Music is not just an accompaniment in film or TV; it’s another voice that tells the story. The whirlwind career of John Beasley, who arranged and conducted the original music for the movie “Let Them All Talk” and countless other projects, is proof that music is its own borderless and fascinating language. Being attuned (literally)... Continue Reading →
When klezmer – music from the Jewish settlements of Russia and Poland with a Romanian and possibly Greek influence– meets swing, better step back for a lava-like result. “Klez N’Zazou,” the latest offering from klezmer fusion group Gefilte Swing, rains down with an Eastern European kick, great licks and airtight harmonies. Founded by multi-horn player... Continue Reading →
Robert Castelli comes blazing out with his polyrhythmic self in the latest offering “Party at One World Plaza.” It’s what he’s been doing since last interviewed here. “Vamos” is an energetic body-shaker and the funk weaves throughout “Your Lucky Number,” both contrasting heavily against the dreamier and more somber “For the Fallen.” Castelli is versatile... Continue Reading →
In his 2019 breakout debut “Fulfillment,” multi-instrumentalist Zac Zinger explores an impressive breadth of musical instrumentation. Without exception, all the tracks feature a sonic exploration where he whips, caresses, attacks and bends notes with excellent accompaniment (pianist Kana Dehara, bassist Adam Neely and many others). Zinger is as much at home in creating melody with... Continue Reading →
Guitarist Wilfred Nenja Frelix takes a background of funk, R&B, jazz and soul and has come up with his own personal sonic imprint. Groove-driven with a prominent beat, his latest single “With You” features the silky vocals of Sophia Janelle Taylor. Other singles include the energetic, feel-good “Lil George” and “Unity” where the sax gives... Continue Reading →
The new CD by Agnar Már Magnusson riffs off the Icelandic folk songs that have formed the leader’s musical essence. There’s an air of suspense and a depth to the title track “Mor” that plays like a turning point in life. A pulled-back tempo and sluggish brushes with a solemn bass line keep the listener... Continue Reading →
The fussy ligature for today’s sax and clarinet musicians has had its day in the sun. It looks like a fairly obvious solution, but a ring-style ligature that hugs the reed to the mouthpiece is looking to replace the traditional knobbed metal fixture. Newly launched, the Gen Sax mouthpiece was devised by sax player Gen... Continue Reading →
If you love it when the horns get together and fill the room with big band exuberance and clean harmonies, the new single “Summer Tune” by Aidan Gangai definitely checks the box. Trading solos, trombone, guitar and sax keep the spirit high and raise the sentiment with subtle modulations ever upward. A newbie to the... Continue Reading →
The breeze in her voice is everything: “Castles in the Air” from Laura Weinbach and Anton Patzner has a tempo and mood that glide the song gently forward. Just released, the single is another gem from the duo who pair together like a PBJ. Also new, the well-timed (and fabulously named) “I’m Not Really in... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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