Every generation has the pianist who’s been a reliable sideman, never becomes a major force, but is admired and respected for impeccable taste and style. George Cables is that man for these times, as this session with Essiet Essiet/b and…
Month: September 2015
Stephan Micus: Nomad Songs
Stephan Micus plays all the instruments here, and it sounds like he must have raided a Pier One Imports, as there are sounds things from all over the world. Bali, Egypt, China, Afghanistan, Ireland, Japan and Morocco all supply instruments…
*****CO-RINGERS OF THE WEEK*****: Tiffany Austin: Nothing But Soul, Charenee Wade: Offering
I usually make only one release the Ringer of the Week, but these two albums came across my desk at the same time, have similar themes and leaders, and to prefer one over the other via a coin flip would…
Ayn Inserto: Home Away From Home
Conductor and composer Ayn Inserto puts together an impressive collection of Italian jazzers on this big band disc that shows impressive orchestration and an ability to swing. The nimble rhythm team of Emilio Marinelli/p, Luca Pecchia/g, Gabriele Pesaresi/b and Massimo…
STRAIGHT-AHEAD AND FUN…Peak Experience Jazz: Live At Lucy’s Place, Caili O’Doherty: Padme, Dr. Dave: Carefree
Nothing fancy, just enjoyable jazz that’s not too intellectual. Made to appeal to the feat and heart, and leave the gray matter to ECM albums. Bassist Mike Peak leads a swinging team of Ron Kobayashi/p, Ann Patterson/fl-as, Rickey Woodard/ts, Kendall…
TWO WAYS TO BOP IT…Rayford Griffin: Reflections of Brownie, Jeff Lorber : Bop
Here are two recent releases that give tribute to the foundation of modern music, bebop. Dedicated to the music of his famed uncle Clifford Brown, drummer Rayford Griffin brings together an all start team including guests Roy Hargrove/tp, Everette Harp/ts,…
Budman/Levy Orchestra: From There to Here
The BLO is lead by Alex Budman/ts-ss-bcl and Jeremy Levy/composer-arr-tb and together they deliver a big band filled with reeds, brass, rhythm and rich ideas. Levy likes to have fun with the brass section and uses it as the driving…
AH HA! WESTERN SWING! Solitaire Miles: Susie Blue and the Lonesome Fellas
Few styles are as enjoyable as Western Swing, and it’s a pity that so few artists do it these day. The band Susie Blue and the Lonesome Fellas takes you back to the days of Cindy Walker and Kay Starr,…
Satoko Fujii Tobira: Yamiyo Ni Karasu, Satoko Fujii Orchestra: Ichigo Ichie
Left of center pianist and composer Satoko Fujii continues to create a large catalogue of avant garde recordings. She and her team always display incredible tone and touch, whether in small or larger ensembles. Here are the two most recent…
Gene Pritsker: Manhattan In Charcoal-A Chamber Opera
Here’ s a clever idea that grabs your imagination. Composer/guitarist/rapper Gene Pritsker has taken on the ambitious job of creating a modern opera. Sort of a 21 st Century NYC version of “La Boheme,” the piece follows the life of…