Sometimes, you just forget that there are still jazz pianists like Marcus Johnson around. Every song on his latest album with drummer Chris “Biscuit” Bynum and Antone’ “Chooky” Caldwell (even the nicknames should have been a giveaway) has a “live”…
Month: November 2022
Al Strong: Love Stronger
Trumpeter Al Strong uses his warm and expressive horn like a paintbrush on this colorful album of originals. He mixes and matches throughout, making a wide ranging palate with Braxton Cook/as, Sullivan Fortner-Chris Patishall-Ryan Hanseler-Charles Robinson/p, Marc Cary/key, Kevin Beardsley-Turman…
TRIO…Brulez Les Meubles: L’appel Du Vide
The threesome of guitarist Louis Beaudoin-de la Sablonniere, bassist Eric Normand and drummer Tom Jacques create delicate and reflective originals, with ambience taking over melody and improvisation. Electric guitar tones are echoey and casual on “Amis, Finalment” and veer around…
Arild Anderson Group: Affirmation
Norwegian bassist Arild Anderson brings his quartet of Marius Neset/ts, Heige Lien/p and Hakon Mjaset Johansen/dr for a collection of “Affirmations” on this impressionistic collection of sounds. Neset’s tenor is warm and fluffy, giving a cantoral cry on the rustling…
A PRE-CHARLIE BROWN CLASSIC…Vince Guaraldi Trio: Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus
Of course, pianist Vince Guaraldi is best known, if his name ever comes up in conversation, for his iconic piano playing on the various Charlie Brown TV show classics. What most people forget is that Guaraldi had an impressive career…
CLASSY LASSY…Lena Horne: Early Years-The Singles Collection 1941-50
While usually not put in the top tier of jazz vocalists, Lena Horne (1917-2010) shows that she could more than hold her own, as this two disc 48 song anthology states. She was a kind of Renaissance Lady, adept at…
Jacob Roved Quintet: Dawn
Drummer Jacob Roved brings together John Ruocco/ts-cl, Thomas Fryland/tp-fh, Rasmus Ehlers Nielsen/p and Jesper Bodilsen/b for a collection of post bop originals with a dash of adventure. Ruocco’s clarinet adds a fresh harmony, sleek on “Breeze” and gliding on “Unveil…
SWINGING SLEIGH BELLS…Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas Ballads
One reliable Christmas tradition is an album by Dave Koz celebrating the season. This latest one has him playing soprano, tenor and alto saxes in a variety of Natal settings. With Al Dimeola’s keyboardist Phillipe Saisse, Koz is velvety on…
The Bad Plus: The Bad Plus
Once upon a time… There was a piano trio called The Bad Plus. Founding member and pianist Ethan Iverson left a few years ago, replaced by Orrin Evans. Now, he is gone, and the trio has turned into a quartet,…
South Island Rhythm Kings: Still That Way Today
A deep dish of Chicago blues is served by “Lazy” Mike Mallon/voc-harp, Carson Mallong/g-voc, Dan Dube/key, Nick Doktor/dr and guests Jack Lavin/b & Sean Kilback/g for a searing session of Muddy Waters getting stirred. Mallon blows like a wind off…