Kevin Mahogany Songs And Moments CD

In the 1990s there has been a serious shortage of male jazz singers under the age of 60, making Kevin Mahogany's "arrival" in his second Enja release quite noteworthy. A strong improviser who cannot only scat creatively but uplift lyrics, Mahogany may very well end up as a future pollwinner. He is joined on this CD by a six-piece horn section and a strong rhythm section (pianist John Hicks, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith), plus there are guest appearances by altoist Arthur Blythe and guitarist Kevin Eubanks. The material (which includes Cedar Walton's "Night Flight," "Caravan," "When I Fall in Love," and the title cut by Milton Nascimento) is challenging and diverse. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded at Systems Two Studio, Brooklyn, New York on March 29 & 30, 1994. Includes liner notes by Gene Lees.

Personnel: Kevin Mahogany (vocals); Kevin Eubanks (guitar); Phil Brenner (flute, soprano saxophone); Willie Williams (clarinet, saxophone, tenor saxophone); Steve Wilson (clarinet, alto saxophone); Gary Smulyan (clarinet, baritone saxophone); Phil Breener (saxophone); Arthur Blythe (alto saxophone); Michael Mossman (trumpet); Robin Eubanks (trombone); John Hicks (piano); Ray Drummond (bass instrument); Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums).

Recording information: Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, NY (03/29/1994-03/30/1994).

Unknown Contributor Roles: Phil Brenner; Robin Eubanks; Steve Wilson; Willie Williams ; Michael Mossman; Gary Smulyan.

Personnel: Kevin Mahogany (vocals); Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Maria Schneider (arranger); Phil Brenner (soprano saxophone, alto flute); Steve Wilson (alto saxophone, clarinet); Arthur Blythe (alto saxophone); Willie Williams (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Gary Smulyan (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet); Michael Mossman (trumpet); Robin Eubanks (trombone); John Hicks (piano); Kevin Eubanks (guitar); Ray Drummond (bass); Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums); Jennifer Pollakusky, Lara Marcantonio, Kate Fenelly (background vocals).

Down Beat (1/95, p.41) - 3.5 Stars - Good Plus - "Backed by a superb rhythm trio and a solid horn section arranged by Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, and Maria Schneider, SONGS AND MOMENTS finds Mahogany singing with style and conviction on material ranging from blues to Brazillian..."