By steve bARTa

“No Worries” may be Larry Slezak’s first CD as a leader, but it’s clear that this guy has been playing a long time.

Slezak’s a purist.

The interaction between the musicians tells me that this CD was pretty much recorded “studio live”, bringing out the spontaneity and energy that a jazz recording should. This ensemble is comfortable playing together and it shows.

The horns on the title track, “No Worries” are beautifully in tune, and Jose-Miguel Yamal is as comfortable on a B-3 as he is on the grand piano – which is something I don’t hear that often. In fact, the intonation for all the players throughout the recording is impeccable.

“Maybe By Tomorrow” (Tom Cummings) is relaxed and swings just right – giving Slezak nice room to explore on Soprano, Clayton Dyess playing as smooth as guitar can be, Yamal builds a wonderful solo on the B-3. Drummer Joe Slezak and Bassist Thomas Helton lay down a subtle and consistent groove, and I would guess this was a “first-take” track.

On Arthur Hamilton’s beautiful ballad, “Cry Me a River”, vocalist Sheri Lavo sings this song like she damn well means it. Further, Bernie Hatch did a wonderful job with the string arrangements throughout the four tracks that are lucky enough to have his touch.

Thomas Helton knows his role as a bassist, and his performance on “Secret Love” (Fain/Webster) makes it so. Both Joe Slezak (drums) & bassist Thomas Helton lay a consistent groove for this ensemble to swing hard and relaxed throughout their new “No Worries” CD.

I tend not to review every single song on a CD, but highlight what stands out for me overall with a recording. “No Worries” is very nicely recorded, mixed and executed.

I highly recommend this CD for the music lover who likes a nice mix of vocals, strings and beautifully arranged standards.

Personal:
Larry Slezak: ensemble leader, Tenor, Soprano Sax
Clayton Dyess: Guitar
Thomas Helton: Bass
Jose-Miguel Yamal: Grand Piano & Hammond B-3
Joe Slezak: Drums
Sheri Lavo: Vocalist
Dennis Dotson: Trumpet
Fernando Ledesma: Percussion
Thomas Bacon: French Horn
Tristan Smith: English Horn

Producer/Conductor: Dr. Robert Linder
Concertmistress: Rodica Gonazles
Engineer: Glenn Wheeler
Asst. Engineers: Tracy Hatch, William Murphy
Mastering: Doug Sax, Sunny Nam