Mark Sullivan, All About Jazz Guitarist/composer Phil Schurger is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He leads his Chicago-based quartet—previously heard on Echoes of the Ancestors (ears&eyes, 2017)—through six expansive originals. The tracks run an average of ten minutes or more apiece, and they attain that length through compositional complexity rather than extended solos (although the band is blessed … Read More
Seton Hawkins, Hot House Don’t Tell Mama – November 17 A charismatic vocalist who manages to evoke the seemingly disparate sounds of figures like Lou Rawls and Billy Eckstine, John Minnock has emerged as a fan favorite at several of New York’s vocal venues. Onstage and on record, John opts for a wide range of … Read More
Grammy Nominated Vocalist Jean Baylor Joins Manhattan School of Music Faculty New York, NY — Multiple Grammy nominee Jean Baylor is proud to announce that she has joined the faculty at Manhattan School of Music. Starting this semester, Jean will be teaching Jazz Voice and Ensembles in the Jazz Arts program, under the direction of Jazz Arts Director … Read More
Nelson Brill, Boston Concert Reviews Emma Frank, Ocean Ave [Susan Records; www.emmafrankmusic.com]. Frank’s original songs hit the bullseye of breezy pop and effervescent jazz. Her voice is a soft, breathy marvel as she climbs high with supple confidence (on her “Magnolia”; “Best Friend” and the wondrous title track). She also imbues beautiful soft ballads, such as her “Sunless … Read More
Birdland Jazz Club, located at 315 W 44th St #5402, New York is excited to welcome bandleader, composer and saxophonist Eyal Vilner and his 17-piece big band on Sunday, December 9th at 6:00pm (doors: 5:00pm). Vilner emerges as one of the leading new voices on the New York big band scene. After performing at many … Read More
“[Johnsrud] and Bales have made a compelling case for Rogers’ songs, which fare remarkably well in the rhythms and cadences of jazz.” – Howard Reich, The Chicago Tribune Aside from the happy coincidence of the timing of the release, Beyond the Neighborhood is a testament to how palatable sophisticated jazz can be. –Mike Shaw, ArtsATL … Read More
Kevin Johnson, No Treble Bassist and composer Matt Ulery has released a new album called Sifting Starsthat expands his musical palette to include orchestral art songs. The music includes lush string arrangements plus a five-movement piece for brass quintet inspired by the Ivan Albright painting “Into the World There Came a Soul Called Ida.” Ulery admits the ambitious … Read More
