Jazz Standards Volume 2: Then Again
Nefertiti, 2021
8/10
Listen to Jazz Standards Volume 2: Then Again
The guitarist, composer, band leader and recording engineer Henry Robinett returns with another installment of jazz standards, and he’s again aligned with Joe Gilman, Chris Symer and Michael Stephans across the 12 tunes that were recorded 20 years ago when Robinett was between projects.
“Yours Is My Heart Alone” starts the album with warm guitar lines, skittering percussion and dynamic keys, and “Like Someone In Love” follows with a reflective tone as Stephans’ drum prowess shines amid the intricate guitar from Robinett.
Near the middle, “Milestones” puts Symer’s playful and bouncy bass work on display, while “Body And Soul” is full of sublime beauty that flows with a mesmerizing, romantic quality. “Darn That Dream”, one of the album’s best, than integrates the guitar and keys with a timeless jazz approach that sound as great today as it will a century from now.
Late in the album, “It Could Happen To You” is a frisky and fluid execution of quick melodies, and “San Francisco Holiday (Worry Later)” exits the listen with no shortage of rhythm amid a hypnotic finish to a very meticulous listen.
Amazingly, both this and Volume 1 were impromptu sessions fleshed out across 2 days with Robinett at the helm. With his swingin’ and very capable improvisers on hand, they put an inimitable spin on some classic tunes that have rarely sounded better.
Travels well with: Jeff Ellwood- The Sounds Around The House; Max Haymer- Whirlwind: Live At Sam First