The funk sizzles out of the stratosphere with Noe Carmichael, AKA Saucy Lady. Her latest LP SUPANOVA mashes funk, hip hop, nu disco and more, bending genres into high-octane dance beats while keeping a jazz backbone. The title track “Supanova”... Continue Reading →
There are many versions of this song but Byrd's is, I think, the benchmark. From his assertive entrance to a wide and sweet sostenuto; from the soaring, spaghetti Western vocals to the shimmering keys - this song puts me in... Continue Reading →
Pianist Edward Simon has been with the SFJAZZ Collective for almost ten years. He’s contributed original compositions to their playlist, and speaks excitedly about playing the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim and Miles in the current performance season. Simon (who... Continue Reading →
The rhythms scatter like light coming through holes in glass and the sax’s assertive melodic line sets a heart-quickening story to music. This is “Mind Your Step,” a track on Ratko Zjaca’s CD called “Life on Earth.” Texture and continuity... Continue Reading →
Telling the audience of his pain, love, joy and optimism comes naturally to singer/songwriter Paul Jost. His method of conveying emotion is personal and gut-based. Take his new CD “Simple Life,” named for the introspective philosophy many of us build... Continue Reading →
Daniel Bennett took the sax and his imagination and pivoted. The result is a unique collection of music that builds layer upon layer of woodwinds (sax, flute, clarinet and oboe) with Mark Cocheo’s guitar and its stringed brethren (mandolin, banjo)... Continue Reading →
In the days of apartheid in South Africa, jazz was happening, but there was little hope in reaching its full potential; much of it went unnoticed, disrespected and certainly uncelebrated. Today, the founder of Cape Town’s i-Sound Studios, Leonardo Fortuin,... Continue Reading →
A new CD born from collaboration and camaraderie has just been released by five stellar New York City musicians, including Kenny Shanker on saxophones; Mike Eckroth on piano; Daisuke Abe on guitar; Yoshi Waki on bass and Brian Fishler on... Continue Reading →
The cello can be plaintive or playful, deep or ethereal; it just depends on who’s doing the coaxing. Peter Hudler of Austria is the Geppetto of this supremely beautiful instrument, and the good news is that he makes it come... Continue Reading →
