I’ve been meaning to see this lady in concert for a time, as her discs have been impressive but a bit two sided. Usually, half of the material is straightforward and hard swinging jazz, and the other part is a…
Author: George W. Harris
Makaya McCraven: Split Decision
While the political system of the Windy City leaves a lot to be desired, the musical environment is as clean as a whistle. Chicago Sessions puts out material by local cats, and this latest, a trio session lead by drummer…
Peter Gabriel: So-the Definitive Story of the Album
The series of Classic Album shows continues with this fascinating documentary on Peter Gabriel’s career changing 1986 album So. Up until that time, the ex-lead singer from the prog rock group Genesis was carving a niche as a cult solo…
Graham Dechter: Takin’ It There
I’ve seen this young kid twice in concert, and just about memorized his debut release when it came out last year. The pride of Calabasas, CA, Graham Dechter, is playing SOMEWHERE just about every night around LA, and the night…
Susan Palma Nidel: Elegante
The subtitle and list of guests should tell you just about all you need to know about this intriguing mix of classical and folk music. “New Flute Music From South America” is just under the title, as is the list…
Jerry Bergonzi: Shifting Gears
It’s my contention that the pair of www.jazzdepot.com’s labels, High Note, and Savant, have taken the mantel that Blue Note abandoned about 10 years ago. I just can’t imagine Savant putting out country music, thank you, so I don’t have…
YA WANT BRAZIL?!? Adventure Music: 10 Years
I’ve been raving about this label for years, and this 3 disc sampler gives you no excuse not to see what Adventure Music has to offer. Consider them like the Blue Note of Brazil: they have a coterie of players…
Jeff & The Coffin Mu’tet: Into the Air
Here’s an intriguing disc that has a lot of good ideas, mixing a bit of traditional fusion with modern sounding concepts. Saxist Jeff Coffin leads a team that sort of sounds like a logical extension of jazz fusion groups like…
****ROTW****Three Voices: Transitions
Back in the 70s, a label called Pablo Records came up with the novel idea of just getting a handful of musicians together, telling them to play whatever they wanted, and let the tapes (back in those days) roll to…
DON’T LET THEM PASS YOU BY-Hamid Cooper: The Humble Man, Chris Greene Quartet: A Group Effort, Carol Robbins: Moraga
Here are three artists that any self respecting jazz fan will find a friend in. 1) Local cat Hamid Cooper is always performing somewhere, leading his Afro-Cuban band with percussive delight. He can play anything that hands can hit,…