By Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition Whenever I hear about a new “saxophone with strings” jazz release, I am excited and look forward to hearing the release. There has always been an intrigue about the saxophone and strings combination. It goes back to the iconic Charlie Parker and strings album from the 1950s. Parker had turned … Read More
By Jeff Know, Audiophile Audition Evaluating the later period discography of Louis Armstrong is a daunting task. Armstrong, known affectionately as “Satchmo” or “Pops,” had a career spanning from the mid 1920s, until his death in 1971. His studio recordings in the ’20s with his Hot Five and Hot Seven aggregations set the standard for … Read More
By Jeff Know, Audiophile Audition For jazz fans there is nothing like being in a club listening to live music. The ambiance, acoustics, and the audience response that inspires the band, contribute to the “listening experience” that can not be replicated at home. Because of the pandemic, we have not been able to listen to … Read More
By Jeff Know, Audiophile Audition Following on the heels of the well received duo recording, released last year (from a 1979 recording) featuring iconic trumpeter, Chet Baker, and German vibraphonist, Wolfgang Lackerschmid (BalladsforTwo), Dot Time Records has upped the ante with a very impressive quintet session, with the duo backed by a dream rhythm section. … Read More
by Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition Boston-based guitarist Eric Hofbauer is probably one of the most underrated jazz-plus guitarists who is woefully unknown to many people. The prolific musician has released close to 25 albums which represent various facets of his artistry, from solo projects to band records; from original compositions to covers; and more. In … Read More
By Fritz Balwit, Audiophile Audition Overall, this a very well realized project. It is to be hoped that there will be a follow-up. Perhaps dedicated to a single composer (this worked very well in the Freya Quartets Faure project.) A Puccini record would be a great idea. Or even better: we have long awaited the … Read More
By Jeff Know, Audiophile Audition Jazz trumpeter, Chet Baker’s life story, is one of incredible highs and lows. Blessed with movie star looks, and a voice as gentle as his heartfelt lyrical trumpet tone, Chet came up during the West Coast cool jazz period of the 1950s. He fit in perfectly during the laid back … Read More
By Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition The emergence of chamber jazz as a musical genre has been much more prevalent in the last few decades. Blending classical music with jazz improvisation both challenges, and soothes, fans of both musical expressions. There is a pastoral beauty of classical chamber music, that mixes well with the swing that … Read More
By: Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition Brian Lynch has been a top tier trumpeter for over four decades. He is also a voracious reader, with a particular interest in African American literature. For his first release as a big band leader, he has chosen to combine his reading interests into a musical project that honors many … Read More
By: Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition 2019 has been a strong year for jazz musicians honoring their fathers. Jim Snidero made a gorgeous CD, titled, Waves of Calm, earlier this Spring on Savant Records. Now we have New York based bassist, Ben Wolfe’s new CD, Fatherhood, just released at the end of August. Ben’s father, Daniel, passed away … Read More
