A modern collection of sonatas that erase the lines between jazz and classical is presented in concert form here by Romanian-born composer and pianist Lucian Ban and Ameican violist Mat Maneri. A mixture of Eastern Europe, American blues and even…
Author: George W. Harris
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Bernt Rosengren Big Band with Horace Parlan and Doug Raney
If you’re a big band fan, you’re going to want to have this baby in your collection. What you’ve got here is a 1980 session from Stockholm of Bernt Rosengren, who was a big fish in the small pond of…
DELICIOUS DUETS! Tommy Flanagan & Jaki Byard: The Magic of 2-Live at Keystone Korner
I’m not sure where producer George Klabin is finding these vintage live sessions, but I hope the well is connected to an aquifer. His releases of material by Hubbard, Evans and Montgomery have been nothing short of revelatory, and this…
SOUNDS FROM THE SOUTH: Mark Weinstein: Todo Corazon, Jovino Santos Neto: Piano Masters Series Vol. 4, Maria Marquez: Tonada
Here is a trio of releases that deliver music from three different countries. Select your own special spices and sprinkle generously! Flutist Mark Weinstein has produced some impressive music from Central America and Brazil. This time around he travels to…
WOW! MOM! Robert Hurst: Bob, a Palindrome
If you just look at the list of guys on this session that was actually recorded back in 2001 (and who knows where it’s been), you’re going to raise a couple eyebrows. How do the names Branford Marsalis/ss-ts, Jeff “Tain”…
Jeff Healey Band: House on Fire
Blues rock guitarist Jeff Healey may no longer be with us on earth, but there are still undiscovered recordings that are as good as anything you’ve already heard. This latest release features demos and other studio obscurities that will delight…
Justin Hayward: Spirits of the Western Sky
Moody Blues founder Justin Hayward finds that there’s life beyond the blue horizon on this impressive solo session. Much of the music retains that wondrous musicality and warm hearted romanticism that mad the MB’s such a popular group in the…
Jaimeo Brown: Transcendence
Here’s a release that is truly difficult to label. Drummer/composer Jaimeo Brown has been a sideman for the likes of Geri Allen, Steve Turre, Pharoah Sanders and Wynton Marsalis. Here, he uses an intriguing core team of JD Allen /ts…
CAN GOOD SOUNDS REALLY BE THIS EASY? Ole Fessor Lindgreen: Fessor and the Great Ones
Ya know, I’m really a guy of few and simple desires. I’ve got peace with God, a good wife and family, a roof over my head, food on the table and a handful of faithful friends. Musically as well, I…
Jeanette Harris: Summer Rain
Smooth jazz is still with us, thanks to the likes of alto saxist Jeanett Harris, who burns the flame gently on this latest release. Her clean and polished tone is spotlighted on much of the material here, with support from…