Featured Artist: Mace Hibbard 
CD Title: When Last We Met
Year: 2006
Record Label: Mace Hibbard Music
Style: Progressive
Musicians: Mace Hibbard (saxophones), Louis Heriveaux (piano), Bryan Leitch (guitar), Marc Miller (bass), Justin Varnes (drums)
Review:
No “huff and puff” warning here, just pure “ blow your house down” playing by the entire ensemble. Mace Hibbard explodes into the treasured “Hello world, deal with me” space with his release “When Last We Met”. So what, right? Just what the world needs, another young saxophone player with smoking chops and a new CD. Not so fast buckaroo.
Pay attention to the non-assuming, intensely thoughtful aura to Mr. Hibbard’s playing and composing. Each progressive listening begs another. Subsequent trips around the disc player or mp3 device yields deeper level of soul, spirit and complexity. A relaxed courtesy exists between the players. Throughout this project, the engaged listener will find that during each solo transition, no one is in a hurry to get started.
So, this CD all starts with "Captain Caveman" sneaking through the front door without the slightest hint of a knock. Mace Hibbard and his musical friends, secure the room like a finely prepared S.W.A.T. Team. Once in, shop is set up with a fearlessly swinging groove that supports the instrument-commanding solo development by Mr. Hibbard, his phenomenal pianist, Louis Heriveaux and rock-solid bassist Marc Miller. After hearing several projects with Justin Varnes behind the drum kit, this writer believes Mr. Varnes has his finest jazz contribution to date showcasing his talents as a supportive and driving musician.
Let’s highlight a few other selections starting with the title track, "When Last We Met". Soprano saxophone and guitar unison lines are a sorely under utilized instrumental combination. The melodic lines produce a romantically, burning voice crying out to be understood, often yearning for the unexplainable explanation. Again, Mr. Hibbard delivers impassioned playing along with Guitarist, Bryan Leitch. "Reverend Boots ‘n’ Ball" starts with Marc Miller’s Funky Acoustic Bass Groove. Yes, Funky Acoustic Bass Groove. We have been served a mixed tribute to a little preaching from the Reverend , a little country sax from Boots Randolph and some cool bop from Julian “Cannonball” Adderley. This Sassy composition is simply fun in a “vampy” sort of way. Thanks for more of the Sax/Guitar unison playing on the melody. Sweet!
"The Tempest" offers an eerie harmonic introduction joined quickly by a “creaky staircase” melody that conjures up memories of the old movie scene where all is not good in the middle of the night when the main character is suddenly awaken by the wind-induced loose shutter pounding against the side of the old farmhouse slightly ahead of the imminent crackle and light show of a thunder storm. The consistent droning repetition of the bass, piano, drums intro is the foundation for tension building experience. What was he thinking? An exceptionally visual composition.
"Lullabye for Alex" will take you to a special place. Art Pepper-like, bright but mellow alto saxophone with lyrical weavings puts a soothing cap to the long week or to any evening. Note to self: Track 1 for the personal “relaxation” mix. Louis Heriveaux follows on with a piano interlude of magnificent tenderness and feeling. A Jazz waltz can be the most difficult form of swing to master. The group handles the waltz as the title suggests, “Better than Most” with the masterful float of a butterfly.
You should now have enough briefing to run (don’t walk) to add Mace Hibbard’s When Last We Met to your collection. The problem with finding a hidden treasure is that it won’t stay a hidden treasure for long. As a footnote, the musicians on this CD are based in Atlanta, Georgia which is a town often considered to have no real jazz scene. Mace Hibbard is one of many dedicated jazz musicians, composers and educations that are changing that perception, one listener at a time.
Tracks: Captain Caveman, When Last We Met, Reverend Boots ‘n’ Ball, Cruisin' on Colcord, The Tempest, One for 44, Lullabye for Alex, Town Lake, Better Than Most, Raiders of the Lost Marc, My Prayer
Artist's Website: http://www.macehibbard.com
Reviewed by: Bruce Pulver
Featured Artist: Joe Gransden
CD Title: Sings and Plays
Year: 2006
Record Label: Hot Shoe Records
Style: Various Jazz Styles
Review:
“Plays and Sings” shows Joe Gransden’s talent and explores his musical creativity. Listen as Joe paints. He uses his playing, singing, writing, arranging as his colors. His ability to mix it up is shown by his collaborations with the varied styles of his special guests. Joe incorporates Eric Alexander’s arrangements adding depth and romance to his ballads. He “throws down” in a musical bebop boxing match with fellow Atlanta trumpeter Russell Gunn on “DJ.” Rene’ Marie helps create the magic on “Let’s Take a Chance Together.” Listen for the fun captured here. You may be inspired to “take a chance” as well. Who says jazz is not comfort food?
Clint Eastwood with whom Joe has a strong musical friendship lends his composition “Why Should I Care?” Joe’s Vocals and Harmon-muted trumpet breathe just the right amount of life in this track to stay true to the title. Grammy winner Earl Klugh shows his skills with a fantastically understated accompaniment.
