Music on Our Radar
Casey Abram’s Self Titled Debut Album Casey Abrams
Casey Abram’s Self Titled Debut Album Casey Abrams… Before I get into my review of Casey Abram’s self titled debut album “Casey Abrams”, I feel compelled to first lay some foundation.
I am guilty (along with millions of others) of having spent quite a bit of time watching American Idol. I could try to cop out and blame my family for watching the show while I was just in the room, but, in all fairness, I have enjoyed some of the performances.
I have had quite a few discussions with fellow musicians about the “value” of this kind of “reality” show and I will continue to contend that occasionally an amazingly talented individual will rise to the surface in the whole process. Ironically, these individuals usually don’t win the contest, but through their exposure get the attention of producers. In turn, they go on to get recording deals and progress their musical career. Such is the case of bassist, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Casey Abrams.
Casey is the only one contestant I can recall that has got on stage with a bass and delivered some kick-ass performances. Bassist and producer Randy Jackson sure took notice and is the driving force behind this CD as executive producer
Overall, the CD has a fair amount of Casey on bass, but it also displays his ability to play other instruments proficiently. His vocals are as solid as ever but the song selections seemed to target a much younger demographic. Most of the tracks are Casey’s own compositions collaborating with various musicians and songwriters.
Lets have a closer look at some of the tracks:
“Simple Life” starts up the set with Casey on double bass and notably in his comfort zone. The bass opening blending into a “Bobby McFerrin like” vocal attack starts us out on the right foot. Casey keeps it simple indeed as the bass and vocals add instruments as the song progresses. Very pleasant vocal patterns and even some scatting almost make you miss the fact that the tune is a little repetitive. Here is an even simpler version:
“Ghosts” is an interesting example of what only two guys can sound like working the different tracks; Casey plays acoustic guitar (which you hear the most of), electric bass, cello and vocals. Rune Westburg plays “all instruments”. The feel of this tune is a kind of light country/folk music but more polished.
“Get Out” opens with a mandolin (Rune is playing) and progresses into a song that I could see some “boy band” making; Casey does all the vocals on this track.
“Blame it On Me” gets Casey back on double bass and works an interesting tempo (kind of rockish/bayou style) with his vocals; this cut is very danceable and up beat.
“Stuck in London” has Casey playing a very simple recorder line as well as playing bass and singing. The tune sounds like this song is, as so many are, inspired by real events (you know, boy missing girl far away). The music has a cool syncopated tempo and an almost ‘Island’ feel (maybe it is the mango reference) even though it is about London. The progression of the piece is nice and I like the changes.
So you get the general idea about this first release from Casey Abrams… There are some nice musical elements mixed in with what might be commercially viable. From the videos, I can see that Casey is committed (I don’t mean because he is more shaggy) and working hard, paying his dues. I do believe there is a lot of potential in his music (he is still only 21) and look forward to hearing more from him as he evolves musically.
As always, I am exceptionally happy to see a bassist in the spotlight.
Casey Abram’s Self Titled Debut Album Casey Abrams available at Amazon.com
Check out Casey’s website iamcaseyabrams.com
I am always impressed by the many things Mike Pope does, so needless to say, I was eager to give his new album, The Parts You Keep, a listen.
Mike has assembled an extraordinary group of musicians to bring this project to life… including his own mother, Ann Almond Pope, who is 85 years young and still gracing the world with her beautiful classical piano playing. Together, they present us with nine stunning tracks, each one carefully curated to create a seamless journey. The lineup is a thoughtful balance of original compositions, jazz standards reimagined, and a classical finale that ties everything together with grace. Every piece is executed with brilliance, as each musician brings powerhouse artistry to the table. And of course, bassists will be thrilled… Mike serves up a feast of tasty bass work throughout the album.
This collection is living proof that jazz is not only alive and well but thriving in fresh and inspired ways. The standards carry Mike’s unique touch, familiar yet transformed through his evolved approach, making them distinctly his own. The original compositions are rich, immaculately crafted, and tell expansive musical stories that unfold like epic tales of jazz.
Then, just when you think the album couldn’t surprise you further, the final two tracks arrive… featuring Mike’s mom on piano. These beautifully classical pieces wrap around the listener like a warm embrace, encouraging you to simply close your eyes and let the music wash over you.
On a personal note, hearing this collaboration between Mike and his mother resonates deeply. It makes me think about how special it would have been to share a performance with my own mom and offer that gift to the world. It’s heartwarming, inspiring, and something I can’t help but smile about with every note.
For more behind-the-scenes details about the making of this album, don’t miss my full interview with Mike: Mike Pope: Preserving a Family Music Legacy (Sep/Oct Issue)
In the end, The Parts You Keep is not just an album… It’s a solid musical masterpiece that deserves a place in every music lover’s collection.
The Parts You Keep is Available online at Amazon.com
Bass CDs
Album Review: Live at the Belly Up Tavern, Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band – June 11, 2023
Album Review: Live at the Belly Up Tavern – Ross Schodek on Bass…
Having lived in the Caribbean for 18 years, I developed a deep love for what’s commonly known as Latin Jazz. Over the years, I’ve heard countless performances, from up-and-coming neighborhood bands to world-class professionals. Among the many artists I’ve followed, Poncho Sanchez has long been one of my favorites, so I was thrilled to dive into this new live album.
