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 →
Let It Carry Us Away – “Next” from David Howard
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 →
Deep Breaths and How It Feels to Be Human – Dan Pocetti’s New CD “Retoñar”
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 →
The Chef Is In: “Café Dynamite” Sizzles
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 →
Everybody Gets a Seat at the Table: “An Idealist’s Handbook” from Noshir Mody
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 →
Double Time: Two Tasty New CDs from Ratko Zjaca
Two new works by guitarist Ratko Zjaca (interviewed earlier here) are almost too much of a treat at once. Not only is his instrumentation firmly in that perfect Goldilocks zone; his melodic lines are uncluttered, tempos tight but unobtrusive, and the phrasing flows like a river. Consider the sensibility of a meandering soul (“Here Nothing... Continue Reading →
Bright and Tight: Dave Stryker with Bob Mintzer and the WDR Big Band
Those airy swells, chill on-pointness and big band brilliance make guitarist/leader Dave Stryker’s new album “Blue Soul” an amazing contribution to jazzhood. The first track, “Trouble Man,” starts hot right out of the gate, swinging its way through the theme, veering off for some intense and bluesy solos by Stryker and then a stellar take-off... Continue Reading →
Javier Subatin Shares Social Distancing Strategies
Advice and tidbits on how to keep your music and your brand on track. Today's inspiration comes from Lisbon-based guitarist Javier Subatin who has just come out with the self-released "Variaciones." How are you getting gigs, whether performing or teaching? In order to get gigs... I'm looking for festivals starting in January and after. Regarding... Continue Reading →
Fingers Fly, Solos Soar – Teymur Phell Turns Up “Master Volume”
Excitement rolls in like a drum from the very opening of Teymur Phell’s first-ever release titled “Master Volume.” In this generously portioned album of all-original songs, Phell has assembled a sparkling group of artists who mesh their different flavors together with admirable skill. The high-energy track “Zero to Sixty” spotlights Phell’s amazing technical expertise to... Continue Reading →