It seems that every now and then, there becomes a new “up and coming star” and alto saxist Lakecia Benjamin seems to be groomed for that role. This album has her in heavy company, with guest appearances by no les…
Month: March 2023
Sean Noonan: Zappanation
When you first listen to this album by composer/drummer Sean Noonan, you’re going to think that these songs are unknown outtakes from Frank Zappa albums like Hot Rats or Uncle Meat. The tunes and attitude by Noonan’s team of Harry…
Johanna Summer: Resonanzen
Pianist Johanna Summer gives solo interpretations of classical pianists ranging from baroque to modern. Her touch is warm, patient and crystalline, and while she doesn’t imitate, there is an homage in each composition. Thus, there is a mathematical aspect to…
Mimi Fox Organ Trio: One For Wes
Rich toned guitarist Mimi Fox is a pleasure to hear with every release and every setting. She has an inherent sense of swing to her note selection and plays for feeling instead of mindless chops. Here, she tackles the world…
Jean-Michel Pilc: Symphony
Taking some time away from his usual trio format, pianist Jean-Michel Pilc goes solo on this album of originals, displaying both a fertile composing mind and digital prowess. There’s a dash of Eric Satie in the graceful “Discovery” while playing…
Frank Zappa : Zappa ’80-Mudd Club/Munich
Another Zappa gap is filled with this release of previously uncovered material from the Zappa cache. This time, we have Frank Zappa with his tight little team of Ike Willis/g-voc, Ray White/g-voc, Tommy Mars/key, Arthur Barrow/b-key-voc and David Logeman/dr caught…
EARLY SOUL…THE BEST VOICE THAT TIME FORGOT-Savannah Churchill: Time Out For Tears/Erma Franklin: Her Name Is Erma
Spain-based Fresh Sound Records brings up another pair of singers I’m sure you’ve never heard of, but wish you had. This time, the two lps on one cd focus on R&B-styled vocalists, somewhere close to Dinah Washington or Dakota Stanton.…
Stick Men: Umeda
With King Crimson alumni Tony Levin on the Chapman Stick and drummer Pat Mastelotto, Markus Reuter brings is various Touch Guitars and soundscapes to a tour of Japan back in 2022 to mix original compositions with a salute to Robert…
TWO BROTHERS…David Larsen: The Peplowski Project
Playing baritone, alto, tenor sax and clarinet, David Larsen gives tribute to one of his inspirations, neoswinger Ken Pelplowski, who creates half of a “Four Brothers” front line of reeds along with Jake Svendsen/p, Josh Skinner/b and Brendan McMurphy/dr for…
IN THE WAKE OF LENNIE TRISTANO…Lee Konitz: The Verve Albums Collection, Nonet, Warne Marsh: The 1950s Collection
Arguably the last truly original acoustic sound in jazz was created by pianist Lennie Tristano (1919-1978). He was a protégé of Charlie Parker, but he took the bebop pioneers ideas to a more intellectual and cerebral level, creating a musical…