by Giovanni Russonello, New York Times “Floating from precociously warm, sexy low notes to a silky top, Samara Joy’s voice evokes classic influences and has earned her collaborations with leading contemporary musicians such as the guitarist Pasquale Grasso, whose trio will accompany her at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club on Oct. 17.” Read the … Read More
Giovanni Russonello, The New York Times ART BLAKEY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION at Dizzy’s Club (Oct. 7-12, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.). Blakey is remembered equally for the thunderous power of his drumming and for his influence on future generations; for over three decades, his Jazz Messengers remained a proving ground for premier young musicians. In recognition of what would have … Read More
bu Giovanni Russonello, New York Times BRENT BIRCKHEAD at Nublu 151 (Feb. 22, 8 p.m.). When he’s not on the road with Lauryn Hill’s band, this alto saxophonist is often found in the basement of Smalls, partaking of late-night jam sessions with other young jazz improvisers. Struck with bluesy warmth and the relentless swing of Cannonball … Read More
Giovanni Russonello, New York Times ANDY MILNE & DAPP THEORY PLUS at the Jazz Gallery (Dec. 19-20, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.). To create a rigorous, engaging suite of music singing the praises of homeopathic healing and improvisation, you need chutzpah and imagination in equal doses. A resourceful pianist with a crisp touch and a constantly shifting … Read More
Giovanni Russonello, New York Times BRANDEE YOUNGER QUINTET at Jazz Standard (Aug. 21-22, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.). Ms. Younger’s harp playing can be airy or imagistic, but it’s usually grounded in a groove. Over the past decade, she’s proven adept at bringing the instrument into contexts where it had rarely gone: jazz infused with neo-soul; springy … Read More
Giovanni Russonello, New York Times MEG OKURA AND THE PAN ASIAN CHAMBER JAZZ ENSEMBLE at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (Aug. 20, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.). “Ima Ima” is the new album from this impressive violinist and bandleader, and her fourth with the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble. It’s a record of grandiloquent beauty that transitions easily from grooves to … Read More
by Nate Chinen, New York Times SCOTT TIXIER COSMIC ADVENTURE (Tuesday) Mr. Tixier is a violinist whose sonic palette, like his range of interests, runs open and wide; on his new album, “Cosmic Adventure,” he traces a line through chamber music, Afro-Cuban groove and modern jazz. He’ll draw from the album here, with partners including … Read More
By Nate Chinen, The New York Times Brandee Younger was a teenager — an aspiring classical harpist, growing up on Long Island — when she came across an eye-opening issue of Harp Column magazine. A trade bimonthly with a loyal constituency (motto: “practical news, for practical harpists”) had published a readers poll celebrating the instrument’s most influential … Read More
