My Shining Hour
Zoho, 2024
8/10
The always impressive saxophonist Paul Kendall returns with George Grund, Roy Cumming and Rudy Petschauer for these groove filled jazz tracks that are never short on rhythm.
“You Stepped Out Of A Dream” opens with plenty of energy, where Petschauer’s fluid drums suit Kendall’s baritone sax acrobatics, and “All Of You” follows with the pace trimmed back via plenty of warmth from Cumming’s cozy bass and the soulful sax.
“Joy Spring” arrives close to the middle, and it bops and shakes with playfulness thanks to Grund’s animated keys and the crisp rhythm section, while “If You Could See Me Now” carries a romantic spirit amid the soft keys, emotive sax and light drumming.
“Tangerine” resides close to the end and will certainly get you on the dance floor thanks to its lively melodies and dynamic instrumentation, and “It Could Happen To You” exits with a frisky appeal that’s rich and textured with a timeless nature.
A highly modern effort that doesn’t shy away from bebop fun, Kendall and company flesh out 14 tracks that sound and feel great.
Travels well with: Paul Kendall- Whisper Not; Andy Pratt- Trio