By Richard Kamins, Step Tempest Been over two decades since saxophonist and NEA Jazz master Dave Liebman began his musical exploration and interpretation of the four Natural Elements. Starting in 1997 with “Water” (featuring Pat Metheny, Billy Hart, and Cecil McBee), then moving on to “Air” (a 2006 duo with computer whiz Walter Quintus), and … Read More
By Diti Kohli, The Boston Globe Love video games? Love jazz music? One widely acclaimed big band that combines the two is slated to stop by town next month. The 8-Bit Big Band plays tunes from popular video games like “Legend of Zelda” and “Super Mario Bros.” With 33 members and a handful of special … Read More
By Chris Spector, Midwest Record ROXY COSS/Quintet: It wasn’t that long ago that Coss was wearing an evening gown and looking like a member of a society band. In the intervening years, she’s shown herself to be a top shelf, hard core swinger that can be a first class leader whether politicized or not because … Read More
By Musicalmemoir’s Blog MIKE BOND – “THE HONORABLE ONES” Bounce Castle Records Mike Bond, piano/composer/arranger; Ben Wolfe, bass; Anwar Marshall, drums; Josh Evans, trumpet; Steve Wilson, alto & soprano saxophones; SPECIAL GUESTS: Gene Shinozaki, beatbox vocals; Claudia Acuna & Maya Holliday, vocals. Titled, “Chapter 1: On Your Mark …” the first track is Avant Garde … Read More
JazzTrail The debut recording from 30-year old American pianist/composer Mike Bond features a fantastic group of musicians whose rapport can be immediately felt. The multi-generational core quintet includes versatile horn players such as saxophonist Steve Wilson and trumpeter Josh Evans, as well as a rhythm team with bassist Ben Wolfe and drummer Anwar Marshall in … Read More
Esteemed Multi-Instrumentalist Charles Pillow Releases Innovative New Large Ensemble Album Chamber Jazz, Out 2/21 Bandleader, composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Charles Pillow is excited to announce the February 21st release of his latest large ensemble venture, Chamber Jazz on SUMMIT Records. The follow up to his critically acclaimed 2018 release Electric Miles, Chamber Jazz brings the … Read More
By Phil Freeman, The Wire Saxophonist Dave Liebman has been working on a series of album based on the elements for over 20 years: Water (1997), Air (2006) and Fire (2016). Earth features his working band Expansions and has a strong electro-fusion sound sometimes; his soprano is heard amid oozing, burbling synths that occasionally become … Read More
By Charles Waring, Record Collector Magazine
By Mike Greenblatt, The Aquarian Weekly Deep Blue Love (Dot Time Records), by sultry French-British jazz singer-songwriter Sarah Thorpe, hits the sweet spot. She puts words to Pat Metheny’s “Free,” uses Jon Hendricks’ scat lyrics to Randy Weston’s “Pretty Strange,” completely revitalizes Horace Silver’s “Lonely Woman,” and has the courage to end it all on … Read More
By Chris Struck, Broadway World Birdland Jazz Club, NYC, February 15th, 2020 Catherine Russell blends her high-energy personality with jazz well, creating an invigorating atmosphere primed for an intimate moment. Her ballads are passionate, and her tributes to jazz greats brought the aura of their heyday to life. After her band opened on an instrumental … Read More
