Greetings! Sean here. I’m honored to be joined by student intern Laelah Stephney, who is working with me this summer on music programming and on producing This Just In. Our last review this week is penned by Olive Norvell, a host on Jazz88 and MPS Voices. Every Friday, we’ll be bringing you some highlights of new music we are featuring here on Jazz88. This is all connected to This Just In, our weekly show that celebrates new jazz releases. You can catch This Just In, hosted by myself–and soon Laelah as well–Fridays at noon on 88.5FM, or catch it on your own schedule from our on-demand page.
If you have input about the music we’re playing, or ideas about what else we should be playing, let Laelah and I know please! I can be reached at sean@jazz88.fm.
Etienne Charles – “Old School” from Creole Orchestra – Listen Here
“Old School” by Etienne Charles is just as it’s titled. It has a nice classic sound, but with the addition of an island-inspired groove. I listen to this and I feel an ocean breeze! This vacation anthem is perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. As soon as you hit play, you’re thrown into the song’s enchanting rhythm. This trumpeter has a knack for incorporating his roots into the classic jazz artform, and I’m sure he has plenty of inspiration being born in Trinidad–a place with such rich culture. The layering of the brass, the steel pan, the easygoing-ness of it all just makes you want to sway along. Those who like to explore diverse yet classic sounds, here you go! – LS
Parlor Greens – “Driptorch” from In Green We Dream – Listen Here
Parlor Greens’ Driptorch has a real cool sound to it. The organ is totally killer, plenty of trills there, and the percussion is soulful. This super snazzy and swag-wielding sound cannot go unheard. It rides the line of being relaxed and energized. This song almost sounds like a conversation between the three main instruments at times. I’d definitely describe Driptorch as a “modern classic” kind of jazz. – LS
Take That Back – “Playhouse Bats” from Splash – Listen Here
Take That Back is a jazz quartet made up of some seriously talented musicians! Led by reed players Joan Hutton and Sue Orfield, the group just released their sophomore album this month. The song “Playhouse Bats” sounds right at home with other groove-oriented jazz, but upon more listens, I discovered its unique, snazzy feel. They sound great! I’ve only heard this one song off the album and it definitely meets my expectations–surpasses them even. The way the tenor and the alto talk to each other. . .chef’s kiss! Give this spunky song a listen and mark your calendars for August 3rd, when Take That Back celebrates their release with a show at Crooners. – LS
Avery Sharpe – “My Friend Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help” from I Am My Neighbors Keeper – Listen Here
Part of my contract at Jazz88 is reviewing new CDs we receive at the station. This is an absolute dream job, and I am so grateful. The second CD I listened to today immediately gave me one of those “a-ha moments.” Avery Sharpe’s “My Friend Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help” is the opening track on Sharpe’s 2024 album, I Am My Neighbors Keeper. Sharpe is a very talented double and electric bassist and composer. Both his bass and composition skills shine brightly–not only on this song, but on the entire album. His ability to tell a story, and clearly express emotion without the use of words, is an impressive feat. The story of I Am My Neighbors Keeper is one of community, politics, and spirit. “I felt that I needed to do ‘I Am My Neighbors Keeper’ just to remind us of our humanity and that we are our neighbors keeper, and we should help one another.” If you find yourself craving soulful, bluesy jazz, then “My Friend Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help” is the song for you. – ON
Thanks for checking out This Just In, and be sure to shoot an email over to sean@jazz88.fm if you have any input about our music programming! -Laelah Stephney, Olive Norvell, and Sean McPherson
More Posts for Show: This Just In
