By: Richard Kamins, Step Tempest Some readers may remember that organist Chris Foremanand drummer Greg Rockingham were two-thirds of Deep Blue Trio – along with guitarist Bobby Broom, the Chicago-based ensemble recorded four albums, two on Delmark and two on Origin Records, from 2004 until 2011. Though the Trio in various iterations had been playing … Read More
Nathalie Freson, UK Vibe For his new release, Embracing Wild, Daniel Meron is hitting hard. Though I have been occasionally following the Israeli-born pianist, this is the first album of his that I listen to and I am utterly enchanted. Teaming up with an international palette of excellent musicians, Pablo Menares on bass, Felix Lecaros on … Read More
Tayo Odutola, Earmilk Emma Frank – “Before You Go Away” Brooklyn-based, genre-fluid artist Emma Frank starts off the list on a very solemn note with her single “Before You Go Away” and accompanying animated video. The track has a subtle mix of folk and r&b and sees the singer/songwriter detail the varying emotions that come with self-growth, acceptance … Read More
By: Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs Sumitra,piano/voice/composer; Brian Blade,drums/voice; Carlitos del Puerto, bass; Alex Machacek,guitars/strings. Sumitra has a light, second-soprano tone that twinkles above her piano playing in a more pop than jazz vocal presentation. The first tune and the title of this album, “Bittersweet” is more jazz than the second song that is clearly … Read More
Tanya Ivanova, JazzFM English: Recordings from two Louis Armstrong Concerts on the Continent make up the Louis Armstrong Live in Europe collection, released September 27 from the Dot Time Records catalog. One concert is from the first edition of the International Jazz Festival in Nice in 1948 and the second is from 1952 in Berlin. … Read More
Morton Shlabotnik, Shepherd Express The lineup is not unheard of but remains unusual: a jazz trio consisting of violin, bass and drums. But calling Wonderment a jazz album doesn’t entirely define it. Violinist Zach Brock takes the lead, defining the melodies as Matt Ulery maintains thrumming bass lines and Jon Deitemyer tictocs on drums. Surprises … Read More
By: Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs Chase Baird,saxophone/composer/producer; Antonio Sanchez, drums; Brad Mehldau,piano; Nir Felder,guitar; Dan Chmielinski,bass. From the modern, contemporary art CD cover to the contemporary jazz music on disc, Chase Baird uses his composer credentials and saxophone talent to present “A Life Between.” The introduction to his tune, “Ripcord” sounds like rock music, … Read More
By: Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs Sometimes when you hear the first strains drifting off of a recording, you know, right away, that you are about to enjoy some spectacular and emotional music. That’s what I felt immediately when I began to listen to Oscar Hernandez’s album. The smooth saxophone of Justo Almario spread wings … Read More
By: Michael Roberts, Jazziz It may seem unnecessary to emphasize that the chief reason to pay attention to Brandee Younger’s Soul Awakening is its music. After all, the accompanists include numerous well-known players working at the top of their form, and the arrangements feel fresh thanks largely to the leadership role of Younger, whose ax of choice … Read More
Jazziz Ralph Peterson was one of two drummers to perform with The Jazz Messengers, having been hand-picked by Blakey as the second drummer in the legendary bandleader’s Jazz Messenger Big Band, in which he served until Blakey’s death in 1990. Peterson’s résumé includes more than 150 albums as a sideman, with credits on albums by … Read More
