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Mike Holober & Balancing Act: Don't Let Go
ByMike Holober
pianob.1957

Marvin Stamm
trumpetb.1939

Dick Oatts
saxophone, altob.1953

Jason Rigby
saxophone, tenorb.1974

Mark Patterson
tromboneb.1960
Yes, this is Holober's gig, and he should be the one calling the shots. If it's vocals he wants, that's his decision and it must be respected. While

Jamile
vocalsb.1995
On Disc 2, track 5, "Touch the Sky," is reminiscent of "If I Only Had a Brain" from The Wizard of Oz. Stamm solos on "Touch the Sky" and "You Never Know." More from his warm and lyrical trumpet would have been most welcome. Disc 2 does bend more heavily toward instrumental, which is a definite plus. The finale, "You're a Long Way from Home," rests in a congenial groove sans vocal, leaning for the most part on a splendid solo by Patterson. As to personnel, no complaint there. Besides those already named, they include bassist

Mike McGuirk
bass
Count Basie
piano1904 - 1984

Dennis Mackrel
drumsb.1962
The word that springs to mind when appraising Don't Let Go is "hybrid": it's not quite jazz, not quite classical, not quite vocal, not quite instrumental. Presumably, the aim was to offer "something for everyone." The problem is that not everyone may be open to such diversity. On the other hand, some may. It's a matter of personal taste. While the assessment here is a tad less than enthusiastic, that too is a matter of personal taste, and should not be considered the last word or anything close to it. Listen and judge for yourself. ">
Track Listing
Disc 1—Breathe Deep; Morning Hope; Four-Letter Words; Kiss the Ground; Burnin’ Daylight; A Summer Midnight’s Dream; Necessary. Disc 2—I Wonder; You’re a Long Way from Home; You Never Know; Smile Slow; Letting Go; Touch the Sky; Don’t Let Go.
Personnel
Mike Holober
pianoMarvin Stamm
trumpetDick Oatts
saxophone, altoJason Rigby
saxophone, tenorMark Patterson
tromboneMike McGuirk
bassDennis Mackrel
drumsJamile
vocalsAlbum information
Title: Don't Let Go | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records
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