GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH

COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS

Windtunnel Records

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, trumpet/flute/flugelhorn/composer/arranger; Marion Meadows, soprano saxophone; Glenn Riley & Timothy Bailey, bass; Lew Laing Jr., all rhythm; Andrew Freeman, Andre Frappier & Andrew Jacob Scott, guitar; Alfie Zappacosta, vocals/guitar; Miles Black & Eddie Bullen, piano; Steve Alaniz, saxophone.

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach consistently makes beautiful jazz music.  I have been looking forward to hearing his latest album titled “Count Your Lucky Stars.” The first tune, “Sunseeker” features Marion Meadows on soprano saxophone. The tune, spurred on by the percussive rhythms of Lew Laing Jr., makes me want to jump into my car and hit the highway.  Hasselbach’s music moves me. The arrangements are energy-driven and inspire motion. His title track, called “Count Your Lucky Stars,” features special guest, Andrew Jacob Scott on guitar.  Hasselbach’s music is always melodic, with a driving rhythm track. The trumpet master, who also plays flute, is an outstanding composer and producer. On this tune, his trumpet holds a warm conversation with the guitar of Andrew Jacob Scott.

A tune called “Positive Space” floats into my listening room with Hasselbach’s trumpet taking the lead like a pied piper of smooth jazz. This time, Andrew Freeman is the featured guitarist. Next, they turn to a funky tune called “We Are,” with a Jamaican reggae feel and strong lyrics. This one features the vocals of Alfie Zappacosta.  He also plays guitar.

Every song on this album sounds like it could be released as a ‘single.’  For example, “Force of Habit” featuring Miles Black, who adds piano and synthesizers to the mix. Andrew Freeman improvises dynamically on guitar. I love the minor-mode flute solo by Hasselbach, along with the constant bass support from Glen Riley throughout this arrangement. Juno Award winning Gabriel Mark Hasselbach is always powering ahead on his trumpet.  The bluesy piano adds greatly to this production.

This is followed by “Funky Lew,” a composition written to celebrate Lew Laing, Jr., who is a master at creating rhythms. This song showcases the rhythmic undertow Lew creates to cushion Hasselbach’s trumpet solo. At one point, Hasselbach has muted his trumpet to bring another tone and texture to this arrangement.

“Written in the Stars” features Eddie Bullen on an enchanting piano solo.  “Show of Hands,” features Glenn Riley’s bass and enters like a gallop.  It makes me happy right away.  The melody wraps around me like a cashmere blanket, soft and comfy.  I like the way Hasselbach’s trumpet sings out the melody as another instrument answers him, echoing that melody.

“Paris Solstice” reminds me of something Quincy Jones would arrange.  It spotlights Miles Black on piano with mad talent.  A taste of the blues is scattered throughout his piano solo, like diamonds in the sand. He glitters and catches my attention.

Lew Laing Jr. slaps the drums into place and snatches my attention on the tune “Just a Little Fling” The flute sings like a happy whistle from the lips of Gabriel. Hasselbach has produced a half dozen Billboard Top 20 charting tracks as a bandleader. There will be more from this album.

The song called “State of Play” moves like a freight train across my room.  It infuses me with energy. The ensemble gets their Latin groove on during the arrangement of “That Being Said.”  This time Hasselbach features André Frappier on a funky, emotional guitar solo. Steve Alaniz offers his talent on saxophone. Hasselbach is smooth as butter during his trumpet solo.  Gabriel Mark Hasselbach’s music is a healing balm.  It’s a meditative mix of creative energy, but at the same time exudes a calming groove that makes me want to play it over and over again.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil