Two bands that are carrying on a legacy, one sticking to one’s lane, and the other looking for other worlds. Opening up things was the venerable and respected Little Feat, which has always been considered a “musician’s band” during its…
Author: George W. Harris
Lao Tizer Band@Triunfo Community Park 06.08.24
Yes, there is a local jazz scene, and there are local jazz artists for the Thousand Oaks area. In other words, the musical culture here does not only consist of tributes to Neil Diamond, Steely Dan and Fleetwood Mac. One…
BOP AND POP FROM AVID…Horace Parlan: Four Classic Albums, Petula Clark: Five Classic Albums
Piano and vocals are the latest releases from UK’s AVID group Best known for his work as a sideman for Charles Mingus, pianist Horace Parlan released impressive albums on his own during his illustrious career. His 1960 trio album with…
CALL THE CHIROPRACTOR! Melba Liston: And Her ‘Bones
Famed trombonist Melba Liston was one of the hardest boppers around, best known for her work with Randy Weston and Art Blakey. Here, she’s teamed with her “bones” of Bennie Green, Al Grey, Benny Powell, Melba Liston, Slide Hampton, Jimmy…
OH, YEAH! JAZZ USED TO BE POPULAR!…John Klemmer: Chateau Love
Yes, my son, it is true. Once upon a time, a jazz artist could make popular albums without sacrificing sound and style. Tenor saxist John Klemmer, rumored to be sick, dead, or WORSE..turned into Kenny G…had a slew of albums…
Eliane Elias: Time and Again
One of the most overlooked jazz artists, Eliane Elias, has released yet another impressive and creative album. She’s released straight ahead albums, show tunes and albums of Brazilian moods. This time around she focuses on Sambas, all of them being…
Something Else! Featuring Vincent Herring: Something Else! Soul Jazz
The heavy hitting team of Jeremy Pelt/tp, Vincent Herring/as, Wayne Escoffery/ts, Paul Bollenback/g, David Kikoski/p, Essiet Essiet/b and Otis Brown III/dr at a February, 2024 “Daylight Session” at Smoke Jazz Club, and the light is shining brightly. The gents are…
The Steve Luciano Quartet: Under the Covers
Guitarist Steve Luciano has a classic George Benson feel to his playing on this clever reading of covers with his team of Mike Avila/p, Charlie Siva/b, Walt Hubbard/dr and Dan Jordan/ts-fl. Luciano swings easy with Jordan’s tenor on the classy…
SCANDINAVIAN SWING…The Swedish Modern Jazz Group: Sax Appeal
Yes, those frigid Swedes were able to swing in the early 1960s, as this album of music conducted by pianist Nils Lindberg and featuring the Gerry Mulligan-inspired bari sax of Lars Gullin will testify. The first seven songs have the…
THIS IS BIG BAND SWING 101…Chick Webb & His Orchestra featuring Ella Fitzgerald: All The Hits And More
If you want to appreciate how hard a swinging band Chick Webb had during his short time on earth (1905-39) just keep in mind that every time he had a “battle of the bands” with competing leaders such as Ellington…