Feelin’ It
Joplin & Sweeney, 2022
8/10
The guitarist, composer and educator Jim Witzel returns with a sophomore album, where Brian Ho (Hammond B3 organ), Jason Lewis (drums) and Dann Zinn (tenor sax) accompany him across 4 standards, 3 originals and a fun interpretation of a pop hit.
The title track gets the listen off to flowing and vibrant start, where bright brass and playful guitar help make for a lively jazz climate, and “Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise” follows with Witzel’s spirited guitar guiding the stylish and frisky demeanor of the dance friendly affair.
“Beyond Beijing” arrives in the middle, and is a bit busier in its dynamic and meticulous delivery, while “I Love You, Porgy” is quite intimate, thanks to the gentle guitar playing.
The final 2 tracks are just impressive, where “Ms. Information” emits a very charming energy that bounces and shakes with a hard swing, and “The Old Country” exits with Witzel, Ho and Lewis showcasing their immense talent and strong attention to detail.
A listen steeped in modern jazz but that also incorporates the ‘60s sensibilities of Blue Note legends like Wayne Shorter or Herbie Hancock, although Witzel has a lengthy resume as a sideman, his solo work should easily make him very familiar in the area of contemporary jazz.
Travels well with: Connie Han- Secrets Of Inanna; Doug MacDonald- I’ll See You In My Dreams