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Bob Holz: Live in New York & L.A.

By Dan Bilawsky
April 21, 2021
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While Live in New York & L.A. is a split-scene production crossing coasts, spanning several years and utilizing different personnel lists, it offers a cohesive playlist. Not surprisingly,

Bob Holz

drums
b.1958

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Holz ties everything together with his kit and charisma. Mixing standards and originals to good effect, this Berklee-trained drummer, who previously worked with everybody from guitarist

Larry Coryell

guitar
1943 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">Larry Coryell to trumpeter

Randy Brecker

trumpet
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Randy Brecker to bassist

Stanley Clarke

bass
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Stanley Clarke, is always in his element.

Frontloading the album with half a dozen numbers recorded back in 2016 in Syracuse, New York, Holz leans mostly on familiar fare. Opening with

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis' immortal "All Blues," the band is right in the zone. Vocalist

Ronnie Leigh

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Ronnie Leigh offers soul in good supply, guitarist

Chet Catallo

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Chet Catallo cuts a cool-to-blazing trail, and Holz's brushes have their moment in the sun during that engaging opener. Then it's off to

Freddie Hubbard

trumpet
1938 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower," served up as an appropriately fusion-forward dish; over to "A Night in Tunisia," showcasing keyboardist Tom Witkowsky's hyper happenings and Leigh's scat soloing; on to

Ralphe Armstrong

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Ralphe Armstrong's slow and sizzling "Blue Mashed Potatoes," featuring the composer's welcoming work and leaning into the titular form with a 12/8 feel; and off to a passionate take on "Georgia on my Mind." Then, to close out the New York night, Holz and company move into Catallo's winning "Blues for C.C."

Hopping over to Los Angeles in late 2018 and early 2019, Holz finishes things off with two originals. "Jammin' Man," with reggae undertones and a structure that's open to the implications in the title, finds saxophonist

Brandon Fields

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Brandon Fields, guitarist

Mike Miller

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Miller and bassist

Ric Fierabracci

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Ric Fierabracci in prime form. And the slick "Riptide," with glazed grooves and glories, brings the album to its conclusion. Holz, working with well-matched bands, touching down in different styles and settings, and laying down the law, leaves much to appreciate with his handiwork.

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Track Listing

All Blues; Little Sunflower; A Night in Tunisia; Blue Mashed Potatoes; Georgia on My Mind; Blues for C.C; Jammin' Man; Riptide.

Personnel

Bob Holz

drums

Brandon Fields

saxophone

Ralphe Armstrong

bass

Mike Miller

guitar

Joey De Leon

congas

Chet Catallo

guitar

Ric Fierabracci

bass

Billy Steinway

keyboards

Ronnie Leigh

vocals

Joey De Leon Jr.

congas

Tom Witkowsky

keyboards

Additional Instrumentation

John Heard: percussion.

Album information

Title: Live in New York & L.A | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: MVD Audio

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