Alex Bugnon delights with "Harlem"

courtesy Alex Bugnon's Facebook page
It took pianist Alex Bugnon three years to return with his latest CD called Harlem and after you get through saying "what took him so long?", you will definitely be content that it was all worth the wait.

Glancing back at Alex's last CD "Going Home" he  kept it locked into a traditional jazz type of mode with the use of acoustics and less orchestral synths.

Even on the new compilation there is still a very semi-traditional type of jazz music in the atmosphere and delving back in his discography, one can truly say that his music has matured over the years.

The Alex that played on CDs such as "107 In the Shade" and "Another Season" to name a few had utilized far more instruments and vocals fit for a contemporary jazz sound. And this is another reason to love Alex; it is his ability to diverse his own song while maintaining his fan base.

At the time of writing, the CD Harlem has been sold out on Amazon. This is definitely a good thing since the CD is really that awesome; it is a front-runner that is easy on the ears and big on tight arrangements.

If you following Alex on Facebook, you will know that he is a proud New Yorker so honoring Harlem, a fast growing and culturally diverse city, came as no surprise. In fact, this isn't even the first time that Alex has tribute Harlem in song. How many of you remembered when he did "Harlem on My Mind" back in the day?

The direct Harlem tributes come in the forms of  the calming "Manhattan Lullaby" and "Stompin' At Mikell's" which makes you wish that you were actually at this famous nightclub hearing that jam.

It's fascinating how well of an interpreter Alex is, you will love what he has done with the remakes of classic R&B and soul songs on this compilation.  Big grooves lie ahead on the reworking of Curtis Mayfield's Pusherman" and  later you will hear the gentle fluidity he has injected on the classic song "A House Is Not A Home." Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" never loses its beauty and power even on this remake. It's Alex's melodic phrasing on this track that adds even more panache to the track.

There is a lovely interpretation of  Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life". This is a heavy song and Alex has done it justice with his own melodic phrasing and take on this huge classic. Also listen out for a version of Stevie Wonder's "Summer Soft."

"Night In Tunisia" moves with a semi-samba beat that is driven by a thick bass-line and Alex's fingers rolling and dancing on the keys; it can work up and down your spine and get your hips doing that involuntary dance thing.

 "Jungle Bells" is robust in sound and I can't help but love the scatting that Alex does while he plays. This is an instant favorite, so too is the sophisticated and romantic "River Seine" featuring the phenomenal Maysa on vocals.

Don't miss other shining moments on this CD such as "Bridging The Gap" Up There on the Mountain and the spiritually-driven and evocative "Witness".

I'm pleased to say that Alex's "Jungle Bells" "A Night In Tunisia" and "River Seine" are currently enjoying Heavy Rotation on Jazz Moods Radio. Tune in to hear it.



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