Best known for his friendship and style inspiration with the recently departed Les McCann, pianist Joe Alterman finds companionship with another kindred spirit in tenor saxist Houston Person. Along wit Kevin Smith/b and Justin Chesarek/dr, the two soul brothers make…
Category: Ringer of the Week
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN****…John Coltrane: A Love Supreme 60th Anniversary Edition
Back in 1965, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme was released and changed the direction of popular music since. Not only was the album a musical tour de force, but the entire theme behind the album, dedicating oneself to God, was…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Arlen Roth: Playing Out The String
One of the true masters of the electric Fender Telecaster, Arlen Ross shows his talents on acoustic guitar, as well as mandolin and slide on this comfy back porch tribute to down home folk and blues. He’s got a nice…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****The New York Second: Room For Other People
Here’s an idea so brilliant and yet simple in that it’s amazing no one has come up with the idea before. Pianist and composer Harald Walkate brings his The New York Second band together to interpret a series of city…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Matt Lemmler: The Book Of Psalms Volume One, Powerhouse: New Orleans In Stride Volume III (Trios, Quartets & Quintets)
New Orleans pianist and vocalist Matt Lemmler steps into the void left by Dr. John and brings a Crescent City marrow’d feel on a pair of rich and wondrous albums. Both have deep roots, but still speak to ears both…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK***Pee Wee Ellis: The Story Teller
While best known as the saxist for the 1960s James Brown Fabulous Flames, tenor man Pee Wee Ellis shows on this two disc set that he was a jazzer at heart. He’s got a gloriously warm breathy tone, and teamed…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Diego Figueiredo: I Love Samba
I hope someone is noticing that Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo is building up an incredibly enjoyable catalogue of material that pays tribute to the past, but with modern ideas. This latest release has him teamed with Itai Kriss/fl, Dduka da…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK/YEAR?****THIS IS KANSAS CITY JAZZ 101****Classic Vanguard Small Group Swing Sessions
Founded in 1950 by brothers Maynard and Seymour Solomon, Vanguard Records built up a catalogue of some of the most authentic collections of folk, blues, and jazz during its existence. By 1953, the label was under the direction of John…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK***The Crew: The Crew
You gotta love this team of Bryan J Hughes/voc, James Suggs/tp, Alejandro Arenas/b, Jean Bolduc/dr and John C. O’Leary III/p-key, just for moxie alone on this totally hip album. They’ve got swing in their collective bone marrow, but keep everything…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****T.K. Blue: Planet Bluu
This is about the third album I’ve taken in from TK Blue, and am still impressed by his mix of world and bluesy jazz tones. He plays the African percussion instrument kalimba quite a bit here, adding to some exoticism,…