There’s a special vibe that comes from a pianist who travels the keyboard like an old soul with a refreshing approach. Mary Louise Knutson is at one with the piano and evokes humanity-affirming moods and atmospheres. You may know “Bluesette” as a jaunty and dense romp, but it’s thoughtful and sweet in Knutson’s hands, adding... Continue Reading →
A new CD radiates with rich chords and subtly resolving dissonances that paint a living, breathing musical portrait of how great music should feel. Pianist/leader Eric Stern’s new CD Familiar Colors has tracks that are smart and cool, pulling emotions from the ether that hit deep. “To Light the Way” has the feel of a... Continue Reading →
Pianist, arranger and composer Gordan Spasovski is out with a new CD called “Light Pillar” that brings glints of sun into all corners of a room. Eight sizzling tracks describe the freedom of a steady tempo, the value of space and air, and the music of spoken words. “Outside of Time” is a linguistic approach... Continue Reading →
To evoke a place by using music you need context, which definitely comes when you’ve been stuck there with no money and no way to get home; and when you’ve visited it countless times, you absorb the vibe through the skin. Pianist Andrei Poliakov loves Paris and devotes his latest song to it which he... Continue Reading →
Part II of a discussion with musician/composer/arranger/conductor/author and man of many musical talents, David Amram. What comprises jazz? Is it basically all fusion? If you play chopsticks with one finger, your fingers are moving in different directions, so unlike planned songs with parallel fifths and harmonies, everything is automatically fusion when you have more than... Continue Reading →
She sings in a register and with a timbre not often heard; deeper, richer, imparting a natural wisdom about life. Ada Bird Wolfe’s latest release “He & Me” – a well-balanced pairing with pianist Jamieson Trotter – describes the observations of life that are both beautiful and sad. Something about her treatment of “But Beautiful”... Continue Reading →
A little adventurous and a lot smooth, that’s the flavor from musician John Thasaint. The pianist is out with a new CD called “This Is Us” – 15 great tracks reminiscent of the heartwarming melodies and easy rhythms of R&B. “Tones of Love” has a background depth that doesn’t pull down its smooth tempo and... Continue Reading →
Richard Clements is one of the many musicians who are involved with the organization Jazz Generation. The pianist gives his time and talent through the Keyed Up! program which is designed to keep musicians employed by arranging gigs in the NYC/New Jersey Metropolitan area. [Part 2 of the Jazz Generation interview] How did you first... Continue Reading →
A blockbuster tune that’s resonated with generations of soul and R&B fans has a new life with its original creator, vocalist and composer Clifton Davis. “Never Can Say Goodbye” is Davis’ jazz debut in a sizzling new collab with pianist Beegie Adair backed up by vocal group Take 6 and singer Monica Ramey. Singing the... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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