Funkin’ up T. Monk’s “Epistrophy” righteously, tenor sax player DK Anderson digs in deep and comes up with some shockingly fresh angles. It’s one of the tracks on his new CD “Quantum Truth,” an inventive collection of songs played on a different plane than the listener may be used to. Take the standard “All The... Continue Reading →
In a very meta love song called "Words to Love," feathery, sweet vocals are punctuated coolly, in refreshing places, by the innovative drummer Reggie Quinerly. His new CD, also titled “Words To Love,” is full of deep, memorable melodies drenched in emotion and soul. The track “You Bring Out My Best” is one of many... Continue Reading →
Trumpet player Chris Pasin reaches into the kernel of it all with simplicity. In his relationship with the horn, he shows respect and expressiveness using bold lines, spare phrasing and clear messages. Inspired by the longtime collaborations that paired the great sax player Ornette Coleman with trumpet player Don Cherry, the Hudson Valley’s Chris Pasin... Continue Reading →
Light, bright and fun – to start, anyway – Monika Wall’s song “One Step” soon veers into a tough and hearty blues. Coming from her new CD “One Step/Earth,” this song serves as a jazzy call to action; now, more than ever, we need to care for our Mother Earth. On the flip side of... Continue Reading →
Some people start testing the musical waters with social media, posting song snippets against a back beat from YouTube. Once in a while it’s surprisingly natural and seems destined to develop into something true. One to watch and listen for in the near future would have to be Nelson Lee. The Missouri-based sax player has... Continue Reading →
In the blog's second visit with Michael Lauren, he talks about his newest CD, a collaborative effort in both performance and composition: “Old School/Fresh Jazz." The high-spirited “Lisboa Boogaloo” delivers unadulterated fun; no fuss, no muss, just joy. “More Soul” is appropriately titled with a beguiling solo from guitar. Sax and drums trade barbs and... Continue Reading →
The first word that comes to mind with the song “Shed” from The Maguire Twins is sophistication. With its complexity of rhythms that propel the central idea forward, this tune is the picture of stunning tonality and all-in communication among the personnel. It’s one of 12 tracks on the brothers’ new CD “Seeking Higher Ground,”... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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