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 →
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 →
A fugue of tones and textures where vocals sail away with violin might give a clue to the surprises in one song, a new one by the Simeon Davis Group. “Pleiades” is an awesome mixed-tempo expression with violin very much central in modes minor and major, grinding, stabbing and double-stopping while the other instruments (horn,... Continue Reading →
A guy with a thing for the blues and CSNY finds himself immersed in jazz and turns into a lifelong student. Guitarist James Robert Murphy has worked those etudes and now his breakout as a jazz musician in the new CD “Park North, the 2920 Sessions” shows he has the passion, the material and the... Continue Reading →
Guitarist Wilfred Nenja Frelix takes a background of funk, R&B, jazz and soul and has come up with his own personal sonic imprint. Groove-driven with a prominent beat, his latest single “With You” features the silky vocals of Sophia Janelle Taylor. Other singles include the energetic, feel-good “Lil George” and “Unity” where the sax gives... Continue Reading →
The songs on guitarist David Howard’s new album “Next” can be taken as an invitation to think of better days that are just ahead of us. Whether pointed social commentary or not, the music is enjoyable, embraceable and light-hearted and requires no effort to experience. Characterized by a light and easy groove is “Something’s Got... Continue Reading →
Guitarist Dan Pocetti emphasizes a new journey in his latest album titled “Retoñar” (“Sprout”), which could refer to a young plant or the act of coming alive. The music is appropriately subtle and moves with great tenderness. “Golpeando las Puertas del Espejo” (“Banging on the Mirror Doors”) soothes like a rising dawn; smooth, pastel tones... Continue Reading →
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 →
A new CD is just out from composer and guitarist Noshir Mody called “An Idealist's Handbook” and it’s a beautiful, intelligent conversation that blends, bends and expands on harmonic ideas. Marrying guitar and piano seems effortless and natural to Mody, who launches the song “Ol’ Splitfoot” with sweetness and lyricism. This soon yields to an... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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