While being born and dying in Chicago, Gene Ammons was considered one of the classic “Texas” Tenors, defined as one with a swaggering big smoky sound. Son of pianist Albert Ammons, Gene was able to mix the soul of R&B…
Month: August 2023
Pete McCann: Without Question
Pete McCann creates a wide swath of colors with his guitars with a team of Steve Wilson/ss-as, Henry Hey/p-key, Matt Pavolk/b and Mark Ferber/dr on this collection of originals. His guitar can be as cool as a cucumber with post…
A BELTER OF THE BLUES…Lil Green: Why Don’t You Do Right? The Career Collection 1940-51
At one time a highly popular singer in the R&B/Blues field, Lil Green is almost forgotten now, with nary a collection of her material available, so this two disc, 51 song anthology fills a needed gap. She’s best known for…
SAY AMEN…The Famous Davis Sisters: Singles Collection 1949-1962
From Philadelphia, the The Davis sisters were known as one of the most energetic of female gospel groups of the time, and that’s saying something. Usually led by pianist and organist Curtis Dublin, the sisters Ruth, Thelma, Audrey and Alfreda…
FORGOTTEN CLASSY BOPPER…Jimmy Jones: The Splendid Mr. Jones Trio & Solo
One of the overlooked piano accompanists has to be James Henry, who teamed with Sarah Vaughan for a number of years , as well as with Ella Fitzgerald. He had a classy style, well grounded in stride,akin to a mix…
John Pizzarelli Trio@ Catalina’s 08.26.23
For most of his career, John Pizzarelli has served as the standard bearer in two aspects. As demonstrated Saturday night at Catalina’s, he has set the standards for, well, standards, as the 90 minute set included material from his recent…
Vanessa Thomas: Life Is Like A Song
It’s easy to see why the likes of Doc Severinsen would sing the praises of vocalist Vanessa Thomas in the liner notes to this album. She’s got a delivery reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan, stylish, bold and flexible and with a…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****George Freeman: The Good Life
One thing veteran musicians learn through the years is not what to play, but what “not” to play. Guitarist George Freeman, at 96, has mastered space and time like few before him putting together an album for the ages with…
Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra: Kemet (The Black Land)
Javier Nero plays lead trombone and even brings in some vocals to his massive orchestra for a collection of originals. The team has a bold sound, even getting frisky at times, as on the intro to “ The Blues IReincarated” while…
Vincent Courtois-Daniel Erdmann-Robin Fincker: Nothing Else
The album by cellist Vincent Courois and the double reed team of tenor saxist Daniel Erdmann with Robin FIncker doubling on clarinet is stated “to be listened to in two parts”. Not sure what the dividing line of the 16…