Skylines

On Skylines bassist Kevin Deitz leads a number of small combos that alternate between straight ahead Jazz and more rhythmic Latin numbers. On the straight side Deitz compositions like "Uncle Ray" and "Sunny Side Up" are slinky Bop heads that let soloists like Paul Mazzio, Renato Caranto, and Tony Pacini shine. Mazzio's and Caranto's slow-swinging two horn attack on " Sunny Side Up" is a particular highlight and "New Beginnings" and "Romance Novel" are lyrical ballads that show off Mazzio's prowess at slow tempos.

The Latin pieces include the light, flute-led sambas "Arch Cape" and "San Juan," the brassier and faster "La Contessa," where Deitz shows off his bass guitar skill and , best of all, "Skyline," a lovely exotic trio ballad where Deitz doubles on accordion and mixes nicely with George Mitchell's piano. I would really like to hear Deitz explore his accordion work more in the future.