From the jump, “Morning Joy” swings hard and bright, the title track of a new CD from the Josh Levinson Septet. No crowded studio or stage here; seven instrumentalists but they blend like a summer drink, with lots of space and air for everybody. The ensemble is led by trumpet player Josh Levinson, a guy... Continue Reading →
A wide and mood-transporting trumpet lays over the warm, deep beats of “Natural Impulse,” the outstandingly chill title track from the new CD by the Scolari/Cavalca/Scolari trio. Injected as it is with the silvery threads of electronica, this is a genre-bending, heart-pleasing acoustic tapestry. The melodically elusive “American Skyscrapers” adds vibes to lovely effect; percussion... Continue Reading →
Is it glinting? Is it green? “The Surface of an Emerald” is certainly lit from within and expressed through the luminous and sensitive clarinet with just a hint of a jazz pulse from vibes. This is one of the jazzical songs that comprise Seattle-based TORCH’s self-named album. Sparks fly and spurts of energy emit from... Continue Reading →
Guest post by Marc-Andre Seguin Jazz guitar is an odd topic. Trust me, I know: I started one of the most popular jazz guitar websites (JazzGuitarLessons.net) back in 2009. The instrument itself is a “tool of the gods” when it comes to rock and roll music. A great place to start to put “jazz guitar”... Continue Reading →
Finding and recombining is what instrumentalist Nana Simopoulos does best on her new CD “Skins.” A prominent, insistent beat on the track “Merely to Know” occupies the same space as a guitar, sax and ethereal vocals. Each instrument has its own tonal qualities but none eclipses the other in a democracy of improvised creation. The... Continue Reading →
Multi-sax musician Jon Irabagon riffs off the oddities and calliope-gone-awry quality of a circus in his latest CD, “Dr. Quixotic’s Traveling Exotics.” As front man for his quartet, Irabagon provides a fresh glimpse at recombining rhythms and stretching the definition of harmony. Speedy and tense with clashing seconds and other dissonances, “The Bo’Ness Monster” is... Continue Reading →
Hit right between the eyes by the opening tick-tock drum beat followed by real fat sounds from double-trouble on tenor saxes is a killer way to set the mood on the song “I Never Knew.” The piano solo from leader John Colianni twinkles and sways. This is the John Colianni Sextet, wrapped tight and owning... Continue Reading →
Sometimes a song grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Your breath stops and you have no choice but to be still and soak up the mood. The stunningly melancholic jazz waltz “Syrian Lullaby” is one such standout track on the new CD “Kanata” by B’s Bees (named for front man Brandon Goodwin,... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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