Lullaby of Birdland - Jerry Portnoy, Shearing, George
Lazy - Jerry Portnoy, Blackmore, Ritchie
Jug Band Waltz - Jerry Portnoy, Shade, Will [1]
Once Too Often - Jerry Portnoy, Monaco, James V.
Sentimental Journey - Jerry Portnoy, Brown, Les
Money - Jerry Portnoy, Bradford, Janie
Stormy Weather - Jerry Portnoy, Arlen, Harold
Mood Room Boogie - Jerry Portnoy, Portnoy, Jerry
Endless Road - Jerry Portnoy, Portnoy, Jerry
Harmonica hero Jerry Portnoy successfully takes his signature sound beyond the blues on the eclectic Down in the Mood Room. Portnoy leads the listener down several intriguing musical paths, the most fully realized being a ... more »selection of jazz standards reinvented and re-energized in a harmonica context. With horn reinforcement and a forceful yet flexible band led by Duke Robillard behind him, Portnoy digs deep into the classic jazz repertoire to deliver a lilting "Lullaby of Birdland," a marvelously moody "Stormy Weather," and a rumbling, lower-register "Sentimental Journey." The sessions, which open with jazz pianist-composer Horace Silver's "Doodlin'," were produced by Robillard, who plays guitar throughout and sings on a couple of selections, including the vintage swinger "You Rascal You." His jazz-inflected guitar work sparkles in every situation, just as Portnoy's expansive expertise consistently surprises. The jazz mood may dominate, but Portnoy also gets folksy, bringing in fiddle and mandolin on "Jug Band Waltz." And he blows through some scorching blues, spiced by an excellent Robillard guitar solo, on "So Slow." Portnoy, best known for his extended employment with Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton, also sings on two songs, both originals, and provides a few more basic blues tunes. But it is his bold appropriation of jazz for the blues harmonica that makes this such a fascinating exercise in musical imagination. --Michael Point« less
Harmonica hero Jerry Portnoy successfully takes his signature sound beyond the blues on the eclectic Down in the Mood Room. Portnoy leads the listener down several intriguing musical paths, the most fully realized being a selection of jazz standards reinvented and re-energized in a harmonica context. With horn reinforcement and a forceful yet flexible band led by Duke Robillard behind him, Portnoy digs deep into the classic jazz repertoire to deliver a lilting "Lullaby of Birdland," a marvelously moody "Stormy Weather," and a rumbling, lower-register "Sentimental Journey." The sessions, which open with jazz pianist-composer Horace Silver's "Doodlin'," were produced by Robillard, who plays guitar throughout and sings on a couple of selections, including the vintage swinger "You Rascal You." His jazz-inflected guitar work sparkles in every situation, just as Portnoy's expansive expertise consistently surprises. The jazz mood may dominate, but Portnoy also gets folksy, bringing in fiddle and mandolin on "Jug Band Waltz." And he blows through some scorching blues, spiced by an excellent Robillard guitar solo, on "So Slow." Portnoy, best known for his extended employment with Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton, also sings on two songs, both originals, and provides a few more basic blues tunes. But it is his bold appropriation of jazz for the blues harmonica that makes this such a fascinating exercise in musical imagination. --Michael Point
CD Reviews
Treat yourself.
Daniel J. Kindlon | Sudbury, MA United States | 04/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jerry Portnoy's harmonica playing is a national treasure.
His tone is liquid gold and should be enshrined somewhere inside the Smithsonian. This disk isn't about blues, jazz, or American standards; it is simply about fine, fine music.
Attention harp players! You must buy Down in the Mood Room but be prepared to listen with your mouth hangin open. If you love music - any kind - treat yourself and buy this CD now."
Exceptional Stuff
R. Suzuka | Chicago, IL USA | 04/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are an amateur harmonica player, this is an important album for you. There is much to learn from this album in technique, licks, etc. I've purchased Jerry Portnoy's Blues Harmonica Masterclass instructional and it is the best I have ever come across. This album shows Portnoy in full form and is the perfect compliment to the instructional or vice versa. For most of you (who are not harmonica players), this album is also great listening. Exceptional musicianship brings life and vitality to every track. Jerry Portnoy definitely holds his own against a solid horn section (which could prove difficult for many harp players) and every note is effortless and precise. Portnoy is a master of his instrument and knows how to push it just enough to create the maximum effect while not appearing excessive. This skill and musical know-how makes this collection of tracks pristine, fulfilling and simply timeless. Along with great versions of classic songs, Portnoy does a good job on his originals and they seem to fit perfectly into the sound and mood of the album.I sure hope that this is not the last solo album we'll see from Jerry.....thanks for this great collection of music Mr. Portnoy!"
Down in the Mood Room
R. Suzuka | 01/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like Sonny Terry,Little Walter,Big Walter......if you are in to modern Jump or blues this is a good CD to check out...Nothing Jerry does is bad it's All good"
Harmonica Virtuoso
Tired of Parrot Guano | Atlanta, GA United States | 04/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Woeful bad luck if you've not yet heard Jerry Portnoy! This is a master craftsman of not just blues harmonica, but of the hamonica as melodic paint brush. From the first cut, Doodlin' through the last soulful and somber self-inventory of Endless Road, you will not be able to stop listening, again and again.Each cut consists of tasteful interplay between road-proven and well-honed sidemen and a harp wielded by an artist who crosses the spectrum from soft baby cries to laser sharp counterpointed perfect notes. My only advice for you is this: buy Down in the Mood Room and every other CD on which Jerry plays. You will not be disappointed!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1