By Morton Shlabotnik, Shepherd Express One of the most enduring compositions from late ‘40s bebop, the haunting melody of “Round Midnight,” was written by Thelonious Monk. Perhaps Teodress Avery was wise not to include “Round Midnight” in his tribute to Monk. Instead, the tenor and soprano saxophonist choses 10 other Monk numbers. Read the full … Read More
JazzTimes “As Dave Brubeck’s December 6 centennial nears, fans have at least two reasons to be cheerful. First, on November 6, Verve Records will release Lullabies, recorded at Brubeck’s final studio session in March 2010. The late pianist and composer intended this solo-piano collection to be a gift for his grandchildren.” Read the full article … Read More
By Broadway World Richard Baratta is known around town as a revered film producer – but he is also an accomplished and versatile drummer. Today, he has released his sophomore album Music in Film: The Reel Deal on New York based jazz label Savant Records. This is Baratta’s debut for the storied record label, which … Read More
By Majeedah Johnson, CapitalBop As the longtime executive director of the DC Jazz Festival, Sunny Sumter has guided the festival through over a decade of growth, turning it into one of the country’s leading music festivals. That was already a hefty task. But this year, her job got even more complicated when the coronavirus pandemic … Read More
By Brian Zimmerman, JAZZIZ Andy Garcia is an Oscar-nominated actor and director who has appeared in such films as The Godfather Part III and Ocean’s 11. He was Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominated for his titular role in For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story. Richard Baratta is a film producer whose … Read More
By Frank Griffith, London Jazz News Alto saxophonist Charles McPherson‘s distinctive musical personality is rooted in bebop, bluesiness with a bouncy and vibrant gait. It slithers and weaves – making it an effective complement for dance. Jazz Dance Suites was inspired by and dedicated to his daughter, Camille, a soloist in the San Diego Ballet. … Read More
By Jim Hynes, Glide Magazine In the past month, much has been abuzz about Charlie Parker’s centennial birthday. Arguably one of Bird’s foremost disciples in carrying on the bebop tradition has been alto saxophonist and composer Charles McPherson, now an octogenarian. Read about this review here.
By Kevin Johnson, No Treble Orlando le Fleming has followed up his 2017 album Romantic Funk with a new release that pays homage to the “high-intensity fusion of the 1980’s.” Romantic Funk: The Unfamiliar contains eight original compositions performed by a bevy of talent. Read this article here.
By Richard Seiden, The Georgetowner This year’s DC Jazz Festival will live-stream 20 concerts over five days starting on Sept. 24. The performances, interviews and other festival content can be viewed for free at Fans.live or on Facebook. Read this article here.
By Bill Meyer, Chicago Reader When the word “academic” is applied to jazz, it’s not necessarily a compliment. But these three players, all of whom teach at universities, make music that could keep you at school till the sun comes up. Read this review here.
