I picked up a couple of new CDs a few weeks ago that I have to share with you. They both feature the incredible talent of a local prodigy, Jake Koller.
I first heard this kid when he was 15 or 16 years old. He was phenomenal at the time, and he has only gotten better through the years. I think he is all of 26 years old now, and I would say he is one of the best jazz pianists in the Southwest region.
The first songs on the RadioBlog are from a self-titled solo album he did in 2005. Very mellow.
The second set of songs are from a CD recorded by The Phoenix Jazz Quartet in 2006, Bridges. This group of older, established area musicians is the cream of the Arizona crop; Todd Chuba - drums, Chris Champion - guitar, Warren Jones - bass, and Jacob Koller - piano. Somehow, and as you listen to this you will hear it, he takes over and dominates the session - in a good way. It sounds as if he is leaving them all in the dust, and I think he may very well have.