I always find it fascinating when people tell me, “I’m not religious.” As this documentary/concert dvd of Jim Hendrix’s famed July 4th Atlanta Pop Festival concert points out, everyone worships something. Hendrix states on the Dick Cavett TV show that…
Month: December 2015
Aarhus Jazz Orchestra: ReWrite of Spring
Jazz bands since Woody Herman have attempted to swing Igor Stravinsky’s famed Rite of Spring, all with varying results. Composer and Conductor Lars Moller makes a wise choice in this studio/concert version of the piece by re-arranging a bulk…
Randy Brecker: Randy Pop!
Still alive and swinging at 70 years old, trumpeter Randy Brecker has made a career both as a solo artist, a co-leader with his late brother for the funky Brecker Brothers and as a stud in the studio for countless…
Laurie Antonioli & Richie Beirach: Varuna
Intimate interaction takes place between vocalist Laurie Antonioli and pianist Richie Beirach during this (mostly) duet session. Bassist Pepe Berns shows up for a sensitive read of “Gentle Rain” and a three part “Resolution Suite” but for the most part…
Steve Gadd Band@Catalina’s 12-03-15
If it’s the groove that makes you move, then nothing will make you as glad as Gadd. Drummer Steve Gadd, who’s ridden the reigns for everyone from Steely Dan to Eric Clapton, brought his own swinging team of Michael Landau/g,…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK***Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio: Live In Studio
Drummer Gerry Gibbs proves that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree. The son of bebopping drummer/vibist Terry Gibbs, the younger sticks with the drums and brings together a tasty all star team with Kenny Barron/p and Ron Carter/b…
OTHER WORLDS…Vahagni: Imagined Frequencies, Amir El Saffar: Crisis, Jen Shyu & Jade Tongue: Sounds and Cries of the World
Here are three albums by artists that take jazz to the widest ranges of the world. Get a ticket and fly! Flamenco guitarist Vahagni mixes his Iberian touch on the strings with fragrant dashes of Middle Eastern chords, rhythms and…
MODERN IDEAS…Kenneth Salters Haven: Enter to Exit, Ochion Jewell Quartet: Volk, Chris Pasin: Random Acts of Kindness, Dave Bryant: The Garden of Equilibria
Here are some groups that are able to mix the post bop feel with contemporary moods from lands near and far. Drummer Kenneth Salters brings together a hefty sized band of Tivon Pennicott/ts, Matt Holman/tp, Myron Walden/as-bcl, Aki Ishiguro/g, Brad…
Mardie Millit & Michael Garin: Hey, Look! It’s Michael & Mardie!
If you want your jazz presented like a dinner theatre, step right up! Vocalists and banterists Mardie Millit and Michael Garin deliver this disc like a cabaret with support from Billy Stritch/p, Maitreya Padukone/perc and Steve Doyle/b. The music and…
SHADES OF BLUE…Duke Rollibard: The Acoustic Blues & Roots Of, Monkey Junk: Moon Turn Red, Colin Linden: Rich In Love
Canada-based Stony Plain Records is one of the absolute finest labels around for keeping the blue flame alive. Here are three wonderful new releases, designed for any taste. Duke Rollibard is one of the bona fide legends of the blues.…