Planet Jazz: Spike Wilner, Peter Bernstein, Grant Stewart, Joe M
Planet Jazz: In Orbit
© 2006 Sharp Nine Records (601917103626)
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A tight group of veteran New York jazz musicians who play in a blues-based hard-bop style.
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Planet Jazz was originally formed in 1992 by drummer/composer Johnny Ellis to showcase his original and unusual compositions. The original members of the group were guitarist Peter Bernstein, trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, tenor saxophonist Grant Stewart, pianist Spike Wilner and bassist Neal Miner. The band worked the small club circuit of New York City throughout the Nineties until Johnny Ellis’ untimely death in 1999.
After Johnny’s passing, Spike Wilner organized a memorial concert with the original members, who chose drummer Joe Strasser to replace Ellis. Realizing the value of having a group with more than 10 years playing experience, Wilner reorganized the music and arranged for a steady engagement at the jazz club Smalls. At Smalls, the band began to redevelop. Each member added their own compositions to the book as well as some choice standards, Ellington and repertoire suitable for the feeling of the band, which is a blend of bluesy-melodicism and New York hard-bop.
Record producer Marc Edelman of Sharp Nine Records became interested in the group and recorded their first cd “Planet Jazz: In Orbit” which was released in May of 2006. The disc met critical acclaim. Dr. Rick of Jazz247 radio had this to say: “In Orbit truly is one of my favorite releases of 2006!! Everyone on this disc improvises with maturity and creates an accessibility to the listener. It’s a recording that helps bring Jazz into a favorable light to both artists and listeners alike. Not only is the playing stellar, but the writing is simply superb! Each and every composition displays variance and contrast which is accompanied by well spaced improvisations.” Critic, John Tapscott said: “Planet Jazz's "In Orbit" is an uplifting, warmly recorded, and highly recommended CD. This superb addition to the Sharp Nine catalogue will appeal to a wide spectrum of jazz listeners.”