Guitarist Mark Scott has a warm and clean Kenny Burrellish feel to his touch, working well with the subtle and lyrical team of Ben Triesch/b and Mike Gordon/dr on this collection of originals. With Gordon mostly on the deft brushes,…
Month: February 2025
Ermelinda Cuellar: Under A Lavender Sky
Vocalist Ermelinda Cuellar gives rich South American flavors to jazz standards as well as tunes from her own Peruvian heart on this alluringly exotic album. The mix of Darrell Lavigne/p, Anthony Caceres/b, Greg Petito/g, Jerre Jackson/dr, Sam Dinkins III-Marlon Simon/perc…
WIDE WALE CHORDS…Russ Anixter’s Hippie Big Band: What Is?
Band leader Russ Anixter digs into the rock sounds of the Baby Boomers for a hoot of an album that mixes big band jazz charts with the Age of Aquarius. The eleven piece band (along with some guests) have a…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN****…John Coltrane: A Love Supreme 60th Anniversary Edition
Back in 1965, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme was released and changed the direction of popular music since. Not only was the album a musical tour de force, but the entire theme behind the album, dedicating oneself to God, was…
The Dennis Spencer Group: Bluesman From Jupiter
Blues rocker Dennis Spencer sings and plays guitar with guests Mikal Majeed/key, Terence Johnson/dr, Tracy Hart/voc and guest Bobby Warren on this stripped down collection of originals. He talks through the boogie on the storied “Bluesman From Jupiter” and does…
Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni: Javon & Nikki Go To The Movies
Warm toned saxist Javon Jackson salutes movie themes with poet Niki Giovanni and vocalist Nicole Zuraities taking turns with a rhythm team of Jeremy Manasia/p, David Williams/b and Hunter/dr. Sans voices, Jackson croons on the Selmer himself on an easy…
INSPIRATIONS OF SINATRA AND BIRD…The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra: All The Hits and More
While only together a short time due to brotherly rivalry and tempers the big band of alto saxist Jimmy and trombonist Tommy Dorsey was a major influence on modern music. Jimmy’s alto style was an inspiration to none other than…
A RENAISSANCE MAN…Andre Previn: Early Years 1945-53
Few artists have had as wide a ranging career as Andre Previn. While known these days as a classical conductor, he’s also made a living as a writer for movie soundtracks such as Elmer Gantry, Bad Day at Black Rock…
David Janeway: Forward Motion
Mainstream pianist David Janeway forms an impressive trio with famed drummer Billy Hart and bassist Cameron Brown. His allegiance to Thelonious Monk is shown on a pair of tunes, such as the bouncy read of “Bemsha Swing” and then a…
Jack Wood & Nichaud Fitzgibbon: Movie Magic
Vocalists Jack Wood and Nichaud Fitzgibbon team up with ensembles arranged by Ken Schroder and guitarist Joe Lano for a tribute to famed soundtracks. The Jack Jones-inspired Wood is rich and comforting, while Fitzgibbon’s clear Broadway crystalline voice shines brightly.…