“Journey to a New World” is a new CD by trumpet player Jonathan Saraga. The whole of the CD is familiar but also fresh; grounded but also hopeful. The horn work is brilliant and technically spot-on, and presented with an ease and warmth that makes the songs accessible. The ensemble produces an inspiring sound that... Continue Reading →
With articulation in every breath of her song "Paper Doll," Irene Serra of ISQ (Irene Serra Quartet) tells the story of love destined to go badly. Besides the amazingly rendered animation in the video, the music is quietly fierce, with tense build-up and throbbing outrage. Irene’s voice reaches into every corner. “Reflections” begins with chime-like... Continue Reading →
Taking a page from turn-of-last-century entertainers who used humor, pratfalls and jaunty music, today’s Meet the Seavers is a combo of all that plus spice, verve and sting. Comprised of married couple Jace and Dorothy Seavers, the act is not all shtick. The genuinely gifted musicians – he on upright bass/vocals, she with vocals –... Continue Reading →
Dragging her notes to create tension, Mamiko Watanabe is master of interplay with her bassist in “A Little Piece for Dance.” Utilizing a choppy style interspersed with brief spells of lyricism, she hides inventive note-sentences around each bend. Perhaps there’s a Latin-infused little riff, or block chords suggesting an Eastern European darkness. Where the theme... Continue Reading →
He may seem young to be a “Great Nostalgist,” but Danny Fox has a new CD out that proves he has all the nuance and patience of many years of experience that belie his age. With his trio, there are evident influences of classical with the occasional sprinklings of country, bluegrass and even Jewish liturgical... Continue Reading →
Back in the pre-internet days of the early 1990s, it took grit and fancy footwork to do your research. Slogging to the library and flipping through card catalogs, microfilm and old clippings; splaying open fat phone books; squinting at listings in tiny print; plunking in small change to make calls from a dirty phone booth;... Continue Reading →
Sweeping full circles with her soprano sax, Jane Ira Bloom literally places notes all around her. They hang and linger, and as they disperse, combine with the trail of new notes. Layers subside; fresh ones are lain. It’s both aural and physical at once. Jane has an extensive discography but perhaps her newest CD is... Continue Reading →
They say energy is neither created nor destroyed. These people never saw Robin Phillips perform. The creation of a tornado’s worth of musical force is one of the natural wonders of the scene, a treat to all who are lucky to be exposed to this multi-dimensional musician and his amazing band members. A few of... Continue Reading →
You’re galloping out of the gate from the get-go with “Inminente,” an exuberant romp led by the tenor sax who counterpoints with Carlos Saunier’s guitar. The song is from Carlos’ latest CD release of the same name. “Tocino,” also on this CD, is highlighted by an extended, light/lightning-fast solo by Carlos who then trades the... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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