What would it take for you to consider yourself “successful?” When do you think you will finally “arrive?” Is success a destination, or simply a journey? What is your measure of a “successful” life? Pianist Ahmad Jamal has seen and…
Author: George W. Harris
CHICK COREA : FURTHER EXPLORATIONS OF THE CONTINENTS
If you want to do a history of post modern jazz, an easy way might be to simply follow the career and six degrees of separation of pianist Chick Corea. Initially working as a sideman with Stan Getz, Willie Bobo,…
Denise Donatelli: Soul Shadows
Here’s a singer that is unjustly under the radar. Denise Donatelli simply does everything right. Even better, her taste in material is immaculate. Her first record was of standards, but since then, while still including a well known tune here…
Angel City Jazz Festival@Ford Amphitheatre 10.07.12
It’s quite amazing: I’m not the biggest fan of left of center jazz that stays outside more than in. I’m more of a Getz than Coltrane kind of guy. But I’ve got to tell you, I always have a great…
Marcus Miller@Catalina’s 10.04.12
If soulful jazz with a loose necked backbeat is your thing, then all that was missing from Marcus Miller’s show with his air tight band this October evening was Eddie Murphy “getting’ in the hot tub,” as every other aspect…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Lionel Loueke: Heritage
Guitarist Lionel Loueke has had an impressive career as a sideman with the likes of Terence Blanchard and Herbie Hancock, as well as a fledging go as a solo act. Each of his own releases gets incrementally better, solid and…
Neil CowleyTrio: The Face of Mount Molehill
High on melody and composition, low on improv. If that’s what you want, pianist Neil Cowley is going to satisfy. He fronts a trio with Rex Horan/b and Evan Jenkins/dr, with some infused with a guitarist, over half of the…
David Sanborn: The Anthology
Why is it that we all LOVE David Sanborn, but detest Kenny G? The music here on this hearty 2 disc anthology came out at essentially the same time as the G Forcer, was purchased by the same crowd, and…
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Rattle Them Bones
This is the kind of music that initially got me hooked on jazz many moons ago. The jump/swing of guys like Louis Jordan or Cab Calloway had such an infectious feel that it was as easy switching to this stuff…
Jumpin’ Jazz Kids: A Swinging Jungle Tale
When I was a child, I remember being given these big books with Porky Pig or Bugs Bunny. Inside was a group of 45 rpm records, which I was supposed to play and listen to while following the story along…