Haven’t I lived through these sounds before? Vocalist Twink palys percussion and programs with Ed Sykes/b-keypperc, Isaac Lock/voc, MartinYoung/g-perc and Brian Parsley /voc on te originals. The songs range from lots of 80s keyboards and evensome sitar sounds on “Sun…
Author: George W. Harris
Hays Street Hart: Bridges
Pianist Kevin Hays leads a trio with veteran all stars Billy Hart/dr and Ben Street/b on a mix of covers and originals. With a team like this, the joy is in the interpretation and interplay, and these guys don’t disappoint.…
Yuhan Su: Liberated Gesture
Vibraphonist Yuhan Su brings together Matt Mitchell/p, Caroline Davis/as-voc, Marty Kenney/b and Dan Weiss for a collection of originals. There’s even a poem included, recited by Davis during “She Goes To A Silent War.” There’s a deep hint of Monk…
Constantine Alexander: Firetet
Fresh from the Greek side of Chicago, trumpeter Constantine Alexander debuts with a hard bopping album that sounds like he was weaned from Blue Note albums as well as feta cheese. Playing flugelhorn as well Alexander brings together a muscular…
Margot Sergent: Douce France/Sweet France
Singing and accompanying herself on harp, Margo Sergent creates bohemian moods with Patrick Brennan/g, Alec Safy/b, Linus Wyrsch/cl and guests Ben Silashi/dr or Vitor Goncalves/acc a mix of Left Bank originals and interpretations. She suavely sambas here and there as…
Jason Arkins: In Focus
Playing sax and flute, Jason Arkins puts together a soulful jazz album with Beau Cornelius/p-key, Leo Folsom/synth, Mike Ramos/b and Jack Dratch/dr that gives hints of plugged in Chick Corea and Joe Sample. There’s some splashy synth work by Folsom…
Tomas Fujiwara: Pith
Drummer and composer Tomas Fujiwara leads a trio with cellist Tomeka Reid and vibist Patricia Brennan through six mellow musings. There is a graceful pulse to “Solace”, a bluesy post bop appeal on “Josho” and hovering ambience with Brennan’s vibes…
Quinsin Nachoff: Stars and Constellations
Composer and tenor saxist Quinsin Nachoff leads a trio of Mark Helias/b and Dan Weiss/dr along with two, count ‘em, two, string quartets on three long opuses. “Stars and Constellations: Scorpio” consists of the Bergamot Quartet bowing, scratching and picking…
Samara Joy’s Joyful Holiday featuring The McLendon Family@Granada Theatre 12.08.23
After seeing Grammy winner Samara Joy perform for the first time back in February, my first thought was “Someone raised this young lady right”. Yes, she is an incredible singer with an irresistible sense of swing and inspiring sense of…
Steve Gadd@Catalina’s 12.07.23
It was certainly fitting that “Rhymin’” Paul Simon was part of the packed house at Catalina’s on Thursday night, as Gadd’s 90 minute set reminded everyone why the Gadd/Simon collaboration of “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover” has stood the…