by Sebastien Helary, NextBop The New Orleans group The Session was started in 2011 as a weekly get-together by four friends with the simple objective to get better at making music. Bassist Jasen Weaver, trumpeter Stephen Lands, pianist Andrew Mcgowan, and drummer Darrian Douglas, honed their chops as a collective and kept developing their unique … Read More
bu Giovanni Russonello, New York Times BRENT BIRCKHEAD at Nublu 151 (Feb. 22, 8 p.m.). When he’s not on the road with Lauryn Hill’s band, this alto saxophonist is often found in the basement of Smalls, partaking of late-night jam sessions with other young jazz improvisers. Struck with bluesy warmth and the relentless swing of Cannonball … Read More
13th Annual Jazz Critics Poll Spanish Harlem Orchestra – Anniversary (ArtistShare) Latin – Karl Ackerman (All About Jazz) New Releases – Russ Musto (New York City Jazz Record, DownBeat) Henry Conerway III – With Pride For Dignity (Self-released) New Releases – Richard B. Kamins (Step Tempest) New Releases – Peter Quinn (Jazzwise, The Arts Desk) Debut – Richard B. Kamins (Step Tempest) … Read More
Jerome Wilson, All About Jazz Kevin Bales/Keri JohnsrudBeyond the Neighborhood: The Music of Fred RogersSelf-produced Fred Rogers and his beloved TV series, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” has gotten a lot of attention lately. This musical tribute, featuring pianist Bales and the warm vocals of Johnsrud, adapts the songs he wrote for the show to a jazz … Read More
Brad Cohan & George Grella, The Brooklyn Rail December 19: Andy Milne & Dapp Theory The Seasons of Being CD Release Show at Jazz Gallery. Pianist Andy Milne is a creative jazz veteran with a resume that includes stints with Ravi Coltrane and Steve Coleman. Back in September, the celebrated Sunnyside record label released the thickly … Read More
Suzanne Lorge, New York City Jazz Record Kelly Green brings a fresh understanding of standards to her sophomore album, Volume One. Green’s facile pianism is the optimal showcase for her fluid, expressive vocals. She will be at Mezzrow (Dec. 5th) to play from the newly launched record.
