Maybe because it’s the Christmas season, but it seems like every December LA gets blessed with the gift of a plethora of guitar players coming to town for a few days in the various clubs. Anyone hearing me complaining?!? Sam…
Author: George W. Harris
THE REASONS FOR THE SEASON!
Yes, it can be commercialized, but SO WHAT?!? Yes, the world sometimes seems like it’s spinning out of control. World protests, world wars, cultural wars on what even constitutes a man and a woman. But you know what? It’s ALWAYS…
BRANDEE YOUNGER: BRAND NEW MUSICAL LIFE
THE QUESTION THAT WOULD STUMP JAZZ FAN THS USED TO BE, “QUICK, NAME ME THREE BEBOP CLARINET PLAYERS” CRICKETS… NOW, YOU CAN GET THE SAME RESPONSE IF YOU ASK FOR THREE LIVING JAZZ HARPISTS. WELL, THERE USED TO BE DOROTHY…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Aaron Diehl & The Knights: Zodiac Suite
Pianist Aaron Deihl brings his working trio of David Wong/b and Aaron Kimmel/dr to create a chamber orchestra rendition of Mary Lou Williams’ classic Zodiac Suite. The trio is joined by the orchestra named The Knights, directed by Eric and…
Peter Martin: Peter Martin + Generation S
I listen to a lot of jazz, and believe me, one of the hardest things to do in today’s music is to sound both respective of the past but not tied down by it. Pianist Peter Martin handles that tightrope…
TRIOS…Hutchinson Andrew Trio: The Senator
Pianist Chris Andrew and bassist Hutchinson form a trio with drummer Dave Laing and a series of guests to give tribute to Canadian personality Tommy Banks. One doesn’t need to be a Canuck to appreciate the music however, as Andrew…
Jaimie Branch: Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die (World War)
Playing trumpet, keyboards, percussion and adding voice, Jaimie Branch joins with Lester St.Louis/cel-voc-fl-key-mar, Jason Ajemian/b-voc-mar, Chad Taylor/dr-perc and various guests on a wide ranging collection of folkish jazz. The churchy keyboards and tympani sound orchestra as things open up, with…
Bill Cunliffe: Rainforests
He’s already won a Grammy for an earlier Brazilian album, but this time around Bill Cunliffe goes deeper into the country, celebrating the rainforests on this sumptuous three part suite. He’s teamed up with the Temple University String Orchestra conducted…
Afro Peruvian New Trends Orchestra: Cosmic Synchronicities
Artistic director Corina Bartra brings together an earthy ensemble of Holman Alvarez Davila/p, EduardoBelo/b, Carlost Polo/dr, MarvinCarter/as, Cecilia Tenconi/as, Erick Stockman/tb, Roger Garcia/tp, and Ben Willis/b among others on this mix of Afro Peruvian jazz originals. The team saunters through…
Jeff Harnar: A Collective Cy
Warm toned vocalist Jeff Harner takes on the Cy Coleman songbook, with arrangements richly put together by pianist Alex Rybeck. The jazz team of Rick Reckman-Mrc Phaneuf/fl-as, Tony Kadleck/tp, Randy Andos/tb, Ray Marchica/dr, Sean Harkness/g and Jay Leonhart/b is augmented…