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Jeff Lewis and Friends

Citizen Staff Writer
CD REVIEW

“Jazz Tonight at Cushing Street” (Jeff Lewis Records)

Remember that slogan from the TV commercial, “Have a party in your mouth!” Well, now the tenor saxophonist and Tucson jazz entrepreneur Jeff Lewis makes it possible to have a party in your head – no excessive use of stimulants is involved.

For the past several months Lewis has been quietly recording the music played on jazz nights downtown at the Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant. Participating from time to time were such Baked Apple luminaries as Brice Winston, sax, Jason Carder, trumpet, Rob Boone, trombone, Scott Black, bass, and Pete Swan, drums.

This is strictly an informal project put together by Lewis to remind listeners of the time when jazz wasn’t all about anxious notes and frantic beats. These musicians are definitely relating to a more sensual era when lyrical improvisation was carried along on a softly swinging sound.

By day Lewis is a successful and responsible professional, but at night his film noir side comes out. Burnished tenor sax tones from those black-and-white movies caress ballads played over stylish brush work and blocks of chords.

The other musicians follow suit, filling out the laconic hipness much loved by Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Lester Young and that bunch. Those men loved to feel the music breathe. So can you.

Included on the song list are “Misty,” “Like Someone in Love” and “Prelude to a Kiss.” To get a copy, jefflewis100@hotmail.com or stop by the Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant.

CHUCK GRAHAM

Tucson Citizen

Jeff Lewis and Friends throw a jumpin’ jazz party

Jeff Lewis and Friends

“Jazz Tonight at Cushing Street” (Jeff Lewis Records)

Grade: A

Gene: jazz

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