Not only is it a treat to hear some great modern male singers, but on this disc it’s multiplied by three as the inter-generational team of Gregory Porter, Mansur Scott and Donald Smith take both solo turns and work together on…
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OUR BEST MALE SINGER??? Gregory Porter: Liquid Spirit
The first time I heard Gregory Porter (on his debut disc) I thought he was some obscure old timer from the 70s who was making one last jazz record to show the 21st Century what it’s been missing. Little did…
GREGORY PORTER: LIVING WATER
Very rarely does an artist come “out of nowhere” to make an impressive debut. At age 39, when most singers are just finding their groove, Gregory Porter surprised everyone with a stunning debut Water. So many people were impressed that…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Michael Mayo: Fly
Not since Gregory Porter have I been as excited about a new jazz singer. This guy Michael Mayo has a rich and supple voice, hinting at Stevie Wonder, but with a jazz flexibility akin to Al Jarreau that is a…
Julie Kelly: Freedom Jazz Dance
Thoughtful vocalist Julie Kelly brings in some of LA’s finest in Josh Nelson/p-ley, Larry Koonse/g, Luca Alemanno/b, Dan Schnelle/dr, Aaron Serfaty/perc, Andrew Synowiec/g and Danny Janklow/s-fl for some classy interpretations. The material ranges from some -countryish folk on the guitar…
Wayne Escoffery: Like Minds
Best known for his work with The MIngus Big Band and Tom Harrell’s Quintet, saxist Wayne Escoffery blends both worlds, and then some, on this swinging album with a core team of David Kikoski/pkey, Mark Whitfield/dr, Ugonna Okegwo/b and guests…
THE NEW STANDARDS? Various Artists: Here It Is-A Tribute To Leonard Cohen, Art of Time Ensemble: Songs Of Leonard Cohen Live
It seems that Leonard Cohen is becoming one of the sources of material for jazz artists these days. What is the allure? The dark melodies? Dark lyrics? I’m not sure, but he hits a nerve. Here are a couple sources…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Somi: Zenzile-The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba
Vocalist Somi Kakoma is one of the few artists who have successfully bridged modern jazz with African roots. Born in Illinois, and currently living in New York, her Rwanda/Uganda-born parents have passed on an appreciation of the passions of Africa’s…
Kenneth Brown: Love People
Drummer Kenneth Brown mixes modern soul with vintage post bop on this album with Russell/Gunn/tp, Greg Tardy/ts-cl, Will Boyd/ss, Jamel Mitchel/ts, Darryl Hall/b, Taber Gable/p-key and Candace Ivory/voc, Kenny Springs/voc, Rhea Sunshine/spoken word, and Keith Brown/vocoder-key. The result is a…
Cecile McClorin Salvant: Ghost Song
With each release, Cecile McClorin Salvant becomes less of a jazz singer per se, and more of painter who uses her voice as a brush. Instead of simple songs, each title is more like a framed piece of art hanging…