Trumpeter John Daversa brings his orchestra to interpret compositions by Justin Morrell, pieces that are built around various vocalizations created by Morrell’s nonverbal son, Loren. This intriguing and brilliant idea plays out fascinatingly well, with wondrous themes, elegant orchestrations and…
Month: June 2021
Todd Cochran: Then and Again, Here and Now
There’s a pretty good reason you might not have heard of pianist Todd Cochran, even though he’s been “on” the scene for decades. He took a number of years off to raise his son-not a bad call at all, and…
Jeremy Monteiro-Jay Anderson-Lewis Nash: Live At No Black Tie
This may be the first jazz gig recording I’ve ever heard in Malaysia’s capitol, Kuala Lumpur. Pianist Jeremy Monteiro leads a trio with bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Lewis Nash through a mix of originals and jazz standards through a…
Avishai Cohen: Two Roses
Bassist Avishai Cohen releases an ambitious album that features his working team of drummer Mark Guiliana and pianist Elchin Shirinov joined with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Alexander Hanson. Cohen adds vocals on a few tracks, playing bass and…
Kat Danser: One Eye Open
Blues singer, guitarist and vocalist Kat Danser teams up with producer Steve Dawson/g, Gary Craig/dr, Jeremy Holmes/b, Kevin McKendree/p-key and saxists Dominic Conway/Jerry Cook for a mix of earthy originals. The horns give a R&B swampy feel to slinky stompers…
Adam Moezinia: Folk Element Trio
Guitarist Adam Moezinia teams up with bassist Dan Chmielinski and drummer Charles Good for some modern musings on strings. At times, Moezinia tunes his guitar to sound more African a la Lionel Loueke, to exotic effect on “Lisa Lan” and…
Jeff Coffin-Helen Gillet: Let It Shine
Jeff Coffin plays just about every type of reed and beyond, teamed with Helen Gillet on cello and beyond on this collection of experimental tunes. Coffin can get a big Ben Webster tone on the playful “Unzen” or he can…
James Holvay: Sweet Soul Song
R&B vet is best known for penning the pop hit by The Buckingham’s “Kind of A Drag”, but here he sounds more like a vintage Motown/STAX guy on this festive ep. His voice has a dash of Curtis Mayfield to…
Amit Friedman: Unconditional Love
Amit Friedman plays mostly tenor and a bit of soprano sax with his core team of Tom Oren/p, Gilad Abro/b, Yonatan Rosen/dr and guests Rony Iwryn/perc, Doran Talmon/voc and Joca Perpignan/voc on this mix of moods of mostly originals. Friedman…
Nobody’s Girl: Nobody’s Girl
Three female threesome of BettySoo, Rebecca Loebe and Grace Pettis mix Cumberland Gap harmonies with rich solo leads on this rootsy collection of songs old an new. Tunes range from an indie feeling “Birthright” to a troubadour’d “Promised Land” with…