This album has its moments of whimsy, but is above all a profound exploration of jazz traditions played with conviction and flair. Sound 10/10 Trackingangle

Michael Fremer Executive Produces His First Record Featuring Distinguished Bassist Rufus Reid and Up-and-Coming Pianist Caelan Cardello: Rufus Reid Presents Caelan Cardello Mastered and Cut to 180g from the Original 24-Bit/96k Digital Files  

In his long, distinguished career, veteran bassist Rufus Reid has played and recorded with the likes of Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Thad Jones, and Dexter Gordon In January 2023, Reid and his double bass took the Klavierhaus stage at the New York Jazz Piano Festival Marathon. Young pianist Caelan Cardello sat down at a Fazioli Grand piano.

Following show promoter Jim Luce’s introduction, the duo dug into Thad Jones’ “Mean What You Say” and Cedar Walton’s “Bolivia.” Making lockstep musical magic, Cardello heeded Reid’s requests for solo space and produced fearless lyrical runs up and down the keyboard in service of the song. Only then did Reid tell the audience that the two had never played together. What transpired was a result of a short meeting between the musicians before the show.

“This should have been recorded,” said executive producer Michael Fremer to associate producer Robin Wyatt. “It is!” Wyatt shot back. “Our friend, recording engineer Duke Markos, is back there!” 

“If it sounds good, this needs to be released on vinyl,” Fremer replied Wyatt, who agreed. As did Reid and Cardello.

Days later the producers learned Cardello is an alumna of the Jazz House Kids arts program developed by Melissa Walker and husband Christian McBride, and that the couple has been following his progress since he was an adolescent. 

Executive Producer: Michael Fremer

Associate Producer: Robin Wyatt
Recording Engineer: Duke Markos
Mixed by: Duke Markos with assistance from Michael Fremer and Joe Harley
Mastered by: Robert Ludwig at Gateway Mastering
Lacquers cut by: Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab
Plated and pressed on 180g vinyl at Quality Record Pressings
Packaged in a Stoughton Press “Tip-On” jacket

Side One:

Intro-Jim Luce
Mean What You Say (Thad Jones)
Bolivia (Cedar Walton)
Whims of Chambers (Paul Chambers)
Side Two:

It’s the Nights I Like (Rufus Reid)
Stablemates (Benny Golson)
If You Could See Me Now (Todd Dameron)