Heat Song
Street of Stars, 2020
8/10
A guitarist and composer originally from Athens, Greece, these days George Nazos is residing in New York, and working on a promising solo career where his creative jazz sounds are making him a regular at jazz clubs in New York City, as well as bringing him to festivals across the world.
With this sophomore album, Nazos is in fine company as Harvie S holds down bass and Tony Jefferson sits behind the drum kit. Additionally, and perhaps most noteworthy, Tamuz Nissum brings her incredible pipes to a few selections.
“Our Melody” stars the album both elegantly and adventurous, as the trio play off each others talents well, before the title track shifts into fascinating guitar acrobatics from Nazos as his band complement the playful atmosphere.
Some of the best tracks reside on the back half, including “Shower Blues”, which offers precise interplay from the skilled rhythm section, while “Dreaming” is certainly dreamy and makes an immediate impression with its melodic sensibilities.
Of the 3 tracks with Nissim, “Hope” displays her incredible vocal skill as she scats alongside the soft guitar work from Nazos, while “Tomorrow Is Another Day” flows with incredible rhythm and strong percussion. Nissim’s best offering here is the last track, the sublime “Bird On A Wire”, where her voice soars on the lullaby-esque exit.
Nazos moves through plenty of textures here, including flamenco and acoustic moments, as all 12 originals unfold with their own identity and resonate with imaginative jazz ideas that warrant repeated listens.
Travels well with: Tamuz Nissim- Capturing Clouds ; Miki Purnell- Midnight Bloom