The latest from UK-based Leo Records has moods for all moods. Pianist Alvin Schwaar goes solo on a highly impressionistic collection of sonatas. He shows a soft touch on the reflective “Colours And Whispers” with gentle ideas fo “Ocean of…
Month: August 2023
Meshell Ndegeocello: The Omnichord Real Book
The Blue Note debut of Meshell Ndegeocello may include artists such as Jason Moran, Ambrose Akinmusire, Joel Ross, Jeff Parker, Brandee Younger, Cory Henry, Mark Guiliana, Julius Rodriguez, Joan As Police and Thandiswa, but the 18 songs are essentially quick…
Roxana-Amed & Frank Carlberg: Los Trabajos Y Las Noches fa
Delicate wisps are created by vocalist Roxana Amed teamed up with pianist Frank Carlberg and a supporting team of Adam Kolker/reeds, Simon Willson/b and Michael Sarin/dr. Amed creates ethereal harmonies on “Pido El Silencio” and is dreamily melancholic with Carlberg…
Yosef-Gutman Levitt: Soul Song fa
Soft and intimate pastels are created by bassist Yosef Gutman Levitt and his team of Lionel Loueke/g, Omri Mor/p and Ofri Nehemya/dr for 14 mellow moods. Loueke is mostly on acoustic guitar, and delicate throughout, tender on p ieces like…
Kaisa’s Machine: Taking Shape FA
Kaisa Maensivu mixes and matches her bass in various formats ranging from solo to beyond with Tiven Pennicott/ts, Sasha Berliner/vib, Max Light/g, Eden Ladin/p and Joe Peri/dr. There are a handful of intimate numbers that feature either bass or piano…
GUITARS…Greg Diamond: Beata
#2 pencil toned guitarist Greg Diamond teams up with Edward Perez/b and Ludwig Afonso/dr for a collection of mostly originals of the post bop feel. He creates some nifty lines for the dancing “ Beata” and creates morning dew droplets…
Christian Artman: The Middle Of Life
Christian Artmann plays a variety of domestic and exotic flutes with his team of Laszlo Gardony /p, John Lockwood/b, Yoron Israel/dr and guest vocalist Elena McEntire for a collection of mostly originals. His alto flute is elegant on “Sow River”…
VINYL REVIVAL…Shelly Manne & His Friends: My Fair Lady, Ornette Coleman: Tomorrow Is The Question
Yes, at one time jazz was “popular”, as well as setting cultural standards. Here are a couple of vinyl reissues that reflect the halcyon days, when people listened, and listened attentively. One of the most recorded drummers, Shelly Manne, teamed…
LAST OF THE GREAT HONKING TENORS…Sam “The Man” Taylor; The Singles & Albums Collection 1949-58, Big Jay McNeely: Blow Big Jay, Blow
Before the electric guitar, the screaming, honking and smoking tenor sax was THE instrument for popular music. One of the biggest names and sounds belonged to Sam “The Man” Taylor, best known for his classic solos on “Shake, Rattle and…
MOOD INDIGO…BB KING, Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin’ Wolf, etc: An Anthology of 20th Blues
Being introduced to the blues can be an intimidating task; where to start? This four disc, 100 song collection takes you on a journey from the earliest days of the blues to the vintage and influential 50s and 60s. In…