I have no idea how Uptown Records comes up with these gems, but this time they found a cache from a Mother Lode in this collection of concert material from Lennie Tristano and his stellar trend-setting team of Lee Konitz/as,…
Month: February 2015
The J. Geils Band: House Party-Live In Germany
This cd-dvd captures the rocking and bluesy J. Geils band back in 1979, and they knew how to throw down a show! Vocalist Peter Wolf’s voice is in gritty form, Magic Dick’s harp is howling and J. Geils himself has…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Linda Presgrave: Along the Path
Here’s a sparkling fresh collection of material put together by pianist Linda Presgrave, who wrote and arranged these eleven songs that are divided among three fragrant suites. She leads a basic core trio of Harvie S/b and Allison Miller/dr-perc who…
I HEAR AMERICA SINGING…Garry Dial & Dick Oatts: That Music Always Around Me
Bet you didn’t know that there was a Walt Whitman Songbook! Well, there is now-pianist Gary Dial and sax/flutist Dick Oatts team up with a collection of jazz artists and handful of vocal groups to put the “lyrics” of Walt…
Steven Pouchis and his Latin Jazz Ensemble: North By Northeast
Don’t expect any guest appearances by Yve Marie Saint or Cary Grant on this session, but don’t let that keep you from soaking in the warm glow from this picante collection by mallet master Steven Pouchie and his sizzling team…
Ron Di Salvio: Songs for Jazz Legends
Here’s a disc that takes vocalese to an exciting dimension. Pianit Ron Di Salviowrote the tunes (which are essentially famed compositions by the jazz icons ranging from Duke Ellington to Bud Powell) and lyrics which are also clever tributes to…
Old Style Sextet: Old Style Sextet
The Old Style Sextet describes itself as “devoted to performing new music penned by members of the band.” While that could sound fairly dangerous for the listening audience depending on what they do with their own material, the unmentioned part…
Paul Jones: A Short History
Paul Jones does triple chores here as he plays a warm and thick tenor, composes most of the material here, and leads the band of Alex LoRe/as, Matt Davis/g, Sullivan Fortner/p, Jimmy Macbride/dr and Johannes Felscher/b in the process of…
Violette: Falling Strong
No last name, but a lot of heart here by singer/songstress Violette. She’s reminiscent of the stylists of the 70s with an upbeat and thoughtful approach to music. Along with a horn section, she teams up with Louis Cato, who…
Piet Verbist Zygomatik: Cattitude
Bassist Piet Verbist sets the tone and the groove on this sleek and swinging set that is reminiscent of vintage Mingus on a collection of originals. He brings together Herman Pardon/dr, Bram Weijters/key and the brilliant double thick sax front…