He didn’t intentionally set out to form a septet, but seven is the lucky number in Shubh Saran’s new EP called HADD (the title is an acronym for "Hypersensitive Agency Detection Device" which is a reference to ascribing everyday occurrences to the existence of a higher power). With seven amazing musicians (doubling up on saxes... Continue Reading →
Consider this shot of Houston Person, up close and very personal; an intimate portrait that radiates heat right off the page, communicating the iconic master’s artistic passion. Steve Mynett is behind the lens of a career full of such splendid moments. Treating his subjects with a silent reverence, his tools made of glass and metal... Continue Reading →
Dimitri K has mastered – very easily, it seems – the smooth groove on piano and guitar. He proves his prowess with the new instrumental release “Blue Cat.” The song “I Saw Her” is the ultimate definition of romance, rolling the listener through a panorama of sweet emotion tinted with mystery from the swelling... Continue Reading →
In “Character Study,” Canadian-born sax player (now stateside) Andrew Rathbun leads a serious quintet that cooks a multi-course meal and serves it jumping around, ladling mind-blowing flavors on every plate. While his lone sax thoughtfully breathes an undeniably gorgeous melody in “His Quiet Determination” before being joined by the other members of the band, “Turmoil”... Continue Reading →
There is spark, spirit and affirmation in the music of Ben Paterson, whose command of piano and organ is an amazing treat for the ears. Jauntily upbeat, “I’m Old Fashioned” and the glissando-laced “Isn’t She Lovely” showcase Paterson’s sense of design and adornment. He extracts gut-wrenching emotion through his fingertips on “Cry Me A River”... Continue Reading →
E.J. Decker sings out in a stunning baritone most of the time, but here he opines on the Winter Jazzfest that took place in New York City in early January. Promoters, organizers, future attendees: take note and take notes. Was this your first Winter Jazz Fest? No, I’ve been to roughly 5 or 6 of... Continue Reading →
The slickest groove possibly ever comes from an original song by Michael J. Thomas called “Baby Coffee.” Thomas croons into the sax, giving it a suggestive throatiness while positivity floats over the melody, making it like audio crack. The hyper-energetic “Girl’s Got Move” showcases his satiny voice and “Make Me Crazy” has a rhythmic play... Continue Reading →
Subtly sailing along in a way that elicits an all-over feel-goodism, the title track for Yaniv Taubenhouse’s new CD, “Perpetuation - Moments in Trio Volume 2,” glows like a welcomed candle in the dark. Taubenhouse (trained in several instruments but ultimately drawn to piano) has written songs that melt away the anxieties and uncertainties of... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
You must be logged in to post a comment.