Monthly Archive: April 2026

Blue Moods – Directions & Expressions – Posi-Tone

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 22, 2026 | Jazz CD Reviews

A deep dive into Davis. Blue Moods – Directions & Expressions – [TrackList follows] – Posi-Tone PR8274; 61:18 [4/17/26] ****: (Diego Rivera – tenor & soprano saxophones; Art Hirahara – piano; Boris Kozlov – bass; Eli Howell – trombone; Behn Gillece – vibraphone; Vinnie Sperrazza – drums; Marc Free – producer) Blue Moods’ Directions & Expressions is the fourth tribute project in an ongoing series from the Posi-Tone label. Previous Blue Moods records celebrated Freddie Hubbard (2025’s Force & Grace), Duke Pearson  (2024’s Swing & Soul), and Charles Mingus (2022’s Myth & Wisdom). Coincidentally, a 1955 Miles Davis album was titled Blue Moods. So, it is apt the group Blue Moods now focuses on Davis. Directions & Expressions includes ten interpretations of lesser-known Davis-penned tunes. The 61-minute program has tenor and soprano saxophonist Diego Rivera, pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, trombonist Eli Howell, vibraphonist Behn Gillece and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza. The deletion of trumpet might seem unusual but it removes comparisons to Davis’ style and sound. Thus, the music is front and center and reveals Davis’ compositional command on several underappreciated songs. The sextet kicks off with “Boplicity” from 1957’s compilation Birth of the Cool. Blue Moods stretches out […]