At 33 years of age, pianist/composer Eldar Djangirov is no longer the 13 year old prodigy that took the jazz world by the storm at the turn of the century. Fortunately, he has focused on composition as well as honing…
Month: April 2020
Nick Finzer: Cast of Characters
Trombonist Nick Finzer brings together Lucas Pino/ts-bcl, Alex Wintz/g, Glenn Zaleski/p, Dave Baron/b and Jimmy MacBride/dr for rich interpretations of his compositions. The tunes range from dark tones as on the post bop “A Sorcerer” that has a rich cantor…
Mark Godfrey Quintet: Square Peg
Bassist Mark Godfrey creates a loosely swinging rhythm team with drummer Nick Fraser and pianist Chris Pruden in support of the rich reeds supplied by tenor saxist Matt Worshyl and altoist Allison Au on this collection of originals. The two…
Peppino D’Agostino: Connexion
Guitarist Peppino D’Agostino displays strong strings and touch on this solo outing of original compositions. His strings are dramatic on strong pieces such as “High Plains Guitarra” and the complex “Head Case” that combine complex lines and rich chord sequences.…
****THIS IS A BEBOP PIANO****CLASSIC! Lennie Tristano: The Duo Sessions
One of the most overlooked giants of modern jazz, pianist Lennie Tristano (1919-1978) is largely forgotten these days, but he was one of the founding fathers of bebop, creating a unique sound and style, influencing everyone from Charlie Parker to…
Amina Figarova Edition 113: Persistence
Amina Figarova plays piano and keyboards to deliver soulful originals with an impressive cast including Rez Abbasi/g, Rudy Royston/dr, Bart Platteau/flu-EWI and Yasushi Nakamura/b. Abbasi and Figarova work well together on the funky pieces as Platteau floats over “Persistance” and…
Helen Forrest: The Helen Forrest Hits Collection 1938-46
One of the definitive voices of the Swing Era was provided by Helen Forrest, who, with Helen Ward, Jo Stafford, June Christy and Helen O’Connell became the “canaries” of white big bands for the likes of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw,…
Patti Austin-Lizz Wright-Ledisi-Cassandra Wilson et al: Ella 100-Live At The Apollo
Back in 1934, a chubby and unkempt teenager who lived off the streets of New York decided to try out for an Amateur Show at the Apollo Theatre as a dancer. Since she was following another dancer, she decided to…
PERCUSSION DISCUSSIONS…Geni Barry: Looking Back! Terry Snyder: A Stunning Achievement In Sound!
The sticks are flying on these two sessions… Geni Barry brings vibes and marimba to a variety of concert settings ranging form 2001 to 2009 on this swinging album including his core team of Joan Monne/p, Nono Fernaandez/b, Pau Bombardo/dr…
Jerry Bergonzi: Nearly Blue
Beefy toned tenorist Jerry Bergonzi forms an organ trio with B3-er Renato Chicco and drummer Andrea Michelutti in the mode of vintage Larry Young Blue Note sessions. Chicco is a clever choice for this outing, as he brings in elliptical…