By James Nadal, All About Jazz 4 Stars! If the Mediterranean can be arguably construed as the cradle of civilization, then Italy certainly has a favorable geographical position in this debate, as it protrudes into the middle of the sea. Francesco Marcocci learned the bass in his hometown of Pisa, Italy, and in the process … Read More
By James Nadal, All About Jazz The most distinguished characteristic of Afro-Caribbean music—as well as its greatest contribution to the jazz idiom—has been the drums. If we take this one step further, the Afro-Cuban tradition of drumming has had the highest degree of influence, and has been readily identifiable, since the Latin dance crazes of … Read More
By JACK BOWERS, All About Jazz In a career spanning almost half a century, soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman has appeared on more than five hundred recordings including seventy as leader of various groups. His latest, A Tribute to Wayne Shorter by the Dave Liebman Big Band, may well be the best one yet. Why? Because … Read More
By DAN MCCLENAGHAN, All About Jazz 4 Stars! At twenty-five years of age, Boston-based trumpeter David Neves can’t be expected to boast a big recorded with/played with resume. But he can boast a first rate education—Berklee and the New England Conservatory. And with his Progress Report, a marvelous debut as leader, Neves blows way beyond … Read More
By JACK BOWERS, All About Jazz 4 Stars! After listing the personnel (which varies on every track) for Turkish-born composer Mehmet Ali Sanlikol’s new CD, What’s Next?, there’s scarcely room for a review. Well, perhaps a small one, starting with the fact that Sanlikol, a graduate of the Berklee School of Music and New England … Read More
