Be With Me
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
The drummer/composer/arranger Matt Gordy brings some exceptional help with him here, where this 2nd album as leader has the Jazz Tonite Sextet helping him flesh out 6 standards and 4 originals.
“Topsy” opens the listen with frisky drumming, quick bass lines and the soulful brass finding plenty of grooves, and “You And The Night And The Music” follows with carefully plucked bass alongside bright horns in the playful jazz climate.
“Chloe” lands in the middle and emits much beauty in a sublime delivery of warmth, while the title track showcases Sherry Williams’ expressive singing amid plenty of gorgeous balladry. “Soul Eyes”, one of the album’s best, then uses the horns, drums, and keys strategically in a timeless jazz demeanor.
“Wheatland” arrives near the end and moves with plenty of emotion and grace, and “Sunny” exits the listen upbeat and stylish, where the poetic singing pairs well with the textured musicianship.
Chris Colangelo plays bass, Ido Meshulam handles trombone, Alan Pasqua delivers keys, Jeff Ellwood brings his sax and Ron Stout’s trumpet and flugelhorn sure do complement Gordy’s impressive drumming and Williams’ sparing but effective singing, as swing and funk moments impress us, as does the more intimate areas of this exceptional effort.
Travels well with: The Dave Wilson Quartet- Stretching Supreme; Eric Goletz- A New Light