Vocalist, Composer & Producer Vivian Sessoms Announces the Release of New Album, LIFE II Due Out May 17, 2019 On Ropeadope Internationally-lauded vocalist and Harlem native Vivian Sessoms is proud to announce the May 17th release of her new album LIFE II, on Ropeadope. Following the November 2018 release of LIFE I, Vivian Sessoms now … Read More
Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs ANDY MILNE & DAPP THEORY – “THE SEASONS OF BEING”Sunnyside Records Andy Milne, piano/composer;/poet; Aaron Kruziki, soprano saxophone/clarinet/bass clarinet/douduk; John Moon, spoken word vocals; Christopher Tordini, acoustic & electric bass; Kenny Grohowski, drums; FEATURED GUESTS: Ben Monder, guitar; Ralph Alessi, trumpet; La Tanya Hall, vocals/spoken word; Michael Attias, alto & … 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
Troy Dostert, All About Jazz If ever there was a novelist whose work seems ideally suited for musical expression, it would be Rachel Kushner. With phrases that jump off the page with infectious energy and themes that reveal themselves fleetingly and mysteriously, her books swirl with ideas, but always with the unmistakable impression that are … Read More
Jazz Desk Greg Ward presents Rouge Parade – Stomping Off from Greenwood (Greenleaf Music, 2019) Alto saxophonist Greg Ward got a lot of attention for his album Touch My Beloved Thoughts a couple of years ago where he wrote a suite inspired by Charles Mingus The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (1963). A lot of the praise was … Read More
By: Travis Rogers, Jr. The Jazz Owl With Gene Ess’ album Absurdist Theater, I said that “Gene Ess is a philosopher.” He is indeed that but he is an anthropological philosopher. In Eternal Monomyth, he took Joseph Campbell and C. G. Jung and explored the quest of the hero. In Absurdist Theater, he delved … Read More
by Patrick Burnette, All About Jazz 4 Stars Although the promotional material indicates that keyboardist/producer/composer Eitan Kenner was experiencing personal turmoil during the creation of 8Ball City, the music is upbeat, almost giddy. Helium powered synths spin out surging melodies against compound rhythms and chord progressions climb ever heavenward. Call it “happy prog,” complex, cheerful music … 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
Live album recorded at high-concept venue features music, dance, and cutting-edge videography in an immersive and joyful jazz experience 26-year-old bandleader-saxophonist-singer-composer Grace Kelly, fresh off of the success of her groundbreaking two-part 2018 video album GO TiME: Brooklyn, is announcing a new project in the series called GO TiME: Live in LA which will … Read More
John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald Andy Milne & Dapp Theory THE SEASONS OF BEING (Sunnyside) ★★★★☆ Ah, the old chestnut of music and healing. Even born sceptics like me subscribe to it, having experienced the effect too many times for doubt. Pianist/composer Andy Milne understands the link, too. He might take his theorising into new-age … Read More
