Jazz master, pianist and arranger Ted Howe rocks on his second release on Summit, swingin’ the music of pop/rock icon Elton John with full aplomb into the jazz scene! Joined by jazz superstars Joe LaBarbera and John Patitucci, this disc delivers what Howe fans have learned to expect – the unexpected and the extraordinary. Ted Howe invents and uncovers Elton’s jazz roots, from vintage favorites to obscure gems and contemporary classics. Originally hailing from Boston as a student of famed Berklee teacher Harry Smith, Howe eventually joined the Berklee faculty himself. He then went on to tour, conduct, arrange and play with some of the most famous names in show business, including Mel Torme, Bud Shank, Zoot Sims, Buddy DeFranco and Joe Williams, to name a few. Striding in as Fats Waller, then swinging with Nat King Cole-style block chords, Howe’s “Bennie and the Jets” blasts from the past to any generation. As a cha-cha, you’ll love “All the Girls Love Alice” too much to sit down, as subtle harmonic sophistication reinvents the story of “Alice.” Elton’s eloquent instrumental “Carla Etude” inspired Howe’s jazz waltz treatment à la Bill Evans. Sink into John Patitucci’s haunting arco bass and Joe LaBarbera’s brushes and spice. Greasin’ in from big band to blues, “Philadelphia Freedom” takes on a new identity. But, believe it, Elton devotees can still sing along! On “Border Patrol,” Patitucci’s exquisite upper register floats in a contemporary melodic presence...but gospel soon takes hold as this trio com-mu-ni-cates! Howe’s translation of “Circle of Life”: mambo! Vibrant, fast-moving and fiery, this is an exciting, virtuostic display of Latin percussion, expanding the “Circle” beyond the jungle. Sinatra missed “Blues Eyes”...but you won’t, as Howe strides in again for a time travel back to the days of classic dark lounges for this romantic gem.