In March 2008, this independent label released its first recordings and ever since that time, I have often tried to find their product over here in Germany or in Europe. Up to this day, as is the case with so many other fine labels dedicated to Jazz, there has been no distributor for their products over here in Europe or in Germany. So a couple of weeks ago, I was chatting with singer Tom Lellis about his last recording with Brazilian master guitarist Toninho Horta. I asked Tom if he could be so kind and find out if he could get Toninho's own album on Resonance Records sent over to us.

Tom actually had a meeting with Resonance owner George Klabin the other day and offered to speak to him on my behalf. To cut this story short, a couple of days later George and I had a very nice, long chat the result of which was that he sent his entire catalogue over. Klabin himself has worked in the music business for many years as a producer and engineer having worked with James Moody, Bill Evans, or Dexter Gordon. He also founded the Rising Stars Jazz Foundation, the centerpiece of which is his superb label.

I have to admit I haven't listened to all of the label's recordings yet but the fact alone that Toninho Horta is part of it, speaks for the quality of his work. There's another brazilian album on the label: The Music of Djavan by flutist Lori Bell. Now Djavan's music is among the most beautiful not only in Brazilian terms, but in general. And to hear his magic compositions done by a flute as the main instrument was a totally refreshing and rewarding listening experience. If you think the violin is for Gypsy Swing only, then check out Christian Howes' album Heartfelt. He takes his instrument one step further in producing a veritable, straight-ahead jazz CD with some terrific soloing and with legendary pianist Roger Kellaway. The fourth album I have heard so far is from pianist Bill Cunliffe. He reworks the Oliver Nelson classic The Blues and the Abstract Truth and puts a new spin on the arrangements which is so original and inventive that he even wrote two more tunes for the project which fit seamlessly.

So I'm looking forward to hearing the other CDs from the Resonance catalogue and in the meantime, two new CDs have already seen the light of day: The Resonance Big Band plays Tribute to Oscar Peterson and singer Greta Matassa with I Wanna Be Loved. Together with great artwork and crisp production, I think this label is here to stay and hopefully will have some distrib in other parts of the world as well. In the meantime, be sure to check www.jazzradio.net for your listening pleasure and go to www.resonancerecords.org to dig deeper.


MK, 29.05.09