Alexa Tarantino – Winds of Change (2019)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 51:27 minutes | 996 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Posi-Tone Records
Everyone is encouraged to enjoy a breath of fresh air when woodwind virtuoso Alexa Tarantino boldly embarks on an exploration of the “Winds of Change, her first record with Posi-Tone. With strong rhythmic and harmonic concepts and unstoppably gentle melodic sensibility, Tarantino skillfully conducts listeners through an exciting presentation of her carefully crafted arrangements and original compositions. Tarantino plays a combination of saxophones and flute on the record to make bold statements of stunning musicianship alongside the superstar accompaniment of pianist Christian Sands, bassist Joe Martin and drummer Rudy Royston. Whether one is already familiar with the music of Alexa Tarantino or discovering her for the first time, “Winds of Change” surely succeeds in delivering bright moments of straight forward musical delight while demonstrating that Alexa Tarantino is indeed a rising star for jazz fans to keep their eyes fixed upon for years to come.
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Alexa Tarantino – Firefly (2021)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 57:34 minutes | 1,12 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Posi-Tone Records
Fronting a quintet which includes vibraphonist and label mate Behn Gillece and keyboardist Art Hirahara, Tarantino, plays alto and soprano saxophones, flute and clarinet, making a music which has a feeling of a release of positivity, of pent-up feelings and ideas being given voice with the easing of a post-pandemic isolation. The disc opens with Hirahara’s “Spider’s Dance,” a luminescent reverie, with the leader sounding particularly inspired, The arrangement— the back and forth of piano, vibes and saxophone solos—is as close to perfection as can be. Vibraphonist Gillece’s “Mindful Moments” finds Tarantino switching to flute, floating over the rhythm section’s fluid shuffle, leading into a composition from the group’s drummer, Rudy Royston, “Move The Spirit,” a high octane, get-up-and-dance type of tune..
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Alexa Tarantino – Clarity (2020)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 46:25 minutes | 912 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Posi-Tone Records
Woodwind virtuoso Alexa Tarantino moves straight forward with “Clarity,” on her second release for Posi-Tone. With an evocative display of talent over a wide range of instruments, Tarantino clearly demonstrates that her skills in songwriting and performance are elevating and shining steadily with bright moments. Tarantino is focused as a bandleader and relaxed as a soloist in front of the rhythm section of pianist Steven Feifke, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Rudy Royston. With an engaging musical program presented by an amazing group of players, Tarantino’s latest album encourages jazz enthusiasts to experience the “Clarity” of her musical message with amazement and delight.
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