Honoring Django’s spirit of unbridled joy that bubbles with optimism, the new CD “Café Dynamite” from Filippo Dall’Asta and Giulio Romano Malaisi [of the band Gypsy Dynamite, which has several iterations: duo, trio, quartet and quintet] is a worthy addition to the genre. While “Parisian Avenue” is smartly infused with shades of mystery in its... Continue Reading →
They use space, air, sound waves and timing, all to perfection. Two guitars are all there is…but in its minimalism is great substance. From Spain come Rubén Reinaldo and Kely García in a fully collaborative effort, their new CD called “Acuarel.” Each track shimmers, creating peace, ease and positive vibes. Their notes blend and bleed... Continue Reading →
Ethereal and abstract, the improv tone poems contained in the eponymous new album by NO BASE TRIO are mood-inducing, thought-provoking and uncontainable. Tracks are differentiated by number; their description and nomenclature are up to the listener. The music explores all corners, offering, for example, electronica that might feel like next-next gen Emerson Lake & Palmer;... Continue Reading →
The newest EP to come from flutist Hiro Honshuku has him paired with flutist Yuka Kido where they've created righteous bop inspired by a Latin vibe. Just out this past July, the six tracks on "Love to Brasil Project" traverse the emotions from pensive to whirlwind to hip and hearty. Always remaining melodic and in... Continue Reading →
Guitarist, composer and leader Homero Alvarez calls his ensemble “some of the best musicians in Stockholm playing new Latin jazz.” This is no lie. His combo has just released its self-named EP where the musical intelligence is strong, the sound is imaginative and the vibe is spirited. There are only three songs but they pack... Continue Reading →
A soft and sweet piano intro sweeps open the curtains, allowing vocalist Hannah Baiardi to sing her latest release, “What Will Our Children Say.” A paean of positivity, the song is socially current and pointedly asks what kind of world we are leaving to our progeny. Baiardi deftly navigates this simple melody with imaginative lyrics... Continue Reading →
Don’t let the delicate title fool you. Yes, there is a very pretty grace about the music on Sukyung Kim’s newest album “Lilac Hill,” but she can pivot and deliver hearty and hale, confident and stately. Warm vibes flow off “Stargazers” which swings and meanders. Her piano is focal but inclusive, proving tight interplay with... Continue Reading →
John Alexander The just-released single “Brother John” from composer and drummer Alfred Sergel IV is a broth of inspiration, affection and the acknowledgement of a unique talent not to be forgotten. Released as an entry into the tiny desk concert contest in April of this year, the song soars with hope as it celebrates his... Continue Reading →
Bassist Ferdinando Romano’s debut as a front man in the new CD called “Totem” is proof he has the chops to create a variety of textures and flavors, coaxing the very best from his ensemble. “Mirrors” has the quality of a band tuning up/coming together, its independent melodic fragments sprinkled skillfully; “Evocation” gives Romano the... Continue Reading →
