Bman's Blues Report

               Label : Origin Records                                                                              Released : September 14, 2026 The Mike Dana Jazz Orchestra is a powerhouse big band project cooked up by veteran jazz guitarist, composer, and long-time educator Mike Dana. Far from a rigid academic ensemble, this group functions as an elite collective, regularly pulling in world-class heavyweights like Bob Mintzer , Eric Marienthal , and Wayne Bergeron to breathe life into Dana's rich orchestrations. On their 2026 album Farther (still) , released through Origin Records , the band is a powerhouse in modern big band music. Backed by the clean production and stellar tru...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release Lightkeeper , from Juan Perea and it shows depth including introspective, contemplative and Latin flavored compositions. Opening with Tito Puente's Ove Como Va , of course famously interpreted by rocker Carlos Santa. Featuring Eric Marienthal on alto sax, Gary Haase on bass, Steve Thornton on percussion, and Dean Brown on guitar Juan Perea really does a nice job on piano maintaining the Latin influence and pulling in the rock styling with brilliant guitar riffs by Brown. I really like El Sueno with it's quiet attack and a mix of piano and electric keys by Perea and light and tight bottom by Thornton and Haase. Breaking into full samba Perea really gets it rolling and again Brown lights up the fretboard. Very nice. Remembering You has an introspective melody blending keys and piano over Haase on bass and Tom Brechtlein on drums, and with a smart acoustic guitar solo by Brown. Wrapping the release is title track, L...