Singer and songwriter Mark Oblinger comes across like a mix of Jackson Brown and JD Souther on this folksy collection of originals. His voice sounds like it could have fit in on the 70s Sunset Blvd scene of The Eagles…
Month: October 2019
Brenda Earle Stokes: Solo Sessions Volume 1
While there are many solo piano recordings, unfortunately rare is the format of a pianist accompanying herself in voice. Brenda Earle Stokes re-lights that candle here, and it works well as she brings her own songbook to mix with a…
PIANO TRIOS…The Bad Plus: Activate Infinity, Andres Vial: Gang Of Three
The “new” Bad Plus with charter members Reid Anderson and Dave King as well drummer continues to sound fresh and rejuvenated with the new blood. With Ethan Iverson moving on to other musical lands, Evans is able to continue the…
Ramsey Lewis & Urban Knights: VII
Officially calling quits to his touring schedule, piano legend Ramsey Lewis still refuses to sit still, as exemplified by this recent album. The 84 year old jazz vet teams up with Henry Johnson/g, Charles Heath/dr, Tim Gant/key and Joshua Ramos/b…
Dan McCarthy: City Abstract
Vibraphonist Dan McCarthy keeps things cool and sleek as he teams with guitar man Ted Quinlan, bassist Pat Collins and drummer Ted Warren for a mix of originals and jazz covers. He creates a lyrical read of Pat Metheny’s “Midwestern…
Janiva Magness: Sings John Fogerty-Change In The Weather
Janiva Magness takes on the formidable task of taking on the songbook of Creedence Clearwater Revival star John Fogerty and giving them a personal stamp. She’s got the right voice for it; strong, confident and with just enough grit as…
John Lennon and Yoko Ono: Above Us Only Sky
The legendary 1969 album Imagine as well as the unique relationship between John Lennon and Yoko Ono are given an intriguing reflection on this 113 minute documentary directed by Michael Epstein and produced by Peter Worsley. If you’re a Beatles…
Haerim Elizabeth Lee: My Time Is Now
Rich sonatas are delivered by violinist Haerim Elizabeth Lee as she teams with pianist Alex Brown on a collection of Gershwin interpretations and a few extras. The Gershwin pieces are arranged by Jascha Heifetz for the most part and reflect…
Rich Willey’s Boptism Funk Band: Conspiracy
The joint is jumpin’ on this foot stomping session lead by trumpeter Rich Willey and a BBQ ribbed collection of musicians hummed along by Bobby Floyd’s Hammond B3, steered by Dave Stryker’s guitar, gassed up by the high octane rhythm…
Harry Connick Jr.: True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter
Decades ago, Harry Connick Jr was touted as “The Next Frank Sinatra.” Well, instead he just became who he was; a regular guy from New Orleans who swung, sang and acted. This album on Verve Records, however, does harken to…