Cool IS the Gang!! And Mayland, Too!!

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                It scarcely seems possible that bandsinger Kat Gang, already poised to become one of the nation's most rapidly-rising stars of the jazz genre in her weekly appearances at the Plaza Hotel's Rose Club and the Algonquin's Oak Room, among many others, could have possibly improved even further in just a few short months after proving herself a top-notch entertainer. But that is exactly what has taken place since establishing her alliance with musician Nate Mayland. And if their recent CD Release Party at Iridium (for their debut disc The Wishbone Project) is any indication of what the future holds for these two as well as their additional backing combo, it's safe to assume that they will soon emerge as the definitive new "Bright Young Things" of the nightlife circuit.

What becomes obvious from the get-go, other than Gang's ever-vivacious scat riffs in "Dude, I'm On Your Street," is the fact that Mayland's abilities as a trombonist are simply world-class; this kid has a slide-and-blow technique that rivals other seasoned musicians decades older. A samba rendering of "My Funny Valentine" is followed by such tunes as "After You Go," "Art and Truth" and "A Million Miles Away," and after "One Life," "Up to Speed" and "Please Don't Break My Heart," the chestnut "All the Things You Are" is delivered in not merely a swinging samba beat, but a nearly-unfathomable 5/4 rhythm. Their arrangement of "Old Devil Moon" bears an uncanny resemblance to the classic delivery of Ward Swingle, and by the time Gang, Mayland et al wind up the evening with a scat-laden "Paper Moon," any jazz-hungry audiences is inestimably sated.

In addition, mention must rightfully be given to pianist Adam Platt, who couldn't fit in more perfectly with Gang and Mayland's musical vision; he is at times tearing hungrily into each song with the aplomb of a Thelonious Monk, and at other moments as understated and elegant as a male version of Judy Collins. Whatever his future, it's certain to be sumptuous.

Kat Gang, Nate Mayland, Adam Platt and The Wishbone Project are most certain to return to Iridium in the very near future or to another fine club near you. Until then, one couldn't be better served than by purchasing a copy of their CD at http://www.cduniverse.com/sresult.asp?HT_Search=XARTIST&;HT_Search_Info=Wishbone+Project.