The Jim Butler Group "Short Stories"

The Jim Butler Group “Short Stories”

(2023)

 Jim Butler – alto-soprano sax

Gene Jackson – drums

David Berkman – piano

Kengo Nakamura – bass

Crissy Saalborn – vocals

Aimee Blackschleger – vocals

 Jim Butler’s release of “Short Stories” couldn’t be more aptly titled. It’s a set of ten stories recounted by master storytellers in the language of jazz. Six of those stories are by Butler, and the other four are excellent choices of standards retold by the group. I say “stories” in the way that in old-time jazz and blues clubs, people would shout out, “Tell the story!” during a particularly compelling solo. That kind of storytelling is at the heart of this CD.

“Green, Yellow, and Stars” kicks off the recording with an up-tempo samba-like tune that flows through a lovely melody to thoughtful solos. The group isn’t just telling one story—they’re telling multiple stories through their interplay. “The Edge of Darkness” features a great bass solo from Nakamura. He’s a bassist who keeps a group locked into a great focused drive, but he’s also a soloist who finds the magic in the tune.

When I initially listened to this very pleasing CD, I kept thinking that “Never Say Goodbye” was a standard; it was so well composed. I was surprised to see it was another of Butler’s compositions. It’s a slow, lovely melody, which opens into delicate solos from Berkman in particular and Butler, too. “Hurricane” leaps forward with an intriguing rhythm that feels impatient to keep going. It would be a great song to hear live, brimming with further possibility. The drum solo from Jackson closes out the song with gusto.

“Guess Who I Saw Today” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” are both delivered with sensitive and pleasing vocal renditions. The two singers sing with passion that flows into the subsequent solos.

Another Butler original, “Oblivion Blues,” is gutsier and satisfying, with strong, heartfelt blues. That’s followed by a great arrangement of the jazz standard “Stella by Starlight,” which offers plenty of time for Butler to solo, a nice bookend to the storytelling.

“Short Stories” packs in all the elements of a great jazz CD, with originals and standards in the right mixture, lovely melodies, and focused solos that make you want more. Butler has put together a recording in which every member has a story to tell and tells it with authenticity and verve.