Search - Jack Sheldon/The Jack Sheldon California Cool Quartet :: California Cool

With this latest release by Jack Sheldon, the title "California Cool" immediately sets up certain expectations. West Coast lion, Jack Sheldon, cleanly lays out every one of them.This well-constructed CD has a solid foundation of well-chosen jazz vocal standards including "Don't Get Around Much Anymore", "How High The Moon" and "I'll Remember April". Each displays Sheldon's solid vocal and trumpet chops.Behind each tune Sheldon supplies well-placed backup chords on keyboard adding a luscious fullness to each selection.Two instrumentals are included; first, "On Green Dolphin Street" where he lands a solid blow with a formidable eight-bar rubato instrumental opening, without the rhythm section, naked and beautiful. He closes it the same way, holding the final resonate note a full 16 seconds without wavering. Next, "Sarah", deliciously hip and seductive...a classic example of West Coast Cool.This CD moves unpredictably from mainstream/bop to extremely fresh and Sheldonesque originals like the beautiful "Wait and See" a sexy ballad where Sheldon's vocals are as intensely lusty as his horn is passionate. Next, he paints a portrait of a town in Northern California, "Bodega Bay" where Sheldon displays bold and agile flourishes. He goes on to surprise you with "Spinner", a playful and swinging tribute to shapely women. Then, "49 Women" a spirited and slightly irreverent blues where Sheldon blows without restraint. The title track, "California Cool", is a sleek tribute to Sheldon's beloved home state where he follows through with a powerful selection of exciting ideas and fiery trumpet technique.The quartet includes Milcho Leviev, Bruce Lett and Nick Martinis, a solid group who listen well and respond to each of Sheldon's grooves.Throughout this CD, Jack Sheldon's speed, agility and imagination flourish. Jack Sheldon is at the top of his game and very cool...California Cool.