Even though he’s played with the likes of Steely Dan and his own brother Michael, trumpeter Randy Brecker declares that this 1988 band with Bob Berg/ts, Joey Baron/dr, David Kidoski/p and Dieter Ilg/b was “a true highlight” of his illustrious…
Month: May 2018
60 YEARS STRONG…Brubeck Brothers Quartet: TimeLine
2018 marks the 60th anniversary of Dave Brubeck’s famed State Department tour when he was the official Jazz Ambassador for America. That famed tour with Carmen McRae and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross was joyfully recorded for posterity; this album revisits…
VINTAGE…The Gladiators: Symbol of Reality, Serious Thing
One of the best of the traditional reggae bands, Albert Griffiths’ band The Gladiators have two of their best albums finally reissued. Boy, do they sound fresh! 1982’s Symbol of Reality includes Griffiths with Clinton Fearon/b, Gallimore Sutherland/g, Clinton Rufus/g,…
VOICES IN THE SKY…Sebastian De Vivanco: Missa Assumpsit Jesus
One of the lesser known composers of sacred music, Sebastian De Vivancos (1551-1622) has his choir music brought back for 21st Century ears and souls to appreciate on this album by the all male De Profundis conducted by Robert Hollingworth.…
Esmond Selwyn: The Way I Play
UK guitarist Esmond Selwyn delivers an intimate solo album, tastefully recorded by kindred spirit Alan Broadbent. His tone and style have an Old World folk lilt, patient like watching a carving by Geppetto on delicate deliveries of “Misty” and a…
Playing For Change: Listen to the Music
Music is one of the few things that can unify people. This album, recorded in concert in 25 countries, features 210 musicians ranging from The Doobie Brothers to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The message emitted is that with all…
Ken Peplowski & Diego Figueiredo@Vitello’s 04.18.19
Blues, ballads and bossas were in the air as Ken Peplowski and Diego Figuieredo delivered a 90 minute set of sublime duets that evoke musical images of Jobim, Goodman and Ellington Friday night at Vitello’s. Peplowski’s big and breathy tenor…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Vinny Raniolo: Air Guitar
Guitarist Vinny Raniolo is better known for his collaborations with fellow six stringers Frank Vignola and Tommy Emmanuel, but once in a while he goes out on his own, with this duet album with bassist Elias Bailey, gorgeously displaying his…
Charlie Ballantine: Life is Brief
Guitarist Charlie Ballantine delivers a clever tribute to Bob Dylan, right up to the CBS-vintage 60s styled cover that brings it all back home to the plugged in days of Mr. Zimmerman. He joins together with a core of Jesse…
Tom Bruner: Homage to a Hero
Guitarist Tom Bruner subtitles this 2 disc set “Plays the Ballads of Wes Montgomery” as he gives tribute to the classic 60s sessions the legendary guitarist did towards the latter part of his career. This period had Montgomery surrounded by…