Vocalist Adam Beaudoin’s new album I Hear a Rhapsody introduces the world to a seasoned voice that nails the nuance of the slide and slur with mood and energy. With musicians Paul Janoschka (piano), Giacomo Tagliavia (bass) and Jonas Esser (drums), this release is a celebration of classic songs like “You Don’t Know What Love... Continue Reading →
A new book on the early 20th-century Kansas City jazz scene by Con Chapman is a treat for anybody interested in music in the Reconstructionist US. Densely packed with countless historical details that are delivered with a deft hand, this book sails along smoothly and easily, relating the little-known facts surrounding the genesis of ragtime,... Continue Reading →
A clear and unfettered voice that tells the truth through melodies seems to catch the ear right away: that’s how you can easily peg Karen Hammarstrand. In her new CD called Still Life, the waltz feel of the title song is familiar yet fresh, with a layer of bright horn sitting flavorfully on top. “The... Continue Reading →
Where do the classics come from; the words and music from very early in the 20th century that so many take today and make their own…riffing (not ripping) off the Great American Songbook, each with their unique interpretations and melodic bent? It struck vocalist and songwriter Hadar Orshalimy that so many of the unheralded powerhouses... Continue Reading →
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 →
Aidan Levy has written a just-released book on living legend Sonny Rollins that deftly chronicles the life and music of the great tenor player and does so with an honest eye. Perhaps its greatest strength is evoking the times he has lived (and continues to live) through and actually himself had a huge hand in... Continue Reading →
Releasing three singles over three seasons, leader Mateusz Chorazewicz’s group Hippocampus Ex is starting with the first track, “Sunrise.” Solid beats and low, easy harmonies (there is something stately about this song) lay the floor for the poetry of C. K. Norwid artfully expressed by vocal artist Nick Sinckler. It’s a thought piece, an experiential... Continue Reading →
Inspired by the songs of the great Chet Baker, Oklahoma-based trumpet player and vocalist Jimmy Leach has reimagined some classic tunes (Jimmy Burke’s “It’s Always You” or “The Thrill is Gone” by Lew Brown) and added his own flair. Leach, who has played the Star-Spangled Banner at two Red Sox games in Fenway Park, performed... Continue Reading →
If we’re talking food, Lena Bloch’s saxophone is a pouring of honey, a warm trickle of red wine and a bite of the crisp, sweet and salty in turn. Describing herself as a “long-time disciple of Lee Konitz” (see below) and having studied under other greats such as David Liebman, Yusef Lateef, Joe Lovano and... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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