The new CD by Agnar Már Magnusson riffs off the Icelandic folk songs that have formed the leader’s musical essence. There’s an air of suspense and a depth to the title track “Mor” that plays like a turning point in life. A pulled-back tempo and sluggish brushes with a solemn bass line keep the listener... Continue Reading →
The very first jazz release from former Japanese pop star Senri Oe is called “HMMM” and it is with this humorous introspection that one can regard the new direction he’s enthusiastically embraced. The CD comes out September 20 on PND Records. Regardless of mood or mode, the tracks jump off the page with spirit and... Continue Reading →
When you get discovered by an absolute icon of big band like Doc Severinsen…you know you're on a track that’s right and tight. Jazz pianist Mary Louise Knutson has fingers that communicate by dancing on the keys on, say, “Bernie’s Tune” and the pointed “Can You Hear Me Now?” or placing down a somber thought... Continue Reading →
Classical pianist and humorist Victor Borge (1909-2000), born in Denmark, was one of early television’s first musicians to perform a stunning variety of classical pieces for a rapt audience, all while injecting a wonderful, dry humor into his performances. In “My Favorite Comedies in Music” (Franklin Watts Publishing/1980) Borge offered his observations of the masters... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
You must be logged in to post a comment.