Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent self titled release from the Pacific Jazz Group and it's a cool new set of west coast style jazz tracks. Opening with Bernie Miller's, Bernie's Tune , Dred Scott on piano sets the pace with quickly formed solo lines with strong reinforcement by John Wiitala on bass. Eric Crystal steps up on tenor sax with an aggressive solo of his own making this a strong opener. On Gerry Mulligan's Line for Lyons , Crystal lays out the groundwork on sax and Scott taking the first solo on piano. Sharing the center stage, they create a uniform feel with great musical balance. Another Mulligan track, Nights At The Turntable , gives Crystal the opportunity to really stretch. He has real full tone and his phrasing really works with the band. Scott on piano takes a cool stroll giving the track a lighter feel but maintaining that Mulligan swing. Wrapping the release is Utter Chaos and Crystal gives it the full treatment with deep raspy t...