Something familiar yet from a different musical perspective, guitarist/vocalist Mark Murphy’s dreamy “Lay Lady Lay” (from the new CD “Pocketful of Rainbows”) is like a room filled with flowers; an enticing love song enhanced by a freshly punctuated beat. As... Continue Reading →
Her hands flutter and dance on the keyboard, and you might as well be ensconced at a cozy table in the back corner of one of those bars that drips with atmosphere. Kayo Hiraki approaches the music with an ease... Continue Reading →
Hard-hitting drums set the stage for the song “Rite of Passage” where a bluesy piano lead from Dan Siegel sets free a scintillating melody. Shifting direction and changing key, the guitar keeps a rich, concentrated groove; the bridge takes a... Continue Reading →
Based in Rotterdam and streamed around the globe is an outstanding new four-channel music site that gives you freedom of choice. Jazz de Ville is headed by multi-talented DJ Maestro who did some hard-core sleuthing into the Blue Note catalogue... Continue Reading →
The Downtown Westfield Corporation in northern New Jersey has been offering jazz al fresco going on 22 years. A showcase for blazing hot ensembles, the event draws thousands of music lovers to the hip downtown region. A sample of last... Continue Reading →
Your best intro to the seven-piece ensemble Nerija could be the full and brassy unity on the downbeat of “For You.” Trumpet gives a considered and melodious solo, backed expertly by at first electric guitar, then the whole band. Restating... Continue Reading →
On this past February’s Jazz Cruise from Celebrity Cruise Lines, Wycliffe Gordon lead a passionate and spirited gospel set that was contagious and outrageous. The trombonist poured his heart and a whole lotta sweat equity into a full-stage ensemble performance.... Continue Reading →
Time is marked by a strong third beat in each measure as the haunting voice of Julie Tippetts mood-paints in 2015's “Shiver Across the Soul.” She is accompanied by composer and melodic visionary Martin Archer, who creates an atmosphere of... Continue Reading →
Raw. Terse. Ripping the 1990s New York City music scene a new one. In his book “START: Warning, Contains Sex! Drugs! Jazz! Reality!” rock and jazz guitarist Barry Finnerty takes a long look back at the decadent and difficult times... Continue Reading →
