With a delicate touch, the first track of Tal Arditi’s debut album establishes the camaraderie between the ensemble who are really a few friends making music together. Arditi’s guitar sweetly rings out, the bass echoes the foundation of the tune and the drums keep or halt the movement depending on what mood is called for... Continue Reading →
Picture-painting comes easily to Nicolas Bearde. Listening to “Lush Life,” for example, puts you in the center of the emotional agony of an out-of-grasp love. The ups and downs and mid-tones of Bearde’s vocal range are applied with authenticity; in a comfortable story-teller way. The thrilling minor-keyed chestnut “Nature Boy” is another that is so... Continue Reading →
Composer, harmonica player and percussionist Yotam Ben-Or is an explorer of sorts, having very little formal training but giving himself over to a great, big love affair with the harmonica. His inquisitiveness has reaped heaps, as he’s got the chops to carry his debut CD, “Sitting on a Cloud.” Throughout the album, his smooth use... Continue Reading →
Backed by a luscious, smooth guitar, singer/songwriter Ron Bernard croons with emotion and sizzle in “It’s Impossible.” His classy and classic interpretations of the Great American Songbook on his new CD “Timeless” make for a sweet, romantic experience. Unique phrasing and expert of the light touch, Bernard has an approach not only informed by his... Continue Reading →
A solo debut that taps on the shoulder of many genres is the latest outstanding contribution by the Assistant Principal French horn player for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bob Watt. His symphonic career has spanned nearly four decades, and he was the first African-American French horn player in a major US orchestra. “I Play French... Continue Reading →
Fledgling jazz artist Kalen Henry gives fresh and unique voicings to the classics by the unforgettable Nat King Cole. With a new CD called “Not Forgotten,” each track is hand-picked to show her colorful range and innate sense of timing. The ebullient and sparkly (thanks to the mandolin) rendition of “Straighten Up and Fly Right”... Continue Reading →
From Moscow to the Netherlands to New York City, Ivan Baryshnikov has embraced travel as a way to expand his repertoire and new ways of thinking about music. On the new CD “Journey” from his quartet, the song “Beehive” is brazen and busy, drums thrumming and speeding along, with a high-energy sax lead and a... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
You must be logged in to post a comment.