Blue Note Records dug deep into its vault and found a jazz version of Eugene O’Neill’s Our Town in this March 8, 1959 session of an early edition of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s classic studio.…
Category: Ringer of the Week
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL…Denny Zeitlin: Live At Mezzrow
For the past 10+ years, I’ve had the privilege of voting in Downbeat Magazine in the Critic’s Poll for categories such as “Best Pianist” for the year. I’ll listen to Fred Hersch and think, “He’s the one” but then, I’ll…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Larry Willis: I Fall In Love Too Easily
On this album, Larry Willis confirms that he belongs to the group of pianists (including Cedar Walton, John Hicks, Tommy Flanagan and the recently departed Harold Mabern) that are incapable of playing anything less than tasty bop. There’s always a…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Leni Stern: 4
One of the most underrated composers and guitarists, Leni Stern, releases yet another strong album that melds American jazz with West African thoughts. Along with guitar, Stern sings a bit and plays the West African stringed instrument n’goni, but not…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK**** PALEO NEW AGE…Alex de Grassi: The Bridge
Back in the Mercedes 80s, guitarist Alex de Grassi was the poster child for what was then called New Age Music, usually on the Windham Hill Label. This latest album shows that de Grassi has evolved and grown over time,…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Brian Landrus: For Now
Brian Landrus brings together an all star lineup with pianist Fred Hersch, drummer Billy Hart, bassist Drew Gress, Michael Rodriguez on trumpet and a sleek string team of sara Caswell/vi, Joyce Hammann/vi, Lois Martin/va and Jody Redhage-Ferber/cel for a rich…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Lauren Henderson: The Songbook Session
Lauren Henderson has framed her sensuous and lyrical voice in a variety of settings over the years, ranging from Latin to R&B. This time around, she’s reunited with a simpatico teammate in pianist Sullivan Fortner (who’s worked with the likes…
THIS IS AN ALTO SAX….PAUL DESMOND: The Complete 1975 Toronto Recordings
Two overlooked facts about alto saxist Paul Desmond: First, he, and not Dave Brubeck, actually composed the classic tune “Take Five” and second, his best work was actually on his own. Due to a handshake agreement, Desmond never hired a…
*****BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR?****AN OCTONGENERIAN IN LOVE…Dion DiMucci: Blues with Friends
YES! It’s the same Dion of “and The Belmonts” that gave us doo woppers like “Teenager In Love” or solo material like “The Wanderer” and “Abraham, Martin and John”. What has happened since is that Dion DiMucci found the roots…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Chip Wickham: Blue To Red
This album led by flutist Chip Wickham is a throwback to the vintage days of Impulse!, when you had advanced and forwardly thinking jazz that was both accessible and exciting. He brings together a team of keyboardist Dan Goldman, bassist/cellist…