Compositions In Blue And Other Hues
Mason, 2026
8/10
Listen to Compositions In Blue And Other Hues
The always impressive composer Ron Rieder enlists a first rate Boston quintet for these 11 straight ahead jazz tunes that aren’t short on solos.
Maxim Lubarsky’s frisky piano open the energetic “Dizzy Spell” with a strong trumpet presence, and “I Sing For You” follows with a soft ambience via Mark Walker’s restrained drums, the cozy keys and Mike Tucker’s rich sax.
At the halfway point, “The Butterfly Waltz” benefits from Yaure Muniz’s soulful trumpet amid the layered climate, while “Be Bim Bop” carries an infectious mood thanks to the dynamic interaction between the quintet.
Close to the end, “Cruising With The Top Down” should be played with the top down thanks to its frisky melodies and Lubarsky’s finger acrobatics, and “Java Mania” exits with an animated demeanor that blends the colorful rhythm section with lightning fast keys.
This is Rieder’s 3rd release, and it’s a swingin’ good time that bops and finds itself in balladry and waltzes in between plenty of rhythm.
Travels well with: Ron Rieder- Día Precioso!; Ron Rieder- Latin Jazz Sessions