For those unaware, Compositions in Blue and Other Hues is a collection of eleven new straight-ahead jazz tunes. In contrast to Latin Jazz Sessions and Dia Precioso!, Ron Rieder’s prior recordings, have been replaced with rhythms that bop and swing hard while also stirring one’s soul.

This recording project was a labor of love for all involved as can be heard in the inspired playing by the five musicians charged with bringing these compositions to life. Close your eyes and the band will transport you to a front row seat at your favorite jazz club.

1. Dizzy Spell [04:08]
2. I Sing For You [06:07]
3. Broadway Boogie [05:00]
4. Rainy Day [06:05]
5. The Butterfly Waltz [04:49]
6. Interlude: Amingus Amonkus [02:51]
7. Be Bim Bop [05:17]
8. Peach Blossom Blues [03:54]
9. Cruising With The Top Down [03:43]
10. Coco’s Dilemma [05:03]
11. Java Mania [04:38]

With the album’s strength artistically laying in the caliber and chemistry of the ensemble, they open their new recording on the spiritedly expansive Dizzy Spell and the dulcetly-hued I Sing For You, and then we get the artfully playful, and aptly-titled Broadway Boogie, a heartwarming Rainy Day, with the harmonically layered The Butterfly Waltz amiably sliding in thereafter.

Along next their natural aesthetic beautifully shines through on Interlude: Amingus Amonkus and the exciting finger-snapper Be Bim Bop, and they are in turn followed by the emotively sculpted blues tones within Peach Blossom Blues, the smoothly joyful Cruising With The Top Down, the set rounding out on the free flowing Coco’s Dilemma, coming to a close on the drum-tastic roustabout of Java Mania.

Musicians:
John Lockwood - Bass
Maxim Lubarsky - Piano
Yaure Muniz - Trumpet
Mike Tucker - Tenor Saxophone
Mark Walker - Drums

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