For those not in the know, the Kevin Peter Jones All-Star Band is not just a collective of talented musicians; it’s a powerhouse ensemble that has garnered numerous accolades, including five GRAMMY Awards. The live shows highlight both new compositions from Jones and beloved classics from the ensemble, promising an unforgettable musical experience.

Their album Blues Alley channels the raw, electrifying spirit of live performance. Named after Washington, D.C.’s legendary jazz venue — hailed by The New York Times as “the nation’s finest jazz and supper club” — the record captures the ensemble in full command, balancing rich improvisational interplay with unmistakable swagger.

The album is a follow-up to Jones’ contemporary jazz release, Magnetic Journey, which features collaborations with GRAMMY-winning artists from esteemed groups like Pieces of a Dream, Spyro Gyra, Yellowjackets and Chick Corea.

1. Walk Tall
2. Hudson
3. Valdez in the Country
4. You Don’t Know What Love Is
5. The Evening News
6. Blue Miles
7. Solid
8. Surreptitious
9. Alchemy East
10. Percussion Solo Castro
11. Walk Tall (Radio Edit)

The Chicago native and Berklee-trained drummer with a résumé that includes Dave Brubeck, Wayman Tisdale, and the Georgetown University Concert Orchestra opens his new recording on the spirited fare of Walk Tall and the charged Hudson and then we get gifted the fervently strident Valdez in the Country, the languishing beauty of You Don’t Know What Love Is and then comes the joyful soul of The Evening News.

Along next is the simply sparkling Blue Miles and the all-embracing Solid, and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the commanding Surreptitious, the resplendent Alchemy East, the set rounding out on the drum-tastic Percussion Solo Castro, coming to a close on a radio edit of Walk Tall.

Official Amazon Purchase Link

Official Website