Sings & Plays
Slammin Media, 2021
8/10
A Canadian native now living in New Orleans, Jonathan Bauer brings his trumpet and vocal skills to this exciting sophomore jazz album where Alexander Geddes, Mike Clement, Ryan Hanseler, Alex Dyring and Gerald Watkins Jr. accompany him.
“Days Of Wine And Roses” starts the listen with Bauer’s bright trumpet that complements his soulful, smooth pipes as well as the frisky percussion from Watkins Jr. and plucked bass thanks to Dyring, and “It Could Happen To You” follows with charming piano by Hanseler amid expressive singing and dynamic interaction between drums and bass. Later in the tune, Bauer’s trumpet enters and flows with incredible warmth.
In the middle, “Love Is Here To Stay” benefits from Geddes’ proficient tenor sax and Clements’ spirited guitar work, while “Just Friends” offers jumpy keys and a swift pace of playful, timeless jazz that just might get you on the dance floor.
At the end, “September In The Rain” displays intricate and rhythmic musicianship in the busy album highlight, and “Doodlin’” exits the listen with all the players showcasing their individual strengths in a fascinating and memorable finish.
Bauer has already achieved much success as part of the Grammy winning outfit New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and he’s making quite a dent as bandleader, too, with a pair of swingin’ records under his own name, and let’s hope there’s more on the horizon soon.
Travels well with: Al Hammerman- Just A Dance; Joel Frahm- The Bright Side;