The year-old label Le Coq Records launched with a “Jazz All Stars” compilation that, true to its somewhat generic name, included a formidable assemblage of high-visibility participants, among them bassist John Patitucci, pianist Bill Cunliffe, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (they later released a trio album for the label), as well as pianist John Beasley, trumpeter Terell Stafford, and others. This follow-up maintains the concept and much of the personnel, while expanding the range.
If the goal of these samplers is to attract an audience that favors variety and open-mindedness, it succeeds—there’s plenty of zigzagging in style and temperament within these nine tracks. A Cunliffe original, “Whatever You Say,” opens the proceedings. A ripping, postbop-rooted jam, it’s anchored by Patitucci’s bass and Marcus Gilmore’s enthusiastic drumming, with saxophonists Chris Potter and Bob Sheppard, and Michael Dease’s trombone, providing much of the melody and muscle. A lustrous guitar solo from Jake Langley late in the game wraps it up and leads into the intricately arranged “Witches,” which gives Rick Margitza’s tenor saxophone a featured spot alongside the returning Cunliffe and Langley.
Other key performers include guitarists Russell Malone and Paul Jackson Jr., and bassist Ben Williams, all showcased on “Beasley’s Blues,” and Jon Cowherd, who brings his Rhodes to Cunliffe’s “Around the Corner.” While there’s more emphasis on original composition this time around—the majority contributed by Cunliffe—one standard, Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach’s “Yesterdays,” provides another highlight. It’s one of two vocal numbers spotlighting Andy James, who’s already released one title for the label as a leader and shared another set with Patitucci; a second solo album’s due in March. She’s a talented, dynamic young stylist, one to watch as Le Coq continues to develop its roster.
Learn more about Le Coq Records Presents: The Jazz All Stars Vol. 2 on Amazon & Apple Music!
