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This steamy collection of jazz instrumentals by this gifted trio is balmy enough to make you forget that Labor Day is behind us.
It’s upbeat and fluid with a nice mix, a remarkably big sound and a powerful rhythm section.
The disc opens with the delightfully sultry “Bluellespie,” featuring some dazzling clarinet stylings by Paquito D’Rivera. “Calabash” is a long, sweet jam with swing undertones. Andy Narell kicks on the steel pans here and Dave Samuels is one with the vibes. “Tjaded Motion,” dedicated to Cal Tjader, has a strong beat and brilliant saxophone work by D’Rivera. Andy Narell’s “Shadowplay” flows like a waterfall, laced with clarinet and congas.
Listening to the disc will sweep you up in a warm tropical breeze and carry you straight to a grass hut on a beach with turquoise waters shimmering in the sun under a cloudless blue sky. If you like jazz, you are certain to delight in the magic of Island Stories.
