Here are a couple of releases that reflect different means of reaching the same ends; intimate, swinging yet intricate music. Guitarist Duke Robillard teams up with Brad hallen/b and Mark tixeira/dr for a mix of originals and standards, playing…
Month: October 2012
HIGH NOTES-Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring: Friendly Fire-Live at Smoke, Wallace Roney: Home
Tone! Tone! Tone! When will other musicians understand that the personal sound of a musician is what makes an artist. The trap of mindless chops has made many a student and professional succumb to anonymity, where a unique voice will…
The Groundhogs: Live at the Astoria
These guys give a whole new meaning to the term “60s Rock.” Formed in 1963, The Groundhogs have been faithful to the blues the whole 3 score of years, either on their own, or backing up the likes of John…
“OUT THERE” Music from “out there” in Minnesota-Cornelious Dufallo: Journaling, David Keberle: Caught in Time, Paul Sperry: Open House
When you think of cities that have a thriving jazz scene, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul are usually not on the short list. Let me tell you as an Angeleno-this town smokes and stomps LA! They’ve got…
Christian McBride Big Band: The Good Feeling
Are big bands still alive and well? The current economy makes it difficult for a big ensemble to tour around and make a living, but one-off or short termed projects such as this one still attempts to keep the flame burning.…
VITELLOS-THE LATEST REAL L.A. JAZZ CLUB
I’m sure everyone who reads this is terribly familiar with the bloodletting of jazz clubs in the LA area the past few years. The Bakery is gone (someday to rise like the Phoenix? It’s in my prayers), Spazios, Henri’s and…