Phil Markowitz

Blue Room: The 1979 VARA Studio Sessions in Holland features two previously unissued lost studio sessions of trumpet/vocal icon Chet Baker captured in glorious stereo at the legendary VARA studio 2 in Hilversum, the Netherlands for the KRO radio program Nine O’Clock Jazz. The April 10, 1979 session features pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Jean-Louis Rassinfosse, and drummer Charles Rice; and the November 9th session features pianist Frans Elsen, bassist Victor Kaihatu, and drummer Eric Ineke. Both sessions were originally produced by Edwin Rutten and Lex Lammen for KRO-NCRV, and are now being produced for release officially for the first time by “jazz detective” Zev Feldman and Frank Jochemsen. Transferred from the original KRO radio tape reels.

Bob Mintzer has led big bands off and on since the late 1970s, in addition to small groups and working as a part of the jazz fusion band the Yellowjackets. These sessions open with his colorful "'Swing Out," a forward-thinking chart in the mold of Bob Brookmeyer's large ensemble writing. "Each Day" is an upbeat number with a gospel undercurrent, while "Swangalang" is an infectious midtempo blues.

Saxophonist Bob Mintzer is a twenty year member of the Grammy award winning Yellowjackets who also leads a Grammy winning Big Band, travels with his own Quartet, and plays with numerous bands globally.Bob writes for orchestra, concert band and big band, with over two hundred charts to his credit. His big band music is performed by groups all over the planet.

Tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer recruited some of the best available jazz musicians in the Big Apple for these 1993 studio sessions, which focus mostly on his originals. The driving opener is "Treasure Hunt," though the tenor sax solo is by Bob Malach rather than the leader. Mintzer switches to bass clarinet for the adventurous "Modern Day Tuba," though the instrument sounds as if it has been electronically altered, as the normally woody tone seems a bit tinny.

During some of the selections on his SteepleChase CD, guitarist Vic Juris displays an echoey tone reminiscent of John Scofield while on a few other numbers he has a dryer and subtle acoustic sound. Juris' improvising is on a high level, performing "Estate," "Falling in Love With Love," two obscurities, and six group originals (four of which are his) with creativity. His sidemen (pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Steve LaSpina, and drummer Jeff Hirshfield) are alert and have quick reactions. Two high points are the eccentric "Dekooning" and a tasteful bossa nova rendition of "Estate," numbers that best show off Juris' impressive flexibility.