Keith Jarrett’s piano has joined forces with Charlie Haden’s bass in a multitude of settings over the decades, going back even to Jarrett’s early trio days, and then doing their 2010 duet session in Jasmine. Here, from a session recorded in…
Author: George W. Harris
The Spinners@The Del Mar Fair 06.26.14
Here’s the joy of summertime-going to music festivals and county fairs to see bands all together in one day. This lovely day by the beach in Del Mar, the Fair featured sets by a Beatles Tribute Band (The Fab Four-Not…
RINGERS OF THE WEEK…Johnny O’Neal: Live at Smalls, Frank Lacy: Live at Smalls
I’ve only been to NYC once, and didn’t hit Smalls Jazz Club in Greenwich Village. By the sound of these two albums, I made a big mistake. These two albums culled from gigs at the club are absolute gems! Pianist…
GOTTA LOVE THIS OVERLOOKED GUY…Glenn Zottola: Clifford Brown Remembered, A Jazz Life-Glenn Zottola’s Story
One of the things I love about jazz is that there’s always some artist that you’ve heard as a sideman, but never realized how great he was until someone draws your attention to him. Here’s a classic case: trumpeter Glenn…
The LA Treasures Project: Live at Alvas Showroom
Here are Exhibit A, B and C why LA has some of the best music in the world. Recorded in that swinging town of San Pedro at a music store, this gig has the home grown Hamilton-Clayton Jazz Orchestra in…
Alex Garcia’s AfroMantra: This Side of Mestizaje
Here’s a sizzling disc lead by drummer Alex Garcia. All of the compositions are his own, and he leads a hard hitting team of Ole Mathisen/ss, Ariel De La Portilla/b and Mike Eckroth/key that mixes the best of Latin Jazz…
The Omar Hakim Experience: We Are One
If any percussionist deserves bragging rights this side of Airto, it’s Omar Hakim. He’s worked with suds like Weather Report, Miles, Madonna, Stine, Bowie and even Dire Straits. He goes straightahead on this session with Rachel Z/key, Chieli Minucci/g, Jimi…
Sara Serpa & Andre’ Matos: Primavera
An interesting concept: wordless vocals, sometimes multitracked, backed by keyboards and or guitar. The title track has lots of Serpa’s voice overdubbed in almost a percussive manner, while the rest is fairly Spartan. Greg Osby’s soprano guests on “Choro,” Pete…
Tyler Blanton: Gotham
Vibist Tyler Blanton leads a highly rhythmic team of Matt Clohesy/b, Nate Wood and Donny McCaslin/ts through subtly swinging originals. Lots of grooves and driving energy on pieces such as “Never Sleeps,” “Tunnels” and the title track, while McCaslin’s beefy…
Brenda Earle Stokes: Right About Now
Here’s an impressive album by a vocalist you might want to pay attention to. She hasn’t released anything for a few years, but this one should lead to more projects. She is backed by a team of Matt Aronoff/b, Jordan…