“Cique (pronounced ‘sick’) is a strange name for such a healthy and organic fusion band. On the other hand, this music is so good, it’s sick. From the opening groove on this remarkable CD, the music is as good as it gets in the post Miles, Golden Age of fusion.”

Rick Calic
Jazz Rock World”

Holly Hofmann/Mike Wofford - Live at Athenaeum Jazz Vol. 2

“…there's a musical empathy between them (as well, apparently, as the warm acoustics of the room) that gives this outing an absolutely full, rich sound. On both original compositions and covers of jazz standards, Hofmann and Wofford play off each other, trading lead and harmony, using space as much as the notes they play. The result is a straight-ahead jazz album that swings with joy and good humor, but holds enough serious playing to make you want to listen to it over and again.”

---- Jim Trageser

Bob Hamilton Trio - WixWax

Pianist Bob Hamilton helps to define the modern mainstream of jazz on his latest CD, WixWax. A virtuoso who could probably play anything but shows a great deal of restraint, Hamilton has through the years worked with many top jazz all-stars including
Joe Henderson, James Moody, Lou Donaldson, Frank Morgan and Charlie Rouse. Fans of modern jazz piano trios will enjoy this high-quality effort.

Scott Yanow – L.A. Jazz Scene

Chip Stephens Trio - Holding on to What Counts

Hold on to your hats! Here comes another pianist to dazzle you. The trio grabs your attention right out of the chute with Cookin’ At The Continental, a Horace Silver tune at breakneck tempo. Chip Stephens is the complete trio pianist.

George Fendel – Jazz Society of Oregon

Chie Imaizumi - Unfailing Kindness

JAPANESE-BORN COMPOSER Chie Imaizumi (pronounced Chee-ay Ee-my-zu-me) focused her musical talent on piano from the age of four through her early college career in her home country, but switched focus to composing when enrolling at Berklee College of Music in 2001. Imaizumi met trumpeter Greg Gisbert while he was performing with Maria Schneider's band in New York. A demo of Imaizumi's band at the North Sea Jazz Festival led Gisbert to arrange for Imaizumi to come to Denver to record Unfailing Kindness. The CD, which features Gary Smulyan on baritone sax along with the staples of the Denver jazz scene, is representative of the best of current large ensemble recordings. Imaizumi's compositions are exuberant and, surprisingly, very American, with New Orleans and gospel influences. Mostly upbeat - except for the sweetly sad "Lonely" - this album delights with strong performances and uplifting compositions.

- Ed Trefzger - JazzWeek