Jazz vocals is a lot like college classrooms; they seem dominated by a surfeit of women in attendance. So, when a guy comes around that doesn’t sound like a Buble’ clone, he gets my attention. Michael Stephenson gets that attention.…
Category: Ringer of the Week
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Ensemble Edge: Dimma-A Tribute to Jan Johansson
Swedish pianist/composer Jan Johansson (1931-1968) was adept at mixing traditional folk tones and jazz into a rich and unique atmosphere. Conducted by Mathias Skaarup Sorensen, 16 singers from Ensemble Edge join with Calle Brickman/p, Karmen Roivassepp/voc, Matthias Flemming Retri/b, Andreas…
IF CHARLES BROWN WERE FEMALE…Hadda Brooks: Out of the Blue-The Singles & Albums Collection 1945-53
If there is a sexism in jazz and R&B (and there surely is/was), it is shown by the fact that pianist/vocalist Hadda Brooks is rarely mentioned in the same breath as Ray Charles, Amos Milburn, Charles Brown or early Nat…
TIMELESS….Eric Clapton: The Lady in the Balcony-Lockdown Sessions
Eric Clapton still continues to speak for his generation, both musically and culturally. Back in February, 2021, his concert at the Royal Albert Hall was cancelled due to the draconian lockdown of the COVID pandemic. Having received a bad reaction…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Nils Landgren Solo: Nature Boy
When the idea of a “solo trombone jazz album” is mentioned, I’m sure your first thought is either “BORING” or “WAY OUT THERE!”. Well, this release by trombonist Nils Landgren may not be for everyone, but it should be, as…
THE ALL TIME BEST QUINTET? Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers: First Flight to Tokyo-The Lost 1961 Recordings
It’s hard to argue that Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers was the best ever hard bop quartet; the real question is ‘which version’? The one with Clifford Brown/Lou Donaldson? Mobley/Byrd? Hubbard/Walton? Well, if 1941’s orchestra was Ellington’s greatest ever, you have…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****A FORGOTTEN STAR…Sheila Jordan: Comes Love-Lost Sessions 1960
One of the most original of the bebopping female vocalists, Sheila Jordan blew the world away with her 1963 Portrait of Sheila Jordan and has subsequently created an impressive, if ignored, catalogue. This eleven song collection is vastly important, as…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Kazemde George: I Insist
Reading the liner notes, and observing the serious expression of tenor saxist Kazemde George’s album, I was expecting a series of either angry or self absorbed compositions and deliveries, particularly when a self-described goal to “channel great masters like…(rapper) J…
THE RETURN OF A FRESH VOICE! Alex Bird & The Mavericks: You Are The Light and The Way
Back in March of 2021, the debut album of vocalist/songwriter Alex Bird and his band The Mavericks came out and punched me like a right cross. Unlike most vocal albums, it was original, it was hip, it was completely underived…
THE SOUL OF AMERICAN MUSIC…The King of Gospel Music: The Life and Music of Reverend James Cleveland
Be it jazz, blues, soul, R&B, rock or even country, the spiritual taproot of American music is found in the church, particularly in the pews of the black church. This four disc, 100 page anthology collects the works of the…