Usually, you know a vocal group was excellent when one of the singers launches a solo career, such as Diana Ross or Smoky Robinson. In the case of The Impressions, they team was so strong that TWO of its singers…
Month: February 2023
Ari Joshua: Fresh
If you like your jazz high on the funk factor, check out this single by guitarist Ari Joshua. He leads a band of tenor saxist Skerik, Hammond man Delvon Lamarr and drummer Grant Schroff on this tune that sounds like…
FOLK FORMS…Stephan Micus: Thunder, Anders Jormin: Pasaco en Claro
Is jazz America’s folk music? Is folk music the world’s jazz? The lines blur on these recent ECM releases Bringing together various instruments that he’s collected around the world, Stephan Micus mixes Burmese temple bells, the bass zither, frame drum,…
NEW PIANO SOUNDS FROM NEUMA…William Duckworth: The Time Curve Preludes, Phillip Bush: Concord, Agnese Toniutti: John Cage-Sonatas & Interludes
One of the few current labels to search for new sounds, Neuma Records has released three new albums that focus on the piano, but this is not your grandmother’s piano… Composer William Duckworth has his compositions interpreted by pianist Emanuele…
Don Aliquo: Growth
Don Aliquo plays tenor sax and bass clarinet on a mix and match team of Rod McGaha/tp, Jonathan Wires-Jacob Jezioro/b, Marcus Finnie-Danny Gottlieb/dr and Steve Kovalcheck/g. The team has afeel l ike early Ornette Coleman but with a tad more…
Sharon Sable and Joe Holt: Once Upon A Summertime
The music and heart of Blossom Dearie is saluted by like minded vocalist Sharon Sable and full stride pianist Joe Holt on this cozy album of songs composed by and associated with the whimsical legend. The mood hear is friendly…
Eric Johnson @ The Majestic Ventura 02.22.23
The loss of guitar icon Jeff Beck reminds us all of the dearth of six stringers who resist resting on their laurels and continue to advance their musical craft, hopping their loyal fans will join with them in the journey.…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jim Snidero: Far Far Away
One of the more overlooked of today’s alto saxists, Jim Snidero has amassed an impressive catalogue since his days with the Akiyoshi-Tabackin Big Band. This most recent album is a brilliant affair, with Snidero bringing in the tensile guitar workings…
THE SWINGING TUNDRA…Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra: Voices-A Musical Heritage
Manitoba is bopping to th sounds of The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Richard Gillis and featuring impressive material from him as well as John Stetch, Michelle Gregoire, Jeff Presslaff and Marco Castillo. There’s a three part “The Parallel Steppes”…
Joel Quarrington: The Music of Don Thompson
Rich sonatas of bass and piano are created by bassist Joe Quarrington teamed with pianist/composer Don Thompson, as the two explore the latter’s own penmanship and a bit extra. The series of duets have the two brooding and agonizing with…