By Matt Micucci, Jazziz
On their first recorded full-length collaboration, longtime friends vocalist Michael Stephenson and bassist Alexander Claffy offer their renditions of wide-ranging material from 20th-century American composers, including staples by Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Nat “King” Cole and beyond. Michael Stephenson Meets the Alexander Claffy Trio, released on vinyl this month, also marks the debut of a new ensemble under the leadership of Claffy, featuring the eminent young pianist Julius Rodriguez, in-demand drummer Itay Morchi and acclaimed trumpeter Benny Benack III. Read more here.