You start with a hot little hook and invoke a tiny rhythmic homage to Sonny Rollins’s “St. Thomas” – how can you go wrong? James Brady jumps into his “Everybody Has a Plan” with a masterful trumpet, accompanied by fantastic grooving from the bass (Edwin Ireland), light-as-air percussion by Matt Parkinson and a joyful harmony... Continue Reading →
Playing mightily with meter, the aptly named Alt.Timers gives the ear food for thought. Not only are its rhythms unexpected; melodies ask you to relinquish control and go where they want to take you. Bassist Ratzo Harris (also a multi-instrumentalist: guitar, cello, trumpet, more) provides satisfying contrast with his deep, assertive tones against the sibilant... Continue Reading →
Gero Koerner was a teenager from Cologne, Germany when brassy, funky grooves first got his attention. Classically trained on piano, he knew his future musician-self would one day write the kind of music he so loved. In his 2010 CD “Truth,” Gero attains that hot, humongous sound with the definite benefit of the incredible vocalist... Continue Reading →
Bright and strong, the song “Obey the Fist” from the self-named new CD from Nim Quartet has amazing ensemble work, characterized by an uninhibited, funkalicious bass (front man Nim Sadot wields the axe); on-point trumpet; and perfectly together, assertive drums. Chordal, moody keys in the background add texture, then provide a hard groove with a... Continue Reading →
The ethereal song “Sabes” from singer Luiza Meiodavila’s recent CD “Florescer” is a harmony-infused flight that displays delicacy and quiet strength. She brings the song home with expert assistance from the piano. “Doce de Coco” sports a gypsy-jazz type of vibe, with playful stops and starts from the guitar (that would be Luiza’s husband, Zé... Continue Reading →
Alex Hitchcock has found amazing jazz musicians around the world to learn from and collaborate with. Every encounter adds more depth and dimension to his playing, and still young in his career, he’s got more layers than a double lasagna. His new CD "Live at the London and Cambridge Jazz Festivals" showcases his amazing quintet... Continue Reading →
Shelly Rudolph is master of the well-placed sensual groan, around which she has built stories – worlds – of hopeful hearts and broken hearts. The song “Hidden Moonlight” talks about something intensely intimate (the sound of a lover’s name in one’s mouth). Not only is Shelly’s articulation dripping with lusty delight; she has eschewed traditional... Continue Reading →
The Swiss ensemble VEIN starts “No Change is Strange” with a sneak attack from the drums, courtesy of Florian Arbenz. Fluidly segueing from small taps to crashes to using all his drums, round-robin, Florian’s prolonged intro is inventive, playful and precise. Suddenly, in come the piano and bass in bold unison (though several octaves apart),... Continue Reading →
The trombone is not just a means of expression for Raphael Reiter; it’s a method of tapping into the depths of humankind’s moods. In “Lettre à PDC,” his lyricism is gentle and airy. With a light touch as well, he sings and plays in “Almost Blue,” doing sweet justice to the Chet Baker classic. In... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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