Sports is filled with guys like arranger/composer Marty Albam, someone you may have never heard of but had a great year, rise to the occasion, and then they go off your radar. Beginning as a bari saxist, Albam played in…
Month: January 2020
Frank Kohl: The Crossing
Cool toned guitarist Frank Kohl delivers a richly pastoral collection of tunes with nylon guitarist John Stowell and bassist Steve LaSpina on this mix and match of originals and standards. The lovely droplets of strings works well on originals like…
LADIES IN THE LEAD…Julia Haltigan: Trouble, Christine Smith: Meet Me At The Far Side Of A Star, Sonia Johnson: Chrysalis
Here are a trio of ladies that want to sing you their creations and interpretations. Singer, guitarist and songwriter Julia Haltigan leads a team of Caito Sanchez/dr, John Kengla/g, Morgan Wiley/org, Maeve Gilchrist/p-harp, Andrew Raposo/b-prog and guest horn players on…
Kate McGarry, Keith Ganz & Gary Versace Trio @ Samfirst Bar 01.02.20
You know that you’re taking in an important vocalist when the audience is filled with fellow female singers, and Kate McGarry packed them in to have them experience her unique blend of 60s folk and bohemian jazz. Along with hubby…
THE FORGOTTEN BOPPER…Anita O’Day: Selected Clef, Norgran & Verve Recordings 1952-56
Possibly the most simultaneously influential and overlooked jazz singer is represented on this essential two disc 46 track compilations, Anita O’Day. She was the progenitor of the style that eventually came to be described as “vo-cool”, mixing a soft and…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jim Snidero: Project-K
Alto saxist has carved out an impressive career since his early days with the formidable Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band back in the 80s. He’s always been a solid post bopper, but this album takes him to an impressive new…
CYRILLE AIMEE-FROM GYPSY TO SONDHEIM
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE YOUNGER SINGERS, CYRILLE AIMEE, IS CHANGING DIRECTIONS. HER FIRST ALBUMS AS A VOCALIST HAD HER CAPTURE THE GYPSY SPIRIT OF DJANGO REINHARDT, COMPLETE WITH A HOT JAZZ GUITAR COMBO IN SUPPORT. THIS PAST…
JAMES CARTER-CHASING AND CATCHING THE GYPSY
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN HIS CAREER, JAMES CARTER HAS TAKEN UP THE MUSIC OF FAMED GUITARIST DJANGO REINHARDT. THIS TIME AROUND, HOWEVER, CARTER SET ASIDE THE GYPSY SWING FEEL AND REPLACED IT WITH A MORE DOWN HOME FUNK FEEL,…
A GREAT YEAR FOR TOP TENS…
It’s funny-I’ve been a jazz journalist for 20 years now, and EVERY year I hear the same thing, “There’s no good music anymore!” Even as a fan, back when I’d read every Downbeat magazine, every article (and book) by the…