Bandleader/Composer Jonah Francese Amplifies Unheard Voices on Reclamation, the New Album from his Thinkin’ Big Big Band Digital Out October 3, 2019 Worldwide Release: December 9 Thinkin’ Big: Kristen Dye (flute), Clay Lyons (alto sax), Mark Zaleski (alto & soprano sax), Jonathan Bean & Paul Melhus (tenor sax), Austin Yancey (baritone sax), Kai Sandoval, Danny … Read More
By: Jim Motavalli, New York City Jazz Record
By: Doug Ramsey, Arts Journal (Rifftides) It may be too easy to take Louis Armstrong for granted. After all, he is one of the greatest musicians of the Twentieth Century. Perhaps we all conclude that we understand why. Then, along comes yet another reminder of the intensity, the sheer strength, of his musicianship. The most … Read More
By: Chris Spector, Midwest Record Apparently those cats from over there still think America has streets paved with gold. A cat with a thriving career in Ukraine music and film ditches to it come over here on a scholarship and basically start over. With his established chops in tow, we’re not dealing with a beginner … Read More
Bandcamp Daily On his debut, Battle Mountain, Ben Flocks turned loose his own vision of the Americana jazz so closely associated with the legendary Bill Frisell. For his sophomore release, the saxophonist shifts from Americana to the American Songbook, and shows that this change, depending on the context, is one that’s as nuanced as it … Read More
by Hector Aviles, Latino Music Cafe Multi-Grammy winning pianist and bandleader Oscar Hernandez returns with the second recording of his Alma Libre Latin Jazz sextet titled “Love the Moment”. Alma Libre’s Latin Jazz Matures I find that the cohesiveness amongst the members of a band is especially important in Jazz. In “Love the Moment” I can hear a more mature … Read More
By: Chris Spector, Midwest Record BEN WINKELMAN TRIO/Balance: The jazz piano man that likes odd meters is back with his new set of switch backs that leave you guessing where it’s improv or composed. The kind of cat that keeps you on your toes but doesn’t indulge in art for art’s sake, he tickles the … Read More
Mike Brannon, 71 Magazine Click images to enlarge:
Seth Rogovoy, Chronogram Bassist Scott Petito humbly credits this effort to an all-star ensemble of renowned individual musicians—including keyboardists David Sancious and Rachel Z, drummer Omar Hakim, guitarist David Spinozza, and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri—and, indeed, Rainbow Gravity is a group effort, and a startling one considering how most of the band members are leaders in … Read More
Respected Baritone Saxophonist B.J. Jansen Emerges with his Tenth Project “Common Ground” due out June 23, 2017 Featuring: Delfeayo Marsalis, Duane Eubanks, Ralph Peterson, Dezron Douglas & Zaccai Curtis Innovative baritone saxophonist B.J. Jansen is proud to announce the June 23rd release of “Common Ground”, his tenth project as a leader. To mark this momentous occasion, … Read More
