One of the world's premier jazz violinists, Harry Scorzo is also equally adept in all styles and eras of classical and latin music. In 30-plus years as a top professional in Southern California, he's developed major skills as a composer, arranger, bandleader and recording artist and producer. Many of these attributes are displayed on his latest cd, Lazy Thursday, which features Harry and a stellar combo. His wife, the great vocalist Didi Scorzo, shares the spotlight on two standout tracks. The opening title cut (a Scorzo original, as are all the non-vocal tunes) is an attractive, easygoing straight-ahead number with subtly sophisticated harmonies. The relaxed tempo affords Harry the opportunity to double-time in a decidedly non-lazy manner, showing his formidable chops and mastery of superimposed chords. Pianist Joe Rotondi and bass player Eddie Resto, longtime veterans of L.A.'s salsa and latin jazz scenes, show they can swing with the best of them. The humorously titled "Brakes are Bad" is up-tempo and up to the minute in its combining post-bop lines with a modified samba beat. Here Harry, Joe and drummer Chris Garcia shine. "The Girl from Ipanema" steps out slower than usual in a new minor key dress that brings out the melancholy aspect of the English lyrics, as sung with perfect tone and intonation by Didi. Harry's accompaniment to the vocal is a sensitive shadow and his solo is a compact gem, while Joe's work is exemplary. The latin jazz "La Venta" has Harry spicing his melody with imaginative high harmonics (the breezy, whistling effect) and left hand pizzicato, techniques of the virtuoso violinist he is. His improv again features his propensity for "outside" ideas, a direction that the brilliant Rotondi follows in his solo. "Rives Park" (partly in 7/8 time) is a happy energetic romp with a latin tinge and a slight echo of Brubesck's "Blue Rondo a la Turk", with solos by Harry and Joe. "Dad's Andante" is the kind of slow swinger that has its roots in the Lunceford and 50's Basie big bands, somewhat akin to Neal Hefti's "Girl Talk" in its feel. Again, the laid back tempo brings out some of Harry's most complex utterances, textbook examples of cutting edge jazz. Joe and Eddie contribute as well. "Up and Free" echoes fusion jazz, with its aspects of latin and funk, but is rendered in a very loose and flexible manner, both in the solos and the rhythm backing. "Adjusted Viewpoint" allows Eddie Resto some elastic fills in the head, then plunges into another intriguing solo by Harry, who's style is not just harmonically hip, but features phrasing to which any jazz horn player could relate. Joe and Eddie follow suit with relaxed statements. Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life", usually a male vocal, proves to be a fine female showcase for Didi, who somehow navigates the double time latin beat with a mixture of sass and sadness that defines a new approach to this perennial standard. Harry's short solo shows him at his bluesiest. This unique arrangement could change everyone's conception of this song. "Didi's Lament" (an instrumental dedication) shows Harry's awareness, as a composer and interpreter, of the complexities and sadnesses of existence while never losing sight of the joys and life-affirming truths that keep most of us moving on. Joe Rotondi's solo here could be exhibit "A" in the argument for his inclusion among the great jazz pianists of our age. The concluding "Phat Rag" is not ragtime but a seamless melding of swinging jazz bass, post Chick/Herbie/McCoy piano accompaniment and violinistics of which Ponty, Goodman, Urbaniak, Seifert, Blake, Carter and their contemporaries would heartily approve. Harry belongs right up there with these giants. So far, the major jazz festivals and periodicals are unaware that music making at this level exists on the "left coast". Fair warning. This standard of performance can't be ignored. Look out world, here comes Harry Scorzo.

I've known Harry Scorzo for many years he is my dear friend, musician, arranger producer and also we have been playing together on and off for many years. I just want to recommend this CD where Harry and the band are smoking and for sure you will like it too'.

My overall impression of Lazy Thursday was one of masterful musicianship combined with inspired interpretation of this beautiful material. I was also struck by the form of the album which took me through pristine mountain streams that would change into rapids and then descend into a gorgeous lake of music. One surprise was Didi Scorzo who, in my estimation is right up there with Diana Krall and Carmen McRae. The solos on the CD were all exceptional and Scorzo's tone was extraordinary. This is one CD that I will never get tired of listening to.

I have always thought Harry was one of the most incredible musicians I have ever worked with. He has a thorough knowledge of the history of his instrument, and a casual approach to his own brilliance.