, two Antonio Carlos Jobim bossa nova jems, and a song that I was not familiar with, "Berimbau." Angela has surrounded herself with really outstanding musicians who would be welcomed on any recording made anywhere in the world. The program of songs shows her great love for Latin music as well as straight ahead jazz. Those great classic jazz and/or popular standards include: "My One And Only" by George and Ira Gershwin; Cole Porter's sultry "Get Out Of Town;" Billy Strayhorn's poignant "Lush Life" (here done as a "lush" duet with pianist Cartwright); "Tenderly" by Walter Gross and Jack Lawrence; Ellington's masterpiece, "Solitude;" "The Sweetest Sounds" by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers; the too-seldom done "Lazy Afternoon" by Jerome Moross and John La Touche; Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays;" "Come Fly With Me" (the CD's title) by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, and Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight," done as a gorgeous duet with bassist Bob Bowman. The two Jobim bossa nova lovelies are "Agua de Beber" and "Felicidade." Rounding out the program is an unknown song (to me, at least) titled "Berimbau." This is a very exciting debut release by an equally exciting young Kansas City talent. Throughout the whole program, Angela's considerable musical and dramatic abilities are on display and her style will bring to mind Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn. As mentioned before, all the musicians involved in this project are top-notch. The CD is titled "Come Fly With Me"... I know I'm on board, and I invite you to pick up this new release and join Angela and her super musician friends. -- Dick Wright RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1994 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.