The New Jersey Sessions
Jazznote, 2024
8/10
Listen to The New Jersey Sessions
On this 48th album, the Singapore pianist and composer Jeremy Monteiro brings along the tenor wizard Sean Hong Wei for 8 standards and an original.
“Dewey Square” starts the listen with Evan Sherman’s frisky drums that complement Wei’s lively sax bouts and Monteiro’s graceful keys, and “A Weaver Of Dreams” follows with mature keys and soulful sax, as Jay Anderson’s well timed bass makes an impression, too.
Moving into the middle, “Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You” radiates tremendous beauty via the warm piano and flowing sax, while “When Sunny Gets Blue” tugs on the heartstrings via its romantic spirit and sublime interaction between Monteiro and Wei.
Close to the end, “Life Goes On” welcomes Alex Sipiagin’s trumpet to the careful and poetic album highlight, and “Sophisticated Lady” exits with timeless jazz sensibilities that emit much care and meticulousness.
Even though Wei is just 25 years old, he delivers like a seasoned vet, and, together with Monteiro’s inimitable vision, the selections here focus on bop ideas and even touch on Latin Swing with strong attention to detail.
Travels well with: Jeremy Monteiro and Alberto Marsico- Jazz-Blues Brothers; Jeremy Monteiro/ Jay Anderson/Lewis Nash- Live At No Black Tie Kuala Lumpur