Just toe-tapping, finger snappin’ melodic jazz, on Standardize, a play on words for what jazz musicians call songs that have become the standard of what to play. Marshall McDonald (Count Basie, Lionel Hampton) tenor saxophone John Colianni (Les Paul, Lionel Hampton) piano (tracks 2, 3, 8, 9) Jim West (solo artist, record producer) piano (tracks 1, 4, 5, 6, 7) Bill Moring (Count Basie) acoustic bass James Mola (Tony Bennett) drums With a top notch line-up of New York City veterans, with special guest, the amazing Oscar Peterson influenced pianist from Les Paul and Mel Torme, John Colianni. Marshall and John first met while playing with the great Lionel Hampton, who called Colianni his “favorite piano player!” John unleashes a flurry of notes, and energy on every solo. Jim West rounds out the rest of the session with his Bill Evan’s style of tasty notes, Jim has been executive producer on over 50 recordings, and his cool style reflects his maturity. Marshall and Bill share that common denominator of both playing with The legendary Count Basie Band. The synergy of time and swing between them is evident. This outing includes a joyous rendition of “Just in Time.” It reminds me of all the legends that come from Marshall’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Stanley Turrentine, Errol Garner, Roy Eldridge, George Benson, Earl “Fatha” Hines, in Marshall’s solo you can hear that “Pittsburgh” Style come through. “Yesterdays” displays the amazing pyro-technics of the Art Tatum based style of Johnny Colianni, he spent years playing with the great Les Paul, don’t miss this swingin’ track, and Marshall has a clear nod to his teacher in New York City, the great George Coleman. Invitation again shows off Mr. Colianni, and Have You Met Miss Jones is a tribute to the great Illinois Jacquet. Mr. McDonald played in Jacquet’s big band and the influence on his tenor playing is most evident on this slow toe tapper, a nod to Mr. Jacquet's version recorded 40 years ago. A fun time is had by all on You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To, and one of the most fun tracks on the recording is Sweet Georgia Brown. They pop the tempo up a notch for a tribute to Lester Young of the Count Basie Orchestra with Lester Leaps In, and a change of pace with Fungi Mama, which has become a standard piece of Marshall’s band around New York clubs these days. When you hear One O’Clock Jump, you know that’s the end of the set, and John Colianni was playing so much piano, that Marshall, ala Lionel Hampton, kept shouting in the studio, “one more chorus Gates, one more!”. Pure fun, jazz and joy!! The last track was a moment of testing the mic before John arrived at the studio in the morning with just Marshall, Bill and James. Marshall displays his understanding of John Coltrane, which we know as he develops his sound, we expect to hear more of that influence on later recordings. STANDARDIZE, sets the Standard, swingin’ and fun and joy, is a must have, good with any dinner party, and best with red wine! 5 Stars! review by Buckshot LeFonque