BeatleJazz - A Bite Of The Apple (1999)

As the group's and album's names suggest, Beatlejazz's A Bite Out of the Apple use Lennon and McCartney tunes as the basis of their jazz improvisations. Tracks like "Junk," "Come Together," "I Am the Walrus," and "Mother Nature's Son" get the jazz trio treatment, resulting in an accessible and often entertaining collection. ~ by Heather Phares, AMG. 

Marvellous!
This CD became an instant favourite of my collection. The pieces are an ingenious transformation of Beatles compositions into mainstream Jazz. Hardcore Beatles afficionados will dislike the freedom with which the musicians interpret the originals. It takes a bit of tolerance to accept Eleanor Rigby as a hard bob piece. But then, this is what Jazz is about! I particularly marvel at the well-thought-out interpretations and the technical skill of the musicians. The piano solo on "I am The Walrus" that mimics the whole orchestra piece at the end deserves particular recognition. Absolutely Great! ~ Thomas D., Amazon.com. 

Zebra Acoustic, ZA 44410-2, 2000
Recorded November, 1998 at Davis Studio, New York 

Musicians:
David Kikoski - Piano, Arranger
Charles Fambrough - Bass
Brian Melvin - Drums, Arranger 

Tracks:
1. Junk {Paul McCartney} (5:59)
2. Come Together {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:45)
3. It's Only Love {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (3:58)
4. Love {John Lennon} (7:54)
5. If I Fell {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (6:18)
6. Eleanor Rigby {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (6:27)
7. I Am The Walrus {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (6:03)
8. Within You, Without You {George Harrison} (5:12)
9. Mother Nature's Son {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (6:09) 

Total Time: 53:48 

Credits:
Producer - David Kikoski
Producer, Mixing & Mastering - Brian Melvin
Recording Engineer - Steve Davis
Mixing & Mastering - Russell Lieblich
Director - Ricky Schultz
Art Direction, Package Design - Doug Haverty

BeatleJazz - Another Bite Of The Apple (2001)

With their follow-up to A Bite of the Apple, the trio of pianist David Kikoski, bassist Charles Fambrough, and drummer Brian Melvin continue to jazz up the Beatles' songbook in relatively impressive fashion with this 2001 release. Besides the familiar melodies and memorable themes, the artists effectively inject a distinct sense of swing amid impassioned soloing and an upbeat demeanor to the Beatles' historic legacy. Here, the musicians reharmonize many of the now-familiar motifs into forums for extended improvisations, a few funk grooves, peppery interplay, and buoyantly executed rhythms, as the band should be commended for their stylized approach to the Liverpool legends' pop/rock frameworks. Thus, in lesser hands, the listener might be subjected to humdrum, straightforward renditions of songs most of us have heard ad infinitum; otherwise, the trio often instills a sense of ownership and good cheer throughout this altogether vibrant affair. ~ by Glenn Astarita, AMG. 

Zebra Acoustic, ZA 44411-2, 2001
Recorded April, 2001 at Peter Karl's Studio, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
David Kikoski - Piano, Arranger
Charles Fambrough - Bass
Brian Melvin - Drums, Arranger 

Tracks:
01. I'll Follow The Sun {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (4:03)
02. Here, There And Everywhere {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:33)
03. Let It Be {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:50)
04. Give Me Love {George Harrison} (3:52)
05. Michelle {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:20)
06. Magical Mystery Tour {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (4:12)
07. It Won't Be Long {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (3:44)
08. Blackbird {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (4:10)
09. Julia {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (4:49)
10. Blue Jay Way {George Harrison} (3:43)
11. Tomorrow Never Knows {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:36) 

Total Time: 50:52

Credits:
Producer - David Kikoski
Producer, Mixing, Concept - Brian Melvin
Executive-Producer - Ricky Schultz
Recording Engineer - Peter Karl
Mixing Engineer - Matt Baxter
Mastering Engineer - Joe Gastwirt
Art Direction, Design - Doug Haverty [Art & Soul Design]
Photography - Carl Studna, Cheung Ching Ming