Germany-based MPS Records somehow has access to a plethora of vintage jazz from the 60s to the 80s and are in the process of churning out some delectable sounds. Here is the first foray, and there is something for everyone…
Month: April 2015
Makaya McCraven: In The Moment
Makaya McCraven emphasizes percussion here as he plays drums and does things with loops and overdubs along with a rhythm team of Justefan/vib, Matt Ulery/b, Junius Paul/g, Joshua Abrams/b and a collection of transient soloists Marquis Hill/tp, De’Sean Jones/ts, Tony…
Diana Krall: Wallflower
Diana Krall comes full circle in two ways on this album. Last year she did a tribute to her dad’s taste in music with Glad Rag Doll; this time out she focuses on songs that she herself grew up with.…
Cassandra Wilson: Coming Forth By Day
Yes, it’s another tribute to Billie Holiday. I guess it’s due to the centennial of her birth, so expect more. Cassandra Wilson makes the wise choice of keeping the sound in her comfort zone, yet still adding a couple extra…
Steven Feifke: Peace In Time
Here’s a young pianist that shows tons of promise. At 23, Steven Feifke has already performed with the likes of Stefon Harris and Chris Potter, so he’s no slouch with his chops. Here, he teams up with an adroit septet…
FOR GETZ FANS…Sandy Mosse: Relaxin with Sandy Mosse featuring Cy Touff
Sorry, but I couldn’t think of any other way to get your attention to read this review of the obscure tenor saxist Sandy Mosse (1929-1983) who was part of the mainstream Chicago jazz scene back then. His sound and delivery…
THIS IS A FEMALE VOCALIST 101…Sue Raney: Late in Life
She’s been recording since Nelson Riddle produced her debut in 1958, and while in her 70s she doesn’t have the power that she had back then (who does?) Sue Raney more than makes up for it with the wisdom of…
Errol Rackipov Group: Pictures From A Train Window
It’s been my contention for years that the next wave that will influence jazz will come from the East Mediterranean and Middle East. The circle and line dances from Greece, Israel and environs are begging to be fully explored. Errol…
Joe Lovano & Dave Douglas: Soundprints
Recorded at the Monterey Jazz Festival, this album is a collaboration between trumpeter Dave Douglas and tenor titan Joe Lovano. Along with Lawrence Fields/p, Linda Oh/b and Joey Baron/dr, they deliver a tribute to Wayne Shorter with songs either inspired…
Keri Johnsrud: This Side Of Morning
Clear-toned vocalist Keri Johnson mixes jazz with dashes of pop and folk here with Kevin Bales/p-rho, Larry Kohut/b, Neal Alger/g, Jon Deitemeyer/dr and Stephen Lynard/vib. She’s a throwback to the days of singer/songrwriter, and handles both roles with freshness and…