Joe Fonda and Micheal Stevens Group: The Wish

Here’s a comely date that again illustrates the fact that good jazz can come from disparate sources, in this case a label new to these ears out of Berkeley, CA. The leaders are bassist Fonda and pianist Stevens, and they are joined by the under-recognized talents of trumpeter Herb Robertson and saxman Mark Whitecage, along with drummer Harvey Songen, and the title track vocal of Laura Arbuckle. The blue extraction “Mischief,” a Fonda original with a shuffling affinity, is one of the date’s highlights.

Originally Published September 1, 1997