Pee Wee
Jojo, 2022
8/10
The veteran guitarist, arranger, sideman and producer Simon Belelty brings along an all star cast for these heartfelt, authentic and timeless jazz songs.
“Habiba” starts the listen with Kirk Lightsey’s agile piano and Asaf Yuria’s soulful sax in the warm, emotive climate, and “415 Central Park West” follows with Jason Brown’s fluid drumming complementing Belety’s spirited guitar work amid much melody.
“Witch Hunt” occupies the middle spot, and is quite intimate, where Darryl Hall’s precise bass lines are met with bright brass and meticulous guitar playing, while “More Than You Know” is rich with firm keys and eloquent sax to populate the careful landscape.
“United” and “Never Let Me Go” exit the listen, where the former benefits from thumping drums and animated interaction between the guitars and brass, and the latter focuses on Belelty’s meticulous guitar playing in the dreamy finish.
In addition to those mentioned above, Josh Evans plays trumpet, Gilles Naturel handles bass and John Betsch sits behind the drum kit, and they sure do illuminate Belelty’s inimitable playing across 11 tracks you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City