A bell-like clarity is the overriding quality in Rachel Caswell’s voice; we hear it especially when the instrumentalists pull back and leave her in the spotlight, like the song “Fragile” on her newest CD, “We’re All in the Dance.” She scats expertly in the double-time “Devil May Care,” never losing her footing, keeping the song... Continue Reading →
What goes into choosing a music promoter; to entrusting a mere mortal to nurture and cherish your potential and turning it into exposure, a brand, a presence? Drummer Chris DiGirolamo listened to his calling to help jazz artists thirteen years ago and has worked with hundreds of amazing, emerging and established musicians to grow their... Continue Reading →
A silky, laid-back “Silent Night” and a sky-bluesy “I Saw Three Ships” render the Christmas jazz genre in a whole new pastel-colored light thanks to the glowing arrangements of pianist/composer Carol Nethen on her CD “Christmas Carol.” Nethen’s original track, “Peace,” weaves a gauzy interplay between keys and flute and wraps up with a pillowy... Continue Reading →
The “Cosmic Adventure” that violinist Scott Tixier offers us on his newest CD hits right between the eyes with the artist’s versatility, grace and lack of inhibition. He infuses more than emotions, more than feelings, and employs incredible ease in switching from songs as different as “Misty,” with a lovely, wide lushness to “100,000 Hours”... Continue Reading →
To consider jazz in a political and sociological light – even the history behind the term “jazz” itself (debatably pejorative) – is, to some, the only true context of the art form. It is at least one way to regard the 1972 shooting death of trumpet player Lee Morgan by his wife Helen. The factors... Continue Reading →
With his new CD “The Beauty of Differences,” guitarist and front man Jean Chaumont has created something that fits his philosophy of using different lenses through which to experience and create music. Eschewing the concept of declaring a “favorite” this or that- be it melody, harmony, riff or beat- Chaumont has instead come out with... Continue Reading →
Nicole Zuraitis caresses notes, bends them to blue, and keeps it gauzy and breathable: this is the new CD “Hive Mind” by the New York City songwriter-pianist. Her syncopation sizzles in “The Inscription” and the keys burn up while getting down to a gritty soul. Her cover of “Jolene” is astounding, heartbreaking, raw and like... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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