The Downtown Westfield Corporation in northern New Jersey has been offering jazz al fresco going on 22 years. A showcase for blazing hot ensembles, the event draws thousands of music lovers to the hip downtown region. A sample of last year’s lineup: Roxy Perry, Claudio Roditi Quintet, Chuck Lambert Band, Ali Ryerson, Dave Leonhardt Trio,... Continue Reading →
Your best intro to the seven-piece ensemble Nerija could be the full and brassy unity on the downbeat of “For You.” Trumpet gives a considered and melodious solo, backed expertly by at first electric guitar, then the whole band. Restating the original theme, an outstanding drumbeat backs their fullness once again. The funk of “Pinkham”... Continue Reading →
On this past February’s Jazz Cruise from Celebrity Cruise Lines, Wycliffe Gordon lead a passionate and spirited gospel set that was contagious and outrageous. The trombonist poured his heart and a whole lotta sweat equity into a full-stage ensemble performance. Not an untapped foot or unclapped hand in the audience. So typical of Mr. Gordon’s... Continue Reading →
Time is marked by a strong third beat in each measure as the haunting voice of Julie Tippetts mood-paints in 2015's “Shiver Across the Soul.” She is accompanied by composer and melodic visionary Martin Archer, who creates an atmosphere of suspense on electronics. Archer, who is also a multi-sax player and owner of the label... Continue Reading →
Raw. Terse. Ripping the 1990s New York City music scene a new one. In his book “START: Warning, Contains Sex! Drugs! Jazz! Reality!” rock and jazz guitarist Barry Finnerty takes a long look back at the decadent and difficult times finding gigs and keeping your name out there. He’s worked very closely with Miles Davis... Continue Reading →
With the sunny, rolling tune “Island,” Greek guitarist Christos Anestopoulos sets the perfect temperature. The song (recalling the hopefulness of “Feelin’ Groovy/59th Street Bridge Song”) pulls us outdoors to balmy climes, inviting us far away from our worries. He uses the same engaging approach in the title song of his upcoming CD, “Déjà Vu,” a... Continue Reading →
Let’s get this out of the way right up front about the band Big Brooklyn. Yes, there are prominent qualities inspired by klezmer; not just in tonality and woodwind instrumentation, but in its musical spirit. Big Brooklyn, a remarkable ensemble from Colorado, mines veins of rock and jazz as well. At the pulsating heart of... Continue Reading →
In his breakout CD “110 West,” Asian pop bandleader and keyboardist Jay Hung shows he totally hit the books and flipped on the light. The heart and soul of jazz is there in his fingers that fly over the keys with stylish grooves in the track “Welcome to My Love” (which features rich, outstanding vocals).... Continue Reading →
Each song so different like pushpins in a map of countries never visited, the new CD “Assorted Colors” by the quartet Spin Cycle sparkles with undefinable newness. The minimal airiness of “Two Pan Man” is rompy with edge; the sax effortlessly establishes the melody line and then after runs and flourishes, gives it up to... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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