Female vocalists…without them most musicians would be out of work. They are the visual and auditory draw for 90% of jazz fans. How a lyric is delivered influences not only scores of other singers, but musicians as well. Here, vocalists…
Category: Reviews
Andrew Swift: Swift Kick, Kerong Chock: Good Company
Drummer Andrew Swift leads a rotating band that includes Eric Alexander/ts, Wycliffe Gordon/tb George cables/p and a host of others on this collection of tunes that range from sophisticated bop like Duke Pearson’s “Is That So?” to originals such as…
The Jens Wendelboe Big Band: Fresh Heat
Here’s a big band that’s got some originality to it. Trombonist Jens Wendelboe writes and arranges a good percentage of the material here, with a mix of instrumentals and vocals. The latter feature Deb Lyons on an intriguingly swinging take…
Otis Taylor: Contraband
There are few bona fide blues artists around these days; Otis Taylor reigns supreme in terms of veracity. His foreboding voice, style and attitude are apparent on this disc that has him in mix and match bands that include Todd…
The Duke Robillard Jazz Trio: Wobble Walkin’, Joe Locke/Geoffrey Keezer Group: Signing
Here are a couple of releases that reflect different means of reaching the same ends; intimate, swinging yet intricate music. Guitarist Duke Robillard teams up with Brad hallen/b and Mark tixeira/dr for a mix of originals and standards, playing…
HIGH NOTES-Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring: Friendly Fire-Live at Smoke, Wallace Roney: Home
Tone! Tone! Tone! When will other musicians understand that the personal sound of a musician is what makes an artist. The trap of mindless chops has made many a student and professional succumb to anonymity, where a unique voice will…
The Groundhogs: Live at the Astoria
These guys give a whole new meaning to the term “60s Rock.” Formed in 1963, The Groundhogs have been faithful to the blues the whole 3 score of years, either on their own, or backing up the likes of John…
“OUT THERE” Music from “out there” in Minnesota-Cornelious Dufallo: Journaling, David Keberle: Caught in Time, Paul Sperry: Open House
When you think of cities that have a thriving jazz scene, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul are usually not on the short list. Let me tell you as an Angeleno-this town smokes and stomps LA! They’ve got…
Christian McBride Big Band: The Good Feeling
Are big bands still alive and well? The current economy makes it difficult for a big ensemble to tour around and make a living, but one-off or short termed projects such as this one still attempts to keep the flame burning.…
Pat Metheny Unity Band@The Lobero Theatre 09.27.12
There’s got to be a reason that an artist like Pat Metheny continues to be as popular both as a recording and touring artist, and all of the draws of Mr. Metheny were well displayed in the cozy confines of…