Composer, harmonica player and percussionist Yotam Ben-Or is an explorer of sorts, having very little formal training but giving himself over to a great, big love affair with the harmonica. His inquisitiveness has reaped heaps, as he’s got the chops... Continue Reading →
Backed by a luscious, smooth guitar, singer/songwriter Ron Bernard croons with emotion and sizzle in “It’s Impossible.” His classy and classic interpretations of the Great American Songbook on his new CD “Timeless” make for a sweet, romantic experience. Unique phrasing... Continue Reading →
A solo debut that taps on the shoulder of many genres is the latest outstanding contribution by the Assistant Principal French horn player for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bob Watt. His symphonic career has spanned nearly four decades, and he... Continue Reading →
Fledgling jazz artist Kalen Henry gives fresh and unique voicings to the classics by the unforgettable Nat King Cole. With a new CD called “Not Forgotten,” each track is hand-picked to show her colorful range and innate sense of timing.... Continue Reading →
From Moscow to the Netherlands to New York City, Ivan Baryshnikov has embraced travel as a way to expand his repertoire and new ways of thinking about music. On the new CD “Journey” from his quartet, the song “Beehive” is... Continue Reading →
Bounce and spirit fit together like a jigsaw puzzle on guitarist Victor Samalot’s new CD, “Esperanza.” Under his skilled fingertips, the strings sing with a richness; notes are light on their feet and the pulse glides forward. The song “Café... Continue Reading →
In “Enjoy the Silence,” vocalist MV (Marie-Veronique) of MV Jazz is paired with two guitarists who create lovely, folk-inspired music. Though MV sings with a social conscience, her phrasing also glistens with a jazz sensibility. One prime example is “Why... Continue Reading →
A newly released project that delivers the jazz experience from every conceivable angle – literally – is what Viktor Haraszti calls "jazz meets virtual reality." He has publicly launched the platform, ViO 360, with his first song “Haiku,” inspired by... Continue Reading →
The jazz blog that’s consumed my life for almost two years thus far has gotten me some fascinating opportunities and made for some amazing connections. The latest of these is a request from a Brooklyn-based sax musician to write the... Continue Reading →
