I’m willing to bet that there aren’t enough fans out there of Swedish baritone saxist Lars Gullin (1928-1978) to fill a Volkswagen Beetle. His legacy has at least two strikes against him; 1) he spent most of his time in…
Category: Ringer of the Week
THE BEST TRIBUTE TO BILLIE’S 100TH…Billie Holiday: Banned From New York City-Live 1948-1957
I’m sure that you’ve noticed that there is not a shortage of “celebrations” of Billie Holiday’s 100th birthday. Reissues and tributes from vocalists to pianists are as ubiquitous as stories on Bruce Jenner. This 2 cd set from Uptown Records…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Hamilton De Holanda: World Of Pixinguinha
Alfred da Rocha Viana Jr., more popularly known as Pixinguinha (1897-1973), was one of the most important Brazilian composers as well as respected sax and flute player. Mandolinist Hamilton De Holanda celebrates his music in a series of intimate solos…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK***Chris Washburne & The Syotos Band: Low Ridin’
This is a fun album! Isn’t that one of the reasons you got into jazz in the first place? Chris Washburne plays both trombone and tuba here, as he leads a percussive heavy team of Vince Cherico, Oreste Abrantes, Roberto…
****ALBUM OF THE YEAR?****Maria Schneider Orchestra: The Thompson Fields
I don’t see how she does it, but everything conductor/arranger/composer/Minnesotan Maria Schneider touches feels and sounds important and creative. This latest effort, dedicated to the farm land of Minnesota, is a sonic adventure into the rural Midwest, and it’s done…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Dave Stryker: Messin’ With Mister T
Here’s a brilliant concept album delivered to sizzling perfection. Guitarist Dave Stryker “Celebrates the music of Stanley Turrentine” with ten songs associated with the wailing tenor icon. Even better, Stryker picks ten current tenor titans to show how different each…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Harold Mabern: Afro Blue
Pianist Harold Mabern has made a career out of being a reliable sideman for guys ranging from James Moody, George Coleman and as of late Eric Anderson. Here, he finally gets his due, as he forms a trio with John…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****The Warren Vache’ Quintet: Remembers Benny Carter
Golden toned trumpeter Warren Vache’ gives a well conceived tribute to Benny Carter by revisiting some of his tasty compositions here with the likes of Houston Person/ts, Nicki Parrott/b-voc, Todo Hammer/p and Leroy Williams/dr. Mainstream heaven is in force here,…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jeremy Siskind: Housewarming
Pianist Jeremy Siskind puts together an intriguing album here, mixing various vocalists with a chamber-like duet with Lucas Pino. Nancy Harms the featured vocalist and she has a flickering candle of a voice. Other times, Kendra Shank, Peter Eldridge and…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Anat Cohen: Luminosa
This is the Anat Cohen record I have been waiting for. She mixes some fragrant originals with Brazilian compositions by the likes of Milton Nasciment, Severino Arajo and Romero Lubambo and creates a mix of Latin, Middle East and folksy…