As a response to his intriguing previous excursion (Avenging Angel) that emphasized solo performing, pianist Craig Taborn brings together a trio for a collection of complex, sophisticated and intelligent originals. Together with Thomas Morgan/b and Gerald Cleaver/dr, Taborn uses the…
Author: George W. Harris
CALLIN’ OUT AROUND THE WORLD! Martha Reeves & The Vandellas: 50th Anniversary The Singles Collection 1962-1972
Even if you’re a Motown fanatic who thinks he has EVERYTHING Berry Gordy ever blessed, this 3 cd set is going to get your attention. Of course, the attraction is having all of those wonderful singles like “Jimmy Mack,” “Nowhere…
HEY, MON! Bob Marley & The Wailers: Kaya 35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
Island Records celebrates reggae king Bob Marley’s 35th anniversary of his popular Kaya album from 1978 by including it in a 2cd set along with a July 7 show from the same year in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Of course, you’ve got the…
Lisa Hilton@Catalina’s 05.16.13
This past month has been filled with trios coming through LA. From Brad Mehldau & The Bad Plus to Jason Moran, as well as Bill Cunliffe and Emily Bear, it seems like paradise for fans of intimate jazz. So, do…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Mario Adnet: Amazonia
I’ve mentioned before that what Blue Note Records used to be to jazz, Adventure Music Records is to present day Brazilian music. This label consistently puts out exciting and fresh sounds that are as varied as they are melodious. This…
Morten Haxholm Quartet: Equilibrium
Bassist Morten Haxhold leads a team that spotlights guitarist Jonathan Kriesberg as well as bandmates Frederick Menzis/ts and Ari Hoenig/dr on this collection of post bop originals and treatments of standards. Menzis’ tenor is firm and confident on the lovely…
The Dann Zinn 4: Grace’s Song
Tenor saxist Dann Zinn mixes an old school leather tone with just a hint of modal moaning on this intriguing quartet collection with Taylor Eigsti/p, John Shifflett/b and Alan Hall/dr. Mixing originals with a couple intriguing covers. A song like…
Molly Holm: Permission
Bay Area vocalist/composer Molly Holm brings together an impressive lineup to deliver a mix of post bop and modal standards and originals on this session. The flexible team of Frank Martin/p, Jeff Chambers/g, Famoudou Don Moye-Deszon Claiborne/dr and Larry Schneider/sax…
Charles Flores: Impressions of Graffiti
Cuban bassist Charles Flores has made a respectable career as a sideman for the likes of Michel Camilo and Dafnis Prieto, while now starting his own time out as a leader. This release has him with the latin-fusion team of…
Maria Jacobs: Art of the Duo
Vocalist Maria Jacobs has had a career that has emphasized the gospel side of the tracks, and has put out a respectable catalogue in that genre. Here, she’s left the church pews, crossed the street and has strolled down Tin…