A fly on the wall doesn’t begin to describe the amazing vantage point of author Brian Gruber's jazzy thrill ride through nearly a week hanging out with legendary drummer Billy Cobham. Gruber’s “Six Days at Ronnie Scott’s” is crisp and conversational, allowing the reader to whip through the book like butter. A thoroughly entertaining journey... Continue Reading →
Guitarist, composer and leader Homero Alvarez calls his ensemble “some of the best musicians in Stockholm playing new Latin jazz.” This is no lie. His combo has just released its self-named EP where the musical intelligence is strong, the sound is imaginative and the vibe is spirited. There are only three songs but they pack... Continue Reading →
A soft and sweet piano intro sweeps open the curtains, allowing vocalist Hannah Baiardi to sing her latest release, “What Will Our Children Say.” A paean of positivity, the song is socially current and pointedly asks what kind of world we are leaving to our progeny. Baiardi deftly navigates this simple melody with imaginative lyrics... Continue Reading →
Grit, pulp, realism and jazz all come together with graphic artist Albert Shivers. He’s rendered Miles Davis, stride pianist Dorothy Donegan and many others in a style that pays attention to line, form, movement and attitude. His work will be exhibited on August 22 and 23, 2020 at the Create and Be Art Studio in... Continue Reading →
A new CD is just out from composer and guitarist Noshir Mody called “An Idealist's Handbook” and it’s a beautiful, intelligent conversation that blends, bends and expands on harmonic ideas. Marrying guitar and piano seems effortless and natural to Mody, who launches the song “Ol’ Splitfoot” with sweetness and lyricism. This soon yields to an... Continue Reading →
Don’t let the delicate title fool you. Yes, there is a very pretty grace about the music on Sukyung Kim’s newest album “Lilac Hill,” but she can pivot and deliver hearty and hale, confident and stately. Warm vibes flow off “Stargazers” which swings and meanders. Her piano is focal but inclusive, proving tight interplay with... Continue Reading →
John Alexander The just-released single “Brother John” from composer and drummer Alfred Sergel IV is a broth of inspiration, affection and the acknowledgement of a unique talent not to be forgotten. Released as an entry into the tiny desk concert contest in April of this year, the song soars with hope as it celebrates his... Continue Reading →
Joe Sturges thinks of his drums as more than a rhythm machine. In fact he celebrates its melodic capabilities, an idea which is a revelation for many casual jazz listeners. With his brand-spanking new debut on the EP called “Awareness” he boldly demonstrates the different dimensions of the drums while also creating a warm, inviting... Continue Reading →
Bassist Jonathan Andersen of Denmark started with scraps and roots of songs that grew into his debut album “Tiny Grass is Dreaming.” A serious display of talent and heart, the album explores the width of the emotional spectrum with pieces that are sometimes frail, sometimes hearty; sometimes hopeless and sometimes starry-eyed. “Dry Air” is an... Continue Reading →
