Bandleader, composer, arranger, trumpeter and a guy who found an important place for 34 strings in his latest oeuvre, Rich Willey has just completed a new CD that brims with depth, texture and amazing walls of jazz. “Down and Dirty” is an all-out experience that’s ambitious and brightly reflects the hard work of a group... Continue Reading →
“Coalescence 2” Takes Being In Tandem to New Levels
A new CD born from collaboration and camaraderie has just been released by five stellar New York City musicians, including Kenny Shanker on saxophones; Mike Eckroth on piano; Daisuke Abe on guitar; Yoshi Waki on bass and Brian Fishler on drums. “Coalescence 2” does sweet and light (“Downhill”), high-stepping funk (“Whatever, That Was”), melodies that... Continue Reading →
Josh Levinson Septet Swings with a Punchy Groove
From the jump, “Morning Joy” swings hard and bright, the title track of a new CD from the Josh Levinson Septet. No crowded studio or stage here; seven instrumentalists but they blend like a summer drink, with lots of space and air for everybody. The ensemble is led by trumpet player Josh Levinson, a guy... Continue Reading →
Bringing the Love in All Registers
Starting with bold, decisive intervals falling down the scale and punctuated subtly by drums, the title song of Kenny Shanker’s new CD “The Witching Hour” opens to a wide and expressive solo where Kenny swings. The man’s not afraid of exploring his full range. His skilled approach to the upper and lower registers alike demonstrates... Continue Reading →
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