Next, a little about Joe’s rock-solid bandmates. Neal Starkey’s bass lines provide the just the right foundation. He is always at the right place at the right time. Clay Hulet’s drumming is solid and playful. He is a driving player who is in control no matter the style or the tempo. He listens, and makes use of the space provided. This kind of playing is hard to make sound easy. Well done Clay. Kevin Bales and Kenny Banks bring amazing talent and taste to each tune on keyboards. Both are “smoking” and masterfully supportive depending on what the music calls for. They provide playing that gives the soloist room to create in the moment.
Jerry Weldon's saxophone playing is a total “WOW.” He is totally at ease with each tune. Jerry musically toys with each tune playing his own cat and mouse game. He knows exactly what he is doing and does it very well.
With “Sings and Plays” Joe fills the page and provides the listener a variety of musical styles. We get well-known standards, storytelling ballads, and straight-ahead swinging bebop and something new with several originals
Joe Gransden’s voice and horn sounds have a unique identity. Joe is influenced by those before him, but the comparisons now fall short. Joe has found his groove and he is a joy to be with musically. It is rare today to find an entertainer that inspires the listener dress up, get up, and dance the night away. Joe draws the listener to his/her feet. Joe calls out the romantic spirit in everyone within earshot.
Whatever Joe’s great-great grandmother’s spoon “put in the pot” it turned out a great musician, performer and entertainment. Joe Gransden has a winner’s attitude toward life. He engages with his interested listeners and appreciates the response he gets from the audience.
On a personal note, during a recent weekend getaway with my family, we caught a set of Joe with his quartet at the Ritz Carlton Lodge at Lake Oconee, GA. My eight year old daughter, Payton, worked up her courage to request “I Thought About You” one of her favorite jazz songs. Not only did Joe perform the song, he sang the lyrics directly to and for her. Joe made an impression on Payton and (on her dad) that will not soon be forgotten.
Thank you, Joe for sharing your art. You are special.
Bruce Pulver, March 2006
These are my comments. I welcome yours. Reach me at Bpulver2004@yahoo.com.
Tracks: On Green Dolphin Street, Don’t Give Up, After the Lovin’, High Heal Sneakers, Let’s Take a Chance Together, Seasons, The First Time, Why Should I Care?, Blue ‘n’ Boogie, My Funny Valentine, DJ, Between Logic and Passion
Record Label Website: http://www.Hotshoerecords.com
Artist's Website: http://www.joegransden.com
Reviewed by: Bruce Pulver
Featured Artist: Joe Gransden 
CD Title: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Year: 2006
Record Label: Brass Menagerie
Style: Holiday Jazz
Musicians:
Rhythm Section: Clay Hulet, Drums, Neal Starkey, Bass, Kenny Banks and Brent Runnels, Piano
Saxophones: Tony Carere, Eric South, Sam Skelton, Bryan Lopes, Seth Kuehn
Trombones: Harry Hagan, Wes Funderburk, Tom Gibson, Richard Brady
Trumpets: Mike Barry, Kevin Lyons, Lee King, Paul Garrett, Gordon Vernick
Strings: David Arenz, Eleanor Arenz, Anne Page, Adelaide Federici
Violas: Paul Murphy, Leanne Nendza, John Scire
Cellos: Elizabeth Murphy, Dominick Cuccia, David Lloyd, Tony Itzie
Flute: Charissa Gransden
Vocals, Terri Harper, Kittredge Middle School - 6th Grade Singers
Review:
What has Joe Gransden done this time? Well, like always, he as given us another great recording of great music. So what’s new this time around? Take what Mr. Gransden does so well and add a heaping spoonful of holiday cheer and we get I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Complete with Joe Gransden, big band and strings. This is a great holiday recording with songs that everyone loves. From the first notes, you can hear and feel the Christmas Spirit clearly ring out.
Gransden’s musical reach continues to expand. This project mixes his sophisticated vocal style and his buttery, lyrical jazz trumpet lines with Jeff Jarvis’ originally fresh arrangements that will certainly put a lift in any “Bah Humbug’s” steps. I’ll Be Home for Christmas awakens memories of the classic 1950s and 1960s holiday recordings done by superstars Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and Tony Bennett. Just close your eyes and listen. Feel the excitement, joy and positive anticipation of the holidays created by the music and the musicians.
Known for his jazz playing and singing, Gransden goes out on a limb and creates a true “holiday” recording that transcends musical styles. It’s just plain fun. The Ballads are rich with feeling. The cheerful carols are sassy and full of energy. The children get involved as well. The Sixth Grade Singers from Atlanta’s Kittredge Middle School have fun they will likely never forget when they join in on “Up on the Housetop.” Just listen!
Next, Mr. Gransden vocally flirts with guest artist Terri Harper on “Baby Its Cold Outside.” Listen as he really works his charm while Ms. Harper plays hard to get. This is classic “cat and mouse.” What happens next? You decide. The recording closes with a deep and moving rendition of "Ave Maria."
I’ll Be Home for Christmas shows Gransden’s love for the holidays. As he said recently, “I wanted to create a holiday recording, not a jazz record of holiday music." Cheers and well done!
Tracks: We Need a Little Christmas, Up On The Housetop, I’ll be Home for Christmas, Linus and Lucy, Baby It’s Cold Outside, This Christmas, Silent Night, Silver Bells, Blue Christmas, Away In A Manger, Let it Snow, Mary Did You Know, O Christmas Tree, Sleigh Ride, Ave Maria
Artist's Website: http://www.joegransden.com
Reviewed by: Bruce Pulver