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 →
There’s something light, fizzy even, about the tones and colors of Eva Kess’s music. The double bassist who was born in Berlin has released a new CD titled Inter-Musical Love Letter. Within it are ten original compositions that traverse all the corners of the universe, driven by an engaging and engaged 14-piece ensemble. All of... Continue Reading →
What does jazz’s Old Guard think of the music industry today and what was it like to come up into it? Filmmaker/producer, drummer and jazz lover Ben Makinen has just released a documentary called JazzTown that examines the changes in the music biz and the performing life. With a loving eye to the greats who... Continue Reading →
The new release from vocalist Yuko Kawasaki, City Counterpoint, is proof that even during strange times, art born of passion will ultimately rise to the top. Beset by delays from the lockdown, Kawasaki and her musical colleagues have produced a scattering of tracks that have a quality of hope, harmony and better times on the... Continue Reading →
He is a jazz guitarist, composer and arranger based in Hungary who started his musical life on violin. Five lush, involving, intricate yet astoundingly listenable tracks make up Szabolcs Oláh’s new CD, “The Silent Call.” Some of the most beautiful new music this reviewer has ever heard. Oláh’s classical roots show through in music that... Continue Reading →
Playing the drums expertly and cleanly comes easily to Australia-based percussionist Chloe Kim. She cut her teeth on the Jazz Studies Program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and went on to complete her master’s in research in 2021. A versatile pro who is invested in many different kinds of music, she is active in... Continue Reading →
When a percussionist can add a bit of swirl and funk (but lightly) to a classic like “Naima” that serves the song in a surprisingly new and pretty way, it’s true instinct. Drummer Michele Bazzani has a sixth sense, providing a voice that belongs in the foreground. Largely influenced by the Afro-Latin vibe, Bazzani’s drums... Continue Reading →
What are the ingredients to an instant classic, especially in a subgenre with so much existing material like Christmas jazz? A sultry pace, heavy on the brushes, lyrics that make it seem like the song was written only for the listener, and vocals that are comfortable, warm and evoke time together by the fireplace. Who... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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