Here’s an intriguing disc that has a lot of good ideas, mixing a bit of traditional fusion with modern sounding concepts. Saxist Jeff Coffin leads a team that sort of sounds like a logical extension of jazz fusion groups like…
Month: November 2012
****ROTW****Three Voices: Transitions
Back in the 70s, a label called Pablo Records came up with the novel idea of just getting a handful of musicians together, telling them to play whatever they wanted, and let the tapes (back in those days) roll to…
DON’T LET THEM PASS YOU BY-Hamid Cooper: The Humble Man, Chris Greene Quartet: A Group Effort, Carol Robbins: Moraga
Here are three artists that any self respecting jazz fan will find a friend in. 1) Local cat Hamid Cooper is always performing somewhere, leading his Afro-Cuban band with percussive delight. He can play anything that hands can hit,…
THE ART OF SONG: MORE FROM ARBORS RECORDS-Chuck Folds: Chasing a Dream, Jessica Molaskey & Dave Frishberg: At The Algonquin, Rossano Sportiello, Nicki Parrott & Eddie Metz: Live at the Jazz Corner
Here are a trio of releases by the relieable Arbors Records that highlight the importance of a good composition. Here, melodies are interpreted, performed and composed by some of the best we’ve got around. Chuck Folds delivers his contribution the…
Peter Appleyard: Sophisticated Ladies, Lisa Kirchner: Charleston for You
Want female singers? We’ve got enough, in fact, maybe ONE MORE than enough here for you here. Veteran vibist Peter Appleyard has been on stage with a veritable “Who’s Who” of jazz, jamming with the likes of Goodman, Sinatra…
Gary Burton: Common Ground
Sometimes, you just forget how great some jazz artists are. This most recent release by vibist Gary Burton, who’s been with everyone from Metheny to Getz to Corea, is a wondrous and beautiful collection of musical art. His latest band…
IF THEY CAN MAKE IT THERE: BROADWAY PRODUCTIONS! Cinderella starring Julie Andrews, Candide-1974 Broadway Cast Recording, Forever Plaid: Original Cast Recording, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Original Broadway Cast with Carol Channing, Grease: The New 2007 Broadway Revival Cast
Here are some recent releases by Sony Masterworks, and they are making a yeoman’s effort to bring back some of the best and most intriguing musical productions you’ll ever want to come across. Some are being released for the first…
THE SUMMIT OF MODERN MUSIC-Kris Berg & The Metroplexity Big Band: This Time/Last Year, Nobuki Takamen: Three Wishes
Here’s a label that you need to start being friends with. Summit Records has been putting out some straight-ahead music for awhile, and this latest stash of releases is as fresh as mint tea. Bassist Kris Berg leads a big…
Cheryl Bentyne: Let’s Misbehave-The Cole Porter Songbook
The most prolific of the Transfers when they’re not in Manhattan, Cheryl Bentyne has developed an impressive catalogue of her own. This one adds to the collection with some extra style, delving into what could have been the overplayed Cole…
MANNA FROM MOSAIC HEAVEN: Charles Mingus: The Jazz Workshop Concerts 1964-1965
Ahhhh. This is the kind of stuff that makes you just love Mosaic Records. They seem to tease us with great reissues by Coleman Hawkins, Anthony Braxton and Jimmie Lunceford, but just when you think you’re lulled into having them…