Souza and friends do play the Songbook of straight-ahead standards with class and accomplishment. They play brightly but so easily that an hour slips away in no time at all! ?My Foolish Heart? and ?Funny Valentine? start a... more »s ballads but soon slip into samba, with Johnson?s supple flute and soprano. ?Fly Me To The Moon?, often a lounge lizard, goes jazz butterfly here as all the guys solo; ?Shining Hour? also finds them stretching, but replaces Johnny?s vocal with a brisk horn duo. ?I?m Confessin?? and ?Street of Dreams? are slower swingers with Johnny?s warm vocals taking their place amidst fine solos. ?Steady Orbit? shows off Johnny?s writing; he plays the catchy modal tune in unison octaves with Steve?s bass. The band celebrates Duke Ellington?s centennial-plus with a hard-driving ?Caravan.? -Fred Bouchard from the liner notes« less
All Artists:Johnny Souza Title:My Shining Hour Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Original Release Date: 12/15/2000 Release Date: 12/15/2000 Genre:Jazz Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:600665763922
Synopsis
Album Description
Souza and friends do play the Songbook of straight-ahead standards with class and accomplishment. They play brightly but so easily that an hour slips away in no time at all! ?My Foolish Heart? and ?Funny Valentine? start as ballads but soon slip into samba, with Johnson?s supple flute and soprano. ?Fly Me To The Moon?, often a lounge lizard, goes jazz butterfly here as all the guys solo; ?Shining Hour? also finds them stretching, but replaces Johnny?s vocal with a brisk horn duo. ?I?m Confessin?? and ?Street of Dreams? are slower swingers with Johnny?s warm vocals taking their place amidst fine solos. ?Steady Orbit? shows off Johnny?s writing; he plays the catchy modal tune in unison octaves with Steve?s bass. The band celebrates Duke Ellington?s centennial-plus with a hard-driving ?Caravan.? -Fred Bouchard from the liner notes
CD Reviews
Los Angeles fresh sounds-killer jazz
james dykeman | Los Angeles | 02/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard this disc on the LA freeway at commute time. It was played on KLON by Chuck Niles, the premier jazz jockey. I am ready for new talent in the jazz world and Johnny Souza's "My shining Hour" was exactly what I wanted to hear. Johnny's trumpet and all of the band came through as fresh new artist's who sound excited and definitely have a lot to say. I've heard all the giants up close and personal, being into the LA jazz scene. We need new groups, new ideas, new faces and sounds, etc. I hope I get to see the JS group out here on the far out left coast. It's about time. Great. 5 STARS !!"
Great New Jazz Artist on the Rise - Check it Out!
M. Hewitt | Boston, MA | 01/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I caught this guy and his band when I was in the Boston area last summer. I spoke to Johnny after a set and he mentioned that they were working on a CD. After visiting his website recently, I discovered that the CD was available and immediately bought it. What a treat! The CD really captures what I heard live last year. It was a double bonus to find Dick Johnson playing with Johnny on the CD. Johnny's vocals make it impossible not to listen to the CD over & over. They're easy, swinging and in tune (not all that common for a Jazz Singer). He reminds me at times of: Harry Connick Jr, John Pizzarelli and even Chet. His trumpet playing is another story! A fat, lyrical sound that I think is very unique. His playing on the CD is very, very clean, which is also not that common considering the instrument...and I saw him do the same thing live! His creative improvisations are a joy to behold. Dick & Johnny play off each other on this recording like they're a matched set! Dick's son Gary plays on the CD as well and has a terrific touch. The rest of the band provides great support for the two front men. I love it! You will too. Keep up the great work Johnny. When's the next one?"
Great Jazz CD
M. Hewitt | 01/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A smooth, relaxing jazz cd. The selections are great and the musicians are top notch. I recommend this highly to all that are looking for a new addition to their jazz collection."
Fabulous * Entertaining * Enjoyable
M. Hewitt | 01/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The time spent listening to this C.D. flys by as you're caught up in the sounds of this gifted artist and the great jazz selections he performs. Don't miss this one! I can't wait for his next release."
Great guitar player!
Bob Johnson | cambridge, ma | 04/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really enjoyed the guitar playing on this album. He plays like Kenny Burrell. The rest of the band plays great as well. I recommend this record to jazz fans throughout the world."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1