Nick Bhalla took his time with this new album, Solo Piano, parceling out tracks individually like one would share a box of rich Swiss chocolates, allowing anticipation for the next tasty surprise. A multi-instrumentalist (add in guitar and trumpet) and multi-genre player (add rock), Bhalla crafted five tracks that leave room and space for contemplation... Continue Reading →
The Sun-Mi Hong Quintet certainly knows tone and shading, coloring and rhythmic play. As leader and percussionist, Hong skillfully guides the music by adding texture on drums, allowing each member of the ensemble equal space and bandwidth. Collectively, it’s a jazz breeze. Her 2020 album “Self-Strewn Portrait” was beset some of the now well- known... Continue Reading →
In his debut as a leader, sax and clarinet player Andrew Woolf’s “Song Unsung” makes a huge splash. The title song begins almost with an orchestral feel; as if the sax’s double-reeded cousin, the bassoon, is there instead, cracking open the scene with a mournful declaration. The harmonies have a distinct Copland-like feel, a bright... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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