Loving those mid-range tones from guitar and high-hat highs in the track “No Idea” from the Joe Policastro Trio; but there’s also something refreshing in bassist Policastro’s prominent, melodic noodlings that gives the upright a much-deserved seat at the table. This and other moody, swingin’ songs figure nicely in the Trio’s new CD titled “Nothing... Continue Reading →
Jazz embraces everything a piano has to offer. It combines interesting chord harmonies, rhythms, and allows total creative freedom. While this might sound liberating, it can be overwhelming especially if you are just starting out. Fortunately, if you are really interested in learning jazz on your piano or keyboard, here are a few steps to... Continue Reading →
Meyer (we only learn his first name deeper into the book) is filled with dread…and jazz. A modern, midlife anti-hero who has a complicated, messed-up family situation, Meyer (a divorced alto sax musician) grapples with the meaning of life while ruminating over his many mistakes. Time and again, though, his most cherished friendships save him:... Continue Reading →
The funk sizzles out of the stratosphere with Noe Carmichael, AKA Saucy Lady. Her latest LP SUPANOVA mashes funk, hip hop, nu disco and more, bending genres into high-octane dance beats while keeping a jazz backbone. The title track “Supanova” is breathy and ethereal. You want so much to settle in. But without warning you’re... Continue Reading →
There are many versions of this song but Byrd's is, I think, the benchmark. From his assertive entrance to a wide and sweet sostenuto; from the soaring, spaghetti Western vocals to the shimmering keys - this song puts me in mind of a sweeping (and maybe sad) look over my life thus far. Not to... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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