Back in the late 1960s and early 70s, jazz was mixing with rock to plug in and create the new tidal wave called “Fusion”. Bands like Weather Report, Return to Forever and Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters filled theaters, with people asking…
Month: June 2021
Denny Zeitlin & George Marsh: Telepathy
One of the greatest of the living jazz pianists, the Bill Evans-inspired Denny Zeitlin occasionally forays into the world of electronica. In this environment, he brings in drummer George Marsh for a collection of ‘electro-acoustic improvisations’ for 14 original pieces.…
John Pizzarelli: Better Days Ahead: Solo Guitar Takes on Pat Metheny
As displayed on the cover of this album, the draconian COVID lockdown has had effects on all of us. Famed guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli is now donning the de-riguer face mask-how can you silence this guy? Also, instead of…
A SONIC JOURNAL…The Allman Brothers Band Filmore East February 1970-Deluxe Edition
Yes, some of the music on this 3 disc collection had been released back in a 1997 compilation, but what you have here is not only essentially everything that the original Allman Brothers recorded during their now-legendary gig at the…
Charles Langford: Powerless
Alto saxist Charles Langford mixes sleek jazz with R&B with a slick team including all stars Jimmy Haslip-Avery Sharp/b, Russell Ferrante/key , drummers Poogie Bell-Jimmy Branly, Mark Rassmussen, Wali Ali/g and a slew of guests. Haslip gives a upbeat funky…
A SWINGING SWEET BAND…Larry Clinton & His Orchestra: All the Hits and More 1937-48
Back in the Big Band era, orchestras were defined as being either “Sweet” (think Glenn Miller) or “Hot” (as in Benny Goodman). Bandleader, composer, arranger, clarinetist, trumpet and trombone player Larry Clinton had an immensely popular band that leaned toward…
Paul Silbergleit: The Hidden Standard
Guitarist Paul Silbergleit creates some fresh sounds from songs we’re all familiar with on this bopping album with a rich horn section of Eric Schoor/ts-ss, Eric Jacobson/tp, a rhythm team of Mark Davis/p, Jeff Haman/b and Dave Bayles/dr and guest…
Serafin LaRiviere: Because You’re Mine
Here’s a lady who’s singing just grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. With a voice that can take you to five octaves and countless moods, Serafin LaRiviere releases a kaleidoscopic album that captures the essence of jazz.…
David Sills Double Guitar Quintet: Natural Lines
Playng tenor sax and flute, David Sills leads a swinging team that includes two guitarists in Larry Koonse and Mike Scott along with bassist Blake White and drummer Tim Pleasant. The strings mix and alternate rhythmic strums and soloing picks…
THE BEST VOICES TIME FORGOT…Fran Jeffries:Fran/Annita Ray: Slow Glow, Helen Carr: Her Complete Bethlehem Sessions
Barcelona-based Fresh Sound Records continues its service to jazz fans by coming up with previously obscure and overlooked vocalists that deserve a second and third listen. Here are the latest finds by the Sherlock Holmes of swinging singers. The latest…