Songs For You
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The pianist and singer John Ambrosini tips his hat to the songwriters who inspired him, and he’s got an all star cast to help him flesh out the 10 familiar songs and 2 originals.
The fluid and warm spirit of “The Horses” starts with Ambrosini’s upbeat keys alongside David Binney’s well timed alto sax and Zachary Swanson’s meticulous bass, and it isn’t long until “High And Dry” benefits much from Matt Miller’s agile drumming and David Phelps dreamy guitar for the incredible interpretation of the Radiohead classic.
Deeper into the listen, William Gallson’s glowing harmonica adds much to the rhythmic “Pretzel Logic”, while “Lover”, an original, invites Randy Brecker on trumpet for the dynamic and careful album highlight.
Approaching the end, “New York State Of Mind” retains all the beauty of the original with Joel Frahm’s tenor sax complementing the lush delivery, and “The Long And Winding Road” exits with the cozy keys, proficient winds and flowing rhythm section creating a very breezy and timeless finish.
The interpretations here are fantastic, and the originals aren’t anything to spit at, either. Ambrosini certainly knows his way around a jazz tune you won’t soon forget, and the grooves, solos and melodies are top notch.
Travels well with: Steve Smith- New Perspective; The Bruce Lofgren Group- Earthly And Cosmic Tales