This is the second album I’ve reviewed by bassist Richard Ford demonstrating the various environs suitable for the bass, and it works just as well as the first. His songs range from solo to small group excursions to create a…
Month: June 2021
Paul Bedal: Cerulean Stars
Pianist Paul Bedal leads a quartet with alto saxist Nick Mazzarella, bassist Matt Ulery and drdummer Charles Rumback through seven impressionistic originals. His classical touch is nimble around Mazzarella’s Jackie McLean’d sax on the title piece and is genteel with…
Marques Carroll: The Ancestor’s Call
Trumpeter Marques Carroll creates an album with a musical story about his African-American ancestors, taking us on a rich but not preachy journey. With Brent Griffin/as, Amr Fahmyy/p-oud, Christian Dillingham/b, Greg Art/dr and guests Victor Garcia/cong, Alex Wasily/tb and Sharon…
Rodrigo Y Gabriela: Oblivion
The guitar team of Rodrigo and Gabriela continue to stretch their musical boundaries, delivering modern jazz and classic tango on this three song ep, getting ready finally for a tour for waiting ears. Last time out, the two thrilled audiences…
The Tiptons Sax Quartet & Drums: Wabi Sabi
The four reed team of Amy Denio/as-voc, Jessica Lurie/ss-as-ts, Sue Orfield/ts and Tina Richerson/bs, driven by drummer Robert Kainar mix rich harmonies with fun soloing. The team focuses on rhythmic tunes, such as the nice Latin “El Gran Orinador” or…
Steven Feifke Big Band: Kinetic
Pianist Steven Feifke leads a swinging big band with tunes and arrangements on this enjoyable releases. The 16 piece band includes the cooing voice of Veronica Swift riding the reeds on “Until the Real Thing Comes Along” and sauntering to…
BASS IN LEAD…Rob Clutton Trio: Counsel of Primaries, Rob Clutton with Tony Malaby: Offering
Bassist Rob Clutton is spotlighted in a pair of releases, one in trio form and the other in a series of duets. Bassist Rob Clutton leads a fluied post bop trio with rich toned alto saxist Karen Ng and intuitive…
MORE OF AN ENDLESS SUMMER…Beach Boys and California Music Presents: Add Some Music, Cole Quest and the City Pickers: Self (en)Titled
The sound of the Beach Boys continues on for future generations here, as tracks by the Beach Boys’ Mike Love, Al Jardine team up with Ambha Love, Carnei and Wendy Wilson, Matt Jjardine and Justyn Wilson in this cheerful collection…
Eric Goletz: Into The Night
Back in the day, there used to be a label called “adult contemporary music” that was to the right of wild jazz and left of Kenny G. Trombonist, keyboardist and leader Eric Goletz returns to that day with this album…
THIS IS AN AVANT GARDE TRUMPET 101: Wadada Leo Smith: Trumpet, Sacred Ceremonies
Usually when you think of avant garde sounds, you associate flailing and out of tune instruments, at least I do. Wadada Leo Smith, one of the free-est of the free, shows what a strong horn can do in just about…