MARK WINKLER

HOLD ON

Café Pacific Records

Mark Winkler is back with his 22^nd album and it is smokin’ hot!  Titled “Hold On” I am immediately captivated by his title tune.  Winkler is a prolific lyricist, and his original music has been recorded by a host of top jazz singers including Cheryl Barnes, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Claire Martin, Dianne Reeves, and Randy Crawford.  Winkler continues to build his original song repertoire, this time teaming with Greg Gordon Smith. Their songwriting union is impressive.

His voice delivery on the Dave Frishberg lyrics, “A Little Taste” displays his vocal talents. The song is perfect for Winkler.  He and Frishberg have a lot in common as songwriters and in their style. Winkler interprets Dave’s song with emotional clarity.  The arrangement of Frank Losser’s popular, “If I Were a Bell” is stunning. This is another great lyric!  Greg Gordon Smith is the arranger.

It is always Mark Winkler’s original songs that I look forward to hearing.  He has penned six out of the eleven songs on this new album and each one is well-written, with wonderful lyrics, great melodies, and killer arrangements.  The percussion on “Cat Women on the Moon” is outstanding and features Joey De Leon, with a little help from drum master Christian Euman.  As always, Winkler surrounds himself with the crème de la crème of jazz musicians.  Every song is plush with talent.

Winkler swings his way through “My Future’s Just a Memory” another Greg Gordon Smith collaboration.  It’s a tricky title that makes me listen closely to their lyrics.  The horn lines delightfully punch the tune and Tamir Hendelman adds to the excitement and groove on the piano, as only he can.  Winkler sings the catchy hook with the unusual title:

“… My future’s just a memory.  My upper hand is far behind. The passing days can blur the lines, between the sweet and not so kind, so put your hand inside of mine, and sure enough we’ll be just fine. Let’s make a memory …”

“My Electric Car” is another gem.  It makes a political statement in a cute way, about clean air and reducing emissions.  The sweet background of the GGS singers adds beauty to the arrangement and the trombone solo of Lemar Guillary is lovely.

Winkler closes with a gorgeous love ballad arranged by Rich Eames. The sweet trumpet of Brian Swartz accents in all the right places and he soars on his solo.

As a master songwriter, Mark Winkler’s fresh and emotional lyrics engage the heart and touch the soul.

MUSICIAN CREDITS: Mark Winkler, vocals/lyricist; PIANISTS: John Beasley (arranger), Rich Eames (arranger), Tamir Hendelman, Eric Reed, Jamieson Trotter (arranger). Greg Gordon Smith, composer/pianist/arranger; RHYTHM: Gabe Davis, bass; Christian Euman & Kendall Kay, drums; Joey De Leon, percussion; George Doering & Grant Geissman, guitar; HORNS: Bob Sheppard, saxophone; Brian Swartz, trumpet; Lemar Guillary, trombone. The GGS Singers, background vocals.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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