Glenn Astarita Many progressive-jazz enthusiasts anticipate releases when iconic crusaders converge for a musical summit. The artists have collaborated over the years, such as drummer Jim Black’s historic vital cog-in-the-wheel presence in alto saxophonist Tim Berne’s Bloodcount band. And rounding out the trio is Nels Cline, who may be the …
Glenn Astarita German trombonist Samuel Blaser merges his classical and jazz skills with similes and progressive-jazz arrangements of Italian Renaissance composer Claudio Monteverdi. It’s a manifold sequence of works sans any contrived implications or evolvements. Blaser’s evocative phrasings are alternated with variances in tone and a highly charged emotive element. …
By: Edward Blanco Legendary Bop pianist Barry Harris once cited Larry Vuckovich as “one of the premier West Coast pianist” in the jazz world today. On this new release, Vuckovich pays tribute to the classic Blue Note label bringing back the soulful swing jazz that made its recordings so historic. …
by: Geannine Reid Renditions of Cole Porter’s classics have been explored on many jazz albums throughout the ages. So how does a musician take this concept and make a standout concept. The answer is exhibited in the latest release by veteran pianist David Leonhardt. Cole Porter’s music is clearly a …
Glenn Astarita Chances are, and perhaps unknowingly, you’ve heard guitarist Chuck Loeb performing on TV scores and commercial jingles amid his comprehensive career, spanning jazz-fusion, contemporary jazz and music productions. As a first-call session ace, Loeb has been in the thick of matters, hearkening back to the 70s. As a …
By: Edward Blanco Platinum-award-winning vocalist/lyricist Mark Winkler presents his tenth album as leader and follow up to his critically-acclaimed 2009 release, Till I Get It Right, with the sugar-coated twelve-piece Sweet Spot. Winkler surely “Gets it right” with this new album, where he offers a host of new material and …
By Bill Donaldson Make no mistake about it: The musicians on Larry Vuckovich’s most recent CD, Somethin’ Special, are jazz professionals with years, well decades, of experience shaping their techniques into means of expression that effortlessly emerge as the music flows. Vuckovich himself started in the late fifties as a …
By John Stevenson On Kaiso, his third recording as a leader, Trinbagonian trumpet maestro, Etienne Charles, cooks up an ambrosial bouillabaisse of New World music genres, with the jazz and calypso genres standing out as piquant flavours. In the Efik-Ibibio language and culture of the Nigerian delta region, the term …
By Bill Donaldson Sheryl Bailey has a big heart, that much is known. With the wisdom gained from loss and concern for survivors, Bailey has found an outlet for her empathy through music. Though Bailey has developed a reputation for blazing guitar work, she tones down the strength of her …
Mordy Ferber, “Reflection” By: Bill Donaldson Though Mordy Ferber remains relatively unknown to the general public, his work doesn’t remain unheard. Those fortunate enough to catch Ferber in a club may be entranced by his haunting compositions and inspired delivery, but anyone who watches television may have heard his themes …
