Brad Schrader - LateNights (2025)

I once asked my friend Matt, who headed the Jazz Department at the local college, what the most difficult thing it was for his students to learn. Without hesitation, he replied, “No one knows how to play a melody perfectly; they have no knowledge of the concept of the song”

The local jazz student body could do no worse to listen to this latest release by vocalist Brad Schrader, who gives honor and respect mixed with his own personal style on this latest release. He’s supported by the supple team of Jerry Vezza/p-dir, Alex Claffy/b, Andrew Van Tassell/ts and Khary Abdul-Shahid/dr , and, as the album title suggests, gives a “last set for the evening” to the collection of standards, . He makes you feel like the chairs are being stacked, the tables cleared and the place is almost empty, so the band is just gonna sit back and have a good time entertaining the loyal remaining lounge lizards.

Schrader keeps the songbook fresh with a nifty little intro with Claffy on “You Do Something To Me” before gliding over the entrance of the remaining rhythm team. He also mixes it up with Abdul-Sahid’s brushes on a richly desultory “It’s All Right With Me” before the drums give an exerted workout to add to the desperation of the moment. Both Schrader and tenor saxist Tassell deliver fluffy clouds of tenderness that float on “Skylark” with the two exude comfort and calm confidence on a relaxing “Time After Time” that makes Chet Baker sound anxious in comparison. Director and pianist Veza sets a sashaying tone on “Corcovado” that lets Schrader deliver the lyrics like quiet stars, while “I Wish I Knew” has Schrader and the team deliver a full moon of wonder. A nice after hours album that you can take in any time of the day to appreciate.~ By George W. Harris