Joe Mongelli and The Cape Jazz Crew, WashAshore Review

Jazz

Joe Mongelli and The Cape Jazz Crew, WashAshore Review 2

Joe Mongelli is a Massachusetts based trumpet and flugelhorn player that has compiled an enjoyable set of jazz standards and given them all creative arrangements, that will satisfy your jazz appetite.  Mongelli and The Cape Jazz Crew converge to give us, WashAshore. The group is made up of: Mongelli trumpet and flugelhorn, Fred Boyle: piano, Ron Ormsby: bass, Steve Langone: drums (except tracks 3, 4, 8), Bart Weisman: drums (tracks 4 & 8), Alan Clinger: guitar (track 6) and Bruce Abbott: flute (track 4). Each arrangement finds new fresh sonic ground and melodic pastures for the very able ensemble to graze. This is outstanding jazz that we all know, played by a group of swinging musicians that convey joy and respect for the tradition. That’s the short of it!

Positives:

Pedal points, relaxed grooves, hip piano voicings, harmonic twist and smart use of forms is what Mongelli and the Crew brings to the table. Mongelli’s tone is very warm and round, the band hits are tight and every solo tells a story.

Bottom Line:

Joe Mongelli and The Cape Jazz Crew brings a breath of fresh air to these well-know statndards that is modern while still esablishing their mastery of the jazz tradititon. Mongelli’s trumpet and flugle playing is very relaxed and melodic as he consitantly plays in a way that is storied and honest. WashAshore may of just washed up on your musical beach, but it is gem of a find among the jazz musical shores.

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