After being knocked out by the debut album by tenor saxist Julieta Eugenio (Jump), I made a note to check her out in concert to see if her breathy tone sounded as good in person as on record. Well, the…
Month: June 2022
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Somi: Zenzile-The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba
Vocalist Somi Kakoma is one of the few artists who have successfully bridged modern jazz with African roots. Born in Illinois, and currently living in New York, her Rwanda/Uganda-born parents have passed on an appreciation of the passions of Africa’s…
THE MAN WHO INVENTED THE TENOR SAX…Coleman Hawkins: 1945-1957-The Complete Albums Collection, 1960-1962-The Complete Albums Collection
You can argue until you are blue in the face as to who has been the “best” tenor saxist of all time, but there is no arguing who the first actually was, and many still argue that he was also…
HEALTHY BONES…Steve Davis: Bluesthetic
Always reliable and always under the radar, trombonist Steve Davis , an alumnus of the schools of Art Blakey and Jackie McLean, has made some impressive sliding better than Rickey Henderson with his trombone. His latest album is a mainstream…
Cameron Graves: Live From The Seven Spheres
Having spent tie with the likes of Stanley Clarke and Kamasi Washington, pianist Cameron graves released an impressive debut album last year (Seven) which included the leader with his team of Max Gerl/b, Colin Cook/g and Mike Mithell/dr and guest…
Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters: Mercy Me
Guitarist Ronnie Earl digs deep into the blues with his Broadcasters of Dave Limina/p-B3, Diane Blue/voc, Paul Kochanski/b and Forrest Padgett/dr along with a hip horn section of Mark Earley/bs, Mario Perrett/ts and guests Anthony Geraci/p, Peter Ward/g and Tess…
Kali Rodriguez-Pena: Melange
Trumpeter and composer Kali Rodriguez-Pena mixes traditional Cuban sounds with modern hard bop on this exciting album with his core team of Kazemde George/ts, Gabriel Chakarji/p-key, Bam Bam Rodriguez/b, Zack O’Farrill/dr Victor Pable Garcia/perc along with guests Gina D’Soto-Jeremy Bosch/voc…
Chiara Izzi, featuring Andrea Rea: Live In Bremen
Intimate voiced Chiara Izzi duets with pianist Andrea Rea for a 2018 concert recorded “live” in a Bremen German studio. The seven pieces are alluring conversations, all serene and gentle. The two are gentle partners on the muted “Miradas” while…
Josean Jacobo Trio: Herencia Criolla
Pianist Josean Jacobo mixes traditional Afro Cuban sounds and post bop jazz with his team of Daroll Mendez/b, Otoniel Nicolas/dr and a collection of guests on this recent album. Almost every tune features a taped introduction of some tripbal chants,…
Alulne Wade: Sultan
A mix of musical cultures takes place with Senegalese bassist/vocalist Alune Wade, best known for his teaming up with Marcus Miller a few years ago for the Davis alumnus’ Afrodeezia album. Leading his own team, he gives out sounds combining…