The probable reason that pianist Horace Parlan never made a bigger name for himself is that in the middle of his career he left America to stake out a better claim and jazz career in Denmark, where he was a revered…
Author: George W. Harris
Ralph Alessi: Baida
Trumpeter Ralph Alessi, who’s been a serviceable sideman for the likes of Steve Coleman and Ravi Coltrane, fronts an impressive team of Jason Moran/p, Drew Gress/b and Nasheet Waits/dr for a collection of originals. Alessi’s horn is put in some…
Jacob Teichroew Quintet: Tableaux
Not only does Fresh Sound Records reissues some of jazz’s most important historical sessions, but the Spanish label also scouts out for exciting new talents. Here’s one you’re going to like. Saxist Jacob Teichroew leads a team of Syberen Van…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Alexis Cuadrado: A Lorca Soundscape
Usually, I pick a Ringer of the Week because it is the “best” album I’ve heard, but this time I’m picking this one by bassist Alexis Cuadrado because it is the most fascinating. He brings together a first rate band…
Dave Holland: Prism
Bassist/leader Dave Holland puts together a team of all stars here with Kevin Eubanks/g, Craig Taborn/p-key and Eric Harland/dr. Everyone contributes material and everyone DEFINITELY contributes assertive chops, as this band displays more muscles than Gold’s Gym. Funky grooves on…
Craig Hartley: Books On Tape Vol. 1
Pianist Craig Hartley leads a lyrical trio with Carlo De Rosa/b and Henry Cole/dr through a a collection of standards and originals. Hartley’s mix of melodicism and drimve is apparent on his opening piece “Dial 411” which sounds like the…
SASSY’S LAST HURRAH…Sarah Vaughan: Sophisticated Lady
Someone woke up at Concord Records, as lately the people there have gotten wise and have been reissuing some wonderful material from their timeless collection of vintage recordings from the analog era. They’re finally going into the vaults of Pablo Records, which was known back in…
Patrick Cornelius: Infinite Blue
Alto saxist/composer Patrick Cornelius has released about 3 other albums, and they’re all impressive pieces of work. Unlike so many on the alto, he’s got a nice, clean and airy sound; not a hint of harshness or shrill in his…
Lorraine Feather: Attachments
For some reason, Lorraine Feather is under the radar on not one, but TWO categories; as not only a singer but as a lyricist. She’s put out lots of albums, and this one is one of her strongest. Her delivery…
LOVE FROM PABLO…Duke Ellington: The Ellington Suites, Dizzy Gillespie/Joe Pass/ray Brown/Mickey Roker: Dizzy’s Big 4, Oscar Peterson/Stephane Grappelli: Skol, Zoot Sims: And the Gershwin Brothers, Art Tatum: Solo Masterpieces Volume One
Someone at Pablo Records must have received a promotion or something, as suddenly a bunch of material from the venerable Norman Granz label is popping up all over the place. Keep up the good work! One of Duke Ellington’s more…