There’s absolutely no need to introduce the world to pianist Dick Hyman, as he’s been the go-to guy for traditional jazz since rising to fame via the Woody Allen movie scores way back when. Contrasting with the 85 year old…
Category: Ringer of the Week
***RINGER OF THE WEEK***Brigitte Zarie: Make Room For Me
How suspicious can a guy get? I get this disc with a picture of an attractive vocalist pouring out over her dress on the cover, and immediately think, “Here we go again; another piece of eye candy bored with her life who wants…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Asuka Kakitani Jazz Orchestra: Bloom
I’ll try not to be sexist about this, but of all the other jazz orchestra leaders, I can’t help but compare Asuka Kakitani to Maria Schneider. OK, they’re both female, but the similarities don’t simply end there. Both approach big band jazz…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Mary Wells: Something New-Motown Lost and Found
Most of you that grew up during the 60s know of vocalist Mary Wells from her big hits “My Guy” and “Two Lovers” from the days when Motown was, well, MOTOWN! Whether that’s the limit of your exposure to her,…
****RINGERS OF THE WEEK****ECHOS OF AN ERA-Duke Ellington Orchestra: Big Bands Live, Zoot Sims: Lost Tapes
Last year, Jazz Haus Records came across a cache of live recordings from various concerts in Germany, ranging from the late 40s to early 70s. These are the two of the latest gems from the mines, and you’ll definitely want…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jimi Hendrix: People, Hell and Angels
Yeah, I know-there have been a ton of unimpressive and disappointing “undiscovered” Hendrix sessions, but this one is a real dandy. Experience Hendrix LLC is doing a great service in bringing out material from the basement of one of the…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jackie Ryan: Listen Here
Vocalist Jackie Ryan is just one of the ladies that you just know is fun to be around. I’ve seen her perform, interviewed her, and have all of her material-you want her at your party! She has an infectious joy…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Dan Block: Duality
Maybe it’s because I got into jazz listening to Eddie Lang duets, but I’m just a sucker for when two artists get together and converse together with their instruments. Here, you’ve got Dan Block on saxes and clarinets, and he…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Patsy Cline: On The Air-Her Best TV Performances
What Billie Holiday was to jazz, Patsy Cline was to country music. She didn’t have the largest range in the world, but her nuanced delivery told more than any improvisation or high C could ever deliver. Like Holiday, she held…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Bob Arthurs & Steve Lamattina: Jazz For Svetlana
Here is the most unassuming of sessions, and yet it works amazingly well. Trumpeter Bob Arthurs is a teacher at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, having played with guys like Coryell, Farlow, Marsh and Konitz. Mattina is a fellow faculty…