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| Downbeat Names Dave Bass’ “NYC Sessions”one Of 2015’s Best Jazz Albums DownBeat, the pre-eminent jazz publication, released its 2015 collection of the year's best albums. Amongst this prestigious list, which saw recordings by Tony Bennett, Kendrick Lamar, and even Bob Dylan, was Dave Bass' NYC SESSIONS (Whaling City Sound). NYC SESSIONS was likely the legendary Phil Woods final studio album and here's what Phil (RIP) had to say: "Man! This is a helluva recording. I love it and am very proud to be on it. It's swinging all the way and the overall balance of material is exquisite." "When I composed and arranged the material, " explains Bass, "I knew there were going to be some special moments – bright moments. My improvised intro on "La Comparsa/Mi Montuno", Karrin Allyson's intimate and soulful vocal on "Lost Valentine, " and Phil Woods' blistering solo on "The Sixties, " it all sent tingles up the spines of everyone in the studio." Those tingles continued in live performances on both coasts and wide ranging accolades. In DownBeat's review from May 2015, contributor Jon Garelick wrote that NYC SESSIONS "proves deeply satisfying …because it does so many things so well [and] due in part to Bass' savvy as an arranger, his top notch crew [and] his own sparkling keyboard work." Referring to Phil Woods, Garelick continued, "the iconic altoist, who was 81 when these sessions took place, sounds big and bold, fully engaged with Bass' tuneful charts." Fondly remembering Phil, Bass says, "What an honor to have the incomparable Phil Woods adding his genius to six of my compositions." One can only imagine that Grammy voters have taken this album into their hearts - like jazz fans around the world. To receive Dave's special holiday gift, join Dave's email list by December 14th. For signups, please visit http://bit.ly/DaveBassMailingList . write your comments about the article :: © 2015 Jazz News :: home page |