Nick Bhalla took his time with this new album, Solo Piano, parceling out tracks individually like one would share a box of rich Swiss chocolates, allowing anticipation for the next tasty surprise. A multi-instrumentalist (add in guitar and trumpet) and multi-genre player (add rock), Bhalla crafted five tracks that leave room and space for contemplation... Continue Reading →
It’s a great time for a book about some little-known corners of bassist Scott LaFaro's life and influences in his tragically short 25 years, because while many in jazz’s old guard have had a lot of time to give us wonderful interviews throughout the decades in magazines, on blogs and in books, LaFaro has very... Continue Reading →
Aidan Levy has written a just-released book on living legend Sonny Rollins that deftly chronicles the life and music of the great tenor player and does so with an honest eye. Perhaps its greatest strength is evoking the times he has lived (and continues to live) through and actually himself had a huge hand in... Continue Reading →
Swift fingerwork with a light touch best characterizes guitarist Eric Zolan’s skills in his newest CD, Calder’s Universe. The spare instrumentation here–he leads the trio with established musical colleagues Brian Charette (organ) and Jordan Young (drums) –fits just right with six uncluttered easy-flowing tracks. “D.D.L.O.D.” (don’t worry what it means/stands for, that’s not the point)... Continue Reading →
Releasing three singles over three seasons, leader Mateusz Chorazewicz’s group Hippocampus Ex is starting with the first track, “Sunrise.” Solid beats and low, easy harmonies (there is something stately about this song) lay the floor for the poetry of C. K. Norwid artfully expressed by vocal artist Nick Sinckler. It’s a thought piece, an experiential... Continue Reading →
Inspired by the songs of the great Chet Baker, Oklahoma-based trumpet player and vocalist Jimmy Leach has reimagined some classic tunes (Jimmy Burke’s “It’s Always You” or “The Thrill is Gone” by Lew Brown) and added his own flair. Leach, who has played the Star-Spangled Banner at two Red Sox games in Fenway Park, performed... Continue Reading →
If we’re talking food, Lena Bloch’s saxophone is a pouring of honey, a warm trickle of red wine and a bite of the crisp, sweet and salty in turn. Describing herself as a “long-time disciple of Lee Konitz” (see below) and having studied under other greats such as David Liebman, Yusef Lateef, Joe Lovano and... Continue Reading →
There’s something light, fizzy even, about the tones and colors of Eva Kess’s music. The double bassist who was born in Berlin has released a new CD titled Inter-Musical Love Letter. Within it are ten original compositions that traverse all the corners of the universe, driven by an engaging and engaged 14-piece ensemble. All of... Continue Reading →
If you love big band and want to keep that amazing, engaging and evocative classic feeling but you’re writing brand new music, how do you infuse extra flavor and dimension? Ask Steve Fidyk. His upcoming CD, Red Beats, features nine newborn songs that he turned over to some of the most exciting dyed-in-the-wool big band... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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