Joe Policastro Trio – Pops

July 1, 2016 / No Comments / Tags: Andy Brown, Andy Pratt, Dave Miller, Joe Policastro, Mikel Avery, thejazzpage.com

(JeruJazz Records)


Pops, the second recording from Joe Policastro and his trio, takes its name from the Chicago-based Pops for Champagne venue where the band has performed since 2011. The project’s name also references the pop standards which are the centerpiece of this production. With Policastro on bass, Dave Miller on guitar and Mikel Avery on drums, the unit delivers wonderfully cool renditions of compositions of tunes by Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder, NeilYoung, Tom Waits and Pink Floyd. There’s also a nice medley of  the late artist Prince’s tunes, recorded well before his death in April. Guitarists Andy Brown and Andy Pratt also guest on the project as well. A very steady work of musicianship.

Click to listen to a clip of “Take It With Me”:


Tracks: Wives and Lovers, Harvest Moon, Creepin’, Wave of Mutilation, More Than a Woman, Prince Medley: Condition of the Heart, Diamonds and Pearls, Me and Mrs. Jones, Us and Them, Take It With Me, Drive.

Website:JoePolicastro.com