If you’re in the mood for jazzy swing tunes, then ‘Brooklyn Oasis’ by Ken Serio Quartet is your ticket! Bringing me back to my high school days where I played alto saxophone for jazz band and just fell in love with this style of music. With all the freedom to improvise and fuse different stylings, jazz allows one to express him or herself to the highest level. This is one aspect I always appreciated about Jazz, as an art form, and Ken Serio Quartet continues to carry the torch for this timeless music with ‘Brooklyn Oasis’.
Ken Serio has been playing drums since he was 11 years old and he hasn’t missed a beat since then. Serio is an accomplished drummer with several decades of experience working with a number of successful acts in the music industry. ‘Brooklyn Oasis’ is the latest project by Ken Serio Quartet and it’s safe to say that musical magic was caught on tape. The Quartet includes Ken Serio on drums, Dave Mullen on tenor sax, Tomoko Ohno on piano and also features legendary bassist Ron Carter.
The record kicks off with the perfect “Changes” where the mood is set right away and it’s a toe-tappin’, finger-snappin’—kind of feel. The listener will hear delightful instrumentation on “Changes” that will put some positive pep in your step. I have to say that all musicians played flawlessly here proving that “Changes” is the perfect opening number. Next, a mellow sensation and calming flow of notes rushes past your ears on “Dindi”. A classy, lounge-type atmosphere is detected on “Dindi”, but please no smoking. Ken Serio Quartet is making a BIG splash on “Oceans in the Sky” where a smooth texture & brightly-filled space is overflowing with sensational solos. A cool breeze of sound comes crashing into your ear canals on “Oceans in the Sky”, so be sure to soak it all up. A touching and tender touch is heard next on “For Michael” where an emotional tone is detected. “For Michael” will keep you engaged and will captivate you with its soft playing that packs a powerful punch. The title track, “Brooklyn Oasis”, is up next and the audience is subjected to a wonderful world full of vibrant notes and colorful sections. “Brooklyn Oasis” is a perfect example of world-class musicians coming together to create a composition that will leave a lasting impression on listeners. A soothing vibe fills the room and pleases your senses on the following track, “Your Own Sweet Way”. Ken Serio Quartet is hittin’ you with the “Hard Eights” where jazz and elegance collide. It’s time to class up the joint with some stylish playing on “Skylark”. Ken Serio Quartet invites you to slow dance with your special someone on “Skylark” because the mood is set and the time is right!
‘Brooklyn Oasis’ is an excellent jazz record and swings in the right direction. Ken Serio Quartet knocked it out of the park here with eight, high-quality recordings with each track having its own, distinct identity. I can’t wait to hear more from this talented bunch, but for now take an eventful trip to ‘Brooklyn Oasis’ and enjoy the sweets sounds of Ken Serio Quartet.
By Jimmy Rae
