Title - 'Al Gold's Paradise'
Artist - Al Gold
Well, and for those not already in the know, if you were ever curious to discover what Blues and Roots music born in New Jersey would (or, more aptly, should) sound like, please just come sit down and listen to this brand new album from Al Gold.
Releasing March 6th, 2020, Al Gold's Paradise is a fantastic jazz 10-track journey that filters what you know and love about jazz through the natured nurture of the northeastern U.S. state of New Jersey.
1. 'That's My Baby'
2. 'Paradise (Downhome)'
3. 'Tramps Take Linden'
4. 'Mr. Banker'
5. 'Ramblin' Pony Blues'
6. 'Boogie In the Dark'
7. 'Got A Mind'
8. 'Won't Sleep Tonight'
9. 'Paradise (Uptown)'
10. 'Maplehood Limbo'
On an album that began at home, with Al's own band, the Suburban Rhythm Kings - drummer Jerry Cordasco, guitarist Tom Rice and bassist Terry Hemmer, they got a good groove going instantly whilst noodling.
Joining them on this project, to help flesh out the material (and concept) are some wonderful musicians who all love and/or were based in New Jersey. Musicians such as guitarist Mitch Eisenberg, jazz organist Jared Gold, pianist Eric Heilner, up and coming guitarist/singer Cassiday Rain, saxophonist with Matt "Guitar" Murphy for many years, Baron Raymonde, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and Blues Award-winner Johnny Sansome, jazz and blues heavyweight Dave Stryker, and ROOTS singer/songwriter and guitarist Anthony Tamburro.
Ably supported by all these wondrous musicians, Al kicks things off with the drum-lead in for the mid-tempo funk of 'That's My Baby' and backs that up seamlessly with the slow harmonica roll of 'Paradise (Downhome),' the toe-tappin' growl of 'Tramps Take Linden,' and both the frenetic boogie of 'Mr. Banker' and the brilliant guitar hipsway of 'Ramblin' Pony Blues.'
The sweet harmonica-driven 'Boogie In the Dark' is also one of my own personal favorites and that's followed by the piano jazz excellence of 'Got A Mind,' the laid back, provokingly poignant guitar blues of 'Won't Sleep Tonight,' and then the album rounds out with mid-tempo jam 'Paradise (Uptown)' with the fervent 'Maplehood Limbo' bringing things to a close.
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