A game with the unlikely name of “Cuphead” mashes together the “rubber hose animation” of the early 20th century with a stellar soundtrack to create an action-filled big band experience for gamers. Composed by Kris Maddigan (also a jazz drummer and percussionist), the music keeps players at the edge of their seats while providing hot... Continue Reading →
Without a list of CDs or even EPs yet to share, how are we to know what will become of a new artist on the scene? Bassist Rayah Thomas, based near Raleigh, NC, has all the right ingredients: a great musical education, experience with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Summer Jazz Academy and the Essentially... Continue Reading →
Dropping AUGUST 12, Evan Carydakis has a new track called “Movin’ On.” It’s right in line with the blazing material he has so far; songs like the funky “Ponderosa” and the cooler, laid-back “Majorca.” But with “Movin’ On,” the pace is strong and his notes set the story in motion. His horn has an assertive... Continue Reading →
Grace Garland has that knack; lyrics that hit in the gut and a beat reminiscent of the great dance music of disco...with soul and swing. There's so much history here to unravel as Garland's discography is deeply rhythmic and singably melodic while reaching us where we live. In 2020, she was nominated for the Broadway... Continue Reading →
Self-produced talent and keyboardist Phil Rogers has something new and hot out, the track “Mai Tai Bay.” Layers of sound that mesh and melt into one another create a rhythmic experience that energizes the listener. He puts out new music pretty regularly; about a month ago his single “Heroes” was released, sporting a light, melodic... Continue Reading →
A new CD radiates with rich chords and subtly resolving dissonances that paint a living, breathing musical portrait of how great music should feel. Pianist/leader Eric Stern’s new CD Familiar Colors has tracks that are smart and cool, pulling emotions from the ether that hit deep. “To Light the Way” has the feel of a... Continue Reading →
The Brooklyn Bridge delivers fat sounds and assertive funk in their debut CD “Here Now.” The eight tracks have hot beats and a comfortable roll, with songs like “Limit is the Sky” which brings a gliding ease through a memorable melody, and “Upper West Side Ride” which throws off a delightfully smartass NYC attitude. What... Continue Reading →
Leader/guitarist Tyler Cooney’s first full-length studio album Modern Ideal is melodic, accomplished, and highly listenable. Easy on the breeze is “Country Sumthin” where spare, uncomplicated guitar playing has a perfectly light touch to bring the tune on its journey. Cooney’s solo is accompanied with a collaborative warmth from Tim Firth’s gentle brushes and Nick Quigley’s... Continue Reading →
Here, the title fits the story. Jason Miles, who cut his musical teeth on childhood accordion lessons and then piano lessons in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, has nearly five decades’ worth of rubbing elbows and playing music with some serious icons of the jazz world. Not only is his own personal journey so entertainingly rendered (one of... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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