First, a bit of a history lesson to let you know that this music by the trio of Emmanuelle LeBlanc/bodran-flutes-jaws harp-v, Pascal Miousse/vio-g-mand-v and Pastelle LeBland/acc-v makes perfect sense. What we now call “Cajun” originated with French Canadians, called “Acadians”…
Author: George W. Harris
PIANO TRIOS IN CONCERT…Joey Calderazzo Trio/Live, Edward Simon Trio/Live in New York at Jazz Standard
Ah! The corpuscles of jazz-the piano trio! And even better, circulating in the arteries of jazz clubs. Here are two wonderful examples of what marrow can produce… Joey Calderazzo is best known as the pianist/composer/anchor leg for Branford Marsalis’…
THIS IS A SAXOPHONE 101 ***REISSUE OF THE YEAR?***Lester Young: Boston 1950
Uptown Records is a small label in PA that puts out historically vital sessions that need to be part of everyone’s collection. They only release about 2-4 things a year, which is so frustrating, as all that they release is tantalizingly…
Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet: Latin Jazz-Jazz Latin
Some of the most vibrant Latin jazz you’re going to hear is listed in the catalogue of trombonist Wayne Wallace. This latest one with a quintet including, but not limited to, Murray Low/p, David Belove/b, Colin Douglas/dr and Michael Spiro/perc…
Kikoski/Carpenter/Novak/Sheppard: From the Hip
Studio studs David Kikoski/p, Dave Carpenter/b, Gary Novak/dr and Bob Sheppard/ts-ss are on scores of recordings, and known in their respective circles as dependable artists, able to accomplish any challenge thrown their way. In front of an appreciative studio audience,…
JAZZ FROM BYU?!? Steve Lindeman with BYU Synthesis: The Day After Yesterday
Better known for basketball and Joseph Smith, Utah’s BYU has suddenly put itself on the map with Steve Lindeman coming from Indiana University to team up with BYUS’s director of director of jazz studies (Ray Smith) and produce an impressive…
Nigel Kennedy: Recital
It’s interesting that violinist Nigel Kennedy’s latest release is on a classical label again. Wasn’t it just a handful of years ago when he recorded for Blue Note, for Pete’s sake? This one, with a mixture of composers including Waller,…
Banda Magda: Amour T’es La?
My wife and I are planning a trip to France in September, so I’m trying to learn as much French as possible, as well as take in as many modern tunes from the local scene. I’ve taken in some great…
ARRESTING! Daniel Rodriguez: Por Ti Volare
Known as “The Singing Policeman,” Daniel Rodriguez became known publicly after singing “God Bless America” after the 9-11 attacks. He studied opera with Placido Domingo and has become known as America’s Beloved Tenor. What a great country! Here’s a disc…
Rose & The Nightingale: Spirit of the Garden
Consisting of Jody Redhage/cello/v, Sara Caswell/v-mand, Leala Cyr/tp-v, and Laila Biali/p-v, RATN deliver a 16 song journey to the various moods of the yearly seasons. In doing so, the mix forms ranging from Japanese Haiku to melodious jazz to Joni…