Sometimes, you forget how good and exciting jazz, particularly fusion, can actually sound. This 1994 concert at the Montreux Jazz Festival is finally and thankfully released, and it’s a treat for the ears. Three giants from the golden days of…
Category: Ringer of the Week
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****COOL STRINGS…Johnny Smith: The Classic Roost Album Collection
One of the most influential, yet currently overlooked guitarists has to be Johnny Smith (1922-2013). His cool sand calm tone can be detected in artists ranging from Pat Metheny to Jim Hall and Kenny Burrell. This four disc boxed set…
****RINGERS OF THE WEEK****TAYLOR MADE JAZZ…Billy Taylor: Taylor Made Jazz, Complete Recordings- Custom Taylored & Uptown
Better known for his educational work than his stellar playing, pianist Billy Taylor was one of the early boppers, playing with the likes of Ben Webster, Stuff Smith and Slam Stewart before focusing on his popular jazz radio program Jazz…
FOXY! Jim Hendrix Experience: Los Angeles Forum-April 26, 1969
To put this essential album in perspective, by April of 1969, Jimi Hendrix had released his last album with his “Experience” of drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding, namely the classic Electric Ladyland. He would soon break up that…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****THIS IS A TEXAS TENOR…Buddy Tate & White Label: Tate’s Delight*
If you don’t know what a “Texas Tenor” is, then this album is your introductory lesson. Essentially, it’s a tenor sax player who has a big, breathy and growling sound, swinging with a swagger. Every big band in the 30s…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****So Long Seven: Only Elephants Know Her Name
The team of Neil Hendry on various guitars, banjo man Tim Posgate, exotic percussionist Ravi Naimpally and William Lamoureux on violin, viola, bass and guitar create a sumptuous mix of American gumbo and Asian masala on this tasty treat of…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Tim Fitzgerald: Tim Fitzgerald’s Full House
Guitarist Tim Fitzgerald gives tribute to his inspiration Wes Montgomery on this swinging set of tunes made famous by the famous thumb strummer. It’s not just an imitation, though, as Fitzgerald gooses up the charts with a hip team of…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jackie Ryan with Paquito D’Rivera: Recuerdos de mi Madre
For some reason, Jackie Ryan never gets mentioned regarding top jazz vocalists, but for my money, she’s in the top tier. Her enunciation is exquisite, she has a festive swing that sounds like she just popped out of a birthday…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Dafnis Prieto featuring Luciana Souza: Cantar
It’s possible that vocalist Luciana Souza has been on more of my RINGER OF THE WEEK selection list than any other artist. The amazing thing about her is that each time she has been in a different setting, ranging from…
SENSUOUS SAMBA…Eliane Elias: Quietude
With her latest series of releases, Eliane Elias has quietly and sadly unobservantly becoming not only one of the most adroit pianists in jazz, but with albums like this new one, has now entered the top tier of Brazilian vocalists.…