People always ask me, “Can you have a happy life without listening to every recording by Duke Ellington?” To which I reply, “Of course, but why take a chance?” Here, you’ve got vintage Duke from 1944-46; broadcasts from the Civic…
Author: George W. Harris
****RINGER OF THE SETTEMANA****Gary Smulyan/Dominic Chianese: Bella Napoli
Is anyone noticing that bari saxist Gary Smulyan is putting out some of the greatest music the past few years? Last year he did a cooker of a tribute to Ellington’s sax section, and now, well, it’s a different type…
SAX MEN…Joakim Berghall: Dialogues I, Scott Jeppesen: El Guapo
Here are two reedmen that are trying to create a whole new sound and style of their own. Pay attention! Joakim Berghall plays soprano, alto, tenor and bari here on this collection of originals. What is creative here is that…
3 Cohens: Tightrope
So, three Cohens walk into a bar… Ok, so it’s not the greatest start of a joke. What we’ve got here are sister Anat/cl-ts with brothers Yuval/ss and Avishai/tp sharing ideas on 18, count ‘em 18 different different tunes. Sometimes…
CREATIVE GUITARS…Jake Hertzog: Throwback, Phill Fest: Project B.F.C.
Wanna hear some fresh fret work? Give a listen! Guitarist Jake Hertzog fronts an unorthodox quartet with Randy Brecker/tp-fh, Harvie S/b and Victor Jones/dr for nine originals that mix the lyricism and sophistication of jazz with the rhythmic sensibilities of…
Alex Cline: For People In Sorrow
One of my favorite jazz festivals is the annual October display of left of center music provided by the Angel City Art Festival located in good ol’ LA. Performed at various venues, a concert at the acoustically wondrous Redcat Theatre…
The DePaul University Jazz Ensemble with Jeff Hamilton: Salutes Woody Herman
Here’s a big band from college that does the wise thing by going back to a familiar and timeless songbook, but brings the harmonies and rhythms a bit more up to date. For the most part it works, particularly if…
LATIN LOVERS…Ali’ Bello: Connection Caracas-New York, Melaza: Melaza
Here are a couple of recent arrivals you may not be familiar with . Two divergent takes of All Things Latin Violinist Ali Bello puts together an attractively lyrical collection of material, much of which he wrote himself. He mixes…
VIBES, BABY…Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica Quartet: Where Here Meets There, Mika Stoltzman: If You Believe, Project Them: Project Them
Good vibes must be in the air, as THREE recent releases feature the percussive wonder, and in three different moods/environments. Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica Quartet features Brian O’Neill/vibe, Geni Skendo/fl, Jason Davis/b and Shane Shanahan/perc along with guests Teve Stevig/tanbur-oud and…
Tim Horner: The Head of the Circle
Drummer and composer Tim Horner puts together a thoughtful but excitingly energetic team of Joe Locke/vib, Jim Ridl/p, Steve Allee/key-acc, Ted Nash/woodwinds and Dean Johnson/b. The music is highly rhythmic, with drums, piano and vibes ricocheting in enthusiastic directions on…