Covers
Meistero, 2024
8/10
The trombone extraordinaire Ed Neumeister brings along Gary Versace, Drew Gress and Tom Rainey, plus others for these 10 playful covers.
“Rocky Raccoon” begins the listen with Gress’ playfully plucked bass alongside Neumeister’s bright brass and Versace’s lively keys, and “Try A Little Tenderness” follows with Rainey’s skilled drumming illuminating the adventurous delivery.
Halfway through, “Dear Prudence” is an intimate moment of beauty and grace via the dreamy keys and soulful trombone, while “With A Little Help From My Friends” bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to the dynamic rhythm section and Neumeister’s radiant horn.
Closer to the end, “Okay For Now” is a stylish moment that showcases Neumeister’s inimitable trombone prowess, and “Stairway To Heaven” exits with Cameron Brown handling bass for the very unique version of a classic that benefits much from this fresh coat of jazz paint.
An effort of fun songs that influenced Neumeister’s youth, there’s plenty of melody and exploration to be appreciated here.
Travels well with: Ed Neumeister- Explorations; Anat Cohen- Quartetinho: Bloom