By Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Chamber Jazz, alto saxophonist Charles Pillow‘s eighth recording as leader of his ensemble, is a generally sedate but remarkably engaging series of tone poems that combine contemporary jazz with elements of classical music to produce a hybrid that underlines what is most harmonious and charming in each genre. Chamber Jazz is what it says, and chamber jazz is what it is. For comparison’s sake, think of the ensemble as the Modern Jazz Quartet times five. True, there is no John Lewis or Milt Jackson on hand, but Gary Versace (on piano and accordion) and guitarist Vic Juris are more than admirable replacements. Read the full review here.