Category: Ringer of the Week

Listening to Cecile McLorin Salvant is like strolling through a sonic art gallery of impressionists. The vocalist creates audible framed works of art, each with its own story and style, allowing you to examine each brush stroke, be it water…

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Steve Smith brings his NYC Edition of Vital Information into the studio and delivers a highly grooving album that is both traditional and inspirational. His drumming skills are perfectly recorded here, and you feel like you’re sitting right next to…

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If you’re ever wondering what made Frank Sinatra the most influential jazz vocalist (even though he always referred to himself as “a saloon singer”), just get a load of this dvd, which has him at two important zeniths of his…

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Some of the most creative and exciting sounds are coming from Central Asia. Just like Brazil’s bossa nova grooves created a tidal wave of influence back in the 50s and 60s, the intricate rhythms and complex harmonies from India and…

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One of the truly sad stories of jazz is the career arc of “Lucky” Thompson, who, as the excellent liner notes from the 4 cd set state, couldn’t have  been a more ironic moniker. He had a smooth tone akin…

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A timeless collection of songs put together by timeless minds and souls lead by veteran bopping pianist Harold Mabern make this album a comfort food for jazz aficionados. Mabern’s touch is warm and clean, filled with rich chords that can…

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This is the album that Lizz Wright’s talents have always  promised to make. It just took her long-life spiritual journey to have her reach the top of the hill. At this stage in her career, she has the both the…

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Gerald Beckett hits the jackpot as he plays flute and alto flute on this rich collection of material and moods. Ranging from post bop to modal and even chamber, Beckett teams with a string section and a rotating jazz rhythm…

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Tenor saxist and composer Zem Audo puts together a highly exciting and textured album of originals. He boasts of a rich, strong and flavorful tone, delivering rich arias with pianist Benito Gonzales, all star bassist  Ben Williams and drummer John…

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Judging by this incredible album, it’s easy to see why alto saxist, composer and arranger Alex Hahn has won a bunch of Downbeat awards as well as getting press at the Next Generation Monterey Jazz Festival. He’s got a great…

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