Tribal, visceral and trance-like, the new release “Besa” by composer and musician AJO (formerly Vjollca Robelli) has its roots in her family’s lineage as well as the politics of being female. The folkloric feel of this album is no accident. AJO says she added twists and built layers onto age-old lullabies and other tunes passed... Continue Reading →
Multi-instrumentalist Leonisa Ardizzone believes in a world with fluid musical boundaries; that’s why in her latest release “All in Good Time” she delicately re-threads a Go-Go’s staple (“Our Lips are Sealed”) and adds new coloration to The Smiths’ “Girl Afraid.” Ardizzone’s crystal-clear vocals and intuitively placed phrasing make this album extremely accessible. “Cyclone” is a... Continue Reading →
Having traveled countless miles from the island of Malta to Brooklyn, guitarist Warren Galea gained an appreciation for contrasting time signatures: not only in the pace of life but in his music. Mixing meters and different rhythmic elements in the same song is a theme that runs throughout his newest album aptly named “The... Continue Reading →
Trained very young on classical music for violin, the UK’s John Pearce slid over to the jazz side in college. He’s never denied his roots; a deep-seated appreciation for classical composition crops up in his playing even today in his exciting debut release **SEPTEMBER 18** titled “Just Friends.” With tracks light and airy, he brings... Continue Reading →
Picture sax player Ricky Parrell bobbing and weaving on his bike throughout the boulevard-width streets right outside Washington DC. When it’s time for a breather he locks up his bike. The key he uses? It’s become fodder for his jazzy imagination. Inspired by the significant keys he’s owned and loved, this DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia)-based musician... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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