When klezmer – music from the Jewish settlements of Russia and Poland with a Romanian and possibly Greek influence– meets swing, better step back for a lava-like result. “Klez N’Zazou,” the latest offering from klezmer fusion group Gefilte Swing, rains down with an Eastern European kick, great licks and airtight harmonies. Founded by multi-horn player... Continue Reading →
Robert Castelli comes blazing out with his polyrhythmic self in the latest offering “Party at One World Plaza.” It’s what he’s been doing since last interviewed here. “Vamos” is an energetic body-shaker and the funk weaves throughout “Your Lucky Number,” both contrasting heavily against the dreamier and more somber “For the Fallen.” Castelli is versatile... Continue Reading →
Guitarist Wilfred Nenja Frelix takes a background of funk, R&B, jazz and soul and has come up with his own personal sonic imprint. Groove-driven with a prominent beat, his latest single “With You” features the silky vocals of Sophia Janelle Taylor. Other singles include the energetic, feel-good “Lil George” and “Unity” where the sax gives... Continue Reading →
If you love it when the horns get together and fill the room with big band exuberance and clean harmonies, the new single “Summer Tune” by Aidan Gangai definitely checks the box. Trading solos, trombone, guitar and sax keep the spirit high and raise the sentiment with subtle modulations ever upward. A newbie to the... Continue Reading →
Composer, bassist and vocalist Erick Grey writes music when he sleeps. His latest release, “Warm Fuzzy & Mellow,” fills the space with dreams and a beat that kicks your soul. The song transports and elevates with a weighty bass line, nice riffing on the keys and a sultry horn line laced along the top edges.... Continue Reading →
The debut album from sax player Nicole McCabe delivers a lot of honest musicianship and some great songs. McCabe’s right there with a feathery touch or full breath of fresh air, whatever’s needed at the moment. She can pin down a loving and personal conversation that becomes more animated in “You’re Missing the Point” and... Continue Reading →
Jeff Ellwood’s new breakout CD is a collection of tracks that showcase a diversity of approaches on tenor sax. Called “The Sounds Around the House,” it features his tenor as the main speaker, and for a debut album, it showcases his strong appreciation of melody, his technical skills and an overall TLC for the art... Continue Reading →
In the recent album by Valentina Marino called “Space Oddity” there’s that Bowie song (Major Tom) where Marino offers a plaintive touch to the story about a journey into deep space. The instrumentation here is haunting as well, adding a brushstroke of dissonance and a rhythm that holds back in a slightly uncomfortable way. Also... Continue Reading →
An incredible story of the medicinal power of music, especially when delivered by someone we love, needs no further introduction. No spoilers here; see below for what occurred that Steer, a guitarist and composer, has created and how it had a direct impact on his mother’s recovery from a stroke. By way of the tracks... Continue Reading →
