Produced by Yellowjackets alumnus Jimmy Haslip, Con Moto features organist Bill DiCosimo, bassist Edgar Pagan and a strong supporting cast including Jeff Lorber/key, Gary Novak/dr, Paulie Cerra/sax and Jeff Richmond/g. The team shows a mix of funky R&B and smooth…
Month: February 2021
Sue Maskaleris: Love Is The Key
World wise voiced Sue Maskaleris plays piano and keyboards with her core team of Wesley Amorim/g, Leo Traversa/b, Samuel Martinelli/dr and brings in some rich guests such as Manhattan Transfer’s Janis Siegel for a rich mix of originals and modern…
*****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Wolfgang Lackerschmid & Chet Baker: Quintet Sessions 1979
One of my biggest musical regrets is that passed on my chances to see Chet Baker in the late 70s and early 80s. I figured, “C’mon-he’s totally fried and past his prime” as I thought his chops were long gone.…
Todd Mosby: Aerial Views
A gorgeous display of guitar work is delivered by Todd Mosby, playing the electric, acoustic and Imrat guitars with a mix and match team of Windham Hill famed Will Ackerman/g, King Crimson’s Tony Levin/b, Jerry Marotta/dr, Charlie Bisharat/v, Premik R…
Smithsonian Jazz Masterwork Orchestra: Bernstein Reimagined
The music of Leonard Bernstein has always been an inspiration for jazz artists, but the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra under the baton of alto saxist Charlie Young has brilliantly explored the lesser known compositions of the famous and legendary composer.…
The Brazilian Trio: Aguas Brasileiras
The trio of pianist Helio Alves, bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca return for a rich mix of Brazilian interpretations of originals, classics and a couple surprises. The overall mood is lyrical and cheerful, with a ready mix…
NO TRANSCRIPTIONS REQUIRED…J. Peter Schwalm/Arve Henriksen: NEUZEIT, The End: Allt Ar Intet
Don’t expect to find transcriptions of any of the songs from these two recent releases, unless you’re looking up at the clouds for direction. Peter Schwalm plays piano, drums, electronics and programming as he teams up with trumpeter Arve Henriksen…
Jeff Benedict Big Band: The Weather Is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful
Alto saxist, Professor Emeritus of Music at Cal State LA and vet of the LA music scene, Jeff Benedict has put together a hip big band of originals and some covers with creative charts. The jazz orchestra strolls well to…
John Mayall: The Sun Is Shining Down
At 87 years young, John Mayall still bleeds fresh blue blood. This recent release shows that he’s still alive and well, with his voice, pen and ideas still fresh. He’s playing keys, and harmonica with his working team of Greg…
Jeff Ellwood: The Sounds Around The House
LA tenor saxist Jeff Ellwood brings together some of the finest locals in pianist Alan Pasqua, bassist Darek Oles and drummer Joe LaBarbera for a mix of originals and standards. Ellwood’s tone is strong, full and dark, sighing on the…