Pianist and composer Sasi Shalom brings together the impressive team of Donny McCaslin/ts-ss, Antonio Sanchez/dr and Desmond White/b for a collection of post modern originals. Shalom’s got a gentle touch, which is demonstrated on the undulating “Shari” while assertiveness is…
Month: February 2013
Erin Boheme: What A Life
After releasing her intriguing and promising debut at the age of 17, vocalist Erin Boheme pulled a Madeleine Peyroux and went into hiding for about 5 years before coming back for a followup. This one is produced by Michael Buble’,…
WHERE MODERN MUSIC BEGINS-Bessie Smith: The Complete Columbia Recordings
There are a handful of albums or boxed sets that are essential to truly understand American music, as well as this thing we call jazz. This 10 cd set recently released by Sony Music is definitely one of them. Yes,…
Tony Bennett: Viva Duets
If you’re expecting this collection of Tony Bennett linking up with Latin vocalists like Thalia, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estfan and Franco De Vita to be the crooner’s foray into salsa music, forget it. Except for the last track, a lovingly…
Carsten Dahl Solo Piano: Dreamchild
Pianist Carsten Dahl has previously released solo sessions, but this latest release is a bit of a change in a couple of ways. All of the contemplative pieces are numbered, and reflect a child’s fascination and innocence with life. Here,…
Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet@Kirk Douglas Theatre 02.22.13
One of the true marks of an artist is that he’s grasped that golden ring of “having your own voice.” Guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel has developed a recording catalogue and touring career based on not only his unique approach to his…
John Beasley’s MONKestra@Vitello’s 02.20.13
John Beasley wasn’t far off the mark when he half-jokingly stated at the start of the Vitello’s gig that “I’ve been on a city-wide tour this year.” For the past 6 weeks, the keyboardist has rolled back into his tin…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Dan Block: Duality
Maybe it’s because I got into jazz listening to Eddie Lang duets, but I’m just a sucker for when two artists get together and converse together with their instruments. Here, you’ve got Dan Block on saxes and clarinets, and he…
WHY ALWAYS OVERLOOKED? Carmen McRae: Sings Lover Man
When you think of the first tier of female jazz singers, what comes to your mind? The triad of Holiday, Fitzgerald and Vaughan, of course. I’ve never understood why Carmen McRae always seemed like the fifth wheel ; she may…
Ike & Tina: On the Road 1971-72 dvd
Here is a fascinating 81 minute documentary/travelogue of one of the most important R&B teams to ever come around. Ike and Tina Turner had a road show that influenced just about every pop singer around, most notably Mick Jagger of…