With sensitivity and poise, Nikolai Teich (originally from Austria and Bulgaria) shapes and releases his moods through the piano. Snippets of coloration from his roots leak through, employing minor keys with micro/halftone flourishes to evoke primeval folk dances; but just... Continue Reading →
Silvio Caroli is a pianist and teacher of jazz, and while his students might enjoy his accessibility and wonderful personality, they are extraordinarily fortunate to be learning music from one of the best. Caroli’s intense lyricism, fully absorbed pacing and... Continue Reading →
Loving those mid-range tones from guitar and high-hat highs in the track “No Idea” from the Joe Policastro Trio; but there’s also something refreshing in bassist Policastro’s prominent, melodic noodlings that gives the upright a much-deserved seat at the table.... Continue Reading →
Jazz embraces everything a piano has to offer. It combines interesting chord harmonies, rhythms, and allows total creative freedom. While this might sound liberating, it can be overwhelming especially if you are just starting out. Fortunately, if you are really... Continue Reading →
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 →
