This film by Robert Mugge showcases the music and worldview of Panamanian singer Ruben Blades. Commencing with his college graduation, the film takes you to Blades home of Panama where he discusses the hopes and dreams of his home country.…
Month: October 2016
ECHOES OF AN ERA…Barry Harris: Live in Tokyo, Charles McPherson: Live in Tokyo, Jimmy Raney: Live In Tokyo
One of the true highlights of jazz reissues has to be The Xanadu Master Edition being headed by Don Schlitten and Zev Feldman. This latest batch focuses concerts during April of 1976 in Tokyo Japan, most of them during just…
Trygve Seim: Rumi Songs
Poetry of Jelaluddin Rum and music from all around the world are delivered by the clear and yet grayish voice of Tora Augestad and the wide ranging support from Frode Haitli/acc, Svante Henryson/cello and leader Trygve Seim on tenor and…
BEST OF THE BIG-TONED TENORS…Eric Alexander: Second Impressions
There are guys more famous these days, but no one has as big a tone as tenor saxist Eric Alexander. He keeps adding to his impressive catalog with this mainstream beaut with the sizzling team of Harold Mabern/key-p, Bob Cranshaw/b and…
Gerald Albright: G
There was recently an article on what the three major reasons jazz isn’t as popular as it used to be. One of them was the inability to dance to most of the material. Isn’t that why the Swing Era craze…
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: The Essentials
Scott Bradlee’s original idea was to create “vintage” versions of modern hits by the likes of Miley Cyrus, thus forming the Postmodern Jukebox. Attitude is everything on this disc, which has liner notes that include recipes for mixing drinks from…
Joey Alexander@The Broad Stage 10.15.16
“Let no one despise your yor, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” St. Paul to Timothy 4:12 When a 13 year old becomes the poster child for…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Mehmet Ali Sanlikol & Whatsnext?: Resolution
Lots of artists attempt to mix the enchanting harmonies and rhythms of the Middle East with jazz sensibilities, but they usually fall short in that they either sound too mystical or too kitschy. This one has Mehmet Ali Sanlikol leading…
Reggie Watkins: Avid Admirer-The Jimmy Knepper Project
In case you didn’t know, Jimmy Knepper was the trombonist during the halcyon years of Charles Mingus’ band, providing some exciting solos and section work on pieces like “Haitian Fight Song” and “Better Get It In Your Soul.” He was…
Catherine Russell: Harlem On My Mind
Vocalist Catherine Russell knocked me out of the ring with her last recording Bring It Back, and t his new one is just as good, if not better. Where’s she been all my life? She has a relaxed and soulful…