Like those of us who have just returned from a trip to Disneyland, what we remember about our time there are the good rides, not the crowds and waiting in line. Likewise, trumpeter Eric Le Lann provides a moving tribute…
Author: George W. Harris
Stefano Battaglia Trio: Songways
Pianist Stefano Battaglia fronts a trio with Salvatore Maiore/b and Roberto Dani/dr through a collection of songs that come across as almost mystical chants. A brooding “Euphonia Elegy” slowly builds up for 12 minutes like a prayer that stacks one…
Festival Au Desert: Live From Timbuktu
I spent some time in Mali back in the 80s, and back then, there was only one reason to go to Timbuktu; to get your passport stamped so you could have bragging rights once you got back home. There really…
LESSONS! Grappelli Licks: The Vocabulary of Gypsy Jazz Violin by Tim Kliphuis, Upright Bass: Killer Technique by Chris Tordini
Here are a couple of educational books that will get your chops up a couple notches Tim Kliphuis, considered the heir to violinist Stephane Grappelli’s throne, has put together a healthy collection of melodies and licks that are associated with…
Samantha Carlson: Day In-Day Out
Vocalist Samantha Carlson joins the pantheon of interpreters of the Great American Songbook with an impressive outing with Phillip Burkhead/p, Bill Jackson/b, Dan Dorff/dr and William Brian Hogg/ts-ss. She’s got a bright Broadway style of delivery, throwing in a strong…
Anthony Branker & Word Play: Uppity
Composer & arranger Anthony Branker has put together an intriguing six piece suite with a sextet and vocalist that can be approached both musically and socially. Of the latter, the theme of the piece is concerning latent and overt racism…
Peggy Duquesnel: Seems Like I Know You
Pianist/vocalist and composer Peggy Duquesnel releases a 5 song ep here that mixes gentle pop and jazz with some of the best LA cats around. Along with Jeff Lorber/key, Jimmy Haslip/b, Rick Braun/tp-fh, Michael Thompson and a collection of background…
YOUR TAX DOLLARS FINALLY AT WORK! Tony Bennett & Dave Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962
OK, so we all can agree that the government, both local and federal COMPLETELY WASTES our hard earned tax dollars. Well, it wasn’t always like this. Back when the world was different, JFK was in the White House, Marilyn was…
A LONG LOST ART…Mike MacArthur: Feels Like Home
Back in the 70s and 80s, before jazz divided into the two groups (“smooth” and “post-bop”) which we presently have, most of the music we listened to was simply called “Contemporary Jazz” or “Adult Instrumental Music.” Bands from Weather Report…
ON PAPER THIS SHOULD WORK…Bob James & David Sanborn: Quartette Humaine
I really like both these guys, and I almost always like whatever alto saxist Dave Sanborn records. I just can’t put my finger on why this session with all stars like Bob James/p, James Genus/b and the indefatigable Steve Gadd/dr…