John Cocuzzi: Groove Merchant

John Cocuzzi: vibes, vocal (4, 10)
Antti Sarpila: clarinet, soprano sax 
John Sheridan: piano
James Chirillo: guitar
Frank Tate: bass
Joe Ascione: drums, djembe (3, 7), shakers (3)

 

This CD captures some of what people who love John's playing have been admiring for years. Each track here is a little concerto with its own mood, tempo, and instrumentation. The CD seems too short—even when you play it twice, as I did on first hearing. John says, "I purposely picked some tunes that aren't traditionally vibes and clarinet tunes although we have enough on the project to satisfy anyone."

—From the notes by Michael Steinman, creator of the jazz blog Jazz Lives

Selections:

Groove Merchant
Crazy Rhythm
Dream Dancing
The Glory of Love
How Am I to Know
Tenderly
Minor Drag
Mellow Guitar
Did I Remember?
Last Night on the Back Porch (I Loved Her Most of All)
Je Ne Sais Pa
What'll I Do?
Lover