Javier Nero plays lead trombone and even brings in some vocals to his massive orchestra for a collection of originals. The team has a bold sound, even getting frisky at times, as on the intro to “ The Blues IReincarated” while…
Author: George W. Harris
Vincent Courtois-Daniel Erdmann-Robin Fincker: Nothing Else
The album by cellist Vincent Courois and the double reed team of tenor saxist Daniel Erdmann with Robin FIncker doubling on clarinet is stated “to be listened to in two parts”. Not sure what the dividing line of the 16…
LEO IN THE FALL…Alvin Schwaar: To All Dancing Souls, , Karina Kozhevikova & Krugly Band: Polyphonic Circle
The latest from UK-based Leo Records has moods for all moods. Pianist Alvin Schwaar goes solo on a highly impressionistic collection of sonatas. He shows a soft touch on the reflective “Colours And Whispers” with gentle ideas fo “Ocean of…
Meshell Ndegeocello: The Omnichord Real Book
The Blue Note debut of Meshell Ndegeocello may include artists such as Jason Moran, Ambrose Akinmusire, Joel Ross, Jeff Parker, Brandee Younger, Cory Henry, Mark Guiliana, Julius Rodriguez, Joan As Police and Thandiswa, but the 18 songs are essentially quick…
Roxana-Amed & Frank Carlberg: Los Trabajos Y Las Noches fa
Delicate wisps are created by vocalist Roxana Amed teamed up with pianist Frank Carlberg and a supporting team of Adam Kolker/reeds, Simon Willson/b and Michael Sarin/dr. Amed creates ethereal harmonies on “Pido El Silencio” and is dreamily melancholic with Carlberg…
Yosef-Gutman Levitt: Soul Song fa
Soft and intimate pastels are created by bassist Yosef Gutman Levitt and his team of Lionel Loueke/g, Omri Mor/p and Ofri Nehemya/dr for 14 mellow moods. Loueke is mostly on acoustic guitar, and delicate throughout, tender on p ieces like…
Kaisa’s Machine: Taking Shape FA
Kaisa Maensivu mixes and matches her bass in various formats ranging from solo to beyond with Tiven Pennicott/ts, Sasha Berliner/vib, Max Light/g, Eden Ladin/p and Joe Peri/dr. There are a handful of intimate numbers that feature either bass or piano…
GUITARS…Greg Diamond: Beata
#2 pencil toned guitarist Greg Diamond teams up with Edward Perez/b and Ludwig Afonso/dr for a collection of mostly originals of the post bop feel. He creates some nifty lines for the dancing “ Beata” and creates morning dew droplets…
Christian Artman: The Middle Of Life
Christian Artmann plays a variety of domestic and exotic flutes with his team of Laszlo Gardony /p, John Lockwood/b, Yoron Israel/dr and guest vocalist Elena McEntire for a collection of mostly originals. His alto flute is elegant on “Sow River”…
VINYL REVIVAL…Shelly Manne & His Friends: My Fair Lady, Ornette Coleman: Tomorrow Is The Question
Yes, at one time jazz was “popular”, as well as setting cultural standards. Here are a couple of vinyl reissues that reflect the halcyon days, when people listened, and listened attentively. One of the most recorded drummers, Shelly Manne, teamed…