by Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway “Some tracks notably give the talented instrumentalists time aplenty to strut their stuff. The gents are Chris Foreman on Hammond organ, guitarist Lee Rothenberg, and … Read More
Rob Lester
REVIEW: Michael Stephenson Meets the Alexander Claffy Trio – Talkin’ Broadway
By Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway Looking for variety in song styles and versatility of performance? You’ll find it on the rewarding release named Michael Stephenson Meets the Alexander Claffy Trio. … Read More
REVIEW: Glenn Close & Ted Nash “Transformation” – Talkin’ Broadway
By Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway he theme of change ties together a change-of-pace item for our column. Transformation is a collection of original instrumental pieces, many woven around spoken material, … Read More
REVIEW: Angela Wrigley Trio’s ‘You Don’t Know What Love Is’ – Talkin’ Broadway
by Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway “In love and music, misery always loves company and catharsis. No wonder the cautionary lament “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” about the agonizing symptoms … Read More
REVIEW: Evan Arntzen “Countermelody” – Talkin’ Broadway
By Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway With a playing time of an hour and five minutes, clarinet and sax player Evan Arntzen’s newest recording as leader gives us plenty of time … Read More
REVIEW: Janinah Burnett “Love The Color Of Your Butterfly” – Talkin’ Broadway
By Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway Duke Ellington composed “In a Sentimental Mood” in 1935 in North Carolina; in the same year, with its story set in South Carolina, Broadway’s Porgy … Read More
REVIEW: The Royal Bopsters “Party of Four” – Talkin’ Broadway
By Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway Prepare to be dazzled! The skillful close-harmony vocal quartet known as The Royal Bopsters brings a lot to the table for a banquet of musical … Read More
REVIEW: Sounds of A&R “Questions Left Unanswered” – Talkin Broadway
By Rob Lester, Talkin Broadway Whether gliding into a groove softly with “Killing Me Softly with His Song” (two versions) or waxing nostalgic with their image-filled original “When I Was … Read More
REVIEW: Lauren Henderson “The Songbook Session” Reviewed on Talkin’ Broadway
By Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway To be gentle and understated appears to be the stated mission of singer Lauren Henderson’s way with a song. And the quiet, laser-beam-focused approach works … Read More
REVIEW: In Alone Together Catherine Russell & Band At Birdland / Broadway World
By Rob Lester, Broadway World When I Googled “Catherine Russell” on my computer for the photo you see here, while trying to decide how to begin this review of her … Read More