John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet LONDON LIVE (ARC) ★★★★☆ No, I hadn’t heard of Jeff Siegel either, but the American drummer leads a storming band. This live album was recorded on the last date of a European tour, so the quartet was well primed. Alas the gig was in London on … Read More
Doug Ramsey, Arts Journal New York City is still the jazz capital of the world. For about a century, young musicians have gone there from nearly every country to be in the midst of the growth and ferment of music that is in a constant state of change and challenge. The baritone saxophonist Eden Bareket is … Read More
Joseph Neff, The Vinyl District Pianist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, Yale grad, Rhodes scholar and sharp dresser Zucker has three prior releases on ESP Disk, but I’ll confess to just getting hip to him now. He’s responsible for a handful of projects, with this eight-part suite inspired by Rachel Kushner’s novel The Flamethrowers the latest; based on its sustained … Read More
Pianist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Zucker is quickly becoming one of the most prominent voices in the New York avant-garde/creative music scene. A Yale graduate and Rhodes scholar, Zucker’s maximalist compositions and intense, virtuosic playing have earned him recognition in jazz and new music circles alike. His prior release Evergreen (Canceled World) (2016), recorded with … Read More
Dave Rogers, WTJU Eden Bareket Trio – Night (Fresh Sound): Eden Bareket (bari sax, bass clarinet) has made a striking impact in the New York jazz scene with his versatility and his eclectic tastes and style. His backing on this disc, his third, is provided by Or Bareket (bass) and Felix Lecaros (drums). The sound is familiar … Read More
Kerilie McDowall, Downbeat LA-based drummer, composer and producer Anthony Fung, 25, is an emerging bandleader worth noting. His polished, solid drumming drives Flashpoint, Fung’s sophomore album, on eight original compositions over nine tracks amid colorful, sharp and creative arrangements. A catchy, pulsating Panamanian tambor norte rhythm with well-crafted horn melodies enhances the super-hero themed opener … Read More
Richard Kamins, Step Tempest Every once is a while, the reviewer receives an album that wins you over initially on the strength of the joy that the musicians exude. Such is the case with the debut recording by drummer, composer, and arranger Henry Conway III. “With Pride For Dignity” (self-released) finds the Detroit, MI native leading … Read More
Accomplished saxophonist and composer Jordan Pettay is proud to announce her arrival with the February 15 release of First Fruit, on award-winning trombonist and composer Nick Finzer’s record label Outside In Music. Co-produced by Christian Sands, who also lends his talents on piano and rhodes, First Fruit is presented by a stellar line-up which includes … Read More
Jon D’Auria, Bass Player Prolific bassist, composer and bandleader Dezron Douglas, who has stunned audiences with his virtuosity for nearly two decades, is proud to announce the January 11th release of Black Lion, featuring his eponymously named sextet. After releasing six albums as a leader, including his well received live recording Dezron Douglas: Live at Smalls (★★★★, Downbeat Magazine), … Read More
Michael J. West, JazzTimes The murderer’s row of fusioneers that bassist/composer Scott Petito assembled for Rainbow Gravity is both exciting and foreboding. It implies great playing and—not unrelatedly—big, self-indulgent spotlights for the heavyweights. But while the chops are indeed fearsome, the album turns out surprisingly tight, thanks in no small part to Petito’s writing. One remarkable example: … Read More
