Mike Steinel mixes his trumpet and flugelhorn in a velvety way as he blends it with Rosana Eckert’s vocals in both wordless and lyric form. The remaining team of Pat Coil/B3-p, Carl Hillman/b and Steve Barnes/dr show flexibility and rich…
Category: Ringer of the Week
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****WHERE WAS THIS GUY HIDING? Paul Moer: Complete Trio Sessions 1957-1991
I truly thought I had heard of every jazz piano player from the 50s onward. What a total shock to discover this guy Paul Moer. And I can’t even make the excuse that he’s from Europe; he was born in…
PROPHECY FULFILLED…Eric Dolphy: Musical Prophet
The wake of the influence from this 3 disc/lp release by Resonance Records testifies to the influence of musical visionary Eric Dolphy. Back in the late 50s and early 60s, he and John Coltrane were the heat seeking missiles of…
****RINGERS OF THE WEEK****TWO TIMELESS PIANOS…Kenny Werner: The Space, Dave McKenna: In Madison
Classic music doesn’t fit into genres. Here are two pianists, that while stylistically and generations apart, have much in common in that they both play music that lasts. Kenny Werner gives a solo performance of a lifetime with richly lyrical…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****WHO IS THIS GUY?!? Frank Minion: Complete Recordings 1954-1959
Just when you think you’ve heard every jazz singer around, Fresh Sound Records pulls out another obscurity, releases some amazing material and makes you pull your hair out and exclaim “Why have I never known of this cat before?” This…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****THE “WHITE” ALBUM LIKE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD IT BEFORE…The Beatles: The Beatles and Esher Demos
Originally coming out in November, 1968, The Beatles “White” album is being commemorated with an ambitious reissue project. Overseen by Giles Martin, the 49-year old son of famed Beatles producer Sir George Martin, the reissue of the 2 album set…
THE REAL SOUL OF NEW ORLEANS…The Ric & Ron Anthology: Feelin’ Right Saturday Night
While Stax and Motown got all of the publicity, for a few short years, there was a label in New Orleans that created a few waves with some of the earthiest R&B to hit the streets. Founded by Joe Ruffino…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****OYE!! Julio Gutierrez, Nino Rivera, Jose Fajardo & Cachao: The Complete Cuban Jam Sessions
If you’re like I am, and think that Afro-Cuban sounds was one of the greatest things to happen to jazz, this 5 disc collection of music from Cuban locals from the 50s is simply as smoking hot as a Montecristo.…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jorge Nila: Tenor Time-Tribute to Tenor Masters
Jorge Nila is my kind of tenor saxist; he’s got a big and beefy tone that rolls in like the fog at Fisherman’s Wharf. Even better, he uses it here as a tribute to the muscular saxists of the heyday,…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Okan: Sombras
The vocal team of Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdely Savigne create rich and exciting Afro Cuban sounds on this highly percussive and energic album. The supporting team of Anthony Szczachor-Frank Martinez/dr, Roberto Riveron/b, Bill King-Danae Olano-Jeremy Ledbretter-Miguel de Armas/p and various…