Album Notes

Review of Hi-Fly by D. Oscar Groomes - O's Place Jazz Magazine
Charlotte, NC - www.OsPlaceJazz.com
Vocalist Marc Pompe has performed with bassist Dennis Carroll, Alejandro Urzagaste (g) and George Flubas (d) long enough to be seamless. The addition of pianist Jodi Christian is special for Hi-Fly and he fits in like a custom made glove. They open with "Alone Together", a bop tune followed by the classic "Shiny Stockings". Marc places his voice among the instruments as a blended ingredient rather than a layer on top. The well-articulated words pop out with a message. This style makes repeated listening enjoyable. Pompe also allows his band to stretch out on numerous occasions. We enjoyed Jodie's solo on "Embraceable You", George on "Well You Needn't" and Alejandro shadowing Marc on "Hot House". This is a winner!

Review of Hi-Fly by ChicagoJazz.net
Veteran singer jazz Marc Pompe is a respected veteran of the Chicago jazz scene, who has spent time in New York City and the Northeast as well as the Virgin Isles. A solid interpreter of the Great American Songbook, Pompe's brand of vocalizes should appeal to those listeners who enjoy male vocalists ala Kurt Elling or Mel Torme. Pompe has a relaxed-sounding voice that can range from ringing to husky to pleasantly nasal, an ability to scat convincingly and an assured sense of phrasing culled from his years of experience entertaining club audiences. On Hi-Fly, Pompe recruited a first rate group of musicians, including bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas. Underrated guitarist Alejandro Urgzagaste adds a welcome touch, while legendary pianist Jodie Christian fills the piano chair admirably. Standout tracks include "Alone Together" "Shiny Stockings" and Randy Weston's title track - which is a regular highlight of Pompe's live sets. Oft-covered songs like "How Deep is the Ocean," "Embraceable You" and "One for My Baby" are joined by enjoyable numbers like Victor Feldman's "Haunted Ballroom," Tadd Dameron's "Good Bait" and a captivating medley of "Hot House" (scatted) and "What is This Thing Called Love." A fine throwback to an earlier golden era of jazz vocals.

Review of Hi-Fly
Dick Crockett; 'the voice' 88.5 fm Sacramento, CA.
"Jazz singer Marc Pompe is a true jazz style vocalist with a strong voice, excellent control and phrasing, between the lines. It's like that for the true prodigious of the lost art. For it's all about the search of something, in this case it's a real, Marc Pompe, a man true to his art, demonstrating his own time, phrase and space as in "Midnight Sun." Pianist Jodie Christian, veteran and Chicago's finest sits in as a prominent feature on this CD. Believe me, you'll know it, as soon as you hear it, for there's an off quick track alliance going on here with accompanists appear with potent bop tunes of a jazz artist, as,"Hi-Fly," "The Midnight Sun,""Hot House," and "Good Bait." I'm not up for snuff, so I'll sign off."


Liner Notes: The old adage, "I don't know much about art but I know it when I see it" comes to life when you hear Jodie Christian. Anybody who has had the benefit of knowing him or playing with him has experienced the rare: a real artist. An artist creates an atmosphere by imposing his individuality and large personality on life and music. This was always true for Jodie. A Superb pianist for over 50 years, he has brought his limitless artistry to Everyone from Coleman Hawkins to Eddie Harris, to the AACM. Through the years that Marc, George, Alejandro and I have played with and come to know Jodie, we learned first hand what an artist is. Most musicians one encounters are merely craftsmen. They have honed enough skills and learned all the right rules to get through gigs and to know not to trespass over the prescribed boundaries. Jodie was the first musician we encountered who transcended that. He showed us what it was like to turn music into a search for truth - a search that he invites his fellow musicians on every time he plays. The only rules he follows on this search are the ones that say 'be true to yourself', push the boundaries if your imagination demands it never compromise the music. Marc, Alejandro, George and I had never played together with Jodie. This recording was our chance to do so. We hope you like it....