Guitarist Steve Khan puts together a clever concept on this most recent album with Ruben Rodriguez/b, Mark Walker/dr, Marc Quinnones/perc , Bobby Allende/perc and guests including Randy Brecker/tp and Bob Mintzer/ts. Most of the tunes are either arranged by Rob…
Category: Ringer of the Week
JUST KEEP THEM COMIN’, AND NO ONE GETS HURT…Wynton Kelly Trio/Wes Montgomery: Smokin’ In Seattle
Resonance Records continues to dig up sunken treasures like the Count of Monte Cristo as this most recent release features a sizzling night in Seattle’s Penthouse club back in 1966. The music comes from a pair of 1/2 hour radio broadcasts…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Matt Otto with Ensemble Iberica: Iberica
Tenor saxist and composer Matt Otto puts together a thoroughly original, accessible and exciting session that mixes jazz with Andalusian sounds on this clever session. The unorthodox team includes the “Ensemble Iberica (Beau Bledsoe/g-oud, Jordan Shipley/g-cav, Michael McClintock/eg-tres) along with…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Stephane Wrembel: The Django Experiment I & II
Gypsy-inspired guitarist Stephane Wrembel gives tribute to the iconic Django Reinhardt through sound and compositions, but he doesn’t stay glued to the mid 20th Century on this pair of exciting discs. Both albums consist of the leader with Thor Jensen/g,…
TODAY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL? Mark Murphy: Wild and Free
Though recently departed to his eternal reward, Mark Murphy remains arguably the most influential vocalist for today’s generation of male singers. From Kurt Elling to Theo Bleckman, the shadow of Murphy’s smile is found via his ability to play with…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Bruno Canino & Enrico Piera: Americas
Here’s a rich collection of two minds, twenty fingers and 176 ivories mixing together for 8 songs and 49 minutes. Bruno Canino and Enrico Pieranunzi venture into the Great North and South American songbooks with 8 rich and ebullient piano…
THE ORIGINAL AND STILL ULTIMATE “JAM” BAND…The Allman Brothers Band: The Fox Box
Back in the 1970s, the Allman Brothers band, boasting the mix of twin lead guitars and smoky Hammond organ, became not only one of the most popular bands with “hit” songs like “Melissa” and “Revival,” but they also created a…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jean John: The Port of Life
Drummer and composer Zan Tetickovic, aka “Jean John” assembles a classical and jazz team to create a musical experience of a journey that involves the thoughts and moods of “an immigrant on an unforgiving emotional path of acculturation.” While it…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Petros Klampanis: Chroma
Petros Klampanis brings his bass to create rich pastels of color on this richly textured album of originals. He teams up with Gilad Hekselman/g, Shai Maestro/p, John Hadfield/dr, Keita Ogawa/perc and a string section to create sweeping sonic panoramas. Hints…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****SURF’S UP!!! The Ventures: The Collection 1960-62
One of THE most influential bands of the 20th Century, the Ventures created, perfected and personified the “ rock instrumental” that inspired legions of guitarists, with Neil Young being one of the most vocal supporters these days. Initially formed by…