Back in the day, piano trios were used as backups to play standards for soloists as the famed teams lead by Oscar Peterson and Red Garland, swinging units all their own or rich post bop models in the likes of…
Author: George W. Harris
A SWINGING DECADE…America’s Number Ones of the 40s
Blues, ballads, and big bands ruled the day during the 1940s, with the beginning and ascent of a plethora of artists that defined, created and embodied subsequent generations of music fans. This six disc set contains 130 songs that range…
Paul Nelson: Over Under Through
Singer, songwriter, keyboardist and guitarist Paul Nelson creates rural and sepia moods on this collection of mostly originals. He mixes and matches with Kevin Barry/g-stg, Richard Gates/b, John Sands/dr, Tom Eaton/perc-org, Jeff Oster/tp-fh and other guests. Nelson’s voice and delivery…
Carlos Santana: In Search of Mona Lisa
This ep by Carlos Santana focuses on a trip to the Louvre and reflections on the legendary Mona Lisa painting. Declaratory vocals, a pulsating groove and clear guitar lines make up a wonderful title track. Slithering percussion and piano team…
Christian Li & Mike Bono: Visitors
Pianist/keyboardist Christian Li and guitarist Mike Bono co-lead rich and lyrical post bop team of Jared Henderson/b, Lee Fish-Jimmy Macbride/dr, Dayna Stephens/ts, Alex Hargreaves/vi and Chris Marion/str through nice warm originals. Gentle thoughts prevail on this album, with Stephens’ warm…
Allison Au Quartet: Wander Wonder
Allison Au plays a sleek and warm alto sax not dissimilar to Phil Woods, leading a quartet with Todd Pentney/p-key, Jon Maharaj/b and Fabio Ragnelli/dr through ten of her compositions. Except for the synthetic spaciness of the opening track “The…
Minco Eggersman/Theodoor Borger/Mathias EIck: Unifony
Soft and ambient moods with trumpeter Mathias Eick teaming with Minco Eggersman and Theodoor Borger for a collection of intuitive interactions. The moods range from soft pitter patter percussion and piano on “Whisper” and “Ghostly” alongside sighing and fragile trumpet…
Jared Sims: The New York Sessions
Jared Sims plays both baritone and tenor sax, leading a quartet of Chris McCarthy/p, Alex Tramblay/b and Evan Hyde/dr through five modern originals. His baritone is thick and rich with some sleek piano and guiding cymbals on “Brooklyn Tea.” Trembly…
Atomic Road Kings: Clean Up the Blood
A deep dish of Chicago blues is served up by vocalist/guitarist “Big” Jon Anderson and a gritty team of Eric VonHerzen/harp, Bill Stuve/b, Danny Michel/g, Tony Delgado/g, Scot Smart/g, Malachi Johnson/dr and guest Robert Welsh/p on this dozen blue tinged…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****MASTER AND COMMANDER…Harold Mabern: The Iron Man Live at Smoke
A side man back in the day for the likes of Lee Morgan, Grant Green, Art Farmer and Wes Montgomery, pianist Harold Mabern is finally getting the accolades as a leader in his own right. Here, the 82 year old…