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
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 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 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.
By Marlbank Recorded just before lockdown 17 former members of the Jazz Messengers and Legacy Messengers including the leader Ralph Peterson feature on the stellar September release Onward and Upward, it has just been announced. Read this full article here.
By Filipe Freitas, JazzTrail Charismatic drummer Ralph Peterson, an inveterate swinger with a knack for propulsive straight-ahead jazz and more, makes a strong case with his 25th album as a leader, Onward & Upward. With it, he continues to pay homage to the perennial art of late drummer Art Blakey and his quintessential group Jazz … Read More
By Mike Jurkovic, All About Jazz Becoming increasingly known for her light, expressive touch, her solidly crafted, mainstream approach, and residencies at New York clubs like Smalls and Mezzrow, Kobe-born, New York-based pianist Miki Yamanaka brings a decisively more leavened gravity and a growing harmonic interest and prowess on vibes to Human Dust Suite, a … Read More
By Jim Hynes, Glide Magazine Last year, Ralph Peterson and the Messenger Legacy released their recording Legacy: Alive Volume 6 at the Side Door, reviewed on these pages. With Bill Pierce, Brian Lynch, Bobby Watson, Geoffrey Keezer, Essiet, and Peterson at the drums. Read this review here.
