Ozark Concerto
Zoho, 2025
9/10
The inimitable guitarist Jake Hertzog is aligned with the Ozark Jazz Philharmonic for these 7 selections that showcase an orchestral side to his jazz vision.
“Part I” opens with a mesmerizing quality, where Hertzog’s hypnotic guitar is met with busy strings and flowing keys that are rich and dynamic, and “Part II” follows with a soulfulness via the radiant guitar and textured brass.
Halfway through, “Part IV” comes with a dreamy spirit thanks to Hertzog’s meticulous guitar and the stirring strings, while “Part V” is an intimate moment of sublime beauty courtesy of the mature keys, light guitar and crisp drumming.
The album exits with “Part VII”, where a string quartet leads the track into dense and powerful songwriting that might bring to mind Chick Corea or Al Di Meola.
Hertzog has already proved to be a heavy hitter in the area of jazz-rock, and this step into large ensemble territory proves just how multi-faceted his talents can be.
Travels well with: Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You; Alan Chaubert- Just The Three Of Us