I literally switched on to jazz at the age of ten through Willis Conover’s historic radio show, the Voice of America Jazz Hour. That show became the inspiration for me to produce and present the Voice of Barbados Jazz Beat from 1995 to 2000. I have been reviewing jazz …
JazzTrenzz Karl Stober Tracks: In Joy; Cross-Fada; One For Elegua; Fortunate Action; Star Crossed Lovers; Tell Me A Bed Time Story; Wise Mind; Non Linear; Eternal Recurrence. Personnel: Alex Snydman: drums 1-9; Chris Pattishall: piano 1,5,6; Doug Abrams: piano 2,3,8,9; Miro Sprague: piano 4,7; Alec Derian: bass 1,3,4,5,6,7,8; Tyler Heydolph: …
There are numerous labors of love involving jazz recordings because of participants’ passionate devotion to the music. The Magic of 2 is one of those. Isn’t it interesting how just a few moments of magic remain unforgettable even decades later? Todd Barkan, who heard many of those bright moments at …
“Getaway” Deepens the Mystery of Lisa Hilton Tracks: Getaway; Just For Fun; Stormy Monday Blues; Stepping Into Paradise; Evening Song; City Streets; Lost & Found; Emergency; Turning Tables; Unforgotten; Stop & Go; Slow Down; Huckleberry Moon. Personnel: Lisa Hilton: piano; Larry Grenadier: bass; Nasheet Waits: drums There comes a time …
Christian Howes is, and has always been, not just a jazz violinist, but also a jazz innovator who searches for inventive means of expression as he expands the potential for his instrument. Because that’s the nature of his intellect and his personality, Howes would be exploring new musical pathways even …
Sherri Roberts too has decided that she wants to present her voice accompanied solely by piano. Not only does this opportunity provide her with the freedom to delve into the songs she favors as deeply and at such lengths as she desires. It also allows her bravely to present herself …
By Bill Donaldson Several traits about Jackie Ryan are true. She always works with top-shelf jazz musicians, no matter where she records. She has wide-ranging musical intelligence and curiosity, and thus her choices for her albums remain unpredictable and delectable. She has mastered voice control so that she can extend …
By: Edward Blanco Tenor saxophonist Peter Brainin, pianist Noah Haidu, bassist Marcus McLaurine and drummer Steve Johns are all veteran musicians and stars in their own right. Together, they form one of the most dynamic jazz quartets around. Calling themselves Native Soul, the group follows their most impressive Soul Step …
BOOK REVIEW: AFRICAN RHYTHMS: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF RANDY WESTON. By Randy Weston and Willard Jenkins. 319 pp. Duke University Press. Pianist, composer, bandleader, National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, Randy Weston’s long-anticipated, much-talked-about, consciousness-raising, African-centered autobiography, African Rhythms, is a serious breathe of fresh air and is a …
Glenn Astarita This Scandinavian trio featuring eminent German trumpeter and cunning improviser Axel Dörner strikes a golden chord via a diverse outlook, containing ferocious free-bop jaunts, vivid expressionism, and a treasure trove of guileful deviations. Dorner’s throaty air current manipulations offer a bizarre and unassuming launch to the proceedings on …
