Pianist, composer and historian, Randy Weston delivers a two hour concert that is described as both a “suite” and “symphony” in the liner notes. Through voice, piano and traditional third world instruments, Weston produces a complete circle of sounds, as…
Month: January 2016
Dave Weckl Acoustic Band@Catalina’s 01.28.16
The name of Dave Weckl’s band may be called “acoustic,” but the 100 minute set by the drummer’s team of Gary Meek/ts-ss, Makoto Ozone/p-B3 and Tom Kennedy/b sure didn’t seem lacking in electricity, as the band delivered material that swung…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****JOE CASTRO: Lush Life-A Musical Journey
Here’s the kind of retrospective that I’m simply a sucker for. Joe Castro (1927-2009) was a bebop pianist who made his name in the West Coast in the 50s and 60s. He was a fixture in bands, either playing with…
PIANO MAN! Dan Trudell: Plays the Piano
Here’s the kind of album that makes you like jazz again. Pianist Dan Trudell teams up with Matt Wilson/dr and Joe Sanders/b on a fun and swinging take of originals, jazz standards and modern material. He’s got a joyful touch…
Mike Zito & The Wheel: Keep Coming Back
If you want the guitar to get down and dirty, Mike Zito is your m an. He sings whle playing both acoustic and electric guitar with Jimmy Carpenter/sz, Lewis Stephens/key, Scot Sutherland/b, Rob Lee/dr and Trina Shoemaker/perc and background singers.…
SENHORA BLUES…Ramana Vieira: Fado Da Vida
Every country has a version of “the blues.” In Portugal, it’s called “fado.” Here, you’ve got a vocalist Ramana Vieira that has a rich and earthy sound perfectly suited for the agonizing lilt. She’s accompanied by Benito Cortez-Eizbieta Polak/vi, Patrick…
Joseph Dale-Warren Smith-Scott Robinson: The Tuba Trio Chronicles
The trio of Joseph Dale, Warren Smith and Scott Robinson switch around on a surfeit of instruments on this free flying extravaganza. Bass sax, tenor sax, bass flute, tuba, euhonium and tympani only touch the surface of the traffic jam…
Mary Witt & The O-Tones: Groove Duets
Vocalist Mary Witt leads and plays bass with a soulful band called The O-Tones, which have been a main stay in New England for over 20 years. The rhythm secion of Jeff Dostal/b, Jim Henry/g, Pieter Struyk/dr and Chhris Haynes/keys…
Roy McGrath Quartet: Martha
Roy McGrath’s got a rich and thick sound on the tenor sax, and he uses it to full advantage on this album with Joaquin Garcia/p, Kitt Lyles/b and Gustavo Cortinas/dr. With Cortinas’ brushes, he delivers an elegant “Night and Day”…
Atlas Maior: Keyif
Here’s a rewarding three song ep by the team of Charlie Lockwood/oud, Joshua Thomson/as, Ted Camat/dr and gary Calhoun James/b. As with most things with oud, there is a Middle East lilt to the material, ranging from the funky back…