The Blurt Jazz Desk Features BJ Jansen’s “Common Ground”

July 30, 2017Features, Reviews

Bill Kopp, The Blurt It’s a neat trick to make something new while conjuring the aesthetic of something old. But (a) that’s what is expected of jazz players of a certain stripe, and happily (b) that’s what baritone saxophonist B.J. Jansen has taken on as his mission. And with Common Ground, he succeeds. Joined by five … Read More

WTJU Features Darren Barrett’s “dB-ish”

July 30, 2017Features, Reviews

Dave Rogers, WTJU Composer / trumpet and keyboard player Darren Barrett has released six discs prior to this one. He is also an assistant professor at Berklee specifically working with ensembles. This disc certainly focuses on ensemble work and one’s flexibility throughout. In addition to Barrett, the main group includes Santiago Bosch (piano, keyboards), Alexander … Read More

Musical Memoirs Blog Reviews Dave Liebman & Joe Lovano’s “Compassion: The Music of John Coltrane”

July 30, 2017Reviews

Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs Dave Liebman, tenor & soprano saxophones/C flute; Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone/autochrome/alto clarinet/Scottish flute; Phil Markowitz, piano; Ron McClure, bass; Billy Hart, drums. On July 17, 1967, the great John Coltrane passed away. It is appropriate to remember and celebrate his amazing talent this month, as well as his contributions made … Read More

Jazz Weekly Reviews BJ Jansen’s “Common Ground”

July 28, 2017Reviews

by George Harris, Jazz Weekly Baritone saxist B.J.Jansen leads a rich hard bop combo with Delfeayo Marsalis/tb, Duane Eubanks/tp, Ralph Peterson/dr, Dezron Douglas/b and Zaccai Curtis/p through a dozen muscular originals. Jansen himself has a strong and bold tone as exemplified on the bluesy “ Carol’s Dream” and richly vibrato’d “Soul Loss” which also includes … Read More

Jazzwise Reviews BJ Jansen’s “Common Ground”

July 26, 2017Reviews

Mike Hobart, Jazzwise The lolloping swing that drives the opening modal blues signals baritone saxophonist BJ Jansen’s mainstream aesthetic, the floaty cover of Frank Stagnitta’s “Carol’s Dream” that follows confirms it. Jansen builds his set on traditional structures and solid well-worn grooves ranging from the sassy 6/8 of “Street Walk” to the cool school swing … Read More