In retrospect, everything in this album worked perfectly. Produce by the genius Tommy Lipuma, it catapulted Natalie Cole from an R&B artist to one of the great jazz interpreters. Originally eschewing the roots created by her legendary father Nat, she…
Month: March 2022
Liz Terrell: It’s All Right With Me
Blessed with a husky voice like Abbey Lincoln, and a flexibility a la Sarah Vaughan, singer Liz Terrell delivers some earthy reads of standards that grab your attention. She’s supported by a classy ensemble of Daniel Clarke/p, Chris Brydge/b, Alan…
The Scott Silbert Big Band: Jump Children
The actual title of the album says “Introducing The Scott Silbert Big Band” but this band needs no introduction, as the sounds here are no strangers to your ears. Hopefully, they smoking reads of vintage swing are familiar to you;…
Mercedes Nicole: Constellation
In a day when female jazz singers seem to overplay their hands with sonic hyperbole, Mercedes Nicole wins you over by keeping the embers low. Her tone is similar to vintage Peggy Lee, nuanced and subtle, holding back just enough…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Doug Scarborough: The Color Of Angels
Glorious musical journeys to far a way lands both acoustic and electric are delivered by trombonist Doug Scarborough and his wide ranging team of violinist Akram Abdulfattah, pianist Jeremy Siskind, bassist Damian Erskine, drummer Reinhardt Melz and Mustafa Boztuy on…
Bruce Forman: Reunion
LA-based guitarist Bruce Forman is one of the most reliably swinging six stringers around. He’s a mainstreamer, and can always be found (COVID draconian laws permitting) in some club cheerfully jamming away. On this recent album, he gives tribute to…
THE VOICE OF A BELL…Joan Baez: The Early Years-The First Albums 1959-61
Between Elvis and The Beatles, folk music was the sound of youth. Artists like Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary and groups such as The Kingston Trio were what captured the ears of the late 50s cognicenti. The most important…
LATIN LOVER…Sergio Pereira: Finesse
Beautiful moods are woven together by the strings of guitarist Sergo Pereira and a mix/match team that inccues Helio Alves/p, Mark Egan-Andre Vasconcellos-Paulo Paulelli, Emilio Martins/perc and Mauricio Zottarelli/dr.The melding of soft guitar tones and voices work seductively on the…
Nick Maclean: Can You Hear Me?
For two albums, pianist Nick Maclean delivers a mix of solo piano excursions, teamed with producer Brownman Ali’s own vocal ruminations/instructions as well as vocal snippet samples on society and politics from the likes of Christopher Hitchens. Producer Brownman Ali…
SOLO AND SERENE VIBES…Chris Dingman: Journeys Vol. 1
Vibraphonist Christ Dingman creates five songs of mellow ambience, emphasizing the “vibe” in vibraphone on this relaxing and dreamy solo excursion. The pieces range from a delicate and dainty lullabye of “Hope-Rebirth” to a meditative “ Light Your Way” .…