Robert Elms Show, BBC Radio London Live music from singer Kathy Kosins, author John Simmons on his novel “Spanish Crossings” set during the Spanish Civil War and London actor Jack Rowan, an ex-boxer with no formal acting training, on his new film role in the US.
Sound Check, AFROPUNK PREMIERE: ECLECTIC JAZZ GROUP FREELANCE RELEASES PASSIONATE LOVE LETTER TO THE AFRICAN DIASPORA Amongst all the noise of today is Revive Music’s FREELANCE “Your Love”. The song is a visceral melting pot that tells the story of a romantic courtship that leads to a journey through the African diaspora. With melodic conventions, … Read More
Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News Vocalist and pianist Kelly Green makes a powerful first impression. Since landing in the New York jazz scene a few years ago she’s earned the admiration of heavyweights like bassist Christian McBride and vibraphonist Steve Nelson, who both perform on her impressive debut album “Life Rearranged.” Accompanying herself with harmonic … Read More
Troy Doster, All About Jazz In 1933, Europeans were only beginning to understand the horrors that the Nazi regime would bring to the continent. But already at that early stage, Jewish communities reacted with alarm to Hitler’s rise to power—and many consequently made the decision to emigrate. One of the most common destinations in the … Read More
Chris Spector, Midwest Record The well chopped sax man avoids all the clichés that would have made this celebration of Earth Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder a gift shop record. He also doesn’t cover “September” avoiding being lumped in with Taylor Swift. Presenting his take on the great American songbook as heard through a … Read More
Chris Spector, Midwest Record A tyro that took the time to study with the best rather than be a know it all serves up a Zen informed piano jazz date that swings as mightily as all the past great records in the genre. The kind of date you’ll keep coming back to as the vibe … Read More
Raul da Gama, Jazz da Gama There are deep, allegorical overtones in Harlem by the powerful Jorginho Neto Collective. This is an album that begins on a prophetic note, with an appropriately in the soaring crescendo of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech popularly known by the seminal phrase: “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Reverend King spoke … Read More
Jerome Wilson, All About Jazz Beyond The Neighborhood is something special. This CD consists of songs written for the beloved children’s show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, by its star and producer, Fred Rogers. In the hands of pianist Kevin Bales and vocalist Keri Johnsrud this music translates very well into a jazz setting. Rogers’ songs with their messages about self-confidence, friendship … Read More
Sébastien Hélary, Nextbop Composer and saxophonist Sharel Cassity released her fourth album as a leader last week on Relsha Music. Evolve sees the introduction of Cassity’s new band Elektra comprised of trumpeters Ingrid Jensen, Marcus Printup and Freddie Hendrix, bassist Linda Oh, guitarist Mark Whitfield, pianists Miki Hayama and Richard Johnson, vocalist Christie Dashiell, drummers Jonathan Barber … Read More
Allen Wan, JQ Magazine Tokyo native Meg Okura defies convention. While forging a prolific career in music since graduating from Juilliard in the ’90s (working with the likes of Diana Krall and David Bowie to name a few), this Grammy-nominated jazz violinist continues reaching out to new audiences through her “world chamber jazz” that could mean anything … Read More