Jeff Libman - Feet Off the Ground (2025) [Hi-Res]

Feet Off the Ground is a jazz quartet album led by guitarist Jeff Libman, inspired by jazz guitar masters such as Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, and Peter Bernstein. As those artists tell familiar stories in new ways, Libman seeks to do the same, with fresh arrangements of American Songbook tunes “A Sleepin’ Bee,” “You’re My Thrill,” “Violets For Your Furs” and “Love Letters,” as well as a mixed-meter reimagining of Dexter Gordon’s hard bop classic “Cheese Cake,” and a crackling version of Ariana Grande’s contemporary pop song “No Tears Left to Cry.” Along with two original compositions, a gorgeous ballad, and a gem by Antonio Carlos Jobim,

Feet Off the Ground captivates from beginning to end. In addition to his arrangements and compositions, Libman brings a nuanced, thoughtful approach to melodies and improvisation. Pianist Michael Kocour, longtime sideman to Benny Golson and James Moody, here displays his trademark accompaniment skills as well as his swinging ebullience as a soloist. Bassist Ben Hedquist, a highly creative player and composer in his own right, finds the perfect balance of support and interaction here. And the incomparable Lewis Nash, a living legend of the jazz drums, contributes his unparalleled musicality to the group sound.

Jeff Libman (guitar)
Michael Kocour (piano)
Ben Hedquist (acoustic bass)
Lewis Nash (drums)

Tracklist:
1 No Tears Left to Cry
2 A Sleepin' Bee
3 You're My Thrill
4 Cheese Cake
5 Violets for Your Furs
6 Fooled in the Past
7 The Elbow
8 Love Letters
9 But Beautiful
10 Só Tinha de Ser Com Você