Category: Ringer of the Week

Guitarist Vinny Raniolo is better known for his collaborations with fellow six stringers Frank Vignola and Tommy Emmanuel, but once in a while he goes out on his own, with this duet album with bassist Elias Bailey, gorgeously displaying his…

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Think about it; who else besides Fred Hersch consistently puts out strong and creative albums? His canon ranges from solo to trio to live stage, and his style is completely is own, with that rare “one note and you know”…

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Drummer extraordinaire Steve Gadd brings his working team of Walter Fowler/tp-fh, Kevin Hays/key, Jimmy Johnson/b, Michael Landau/g and guest son Duke Gadd/g-perc for a collection of tunes that musically reflects his center of gravity, namely fusion jazz with soul. Gadd’s…

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The usual progression of jazz piano goes along the lines of beginning with Fats Waller stride to Earl Hines right hand “trumpet” soloing to Teddy Wilson’s swinging digital prowess, leading the way to the bebopping fast left hand of Bud…

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Whoever came up with this idea deserves a special place in music heaven. Van Morrison, known for material ranging from pub rockers like “Jackie Wilson Said” to mystical musings, teams up with Hammond B3 legend Joey DeFrancesco and his team…

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Vocalist and percussionist Brenda Navarrete brings all facets of Cuban music together on this richly rewarding album. From tribal villages to city streets, Navarrete creates authentic and riveting material that reaches the heart, soul, viscera and feet. Tribal choruses and…

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It has been argued, fairly  persuasively, that pianist Oscar Peterson was the last American musical artist that achieved fame solely through the virtuosity of his talents. No gimmicks, no special lights and whistles; he was simply the best at his…

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The first question I asked myself after taking in this bopping album was “Would I be as excited about this album if it were not a collection of jazz originals by Prince’s father?” To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure.…

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There are certain albums that everyone needs to own in order to truly appreciate music. If it’s vocals that is your fancy, there is simply nothing  better on this side of heaven than the collection of duets between Louis Armstrong…

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You know that if Quincy Jones discovers and promotes an artist, he’s got to have something extra in his soul. Cuban pianist and composer Alfredo Rodriguez justifies the endorsement, as his previous albums, all focusing on different moods and band…

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