The Rules Don’t Apply
Cafe Pacific, 2024
9/10
Listen to The Rules Don’t Apply
The veteran singer and songwriter Mark Winkler is as prolific as he is exceptional, and these 13 new tracks bring a handful of musicians to the swingin’ yet sensitive affair.
The bright and sunny “Sunday In LA” starts the listen with the frisky keys from Greg Gordon Smith and Dan Schnelle’s fluid drumming that complements Winkler’s smooth pipes, and “I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World)” follows with Brian Schwartz’s warm trumpet and Bob Sheppard’s graceful sax adding much beauty to the climate.
In the middle, “Got To Get You Into My Life” brings is a rhythmic and playful moment that benefits from George Doering’s agile guitar playing amid Winkler’s expressive voice, while “Just Around The Corner” spotlights Katisse Buckingham’s tenor sax and flute, and Scott Mayo’s baritone sax for the animated album highlight.
Further still, “Jazz Swings” is populated by Rich Eames mature keys, Dan Lutz’s strategically plucked bass and Sheppard’s lively clarinet, and “Here’s To Jazz” exits with Jamieson Trotter’s meticulous piano, Gabe Davis’ fluid bass and Clayton Cameron’s charming drums that suit Winkler’s stylish delivery.
This is Winkler’s 21st album, and like everything he’s done it will appeal to fans of jazz from any era thanks to its universal demeanor and wide range of ideas.
Travels well with: Mark Winkler- Late Bloomin’ Jazzman; Mark Winkler & David Benoit- Old Friends