You’ve never heard “Bohemian Rhapsody” like this: A quick and bouncy work that elicits instant smiles thanks to the spirit of Django and those who followed in his footsteps (release date: July 14), now re-envisioned by the “gypsy jazz/swing superband” Hot Pants de France from southern California. Formed by Sam Kaufmann (former session guitarist for... Continue Reading →
A light hand, melodies with space to breathe and a fullness of flow describe the natural touch that Spiral Trio has on their new CD, Broken Blue. While “Rubicon” is a stunner of a tone poem, the jaunty attitude of “Bipolar” has sense and style, and they swing light but sure on “Blue Flower.” “Portrait... Continue Reading →
A weekend for lovers—of jazz, people and great food—turned out to be a fascinating study of how the jazz ensemble diversifies its set list for the same captive audience over multiple performances. At the Memorial Day “Eat, Sleep, Jazz” event held in Greensboro, NC’s O. Henry Hotel, a core of five musicians (sometimes joined by... Continue Reading →
This December, jazz author Debbie Burke, who has written five books on jazz, will release a murder mystery about a Brooklyn-based saxophone player. The story is set in Brooklyn and post-Soviet Russia right before the war with Ukraine and involves the infamous “bone records” of the 1940s. [NOTE: Cover reveal and book title coming in... Continue Reading →
An arranger of already revered music, such as the body of work of film composer Ennio Morricone, has their work cut out for them if they wish to re-imagine the music in a fresh way. To take something adored and make sensitive, nuanced changes while honoring its reason for coming alive in the first place... Continue Reading →
The debut offering from Athens, Greece’s Thomas Mitrousis Quartet gives a whirlwind, feet-off-the-ground experience. Leader and guitarist Mitrousis has all the fingerwork to keep the vibe easy even when the drums and brushes are briskly whisking us along. In nine fresh tracks, this CD is a simultaneous exploration into musicians that gel beautifully together while... Continue Reading →
GLISSANDO: A story of love, lust and jazz has just won the Firebird Award in Music. Inspired by the author's real-life observations of the interpersonal relationships that occur in a community jazz band setting, GLISSANDO has attitude, snark and romance that veers on the edge of being too hot to handle. From SpeakUp Talk Radio:... Continue Reading →
Reimagining the character of Cole Porter’s music became Molly Mary Mahoney’s musical goal in 2022. After all, she is related to the iconic composer. What she nails in her new album My Cousin Cole is the brightness required for his songs as well as the sense of fun and syncopation in her single "All of... Continue Reading →
Something new from drummer/composer Michael Lauren coming April 29, all the way from Braga, Portugal: a CD called “Live at Mobydick Records.” The live album was recorded with his trio (guitar, bass and drums). The track “Biji” is brisk and bright; “Ritual Do Cabrito” has a dense noir feel dominated by a hearty guitar and... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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