Before he became a professor at Julliard, saxist Ron Blake toured around with Roy Haynes and Christian McBride bands, as well as leading his own quartets. His releases has been few and far between, although he does still tour with…
Category: Ringer of the Week
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Chris Botti: Volume 1
Trumpeter Chris Botti returns to his first love, mellow mainstream jazz, on this surprisingly satisfying session. He brought in the best of the best for support, including Joshua Bell/vi, Taylor Eigsti/p, Gilad Hekselman/g and Vinnie Colaiuta/dr for mix of open…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Mitch Woods: Friends Along The Way
Mitch Woods must have a full iphone (or Rolodex, for the Old School crowd), as he invites just about everyone you’d want to invite to sit in for cozy duets and trios on this informal m ix of the blues.…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****MILES’ SOUND TRACK BAND IN CONCERT****Miles Davis Quintet: In Concert at the Olympia Paris 1957
Most jazz fans know that during his early peak years, Miles Davis went to Paris to record a soundtrack for the French film noir Acenseur Pour L’echafaud with the local team of Pierre Michelot/b, Rene Urtreger/p, Barney Wilen/ts and ex-pat…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Diego Figueiredo: My World
One of my favorite contemporary guitarists, Diego Figueredo shows all of his strengths in this mix of solos, duets and small group swing from a Brazilian flavor, teamed with Nilson Matta/b, Duduka Da Fonseca/dr, Helio Alves/p, Nicholas Payton/tp and Ken…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK**** Quartet San Francisco-Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band & Take 6: Raymond Scott Reimagined
If you’ve ever watched Saturday mornings cartoons as a kid, you must be familiar with the sounds and music of Raymond Scott (1908-1994) who composed tons of wild and zany music for Looney Tunes, Merry Melodies, and even things like…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Terell Stafford: Between Two Worlds
Currently Director of Jazz Studies at Temple University, trumpeter Terell Stafford still gets a chance to show his students and fans the practical side of the trumpet, with this latest album a perfect addition to his curriculum. He’s amassed an…
***RINGER OF THE WEEK****Anthony Hervey: Words From My Horn
Just when you think there’s no one left who “gets it” on trumpet… Anthony Hervey plays trumpet and sings a bit with a swinging yet modern conviction on this release. I’ve never heard anything from him before, but this album wih Sarah Hanahan/as,…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****George Freeman: The Good Life
One thing veteran musicians learn through the years is not what to play, but what “not” to play. Guitarist George Freeman, at 96, has mastered space and time like few before him putting together an album for the ages with…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke: Lean In
Vocalist Gretchen Parlato reunites with long time friend Lionel Loueke, both showing much growth since their collaborations almost 15 years prior. The melding of Parlato’s wisp of a voice, at times drifting and other times percussive, works hand in glove…