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Ron Boustead: Mosaic
ByThe charm offensive begins quite nicely on Leo Minax and Nancy Strauss's bossa nova-grooved "Moon Song," featuring trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Ramon Stagnaro and pianist Bill Cantos, among others. It only gets better on the following Lucien standard "You're Sensational," with the leader scatting and setting the pace for soprano saxophonist Steve Hoskins and Gregg Karukas, on Fender Rhodes. Saxophone stalwart Kirk Whalum shares the spotlight with Boustead on humbling original, "No Me Without You," while renowned pianist Bill Cunliffe guests on King's warm love song, "Wishful Thinking."
Boustead is certainly at his best on one of the brightest moments of the set as piano legend Fred Hersch and percussionist Luis Conte weave their magic on the original "Careless Wind." There are far more highlights than fillers on this album, with the Withers pop standard, "Whatever Happens" and Taylor's "Secret 'O Life" closing out the project. Songs such as "And Now," "Every Moment of You" and the funky-fusion of "Everything Be Ok" are all special pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly here. The writing, arrangements, cast, and compelling performance from songwriter Boustead make Mosaic a vocal statements that's hard to ignore.
Track Listing
Moon Song; You're Sensational; No Me Without You; Wishful Thinking; And Now?; Careless Wind; Every Moment of You; Everything Be Ok; Whatever Happens; Secret 'O Life.
Personnel
Ron Boustead
vocalsRon Boustead: vocals; Bill Cantos: piano, keyboards (1, 5, 7); Ramon Stagnaro: guitar (1, 5, 7); Brian Bromberg: bass (1, 5, 7); Mike Shapiro: drums, percussion (1, 5, 7); Rick Braun: trumpet (1); Greg Poree: guitar (2); Keith Jones: bass (2); Munyungo Jackson: percussion (2, 9); Gregg Karukas: Fender Rhodes, electric piano (2, 6); Steve Hoskins: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone (2, 4 ): Andreas Aleman: keyboards (3); Kirk Whalum: tenor saxophone (3); Arnold McCuller: vocals (3); Michael McGregor: keyboards (4, 8); Bill Cunliffe: piano (4); Bart Samolis: bass (4); Pat Kelly: guitar (4, 8, 9); Renee Stahl: vocals (5); Fred Hersch: piano (6); Oscar Seaton: drums (6); Luis Conte (6); Katisse Buckingham: flute (8); Mitchell Forman: organ, piano (9, 10 ); Don Aren: bass (9); Windy Wagner: vocals (9).
Album information
Title: Mosaic | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced