by Matt Micucci, Jazziz Genre-defying harpist Brandee Younger’s fourth album, Soul Awakening, is a collection of eight unearthed gems surfacing years after they were originally recorded, that blend freewheeling improvisation and spiritual jazz with classical and experimental music. Produced by acclaimed bassist Dezron Douglas and featuring such first-rate musicians as saxophonists Ravi Coltrane and Antoine Roney, … Read More
Stephanie Jones, Jazz Speaks Sense Memory: Emma Frank Speaks Photo by Shervin Lainez, courtesy of the artist. The ability to be vulnerable in performance is a vital trait for singer-composer Emma Frank. With the release of her third album Ocean Av (Susan Records, 2018), Frank draws listeners in to the depth of her intention. Within each song, … Read More
‘D.C. IS WHERE IT ALL STARTED FOR ME’: BRENT BIRCKHEAD ON HIS DEBUT ALBUM By Jackson Sinnenberg, Capital Bop Brent Birckhead is an archetypal product of the D.C. jazz scene. He’s a strong straight-ahead player, but also well-versed in go-go, R&B and the other popular sounds of the city. And like much of the music … Read More
Andrew Hamlin, Northwest Music Scene San Francisco trombonist/singer/songwriter Natalie Cressman and Brazilian guitarist/singer/songwriter Ian Faquini bring their duo act to the Royal Room on Saturday, April 13th, touring behind their new duo album Setting Rays of Summer. Ms. Cressman was good enough to take some questions. NWMS: You grew up the daughter of two jazz musicians. Was it simply pre-ordained … Read More
Ron Schepper, Textura REVIEW: Steve Haines and the Third Floor Orchestra: Steve Haines and the Third Floor Orchestra Justin Time Records Many albums impress; a scant few dazzle. This extraordinary set by Steve Haines is one such instance, a recording so special one hardly knows where to begin. A few details first: he’s a Canadian-born double … Read More
Matt Micucci, Jazziz Melbourne-raised, New York City-based award-winning pianist-composer Ben Winkelman released his new album, Balance, on March 15 via OA2 Records. The new record is a collection of nine Winkelman original compositions plus a reworking of “Bye-Ya” by piano legend Thelonious Monk. It also finds him playing alongside drummer Obed Calvaire and bassist Matt Penman and … Read More
Kira Grunenberg, DownBeat Dave Liebman’s legacy seemingly coalesced in an enthralling full-circle moment on Feb. 6, 2015, at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley. Along with Victor Wooten, Jeff Coffin, Chester Thompson, Chris Walters and James DaSilva, Liebman reanimated Miles Davis’ On The Corner, a slinky fusion effort the reedist helped record in 1972. Beyond being a stellar recording, On The … Read More
by Jacob Caines, Classical Queer John Minnock -He/Him – A new-breed vocalist who infuses diversity and modern interpretation into his jazz and blues show, John Minnock first gained popularity in Boston and is now a resident performer at the Metropolitan Room. He is the recipient of the “Hot House Jazz 2016 Fans Decision Metropolitan Room … Read More
Jason Crane, The Jazz Session Harpist Brandee Younger’s most recent record is Wax & Wane. In this interview, she talks about the particular challenges of improvising on the harp; how she was introduced to improvised music and the trial by fire she faced from Kenny Garrett; her recording process; the great harpists who’ve gone before … Read More
Lorens Chuno, Doing Jazz Podcast On this podcast, Lorens Chuno presents captivating conversations with enterprising jazz musicians. Episode 62: Gil Defay (Trumpeter/Composer) Listen here. On his new album, IT’S ALL LOVE, GIL DEFAY draws from his background in jazz, soul, and hiphop to create a collection of rich and accessible tunes that are all crafted … Read More
