Sometimes the “latin tinge” permeates jazz, and sometimes “jazz” permeates the latin tinge. That’s the story of, that’s the glory of…these four wonderful recordings. Bandoneon player Hector Del Curto explores the songbook of Astor Piazzolla with Pedro Giruado/b, Sami Mardinian/vio,…
Author: George W. Harris
VIVA ITALIA Y MEXICO! Quattro: Popzzical, The Krayolas: Tormenta
It seems like the latest trend in music are these bands that mix gypsy, jazz and pop. Here are two bands that delve into this latest genre. The quartet of Giovanna Clayton/cello-voc, Jorge Villanueva/pec-voc, Kay-Ta Matsuno/g-voc and Lisa Dondlinger/vio-voc combine…
Dyad: Plays Puccini
In order to improve my playing skills, my sax teacher used to tell me to play as if I were singing the lyrics with extra schmaltz, as in an opera. This collection of duets between Lou Caimano/as and Eric Olsen/p…
Gene Pritsker: Trio Amalgamate, Samplestra
Guitarist Gene Pritsker delves into fascinatingly experimental sounds on these two latest releases. While the instrumentation is quite varied between the two sessions, and even within one of them, the attitude of sound and ear expansion prevails. Trio Amalgamate includes…
Jose’ Rizo’s Mongorama: Baila Que Baila
Bandleader/composer/LA standard bearing DJ Jose Rizo once again puts his Jazz On the Latin Side band on hold and delivers an encore session by the equally impressive and oh so slightly smoother Mongorama. This most recent album has some suavely…
Chris Parker Trio: The Chris Parker Trio
Drummer Chris Parker leads a fresh sounding trio her with Kyoto Oyobe/p and Ameen Saleem/b on this well rounded mix of standards and originals. Rich and imaginatively swinging material like “C’est Possible” and Pat Metheny’s “Song For Bilbao” have wondrous…
Steve Heckman Quartet/Quintet: Born to be Blue
Here’s a delight for jazz fans that like their jazz served on a blue plate. Steve Heckmann uses his warm and high cholesterol tenor along with boppers Howard Alden/g, Matt Clark/p, Marcus Shelby/b and Akira Tana/dr on this thoroughly enjoyable…
SMOKIN’!!!…Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt: Boss Tenors in Orbit/Soul Summit
Ahhh! Two tenor battles! These kinds of discs were all over the place in the 50s and 60s, but who does them nowadays? But then, you REALLY want to hear two of today’s anemic saxist play together? It might sound…
Eric Essix: Evolution
Think “Smooth Jazz” is too bland, and post modern jazz too dissonant? Think you might like this guitarist, Eric Essix. He plays both electric and acoustic and has a nice tone and delivery on both ends of the scale. He…
Nancy Harms: Dreams in Apartments
Vocalist Nancy Harms puts together a winning disc with Aaron Parks/p, John Hart/g, Danton Boller/b and RJ Miller/dr on a mix of well chosen covers and impressive originals. She feels like a throwback to the days of 70s singer/songwriters on…