Mixing sounds of Iberia and jazz, pianist and composer Olivia Perez-Collellmir has put together an enchanting musical mosaic of an album, blending solo piano sonatas with passionate folk-group ensembles. The solo “Promenades” that are interspersed around the larger piece include…
Author: George W. Harris
Brad Turner Quintet: The Magnificent
Brad Turner plays both piano and trumpet as he leads a team with Cory Weeds/ts, Peter Bernstein/g, Nel Swainson/b and Quincy Davis/dr on this album of originals. On piano, Turner gets into a romantic setting with Bernstein on “Virtue Signals”…
Lezlie Harrison: Let Them Talk
I love a vocalist that doesn’t overplay her hand, and Lezlie Harrison sings with the wisdom of a card shark who knows when to hold ‘em and fold ‘em. She’s teamed up with the simpatico cast of Ben Paterson/B3, Matt…
TENORS FROM CELLAR…Kelly Jefferson: Rituals, Joel Haynes: The Return!, Sharon Minemoto: Dark Night Bright Stars
Tenors of various tones are represented on these three recent albums from Cellar Records. Kelly Jefferson plays tenor and a bit of soprano sax with her team of Amanda Tosoff/p, Jon Maharaj/b and Morgan Childs/dr on this collection of original.…
Leah Waybright: Dreamed
Playing piano and keyboards with accompanying voice, Leah Waybright teams up with Gary Blue/woodwinds, Rick Kennel/b-dr-perc an Stanley Whitaker/g for a collection of unpretentious originals. There’s a celestial feel to her material such as “Candlewink”, with Blu’s clarinet gliding over…
SIX STRINGER…John Stein: No Goodbyes
Guitarist John Stein uses his thick tone to team up with bassist Ed Lucie and drummer Mike Connors for some clear and sleek reads of standards. He is reminiscent of Jim Hall in the sense that he doesn’t overstate his…
Joe Wittman Trio Works: Sol
Guitarist Joe Wittman trios up with Daniel Duke/b and Keith Ballas/dr on a collection of originals and covers, displaying his allegiances. First tip of the pick goes to Grant Green, as Wittman carries the same mix of clean lines and…
Debbie Spring: Tocamos
Debbie Spring plays the five string viola, teaming up with Hal Roland/key, Rusty Heck/b, Ettienee Fuentes Jr/dr, David Schanzer/perc and a collectionof guests on this exciting album. Her tone is strong on the melodies, and she sure can carry out…
Mark Vickness Interconnected: In The Rain Shadow
Mark Vickness Interconnected: In The Rain Shadow If you’re looking for sounds inspired by the Paul Winter Consort or Oregon, look no further than this album by guitarist Mark Vickness. He brings together a pastoral team of Mads Tolling/vi, Matt…
Sara Serpa & Andre Matos: Night Birds
Dreamy soundscapes are put together with vocalist Sara Serpa and guitarist Andre Magtos, along with guests Dov Manskii/p-synth, Joao Pereira/dr, Sofia Jernberg-Lourenco/voc and Okkyung Lee/cel. Serpa’s ethereal voice is reminiscent of those Enya albums in the 80s and 90s, haunting…