Tonal lows that shake the earth below your feet emerge when Finnish-born bass clarinetist Paul Austerlitz breathes jazz into his instruments. With “Water Prayers” (the first CD of his world-music-inspired trilogy) just out, Austerlitz creates wicked good music that is... Continue Reading →
With fonts that are chunky, designs that are funky and color palettes that are as striking as the harmonies within, the Blue Note-era album covers live on. Inspiring graphic designers from their midcentury debut onward, these iconic visuals were the... Continue Reading →
A bell-like clarity is the overriding quality in Rachel Caswell’s voice; we hear it especially when the instrumentalists pull back and leave her in the spotlight, like the song “Fragile” on her newest CD, “We’re All in the Dance.” She... Continue Reading →
What goes into choosing a music promoter; to entrusting a mere mortal to nurture and cherish your potential and turning it into exposure, a brand, a presence? Drummer Chris DiGirolamo listened to his calling to help jazz artists thirteen years... Continue Reading →
A silky, laid-back “Silent Night” and a sky-bluesy “I Saw Three Ships” render the Christmas jazz genre in a whole new pastel-colored light thanks to the glowing arrangements of pianist/composer Carol Nethen on her CD “Christmas Carol.” Nethen’s original track,... Continue Reading →
The “Cosmic Adventure” that violinist Scott Tixier offers us on his newest CD hits right between the eyes with the artist’s versatility, grace and lack of inhibition. He infuses more than emotions, more than feelings, and employs incredible ease in... Continue Reading →
To consider jazz in a political and sociological light – even the history behind the term “jazz” itself (debatably pejorative) – is, to some, the only true context of the art form. It is at least one way to regard... Continue Reading →
With his new CD “The Beauty of Differences,” guitarist and front man Jean Chaumont has created something that fits his philosophy of using different lenses through which to experience and create music. Eschewing the concept of declaring a “favorite” this... Continue Reading →
Nicole Zuraitis caresses notes, bends them to blue, and keeps it gauzy and breathable: this is the new CD “Hive Mind” by the New York City songwriter-pianist. Her syncopation sizzles in “The Inscription” and the keys burn up while getting... Continue Reading →
