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
Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition There are many thematic elements to Ima Ima, the 57-minute, seven-track album from Meg Okura & the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble. The title has two meanings. Ima is Hebrew for mom. In Japanese Ima can be defined as now or the present time. Other topics in Ima Ima comprise womanhood and motherhood; large-scale … Read More
Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition NPO Trio – Live at the Stone – Chant Records, 64:53 [3/15/18] ****: (Jean-Michel Pilc – piano; Meg Okura – violin, electric violin; Sam Newsome – soprano saxophone) There’s an opening moment on the NPO Trio’s 64-minute record, Live at the Stone, when it sounds like a classical trio is warming up. … Read More
Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition Modern, large ensemble jazz from an under appreciated composer/conductor. Don’t use the term big band jazz when it comes to arranger/conductor and trombonist Ed Neumeister. True, he utilizes many musicians on his self-released and fan-funded album, Wake Up Call. Twenty, to be exact (including Neumeister). This is modern, forward-veering large ensemble jazz … Read More
