By Dave Rogers, WTJU Keith Brown Trio – African Ripples (Space Time): “Space Time Records is proud to announce the May 20, 2021 release of African Ripples, the long-awaited new album by multi-faceted pianist, composer and arranger Keith Brown. Read more here.
By: Dave Rogers, WTJU Josean Jacobo & Tumbao – Cimarron (E7 Studios): “Hailed as “The Ambassador of Afro-Dominican Jazz”, pianist & composer Josean Jacobo is bringing the music and culture of the Dominican Republic to an international audience. His group “Josean Jacobo & Tumbao” creates an atmosphere rich in Afro-Descendant folkloric idioms and jazz….” (https://www.joseanjacobo.com/) … Read More
By: Dave Rogers, WTJU “Nearly 100 years after the Harlem Renaissance shook the world, there’s a whole new cultural and spiritual awakening in that corner of the jazz world. Organized by post-bop pianist Marc Cary, The Harlem Sessions (originating at Gin Fizz and now based at Smoke Jazz Club) invites musicians, poets, artists, philosophers and … Read More
Dave Rogers, WTJU Tenor and soprano saxophonist Michael Eaton offers this session with other voices in the “dialogical” which is defined as “thinking that involves a dialogue or extended exchange between different points of view or frames of reference”. (http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/glossary-of-critical-thinking-terms/496). These performances are fascinating and often delightful. Eaton’s quartet features Brad Whiteley (piano), Daniel Ori … Read More
By: Dave Rogers, WTJU Soul Message Band – Soulful Days (Delmark): The Soul Message Band releases its first release on Delmark in Chicago, their current home city. Their sound is quite jazzy with a touch of blues and funk. The center of the music, however, it jazz as defined by many jazz organ groups from the past. The … Read More
Dave Rogers, WTJU Ben Winkelman Trio – Balance (OA2): Pianist/composer Ben Winkelman offers his fifth release and it is quite fine. He states the he was been “developing a concept for piano trio that seeks an elusive balance between composition and improvisation, structure and spontaneity, ideas and emotions….looking for ways to feature the three instruments, not only as … Read More
By: Dave Rogers, WTJU 91.1FM Jordan Pettay – First Fruit (Outside In Music): Alto and soprano saxophonist Jordan Pettay offers her first release, featuring three original compositions and spanning from John Coltrane’s “Straight Street” and Thom Bell and Linda Creed’s “You Make Me Feel Brand New” to several religious songs which are offered with similar … Read More
Dave Rogers, WTJU Eden Bareket Trio – Night (Fresh Sound): Eden Bareket (bari sax, bass clarinet) has made a striking impact in the New York jazz scene with his versatility and his eclectic tastes and style. His backing on this disc, his third, is provided by Or Bareket (bass) and Felix Lecaros (drums). The sound is familiar … Read More
Dave Rogers, WTJU Geof Bradfield – Yes, and…Music for Nine Improvisors (Delmark): Educator/composer/sax player Geof Bradfield is based in Chicago and currently has seven discs as a leader. He composed all of the songs on this disc. The players are Geof Bradfield (tenor, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet), Greg Ward (alto sax), Anna Webber(flute, bass flute, tenor sax), … Read More
Dave Rogers, WTJU Composer / trumpet and keyboard player Darren Barrett has released six discs prior to this one. He is also an assistant professor at Berklee specifically working with ensembles. This disc certainly focuses on ensemble work and one’s flexibility throughout. In addition to Barrett, the main group includes Santiago Bosch (piano, keyboards), Alexander … Read More
