John Raymond & Real Feels have a new album called, Joy Ride on Sunnyside Records. The energetic warmed toned trumpet and flugelhorn player and composer has emerged as one of the most capable jazz musicians on the scene. Raymond regularly performs with musicians such as: Billy Hart, Orrin Evans, Linda Oh, Gilad Hekselman and Dan Tepfer. His mix of modern sounds and the time-honored jazz feelings give Raymond a unique voice in the modern jazz choir. The Reel Feels are: drummer Colin Stranahan and guitarist Gilad Hekselman. Together, the three create a jazz sound that is easy to follow, a joy to listen to and depth, there is a sincere focus of listening and interaction among the players. That’s the short of it!
Joy Ride
John Raymond: flugelhorn
Gilad Hekselman: guitar
Colin Stranahan: drums
1. Joy Ride
2. I'd Do It for Your Love
3. Follower
4. Minnesota, Wi
5. Be Still, My Soul
6. Fortress
7. Solsbury Hill
8. En Route
9. The Times They Are A-Changin
10. Hymn
Release Date: February 9, 2018
Sunnyside
The bass-less trio provides an atmosphere of creativity for the players. Hekselman covers a lot of space and is a master of keeping multiple parts clear and moving. Raymond’s compositions fit nicely in the group setting. His tone is warm and balanced, his maturity of note choices and colorizations are evident. The best part of this trio though is their ability to listen to each other and build music as a group collective.
Andrew Binder’s Conspiracy Deliracy, Conspiracy Deliracy Review
Dave Stryker Trio, Groove Street Review
