Michael's Jazz Quartet

Michael Antonelli teaches High school instrumental music during the day and plays hot sax at night. woody-n-Me is his latest album, recorded at this home using basic recording gear, without studio trickery or overdubs. So the emotions of the moment are transcribed instantly to tape. The eleven tracks are all self composed, in the style of the classic sax-based jazz quartet. Supported by Peter Nobile on bass, Kevin Golden on guitar and Tim Herrmann on drums, Michael antonelli plays very self assuredly, having studied all the sax greats and channeling that into his own direct and versatile style. Recording in his home also adds an ambience and confidence to the playing of all the musicians involved. I don't see any downside to this album for jazz fans- this is classic jazz influenced by the golden age [whichever one you fancy] but performered by a younger generation bringing their own sensibilities and innovations to the table. If you miss those vintage Blue Note albums of the 50's and 60's then I suggest you give Michael's Jazz Quartet a listen.

John M. Peters

http://www.mpeters77.freeserve.co.uk/musicwatch11.html - Music Watch Issue #11

This group is, in fact, another MJQ. Their name tells you that. But this MJQ is a pianoless foursome dedicated to a straight ahead bebop sound. You'll know for sure when you hear "Well You Should," a close relative of Monk's "Well You Needn't." Antonelli opts for a very pleasing, classic tenor sound, and his group works out with precision on eleven original tunes.

http://www.jsojazzscene.org/cdreviews.htm - Jazzscene

Michael's Quartet - WOODY-N-ME: Though this is our first listen to Michael Antonelli's quartet, we can hear very quickly why the promoter sent this fine jazz CD our way... it's a smoker! Michael's highly energetic sax work is joined by Peter Nobile's bass, drums by Tim Herrmann & Kevin Golden's guitar mastery to give the listener 11 very solid tracks that make for totally enjoyable listening. All original compositions that will have you boppin' from the opener, "Golden Opportunity", all the way to the last cut... & I can guarantee that if you're a fan of bop & post-bop, you'll play this one over & over again. Big blues fan that I am, I found "VC Blues" to be my favorite cut... it combines the best of all (jazz) worlds... bop, jazz & (most definitely), heavy sax blues that just won't stop circulating through my head. There are plenty of other tunes that will make you want to carry this one around in your car or MP3 player, though... the TITLE track, certainly, as well as a beautiful Latin-based piece called "Bossa Que Passa"... well-crafted rhythm that is very accessible! I've no doubt that we (& ultimately you, as well) will be hearing much more from Michael... this gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us! Get more information at www.michaelsjazz.com/ Rotcod Zzaj - Improvijazzation Nation #83