Jazzin'

By Tim Roberts

Okay, so I spoke too soon last month.

I had mentioned in this same space in the September LMN that this year has been the best for recorded jazz in Louisville since 1997 with releases from Splatch, the Java Men, Dick Sisto and Walker & Kays. As of today, you can add two more.

The Jeff Sherman Trio, which, by some odd coincidence, takes its name from a certain Bellarmine University jazz guitar instructor, has released Some Other Time on the Stork Music Productions label. Joining him are Bruce Morrow on drums and Ben Ingram on bass. With one exception (the final track, which Jeff wrote), the trio brings us an even baker's dozen of comfortable old jazz chestnuts, but not the one's you'd expect. For instance, instead of a rendition of Gershwin's "But Not For Me," you get "I Loves You Porgy." Instead of Berlin's "Always," the trio does "Heat Wave." Some Other Time also includes versions of material from Jimmy Raney, Jerome Richardson and Wes Montgomery. Sherman also manages some alone time with Pat Metheny's "Always and Forever."

Want to know or hear more? Pay a visit to www.storkmusic.com.

While it's not exactly jazz, several local jazz notables (specifically, members of the Ron Hayden Group and John Paul Wright of Splatch) back Sylvester R. Gough, Sr. and Cheryl Gough on a gospel release called Sundaze Cool. The Goughs' vocals soar and, as expected, the backup band is crisp and tight. Based on the results, it seems that everyone involved with the project had in mind the sixth verse from Psalm 33: "Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy."

Want to hear some skillful playing while the spirit moves you? Keep an eye out for Sundaze Cool around town.

Lillian Gascoyne of the Louisville Jazz Society has announced the acts and dates for the society's First Monday Concert Series for the remainder of this year and the first part of next:

October 2 – The Ron Hayden Group

November 6 – Ovation Orchestra

December 4 – Ochion Jewell (a student at the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies Program at the University of Louisville leading a group of other young jazz performers)

February 5 – Rascals of Ragtyme

March 5 – Walker & Kays

April 2 – For U

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Comedy Caravan in the Mid City Mall. Tickets are available at the door.

"Jazzin'" columnist Tim Roberts invites you to send your jazz-related dispatches to tim@troberts.win.net, or to his attention to the editorial offices of Louisville Music News.