Bounce and spirit fit together like a jigsaw puzzle on guitarist Victor Samalot’s new CD, “Esperanza.” Under his skilled fingertips, the strings sing with a richness; notes are light on their feet and the pulse glides forward. The song “Café Puerto Rico” boasts intertwined themes that keep pace while Samalot finesses each perfect stop and... Continue Reading →
In “Enjoy the Silence,” vocalist MV (Marie-Veronique) of MV Jazz is paired with two guitarists who create lovely, folk-inspired music. Though MV sings with a social conscience, her phrasing also glistens with a jazz sensibility. One prime example is “Why Don’t You Do Right?” which is punched through with her sweet, flowing syncopation. “Sweet and... Continue Reading →
A newly released project that delivers the jazz experience from every conceivable angle – literally – is what Viktor Haraszti calls "jazz meets virtual reality." He has publicly launched the platform, ViO 360, with his first song “Haiku,” inspired by a work from the late 19th Century poet Masaoka Shiki. Meant to be experienced in... Continue Reading →
The jazz blog that’s consumed my life for almost two years thus far has gotten me some fascinating opportunities and made for some amazing connections. The latest of these is a request from a Brooklyn-based sax musician to write the liner notes for his upcoming album. There was no hesitation in my response. Wataru Uchida... Continue Reading →
A spinning globe of sound breathing through each other, the quartet fronted by flautist Christian Artmann brings the listener through lush and multicolored places. In May they released the CD “Our Story” that has a chapter for anybody who appreciates stunning melodies, harmonies that artfully blend/depart/blend back, and a grooving rhythmic backbone traded seamlessly between... Continue Reading →
Dare yourself to take your first listen to leader Jungsu Choi’s “What if Ellington Didn’t Take the A Train” without any sampling or YouTube prepping beforehand. Seriously, just jump in. Immediately you’ll find yourself questioning whether you’re bearing witness to some retro atomic sound effects or even a theramin…? Jungsu Choi’s 11-piece ensemble, Tiny Orkester,... Continue Reading →
With a heroic grasp of both the struggles and triumphs of this life, jazz artist Tiffany Austin jumps in, both feet, with her new CD titled “Unbroken.” Her voice, not merely an instrument consisting of throat and lungs but of an entire emotional being, soars upward to stirring mountain peaks and grazes low into the... Continue Reading →
The shimmering sound of Jocelyn Michelle on Hammond organ pours out deep-blue funk on her newest album “Live at Viva Cantina!” While the intro of “Sylvia’s Song” features a warm, edgy sax, Jocelyn Michelle’s organ solo is the stuff that vibey dreams are made of. An absolutely luscious cover of the familiar 60’s “Groovin’” is... Continue Reading →
With ease and style, singer Chloe Clark of South Africa can belt out song, tell a story and tug on the heartstrings all at the same time. Her new CD, “She Encountered Wonderland,” was launched this month, which is International Women’s Month. No coincidence. Clark believes in showing strength and her particular method is to... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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