TOM GRAF

STRUTTIN

Werewolf Productions

Tom Graf, composer/producer; Ray Obiedo, guitar; John R. Burr, keyboards; Dan Feiszli, bass; Phil Hawkins, drums; Jon Bendich & Derek Rolande, percussion; Mike Olmos, flugelhorn; John Gove, trombone; Marc Russo, alto & tenor saxophone.

It’s not often that I receive an album of music that is a production celebrating the composer of the music, who is not also a musician on the production.  Tom Graf said it best when he shared in his press package:

“It’s like someone taking my screenplay and making it into a movie,” said Graf.

It was years ago, during the disco era, when Graf established himself in 1987 as a hit songwriter.  He co-wrote a song performed by the iconic soul singer; Merry Clayton for the Dirty Dancing film soundtrack called “Yes.”  That soundtrack sold over 32-million copies worldwide.

This recent release, “Struttin’” is his 8^th release as a jazz songwriter. It’s his first release since the Pandemic year of 2020. Before that, in 2000 he released “A Day to Remember” and in 2014, the beautiful, smooth jazz album called “Smokin.”

On this current release, Tom Graf’s first song is a tune called “Davis Street” that exhibits a strong melody and is propelled forward by the drums of Phil Hawkins.  Next, saxophonist, Marc Russo is spotlighted on the tune “Moodswing” that flows into my listening room as Track #2.  It also has a melody line you’ll want to hum along with, but it’s the title tune, “Struttin,” that is the star of this musical production.  It’s a joyful song with a great groove. This composition by Graf makes me want to get up and move or jump into my ride and cruise down the highway.  During this arrangement, Mike Olmos offers a great flugelhorn solo.

Tom Graf is a talented contemporary jazz composer. This current musical production continues his legacy of releasing easy listening, smooth jazz, hit music.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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