The latest album by Quebec-based composer and saxophonist Mehdi Nabti pulls from a keen interest in and detailed knowledge of music from the African continent, Europe and Asia. What he has come up with is informed by his understanding of established and novel modes, but the result is natural, easy to get and vibeful. The... Continue Reading →
What makes “Draft” – the latest CD from Hairetis Harper (comprised of Yiagos Hairetis and Marie-Christina Harper) – unique and familiar at the same time is that the music explores moods and harmonies while playing on (literally) the characteristics of different instruments with strings. Combining the qualities of the Cretan lute and electric harp, the... Continue Reading →
Focusing on a strong pulse and melody lines that float right up to the top, Dan Klug’s group The Consecutives is about to drop its newest release simply called “Volume 2.” The Brooklyn-based band acknowledges its funk and blues patterns that are also injected with jazz. From Vol. 1, “Glide” has a fat and confident... Continue Reading →
The new CD from composer Alejandro Kanek Ballesteros Coria with sax musician Luis Tena presents eleven tracks that show how a variety of influences (Latin, Afro-Cuban and techno) combine to create sounds that are full of life and deserving of exploration. “El Murciélago” is named after the famous Mexican wrestler and TV star Jesus Velazquez... Continue Reading →
Sing a song of jazz titles From musicians near and farBig band, bebop, traditionalBring lyrics to where you are Ed Berger's photos lovingly placedIn luminous black & whiteAccompanied by free verse fromGloria Krolak from NPR, that's aight In her book from 2018, NPR host and author Gloria Krolak uses the photos of Ed Berger and... Continue Reading →
Music is not just an accompaniment in film or TV; it’s another voice that tells the story. The whirlwind career of John Beasley, who arranged and conducted the original music for the movie “Let Them All Talk” and countless other projects, is proof that music is its own borderless and fascinating language. Being attuned (literally)... Continue Reading →
Melodic, lush and spiritual are the first three words you might think when you hear the new music by Gediminas Karkauskas in his debut release “Lost Suite.” The accomplished pianist, now based in Ireland and originally from Lithuania, presents six original pieces that describe the finer things in life that money can’t buy. In the... Continue Reading →
Picture sax player Ricky Parrell bobbing and weaving on his bike throughout the boulevard-width streets right outside Washington DC. When it’s time for a breather he locks up his bike. The key he uses? It’s become fodder for his jazzy imagination. Inspired by the significant keys he’s owned and loved, this DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia)-based musician... Continue Reading →
Somehow, smiling while keeping his embouchure as he plays sax, Audley Reid is a sight to behold and a feast for the ears. The groove and funk spilling from his horn catches the audience in an acoustic vise. He’s performed internationally including in his native Jamaica. A strong figure in the Chicago smooth jazz scene,... Continue Reading →
