Here in Avalon

Midnite City return with the release of their highly anticipated fourth album "In At The Deep End". Since Midnite City hit the scene with a vengeance in 2017, they've done everything they can to be crowned the true kings of Hair Metal. The band has released three critically acclaimed albums, with their sophomore album "There Goes The Neighbourhood" being voted No. 5 on Classic Rock Magazine's Best Album of the Year and voted one of the best albums in Burrn magazine's 35-year history in Japan. Mixed by Grammy-winning producer Chris Laney (Europe, Crash Diet, Crazy Lixx), the band delivers their strongest album to date and ticks every criterion when it comes to Hair Metal in the style of the late 80s. From party rock anthems to melodic rock monsters to heartfelt power ballads, everything is represented here in abundance. Headlining tours through the UK and high-profile festivals in Europe have brought them a steadily growing fan base.

The liner notes written by Kirk Silsbee tell a tale easily as intriguing as the fine music on this CD. Producer Lester Koenig asked Teddy Edwards to assemble a large ensemble of lesser known jazz musicians from Los Angeles to record originals and new arrangements of standards. Those players had difficulty with the somewhat tricky charts, and because they were not up to the highest standards, the project was mutually agreed upon to be scrapped. Nearly 35 years later, Ed Michel came upon the tapes, assessed that the feeling and spirit in them was good enough, and had them cleaned up by editing in alternate takes spliced by audio computer to enhance the originally imperfect sessions…

This album showcases the romantic melodies by one of this century’s great composers. Even after 60 years, George Gershwin’s music continues to have a fresh and enchanting appeal. Performed by an orchestra of strings, harp, celesta, oboe and english horn, this recording has a lush, sensuous quality that enables listeners to savor the subtle charm of these famous tunes.

John Pizzarelli's singing has improved through the years, he has become a particularly strong guitarist (very adept at fast tempos), and his likable personality has remained as constant as his love for swing-era tunes. Joined by a swinging big band arranged by Don Sebesky in the style of Count Basie, Pizzarelli and his trio (with pianist Ray Kennedy and bassist Martin Pizzarelli) play enthusiastically on a set of swingers and ballads. Although the slower material is fine, it is the romps (particularly "Avalon," "Little Girl," "Rhythm Is Our Business" and the instrumental "Say Hey Kid") that are most memorable. An enjoyable outing.