Recorded at the iconic Belly Up Tavern on June 11, 2023, and released April 4, 2025, this album captures the energy of a live performance while maintaining superb sound quality. In the past, live recordings often suffered from muddled mixes or poor balance, but the engineers here really nailed it. Every instrument and vocal is crisp and clear, with just the right touch of ambient crowd noise to keep the live vibe alive without becoming distracting.
As a conguero, Poncho’s conga playing is front and center throughout the album, anchoring each track with his signature rhythmic drive. The congas are complemented beautifully by bongos, timbales, and other essential percussion instruments, creating the rich rhythmic layers that define Latin Jazz. The bass, tightly interwoven with the percussion, offers plenty of standout moments for fellow bass enthusiasts like myself. I’ve always loved the syncopated pulse of this genre, and the band delivers it with impeccable timing and precision.
The album features ten well-crafted tracks that showcase a range of time signatures and influences, particularly the Afro-Antillean roots that are central to Latin Jazz. Each track is both musically engaging and undeniably danceable, with solid arrangements that provide a perfect stage for the band’s exceptional musicianship.
If I had to pick a standout, it would be “Night Dream,” which is played in a challenging, rarely-heard tempo. Be sure to stay tuned through to the final track, as that’s where bassist Ross Schodek delivers an excellent solo that serves as the perfect closing note for bass lovers.
Live at the Belly Up Tavern is the kind of album you’ll want to enjoy with a cold drink in hand, letting it transport you straight into the heart of the performance. It’s a vibrant, live experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Live at the Belly Up Tavern is available at Amazon.com
Mark Egan, Cross Currents…
It is exciting every time I get a new album from Mark Egan as he is such an amazingly versatile player and I never know what to expect (except for excellent artistry!) In his latest release, Mark has teamed up with Shawn Peyton on drums and Shane Theriot on guitar to bring us “Cross Currents”.
This collection of eleven tracks transports me to the Gulf Coast (New Orleans specifically). Mark’s fretless basses lay down a solid groove and lots of juicy solo work for this rootsy collection of funk, ambient, swamp-rock, second line, ballads, Cajun and even Indian Raga.
This trio is super-tight and the musicianship is flawless as each member has ample opportunity to shine. Even though each player is very talented in their own right, I feel that the collective energy is greater than just the sum of the players on this album. Each musician contributed to composing music for this project but the lion’s share are Mark’s original pieces.
I spent the summer of 1981 in New Orleans and this wonderful music takes me back to those fond memories. I participated in a wacky raft race on Lake Ponchatrain and this opening track elicits images of fun, sunshine, music, and great food.
This is another superb album that everyone will enjoy. Get your copy today! Cross Currents is available online at Amazon.com. Visit Mark online at markegan.com.
Brian Bromberg, LaFaro…
Scott LaFaro was an extraordinary upright bass player who we lost in 1961 at the age of 25. Even though he was a young bassist he worked with the Bill Evans Trio from 1959 to 1961; he was an exceptional musician and his bass work was lightyears ahead of his time.
Brian Bromberg has teamed up with pianist Tom Zink and drummer Charles Ruggiero to produce a tribute album to this legendary player. We are treated to a dozen tracks (with three bonus tracks on the digital platforms) that were Bill Evans Trio standards. While the original band’s work inspired Brian, this tribute album is not an attempt by the musicians to replicate the music but to organically express themselves on these tunes. When you listen, you may note that it doesn’t sound like LaFaro and it isn’t supposed to.
As I have noted on many of Brian’s previous albums, the bass work (all upright here) is extraordinary and he knows how to get a crystal-clear sound. Every note is pristine and balanced perfectly with the piano and drums. Brian’s approach to recording upright bass should be the golden standard for all upright players. He also handpicked the other members of this trio and they are excellent musicians who really deliver the goods.
If you would like more insight into this album, I can share that in my cover interview with Brian, coming soon.
The projected album release date is April 5, 2024, and will be available at www.brianbromberg.net
Bassist Gabriel Espinosa was inspired by the music he grew up with in Yucatan, Mexico, and now brings us a collection of ten tracks on Bossas and Boleros.
Six of these tunes on Bossas and Boleros are his original compositions. As you might expect from the title, some of these tunes fit in a kind of retro/romantic category whereas others are in a kind of soft Latin jazz vein. Interestingly, Gabriel also found inspiration in current events and translated them into musical interludes.
Gabriel assembled an excellent collection of musicians to bring this album to life and his bass playing is solid and precise but not flashy. His playing compliments the music in a noticeable way but is very balanced in the overall mix. The compositions are intricate and quite lovely with a generous helping of Latin tempos. I especially enjoyed his vocal rendition of “Aqui Estoy Yo” where he sings with just a piano. It is a rare treat to actually hear a bass player’s voice in a tune.
The great thing about this album is it’s universal appeal as it is not all about the bass. Everyone can relate to a collection of beautiful music and it’s excellent execution. This album is perfect to listen to while you enjoy a glass of wine with a loved one as you watch the sunset. Listening made me feel both relaxed and happy and that are feelings we all want to share.
Bossas and Boleros is available on Amazon.com
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