Dream Cassette

I've only reviewed one other release from Joel, back in issue # 83; it got high marks, but this new one is absolutely STUNNING! Joel's high-energy, high-talent saxophone work against the haunting vocal work Sienna does brings to mind (strangely enough) some of the best "pop" albums that I grew up with... in fact, they say in the liner notes that this is their idea of what a "pop release" should be. The player list is far too long to itemize here, but you can check it out on the release page. What they've managed to do is incorporate that "pop" spirit in with some of the finest jazz licks you'll ever hear - especially on tunes like "Flying Dream"... one of my favorite jazz/vocal tunes (yet) for 2016. They also render up a new vision of "blues" on the two opening tracks, "Blue Times" and "Blue Times part II"... I just loved the vocal interactions from Joel and Sienna on this tune; in fact, these got my vote for personal favorite tracks of the dozen pieces offered up. If your ears are looking for something fresh and creative, this is MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED... in fact, I'm giving it an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of (a perfect) 5.00, meaning that it also gets the "PICK" of this issue for "most creative jazz/vocal work"! Get more information on the Origin Records page for this great album.