Roaring Reviewed in Downbeat Magazine

Check out the review for Mike’s latest album, Roaring in the October issue of Downbeat Magazine:

The cover art of Mike Jones’ latest album captures the lighthearted spirit of the music therein, featuring an animated scene in which Jones and his bandmates—bassist Katie Tiroux and drummer Matt Witek—dance the Charleston. Tis is ftting, since Jones and company swing their way through 10 tunes originating in the Roaring ’20s (hence the album title). Notwithstanding his day job as the “house” pianist for magicians Penn & Teller, Jones does not need any sort of musical legerdemain to entertain. He plays well, and has chosen bandmates who share his musical vision. Te trio opens with a straightforward, no-nonsense swing on the chestnut “Yes Sir, Tat’s My Baby,” then decompresses for a laidback take on “If I Had You.” Later, the group embarks on a rollicking romp through Irving Berlin’s “I’ll See You In Cuba,” which captures the lighthearted playfulness found in the lyrics to this anti-Prohibition song. While never straying from their roots, Jones, Tiroux and Witek save the blues for last, with a strong workout on “Am I Blue?”Te playing answers the title’s question, with an unequivocal “yes.”

—Martin Z. Kasdan Jr.

Roaring: Yes Sir, That’s My Baby; If I Had You; I’ll See You In Cuba; Home; Mean To Me; I Found A New Baby; Me And My Shadow; What’ll I Do; I Can’t Believe You’re In Love With Me; Am I Blue. (61:52)
Personnel: Mike Jones, piano; Katie Thiroux, bass; Matt Witek, drums
Ordering info: caprirecords.com